The American Association of Orthodontists recommends kids see an orthodontist by age 7 to check how the teeth and jaw are developing. Starting early saves time and money later on. That said, adults can start treatment at any age! In fact, a larger number of adults are increasingly seeking treatment later in life, making up about 1-in-3 orthodontic patients today.

Orthodontics has come a long way over the years, and so have the orthodontists who must keep up with the latest demands and trends. Many of the orthodontists who recommend aligner treatment today were not so comfortable with them years ago. If you were told that clear aligners may not work for your teeth, it may be worth getting a second opinion. Dr. Parsaei has successfully treated a range of cases, from simple crowding to complex surgical cases, using clear aligner therapy.

No, a referral from your dentist is not required! While many of our patients come through referrals, you can schedule a consultation with us directly. We are happy to assess your orthodontic needs, but we will need to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy before beginning any major treatments.

During your consultation, we’ll help you choose the option that fits your lifestyle, goals, and orthodontic needs.

Braces use brackets and wires and are great for treating more complex or severe alignment and bite issues. Clear aligners, like Invisalign®, are removable, virtually invisible, and work best for mild to moderate corrections. They’re great for adults and teens who can commit to wearing them at least 22 hours a day.

The frequency of your appointments will depend on your specific treatment plan. Typically, you will need to visit us every 6–8 weeks for progress checks and adjustments. With our virtual monitoring A.I. technology, you may need fewer in-person visits, allowing you to take less time off work or school.

Orthodontic care is sometimes done in two phases to guide jaw development and tooth alignment as your child grows.

• Phase 1 (also called early interceptive treatment) usually starts between ages 6–10, when a child still has baby teeth. It focuses on correcting jaw growth issues, severe crowding, crossbites, or problems related to thumb-sucking, speech, or facial growth. For children with cleft palate or craniofacial differences, Phase 1 can also support upcoming surgeries or help improve function early on.

• Phase 2 begins later—usually in the early teen years—when most or all of the permanent teeth are in. This is when we fine-tune alignment, bite, and smile esthetics using full braces or clear aligners.
  

Not every child needs two phases, but early treatment can make Phase 2 faster, easier, and more effective. Dr. Parsaei will never recommend treatment that's not needed, and will let you know what’s best for your child after a thorough evaluation.

The duration of aligner treatment can vary. While some practices may promise results in 3-6 months, Dr. Parsaei focuses on providing a healthy and beautiful smile for the long term. Shorter treatment timelines may not address all issues. Dr. Parsaei will provide an honest and transparent timeline based on your specific needs.

It depends on your skeletal foundations, treatment goals, and preferences. Some changes can occur without the need for surgery, particularly if treated early. However, if there is a discrepancy in jaw position that cannot be solved by dental movement alone, you may require surgery.

Luckily, Dr. Parsaei has received advanced training to evaluate and provide both surgical and non-surgical solutions. Surgery may be combined with other treatments including aligners or braces.

Dr. Parsaei offers same-day treatment plans to the majority of her patients. Certain cases may require more comprehensive assessment, including additional X-rays and imaging. This is particularly for those who have complex airway or craniofacial conditions. In that case, she may schedule a complimentary video follow-up session with you following the initial consultation.

Yes, Dr. Parsaei offers Invisalign treatment to her patients in addition to newer, more advanced aligner systems that are yet to be marketed to the public. This gives you exclusive access to a wide range of options depending on your needs.