Finding the right orthodontist for your family shouldn’t feel like a scavenger hunt. At Mountain West Dental Specialists, we’ve built a true dental home for families with specialists who treat kids, teens, and adults all under one roof. This family guide walks you through what to expect, what treatment options are available, and how to plan your first visit with confidence.
What This Family Guide Covers
This guide is a quick, practical overview for families searching for an orthodontist who fits their life. You’ll learn exactly how Mountain West Dental Specialists serves growing smiles, what treatments we offer, and how to book a free ortho consult without the guesswork.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Who it’s for: parents of young kids, teens with new braces questions, and adults considering Invisalign or clear braces.
- Treatment snapshot: metal braces, LightForce clear braces, Invisalign, and two-phase treatment for growing smiles.
- Logistics: free in-office consults, visit timing, and virtual ortho consult options for busy families.
Our goal is simple. We want you to feel informed before you ever walk through our doors, so your first visit feels like a familiar step rather than a leap into the unknown. Education is the first part of great care.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works at Our Practice
Orthodontic treatment at Mountain West Dental Specialists follows a clear, step-by-step process designed to keep your family informed from day one. It starts with a free ortho consult, moves into digital planning with Dr. Allison Tomlin, and continues through regular check-ins until your retainer is in hand. Most families complete treatment in 12 to 24 months.
Here’s what the process looks like:
- Step 1: Free ortho consult. Visit our office or request a virtual ortho consult. Dr. Allison Tomlin reviews your smile goals, examines bite and alignment, and recommends options.
- Step 2: Digital scans and treatment planning. We use modern digital imaging and Cone Beam CT imaging when needed to map out your treatment with precision. No messy impressions.
- Step 3: Appliance placement. Your braces are bonded in a single visit, or your first set of Invisalign aligner trays is delivered. We’ll walk you through care, cleaning, and what to expect in the first week.
- Step 4: Routine adjustments every 4–8 weeks. Short visits keep your treatment on track. We adjust wires, hand off new aligners, or troubleshoot any issues.
- Step 5: Retainers and long-term retention. Once your smile is where it should be, we fit you with retainers and build a plan to keep your results looking great for years to come.
Every step happens at the same office. No shuffling between offices or specialists.
Benefits of Choosing a Local Orthodontist
When your orthodontist is close to home, everything gets easier. Shorter drives, less time off work or school, and a team that knows your family by name. Choosing a local practice like Mountain West Dental Specialists means orthodontic care fits around your real life, not the other way around.
How Does Proximity Help Busy Families?
Having a nearby dental home means scheduling that works with school calendars, early release days, and after-school hours. We know how busy your family gets. We’ll help you plan visits around your real routine. For parents juggling work and carpool, a virtual ortho consult lets you get Dr. Allison’s expert opinion without leaving the house. That flexibility turns orthodontic care into something that fits your life, instead of something that disrupts it.
Why Does One Dental Home for the Whole Family Matter?
Having pediatric dentistry with Dr. Keaton Tomlin, orthodontics with Dr. Allison Tomlin, and airway management services all available in one place means less time coordinating multiple offices. Whether your 7-year-old needs a first ortho screening or you’re an adult finally ready to straighten your smile, we treat kids, teens, and adults in the same office. Siblings can be seen on the same day, parents can book their own visit alongside the kids, and your family history stays in one chart.
Here’s why so many families join the Mountain West family:
- One dental home for the whole family. Pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and airway management services are all available in one place.
- Scheduling that works with school calendars. We’ll help you plan visits around early release days, breaks, and after-school hours.
- Virtual ortho consults. For parents juggling work and carpool, a virtual ortho consult lets you get Dr. Allison’s expert opinion without leaving the house.
- Care for all ages. We treat kids, teens, and adults in the same office.
- Modern technology. Digital scans, LightForce clear braces, Invisalign, and Cone Beam CT imaging give us the tools to plan treatment with confidence.
- Spacious, modern office. Our office has the space, comfort, and tech to serve your entire family in one visit when needed.
Family-focused care you can trust shouldn’t be a long drive away. From our family to yours, we’re proud to be your dental home.
