Braces in Summerlin South
What Are Braces?
Braces are orthodontic appliances that use brackets, wires, and elastic bands to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. They correct crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites by applying steady, gentle pressure that guides teeth into their ideal positions while improving how the jaws fit together.
At Mountain West Dental Specialists, our Summerlin South braces options serve kids, teens, and adults, giving your family beautiful, healthy smiles from the inside out. Small brackets are bonded to each tooth, then connected by an archwire that does the work over time.
You have choices when it comes to style:
- Traditional metal braces are the most common option and are more comfortable today than ever before.
- LightForce clear braces use 3D-printed ceramic brackets custom-fit to your teeth for a more discreet, efficient treatment.
Dr. Allison Tomlin, D.M.D., M.S., leads the orthodontic side of our Las Vegas Office and tailors every treatment plan to fit each smile. Maybe your child needs early intervention. Maybe you're an adult ready to finally straighten that one tooth that's bothered you for years. Either way, braces can help.
Benefits of Summerlin South Braces
Straight teeth do more than look great in photos. They make daily life easier, your mouth healthier, and your smile something you actually want to show off. Families who choose Summerlin South braces with Mountain West Dental Specialists see real, lasting benefits.
Here's what braces can do for your smile and overall health:
- A more confident smile. Aligned teeth give you the kind of grin you don't have to hide in selfies or meetings.
- Better bite function. Chewing becomes easier and more efficient when your top and bottom teeth meet correctly.
- Easier hygiene. Straight teeth are simpler to brush and floss, which lowers your risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Improved jaw alignment. Correcting how your jaws come together can ease tension and help with airway-related concerns.
- Long-lasting results. With proper retainer wear after treatment, your new smile stays put for years to come.
- Options for every age and budget. From kid's dentistry through adult orthodontics, we offer zero-interest in-house financing so cost doesn't get in the way.
You can get a healthy, aligned smile no matter your age. Dr. Allison Tomlin and our team make sure every visit moves you closer to the result you want.
The Braces Process: What to Expect
The braces process at Mountain West Dental Specialists follows four clear steps: a free ortho consult with imaging, custom treatment planning and braces placement, regular adjustment visits every 4-8 weeks, and final removal followed by a custom retainer. Most treatment plans run 12-24 months depending on your specific needs.
Here's a closer look at what happens at each stage:
Step 1: Free Consult and Orthodontic Exam
Your first visit is a free consult with Dr. Allison Tomlin. She'll examine your teeth and bite, take digital images using advanced tools like Cone Beam CT imaging, and answer all your questions. No pressure, no obligation.
Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan and Placement
Once we build your plan together, we'll schedule your placement visit. Dr. Allison Tomlin bonds the brackets to your teeth and threads the archwire. The whole visit is comfortable and usually takes about an hour.
Step 3: Regular Adjustments
You'll return every 4-8 weeks so Dr. Allison Tomlin can adjust the wires and check progress. These quick visits keep your teeth moving on schedule.
Step 4: Removal and Retainer
When your smile reaches the finish line, we remove your braces and fit you with a custom retainer to protect your results.
For younger kids, we also offer two-phase treatment, an early intervention approach that can save time, money, and hassle down the road. The first phase usually begins while a child still has some baby teeth, guiding jaw growth and making room for incoming permanent teeth. The second phase follows once most adult teeth have come in, fine-tuning the bite. Starting early often means shorter, simpler treatment later on.
Are You a Candidate for Braces?
Most people with crowded teeth, gaps, or a misaligned bite are good candidates for braces. The best way to know for sure is a free consult with Dr. Allison Tomlin at our Las Vegas Office, where she'll evaluate your smile and walk you through the best options.
Braces work well for:
- Kids around age 7. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven, and so does Dr. Allison Tomlin. Early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment, but it lets us monitor growth.
- Teens. This is the classic braces age, and our office sees plenty of Summerlin South teens every week.
