Your Trusted Orthodontist in Las Vegas
Finding the right orthodontist in Las Vegas can feel overwhelming. You want someone who gets your family. Someone who offers flexible treatment options and makes everyone feel comfortable. Dr. Allison Tomlin and our team at Mountain West Dental Specialists provide orthodontic care built for your whole family. If your child needs early intervention, we're ready. If you're finally ready to straighten your own smile, we're here for that too.
What Does an Orthodontist in Las Vegas Do?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats misaligned teeth, bite problems, and jaw irregularities. After completing dental school, orthodontists receive two to three years of specialized residency training beyond what general dentists complete. That extra training means they can handle complex alignment issues that affect both the appearance and function of your smile.
Dr. Allison Tomlin, D.M.D., M.S., brings this advanced training to every case she treats at Mountain West Dental Specialists. She offers several treatment options to fit different lifestyles and preferences:
- Traditional metal braces for reliable, time-tested results
- LightForce clear braces that blend with your natural tooth color
- Invisalign for a nearly invisible straightening experience
Orthodontic treatment goes beyond aesthetics. Properly aligned teeth and a balanced bite can prevent long-term dental problems, reduce jaw discomfort, and make daily brushing and flossing more effective. Las Vegas families trust Mountain West Dental Specialists because we address both the cosmetic and functional aspects of your smile under one roof.
Benefits of Choosing a Las Vegas Orthodontist for Your Smile
Orthodontic care in Las Vegas delivers benefits that last a lifetime. Here's a quick look at what treatment can do for you and your family:
- Improved oral health and easier brushing and flossing
- Better bite function and reduced jaw discomfort
- Increased confidence at school, work, and in social settings
- Early intervention that prevents bigger problems later
- Lifestyle-friendly options like Invisalign and LightForce clear braces
Here's what each of those benefits looks like in practice when you choose Mountain West Dental Specialists.
Improved Oral Health
Crooked or crowded teeth create tight spaces where plaque and bacteria hide. Straightening your teeth makes brushing and flossing easier, which reduces your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Better Bite Function and Increased Confidence
When your upper and lower teeth don't meet properly, you may experience TMJ discomfort, headaches, or uneven tooth wear. Correcting bite alignment distributes chewing forces evenly and protects your teeth from damage. A straight smile also changes how you feel about yourself. Kids, teens, and adults often feel more confident after orthodontic treatment, and that confidence shows up in school, at work, and in social situations.
Las Vegas braces and clear aligner options also fit your lifestyle. Working professionals appreciate Invisalign's clear aligners, while LightForce clear braces offer a subtle alternative to traditional metal. You don't have to put your life on hold to get the smile you want.
Prevention Through Early Intervention
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Early treatment, sometimes called two-phase treatment, can guide jaw growth and create space for permanent teeth. This proactive approach often prevents more complex problems later. Dr. Tomlin works with families to catch these issues early, so your child gets the right care at the right time.
What to Expect: The Orthodontic Treatment Process
Starting orthodontic treatment at Mountain West Dental Specialists is straightforward. The process includes five steps: a free consult, treatment selection, fitting day, regular adjustments, and retention. Here's what happens from your first visit to your final result.
Step 1: Free Ortho Consult
Your first visit is a free ortho consult with Dr. Allison Tomlin. We'll take digital images of your teeth and jaw, complete a thorough oral exam, and discuss your goals. Using this information, we create a treatment plan designed specifically for you. Virtual consults are also available if you prefer to start from home.
Step 2: Choose Your Treatment
Based on your free consult, you'll select the treatment option that fits your needs and lifestyle. Dr. Tomlin will walk you through the differences between metal braces, LightForce clear braces, and Invisalign so you can make an informed decision. Each option has unique advantages, and we'll help you weigh them against your priorities.
Step 3: Fitting and Placement Day
For braces, we bond brackets to your teeth and thread the archwire through them. Choose Invisalign? We deliver your first sets of aligners with detailed instructions on wear time and care. That's it.
Step 4: Regular Adjustment Visits
Throughout your treatment, you'll return to our Las Vegas dental home every four to eight weeks. Most visits take under 30 minutes, and you're in and out before you know it. During these check-ins, we monitor your progress, make adjustments to your braces, or provide your next set of Invisalign aligners. These visits keep your treatment moving forward on schedule.
Step 5: Treatment Completion and Retention
When your teeth reach their final positions, we remove your braces or you finish your last aligner. But the work isn't quite done. You'll receive a retainer to wear as directed, which keeps your teeth from shifting back. This retention phase is the key to keeping your new smile for the long haul.
Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic care in Las Vegas works for people of all ages, not just teenagers. Children as young as seven, teens, and adults can all benefit from treatment at Mountain West Dental Specialists. Here's how we approach each age group.
