Orthodontic Services
Solutions for children, teens, and adults
A well-aligned bite supports comfortable chewing, speech, jaw movement, and long-term oral health. Orthodontic treatment helps guide the teeth and jaw into a healthier position. When everything is in place and where it should be, the risk of uneven wear, crowding, and TMJ strain is greatly reduced. At Dr. Michael C. Courter, DDS, PA, orthodontic care is available to patients of all ages, from children to adults wanting to improve alignment issues, crooked teeth, or overcrowding later in life.
Our Orthodontic Services
Support jaw function and comfort
Straighten the teeth and improve your smile
Improve spacing and support alignment
Orthodontic Services
An orthodontic evaluation is the first step
Dr. Courter evaluates alignment carefully, making an assessment about your bite, jaws, and tooth alignment. He will then recommend options that support both function and appearance. For younger patients, this might involve early treatment to help guide the permanent teeth into the right places, so major problems can be avoided later. For patients who have most of their adult teeth, braces and aligners can help fine-tune teeth placement, close gaps, and improve the bite. The final step is the retention phase to ensure the results of your orthodontic treatment are maintained.
Orthodontics
Treatment Options
We offer multiple orthodontic options, so patients can choose an approach that suits their needs, depending on the level of correction required.
Orthodontic Evaluations for Children
An initial orthodontic evaluation around age 7 allows Dr. Courter to assess jaw development, spacing, and how the baby and permanent teeth are working together. At this stage, the goal is to monitor growth. During your child’s evaluation, Dr. Courter will review their dental and medical history and evaluate the bite. He may also do imaging to understand how the teeth and jaws are developing.
Interceptive Orthodontics
Interceptive orthodontics focuses on guiding jaw growth and dental development in younger children to reduce the severity of orthodontic issues later on. Dr. Courter may recommend early treatment when problems, like crowding, narrow arches, or crossbites are identified at a young age. This approach creates space for incoming permanent teeth. Interceptive orthodontics is tailored to each child’s development and helps to set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are used in children to hold space for permanent teeth when a baby tooth is lost earlier than expected. Filling the gaps is important in these circumstances because if you don’t, the neighboring teeth may shift into the empty area, leading to crowding or misalignment. Dr. Courter evaluates whether a fixed or removable device is appropriate based on the child’s age and dental development. These appliances are comfortable and highly effective at preserving proper spacing. They also help support natural eruption patterns and can prevent orthodontic complications later on.
Palatal Expanders
Palatal expanders are devices used to widen the upper jaw when it is too narrow to accommodate incoming teeth or if it’s affecting alignment. This treatment is most effective during childhood, when the jaw is still developing. Dr. Courter may recommend an expander to improve airway space, reduce crowding, or correct a crossbite. The device gradually widens the palate, creating more room and ensuring smiles are aligned.
Braces
Braces are still a reliable and effective method for correcting misalignment, crowding, spacing, and bite issues. Dr. Courter develops personalized treatment plans that outline expected timelines and goals. Braces apply gentle pressure to guide teeth into their ideal positions. Modern braces are smaller and more comfortable than they were in the past, and regular adjustments will help keep your progress on track.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners offer a discreet alternative to traditional braces for patients seeking a more subtle option. These custom-made trays gradually move teeth into alignment while allowing patients to remove them for eating and cleaning. Dr. Courter evaluates each patient’s bite and goals to determine whether aligners are appropriate. Clear aligners are effective in addressing mild-to-moderate alignment concerns and provide a convenient way to improve the smile without brackets or wires.
Retainers
Retainers are essential for maintaining your results after your orthodontic treatment is complete. Once the teeth have been moved into their new positions, they need time to stabilize. Dr. Courter provides custom-made retainers to ensure a comfortable fit and effective long-term support. Depending on the case, a patient may receive a removable retainer, a fixed retainer, or both. Consistent retainer wear helps prevent relapse and preserves the results of orthodontic treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics
Do you have a question not shown?
In-house orthodontics, so you can get all the treatment you need in one place
Why our patients keep returning to us
Families know exactly what to expect with Dr. Courter. They have enjoyed the same great service for over 40 years. The ability to obtain all the dental treatment they need, including orthodontics, at the same practice is a real bonus and ensures they don’t need to travel to different specialists. Other advantages include:
- A practice familiar with your full dental history, not just your alignment issues
- Progress reviewed by a dentist who is also experienced in cosmetic dentistry
- An organized office that keeps treatment moving without unnecessary delays
What our patients say
Do you need to make an orthodontics appointment?
Set up an orthodontic appointment to discuss what’s possible for your smile.
Affording Your Dental Care
Payment Options for a Stress-free Dental Experience
At Michael C. Courter, DDS, PA, we accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards. We also accept CareCredit for patients who prefer monthly payments.
Want to use your insurance? No problem.
Our team can help you review your benefits, estimate any out-of-pocket expenses, and submit a claim on your behalf.
What Else We Can Help You With
Other Services
In addition to our orthodontic services, our practice also offers:
General Dentistry
Ongoing checkups and preventive care to keep your smile on track now and in the future.
