Orthodontic Services in Steele Creek, Charlotte, NC, and Fort Mill, SC

Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children in Charlotte and Fort Mill

What’s the difference between regular orthodontic treatment and early orthodontic treatment, and why might my child need early orthodontic care? How will early orthodontic care benefit them in the long run?

These are common questions many parents have when it comes to their child’s smile development. Understanding the benefits of early intervention can help you make confident decisions about your child’s future smile with our orthodontic services in Charlotte, NC, and Fort Mill, SC. 

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this stage, the orthodontist can assess whether your child may need treatment now or later.

Early orthodontic treatment—often called Phase One—typically begins around ages eight or nine. Phase Two usually starts around age 11 or older. The main goal of early orthodontic treatment is to guide proper jaw growth and correct specific bite issues, such as an underbite. It can also help ensure there’s enough space for your child’s permanent teeth to come in correctly, reducing the likelihood of needing tooth extractions or more complex treatment later on.

How to Know if Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Treatment

Look for these common signs to determine if your child could benefit from early orthodontic care:

• Early or delayed loss of baby teeth (children usually begin losing teeth around age five and have all permanent teeth by about age 13)
• Difficulty biting or chewing food
• Mouth breathing
• Thumb-sucking that continues beyond age five
• Speech impediments
• Protruding teeth (when your child’s upper and lower teeth don’t align properly)
• Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
• Teeth that don’t meet correctly or at all when biting
• Noticeable shifting of the jaw when opening or closing the mouth (crossbite)

What Causes Orthodontic Problems—and Why Early Treatment Matters?

Orthodontic issues such as crowding, gapped teeth, jaw misalignment, bad bites, and protruding teeth can be inherited or develop from habits and circumstances like thumb-sucking, early or late tooth loss, or mouth injuries. Most children lose all their baby teeth by age 13. Once the jaw finishes growing in the late teen years, orthodontic treatment can take longer and may require extractions or surgery.

Starting orthodontic care early not only guides proper jaw development and makes space for incoming permanent teeth but also helps prevent the need for more complex treatment later on. If your child is between seven and eight years old and shows any of these signs—or if your family dentist has recommended an orthodontic visit—contact our office to schedule an appointment. Dr. Jackson, our trusted orthodontist serving Steele Creek in Charlotte, NC, and Fort Mill, SC, along with his caring team, will perform a thorough exam and discuss the best steps to help your child achieve a healthy, confident smile.

Orthodontic Treatment for Teens in Steele Creek, Charlotte, and Fort Mill

Braces, retainers, and everything else you need to know about achieving your best smile!

You’ve just heard the three words every teen dreads: “You need braces!”

Braces? Now what?

Don’t stress! Getting braces isn’t as bad as it sounds. Modern orthodontics offers a range of options—different styles, materials, and even colors—making life with braces more comfortable, convenient, and stylish than ever before.

How Long Will I Have To Wear Braces?

The amount of time it takes to treat your smile with braces depends on three key factors:

• Early treatment — Early treatment allows Dr. Jackson to monitor your jaw growth and recommend further orthodontic treatment where necessary. Not every patient receives early orthodontic treatment. In some cases, we may advise waiting until a later age so we can monitor their jaw growth and begin their orthodontic care at the optimal time.
• What needs correction — The amount of treatment needed to correct a problem will determine how long the process takes. Different patients react to treatments differently: While it may take one patient only 12 months to complete the treatment, it may take another 24 months. Treatment times can vary, depending on how quickly your body responds and how much work is needed to give you the show-stopping smile you expect.
• YOU! — Your willingness to use the orthodontic appliances our orthodontist in Charlotte and Fort Mill gives you plays a major role in the length of time it takes to complete your treatment. Always remember to follow the instructions for your braces and other orthodontic appliances—this truly will help shorten your treatment time!