Children (Age 7 and Up)
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Dr. Allison Tomlin, D.M.D., M.S., can identify developing issues at this stage and determine if early intervention would help. Two-phase treatment guides jaw growth, creates space for permanent teeth, and can reduce the need for more involved treatment later.
Teenagers
Got a teen who needs braces? This is the most common age for orthodontic treatment, and for good reason. Most permanent teeth have erupted, making it an ideal time to start. We offer traditional braces, LightForce clear braces, and Invisalign Teen to fit different preferences.
Adults
It's never too late to straighten your smile. More adults than ever are pursuing orthodontic treatment, and our dental home welcomes your whole family. Dr. Allison Tomlin, D.M.D., M.S., treats adults of all ages. Whether you missed the opportunity as a teenager or your teeth have shifted over time, we can help you finally get a smile you feel great about.
Common Issues We Treat
- Crowding, spacing, and gaps
- Overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite
We also welcome families from North Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, and surrounding communities. Some families seek orthodontic care for airway management concerns, and Dr. Tomlin can evaluate whether alignment issues are contributing to breathing difficulties.
Why Las Vegas Families Choose Mountain West Dental Specialists
When you're searching for the best orthodontist in Las Vegas, experience and credentials matter. Here's why families across the valley trust us with their smiles.
Specialized Training and Expertise
Dr. Allison Tomlin holds a D.M.D. and M.S. in orthodontics. She's a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and brings specialized knowledge in braces, Invisalign, and airway management to every case she treats. That depth of training makes a real difference in outcomes. According to the AAO, nearly 4 million Americans wear braces at any given time, and choosing a board-qualified specialist matters for getting the best results.
Convenient Free Consult Options
Getting started is easy. We offer free in-office consults at our Las Vegas location, plus virtual consult options for busy families. No cost. No obligation. With so many Las Vegas orthodontists to choose from, we want you to feel confident before committing. That's why we give you time, answers, and a clear plan before you decide.
Flexible Payment Options
We don't think cost should keep anyone from a great smile. We offer zero-interest in-house financing and work with families to create affordable monthly payment plans. Our team will review all your options during your free consult so you can make the best decision for your budget.
Complete Family Care Under One Roof
Mountain West Dental Specialists isn't just an orthodontic office. Dr. Keaton Tomlin provides kid's dentistry, and we offer cosmetic dentistry services for adults. Your entire family can receive care in one convenient location at 6970 S. Cimarron Rd., Ste. 100. Having pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and cosmetic services all in the same building means fewer drives across town and more time for the things that matter.
Family-Owned, Family-Focused
We're family-owned and operated, from our family to yours. From our first meeting to your final retainer check, we're building relationships and providing family-focused care you can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Care in Las Vegas
How much do braces cost in Las Vegas?
Orthodontic treatment costs vary widely depending on the type and complexity of your case. During your free consult, we'll provide a specific estimate and discuss payment options, including our zero-interest in-house financing.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most treatments take between 12 and 24 months. Simple cases may finish sooner, while more complex alignment issues can take longer. Dr. Tomlin will give you a realistic timeline during your free consult.
Does Mountain West Dental Specialists accept Medicaid for orthodontics?
Contact our Mountain West Dental Specialists team directly at (702) 899-3600 to discuss your specific insurance coverage, including Medicaid. We'll verify your benefits and explain what's covered before you begin treatment.
What is the difference between braces and Invisalign?
| Feature | Traditional Braces | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Metal brackets visible | Nearly invisible aligners |
| Removability | Fixed to teeth | Removable for eating and cleaning |
| Treatment Scope | Treats all complexity levels | Effective for mild to complex cases, though some severe cases may still require braces |
| Average Treatment Time | 18-24 months | 12-18 months |
| Office Visits | Every 4-6 weeks | Every 6-8 weeks |
Both options effectively straighten teeth. Dr. Tomlin will help you determine which treatment fits your lifestyle and orthodontic needs during your free consult.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends age seven for a first orthodontic evaluation. By then, enough permanent teeth have typically emerged for an orthodontist to spot potential issues. Early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment, but it lets us monitor development and step in at the right time if needed.
Schedule Your Free Orthodontic Consultation Today
Ready to start working toward a straighter, healthier smile? Mountain West Dental Specialists makes it easy. Schedule your free ortho consult with Dr. Allison Tomlin today. No cost, no obligation.
You can book online at mountainwestdentalspecialists.com/get-started, call us at (702) 899-3600, or request a virtual consult from the comfort of your home. Our Las Vegas dental home at 6970 S. Cimarron Rd., Ste. 100 welcomes families from across the valley, including North Las Vegas, Henderson, and Summerlin.
Your family deserves beautiful, healthy smiles from the inside out. We can't wait to care for your smile.