Braces vs. Invisalign vs. Clear Braces: Comparing Your Options
Choosing between braces and Invisalign comes down to your smile goals, lifestyle, and the complexity of your case. Dr. Allison Tomlin will walk you through what fits best during your free ortho consult. Here’s a quick comparison to get you started.
| Option | Visibility | Best For | Typical Treatment Time | Removable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Most visible | Complex cases, kids and teens | 12–24 months | No |
| LightForce Clear Braces | Tooth-colored, discreet | Teens and adults wanting a subtle look with full braces power | 12–24 months | No |
| Invisalign | Nearly invisible | Mild to moderate cases, adults, responsible teens | 12–18 months (varies) | Yes |
| Two-Phase Treatment | Varies by phase | Growing kids with jaw or bite issues | Two phases over several years | No |
A few things to keep in mind:
- Metal braces are tough and reliable. They handle the trickiest alignment and bite issues with ease.
- LightForce clear braces use tooth-colored brackets so they blend in with your smile, giving you the strength of braces with a lower-profile look.
- Invisalign aligners are removable for meals and brushing, but they only work when you wear them 20 to 22 hours a day.
- Two-phase treatment steps in early for kids who show signs of bite or growth issues, often starting around age 7.
Not sure which is right? That’s exactly what the free ortho consult is for. Bring your questions, your goals, and even a short list of what you’ve seen friends or classmates wear. We’ll match the right option to the right smile.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teens. From elementary schoolers to grandparents, almost anyone can benefit from a straighter, healthier bite. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends every child have a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Dr. Allison Tomlin uses that visit to catch issues early, when they’re easiest to guide.
You may be a good candidate if any of these describe you or your child:
- Children ages 7 and up. A first screening lets Dr. Allison spot early signs of crowding, bite issues, or jaw growth concerns.
- Teens with most permanent teeth erupted. This is the classic age for braces or Invisalign.
- Adults ready for a straighter smile. It’s never too late. We treat adults every day who finally decided to commit to their smile.
- Crowding or spacing. Teeth that overlap, twist, or have gaps between them.
- Bite issues. Overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite that affects chewing or jaw comfort.
- Airway and breathing concerns. Some bite and jaw issues are linked to airway health, and ortho treatment can play a role in a bigger plan.
If you’re not sure whether treatment makes sense, bring your questions to a free ortho consult. We’ll give you a straight answer. You can get a healthy, aligned smile no matter your age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age to start orthodontic treatment?
The AAO recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That doesn’t mean your child will need braces right away. It means Dr. Allison Tomlin can spot issues early and plan the right timing. Many kids benefit from two-phase treatment, while others wait until most permanent teeth are in. Adults can start treatment at any age, and we see new adult smiles start every month.
Do you offer free or virtual consultations?
Yes. Mountain West Dental Specialists offers a free ortho consult in our office, and a virtual ortho consult option for families who prefer to start from home. The virtual option is a great way for busy parents to get Dr. Allison’s expert input before scheduling an in-person visit. You can share photos, ask questions, and get a sense of your options right from the kitchen table.
How long does Invisalign or braces treatment take?
Most orthodontic treatment takes 12 to 24 months, though it varies based on your case. Invisalign cases for mild to moderate alignment often finish on the shorter end, while complex bite corrections and two-phase treatment take longer. Dr. Allison Tomlin will give you a personalized timeline at your free ortho consult, along with milestones so you know exactly what to expect along the way.
Do you treat adults as well as kids and teens?
Absolutely. Mountain West Dental Specialists treats kids, teens, and adults in the same office. You can get a healthy, aligned smile no matter your age, whether you’re considering Invisalign, LightForce clear braces, or traditional metal braces. Many adult family members tell us they wish they’d done it sooner, and most are surprised by how smoothly modern treatment fits into a busy adult life.
How do I know if my child needs braces?
Common signs include crowded or crooked teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking past age 5, early or late loss of baby teeth, and jaws that shift or make sounds. The best way to know for sure is a free ortho consult. Dr. Allison Tomlin will take a careful look, explain what she sees, and help you decide whether treatment is needed now, later, or not at all. Your family should be part of the Mountain West family, and we can’t wait to care for your smile.