- Adults. It's never too late. We treat adults of all ages who want to finally address what's been holding their smile back.
- Anyone ready to commit. Good candidates keep up with brushing, flossing, and scheduled visits.
During your free ortho consult, Dr. Allison Tomlin will compare traditional metal braces and LightForce clear braces side by side so you can choose what fits your lifestyle and smile goals. Here's a quick look at how the two stack up:
| Feature | Traditional Metal Braces | LightForce Clear Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel brackets | 3D-printed ceramic brackets |
| Appearance | Visible, classic look | Discreet, blends with teeth |
| Custom fit | Standard brackets | Custom-fit to each tooth |
| Durability | Very durable | Durable, more aesthetic |
| Best for | Budget-conscious families | Those wanting a subtle look |
Why Choose Mountain West Dental Specialists
Mountain West Dental Specialists is family-owned and operated by Dr. Keaton Tomlin, D.M.D., a board-eligible pediatric specialist, and Dr. Allison Tomlin, D.M.D., M.S., an orthodontist. Together, the Tomlin family offers Summerlin South families orthodontic and pediatric care in one welcoming dental home.
Here's what sets MWDS apart:
- All ages, one roof. From kid's dentistry to adult orthodontics, your whole family can be seen in the same dental home.
- Specialty credentials. Our team holds memberships with leading professional organizations, so you know you're getting care backed by leading professional standards.
- Modern technology. Cone Beam CT imaging gives Dr. Allison Tomlin the precision needed to plan treatments with confidence.
- Flexible scheduling. We offer free in-office and virtual ortho consults to fit busy family calendars.
- Affordable options. Zero-interest in-house financing means cost shouldn't keep you from the smile you want.
- Family-focused care you can trust. From our family to yours, every visit is built around comfort and connection.
Patients consistently mention how welcome they feel from the first visit on. We're proud to be the kind of dental home where families come back year after year and bring their kids along too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
How long do braces take to work?
Most braces treatments take 12 to 24 months, though some cases finish sooner and complex ones take longer. Dr. Allison Tomlin will give you a personalized timeline at your free ortho consult based on your specific bite and goals. Keeping up with your adjustment visits makes a real difference in how smoothly everything goes.
How much do braces cost in Summerlin South?
Costs vary based on the complexity of your case and the type of braces you choose. At Mountain West Dental Specialists, we offer zero-interest in-house financing and flexible payment options so braces fit your family budget. We'll review every option with you at your free consult before you commit to anything.
Do braces hurt?
You may feel some soreness for a few days after placement and after each adjustment, but it's usually mild and easy to manage with over-the-counter relief and soft foods. Today's braces are more comfortable than ever, and most of our family members are surprised by how quickly that tenderness fades away.
What's the difference between metal and clear braces?
Traditional metal braces use stainless steel brackets and are the most common, durable option. LightForce clear braces use 3D-printed ceramic brackets custom-fit to each tooth for a more discreet look and an efficient treatment. Both work well, so the choice often comes down to budget and aesthetics.
Can adults get braces?
Yes, absolutely. You can get a healthy, aligned smile no matter your age. We treat adults in their 20s, 40s, 60s, and beyond, and many adults choose LightForce clear braces for a more subtle look at work and social events.
How do I care for my braces?
Brush after every meal, floss daily with tools made for braces, and avoid hard or sticky foods like caramel, popcorn kernels, and ice. Keep all your adjustment visits with Dr. Allison Tomlin, and bring any broken brackets or poking wires to our attention right away so we can fix them fast.
Schedule Your Free Braces Consultation Today
Ready to see what braces can do for your smile? Book your free ortho consult with Dr. Allison Tomlin at Mountain West Dental Specialists today. We proudly serve Summerlin South and surrounding Las Vegas neighborhoods with both in-office and virtual consultations, so getting started is easy.
There's no obligation, just answers, honest options, and a clear next step. Call us or book online to join the MWDS family. We can't wait to care for your smile.