Achieve Your Dream Smile with Braces in Steele Creek, Charlotte, and Fort Mill

At Jackson Orthodontics, we offer a variety of braces in Steele Creek, Charlotte, NC, and Fort Mill, SC, to meet your unique needs and style. Some common options include:

• Damon Braces (silver)
• Damon Clear Braces (ceramic)
• Iconix Bracket System (gold)

Orthodontic braces are a common part of life for many people your age. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, the modern braces we offer are more comfortable, less noticeable, and often faster than ever before. This makes it easy to love your look while you’re working toward that perfect smile. If you’re considering treatment or are due for a visit, please contact our office to schedule your next orthodontic checkup.

Orthodontic Treatment for Adults in Charlotte and Fort Mill

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. Today, more adults than ever are choosing to straighten their smiles. The American Association of Orthodontists confirms this trend: one in three orthodontic patients is an adult!

Why the big surge? It’s simple: adults understand that a great smile is both an important health investment and a huge confidence boost. Since modern, subtle treatments make it easier than ever to upgrade your smile, adults everywhere are choosing to take the leap. It’s your turn!

When Should You Consider Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult?

• You have a bad bite (or malocclusion), which causes your teeth to fit together incorrectly.
• Your teeth are crowded or spaced apart, possibly leading to tooth decay or gum disease.
• Your crooked teeth are causing abnormal jaw pain or pressure.
• You desire a healthier mouth and a more confident smile.

Orthodontic Treatment Options for Adults

If you’ve been hesitant to get braces because of how they look or feel, you’ll be happy to know that today’s orthodontic treatments are more comfortable, discreet, and personalized than ever. At Jackson Orthodontics, we offer several options to fit your needs and lifestyle, including:

• Clear braces
• Ceramic braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Invisible (clear aligner) braces
• Traditional metal braces

Adult vs. Teen Orthodontics: What’s the Difference?

The biggest difference between adult and teen orthodontic treatment lies in jaw development. While younger patients’ jawbones are still growing and more adaptable, adult jawbones are fully developed, which can sometimes require orthognathic (jaw) surgery for ideal alignment.

Other key differences include:

• Gum or bone loss: Adults are more prone to gum recession or bone loss due to periodontal (gum) disease. Straight teeth make it easier to maintain healthy gums.
• Worn or missing teeth: Over time, teeth can wear down, shift, or tilt—leading to bite problems that only orthodontic care can correct.
• Incomplete treatment in youth: Many adults had braces as teens but didn’t finish treatment. Completing orthodontic care as an adult helps achieve the smile they have always wanted.

At our Fort Mill and Charlotte dental office, we understand that adult patients have unique needs. We’ll tailor your treatment plan with respect for your schedule, comfort, and goals—ensuring your care fits seamlessly into your life.

Why Consider Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult?

• Healthier teeth and gums: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
• Increased confidence: A beautiful, straight smile can boost your self-esteem and make social and professional interactions more enjoyable.
• Prevent future dental issues: Addressing misalignment now can prevent more complex and costly dental problems later.

Ready to start your journey to a healthier, more confident smile? Contact our orthodontic office today to schedule a consultation. We know your time is valuable, so we’ll make sure each visit is efficient, comfortable, and convenient for you.

We are a Certified Invisalign Teen Provider

Bummed out about having braces?
Invisalign Teen gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a “clearly” amazing smile!

As if I don’t have enough to worry about …   
… now I need braces too?

The team has a game this Friday night, homecoming is in a month, and what about my yearbook pictures?! Don’t stress! With Invisalign Teen, you won’t need to turn down any dates, wear a paper bag over your head, or hide out in your room for two years! Invisalign Teen aligners are a perfect fit for your lifestyle because these aligners are:

• Clear – Practically invisible while you wear them
• Removable
• Super comfortable
• Customized just for you

Pizza, Popcorn … No Problem!

You’ve probably heard from friends that with braces, you won’t be able to eat anything. With Invisalign Teen, you can eat whatever you want!

Unlike traditional metal braces, your Invisalign Teen aligners are removable, which means you can go ahead and eat all the things you love without worrying about breaking a bracket or losing a rubber band. Cheers!

It’s your life; keep it that way!

Invisalign aligners are really comfortable and very durable. They fit in with any of your extracurricular activities. So whether you’re swimming the 50-meter freestyle, throwing the football out on the field, or playing the clarinet with the band, you don’t have to worry about your braces getting in the way!

See What Other Teens Are Saying

Connect with other teens to share your Invisalign experience and find out what other people have to say about their treatment.

At Jackson Orthodontics, we understand that the goals of treatment are a beautiful smile and a stable occlusion. We also understand that many patients prefer to have their smile transformed without traditional braces. Invisalign is a clear, removable option we can use to create your ideal smile. We are continually trained on the latest updates and techniques, which gives us the ability to treat even difficult cases with Invisalign aligners. Invisalign treatment is customized to each patient to give you the best smile possible.

At Jackson Orthodontics we also offer the AcceleDent System to decrease the total time of treatment by ~30-50%. Through the application of gentle micro-vibrations, the device accelerates bone remodeling. With only 20 minutes of daily use, the AcceleDent mouthpiece can speed up your orthodontic treatment and decrease soreness when worn with orthodontic appliances, especially Invisalign aligners. The Acceledent has been proven in several clinical trials to be safe and effective. The result is a shorter time to achieve your ideal smile.

We’re pleased to offer Damon Smile braces at our dental offices in Charlotte and Fort Mill. Damon braces are a passive self-ligating system that uses a specialized slide mechanism to hold the archwire. This design reduces the amount of pressure exerted on your teeth, allowing them to move more freely, quickly, and comfortably. Thanks to this innovation, you can achieve your perfect smile faster than you thought possible!

Tie-less Braces: A World Without Elastic Ties!

Tie-less braces help reduce the amount of pressure placed on the tooth and require fewer adjustments because there are no elastics to replace.

Damon Smile facilitates healthy tooth movement with complete control. By combining tie-less brackets and high-tech archwires, we can minimize your discomfort and help you achieve a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

What Are The Differences Between Regular Braces and Damon Smile Braces?

Damon Smile isn’t just about innovative braces and wires — it’s a completely new approach to orthodontic treatment. Here’s how it differs from regular braces:

Advanced Technology

Damon’s tie-less braces remove the need for traditional elastic or metal ties. This means your braces adjust naturally over time, offering a smoother, more comfortable experience without frequent tightening.

Greater Comfort

Although Damon Smile works faster than traditional braces, it uses gentle, low-friction forces to move your teeth, resulting in less discomfort throughout your treatment.

Better Convenience

Damon braces are sleek, comfortable, and easy to clean. Without elastic ties that can trap plaque, maintaining your oral hygiene is simpler than ever. Plus, Damon Smile offers clear brackets for patients who prefer a more discreet look.

Shorter Treatment Time

Every smile is unique, but most patients finish treatment faster with Damon Smile compared to conventional braces. You’ll also need fewer office visits — making your journey to a beautiful smile easier and more convenient.

At Jackson Orthodontics, we understand that teeth can shift after teenage orthodontic treatment, especially if you stop wearing your retainer. It’s a common issue! Many adults—including parents—notice their front teeth (incisors) shifting, resulting in a less-than-ideal smile. In fact, even our own Dr. Jackson experienced this and underwent limited re-treatment as an adult because he didn’t wear his retainer properly when he was younger. Spacing and crowding are the most common signs of this relapse.

The good news is: we offer limited orthodontic re-treatment in Charlotte and Fort Mill to quickly re-align your teeth and recapture your beautiful smile. Depending on your needs, treatment may involve Invisalign® Express, clear braces, or traditional braces for a short period. Call our orthodontic office today to schedule your free smile consultation and rediscover your confident smile!

• Successful Invisalign treatment in Steele Creek, Charlotte, NC, and Fort Mill, SC, depends on wearing aligners 20–22 hours a day and following your orthodontist’s instructions carefully.
• Invisalign pricing usually ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on tooth movement, treatment time, and included retainers or follow-up care.
• Working with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Jackson at Jackson Orthodontics helps ensure accurate planning, monitoring, and long-term bite stability.
• Patients exploring Invisalign in Steele Creek, Charlotte, NC, and Fort Mill, SC, often choose us for personalized care, modern scanning technology, and treatment plans designed.