Orthodontics for All Ages

Fort Collins & Windsor Braces & Invisalign

Serving Children, Teens & Adults

We believe everyone should be able to get quality orthodontic care and a beautiful, straight smile here at Timock Family Orthodontics.

We’re proud to offer a full range of orthodontics for children, teens, and adults at our Fort Collins and Windsor offices.

Orthodontics for Kids

Phase 1 Treatment

Kids all around Windsor and Fort Collins should get their first orthodontic check-up by seven years old.

By then, your child's teeth have developed enough for subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth to be still spotted while some baby teeth are still present.

This check-up may reveal that your child's bite is fine and braces for kids aren't necessary.

Or, Dr. Timock or Dr. Mioduski may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring your child's growth and development and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for your child.

In other cases, Dr. Timock or Dr. Mioduski might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.

What Is Early Treatment?

Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.

In some cases, Dr. Timock and Dr. Mioduski will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Choosing the Best Time for Treatment

While the age at which kids get braces may vary, orthodontic treatment at TFO and NOCO most often begins between the ages of 9 and 14.

At TFO and NOCO, some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they’re treated early.

If Dr. Timock or Dr. Mioduski thinks your child will need treatment, he’ll let you know when it will be best to begin treatment. This gives your orthodontist the best chance to:

Guide jaw growth
Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
Correct harmful oral habits
Improve appearance and self-esteem in your child
Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face

Signs the Bite's Not Right

It's not always easy to tell when your child may need braces or has an orthodontic problem. Even teeth that look straight may be hiding a problem bite.

Here are some clues that may indicate the need for orthodontic attention from Dr. Timock or Dr. Mioduski:

Early or late loss of baby teeth
Difficulty chewing or biting
Breathing through the mouth
Thumb-sucking
Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
Jaws that are too far forward or back
Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
Protruding teeth
Upper and lower teeth that don't meet, or meet in an abnormal way
An unbalanced facial appearance
Grinding or clenching of the teeth

Orthodontics for Teens

Invest in Your Teen’s Health & Confidence

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future.

By scheduling a free consultation, Dr. Timock or Dr. Mioduski will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment with both of you, as well as any of the risks of putting off or skipping treatment.

Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Timock or Dr. Mioduski can easily recognize issues with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range, and your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to allow orthodontic treatment to begin.

Some teens may have even started Phase I treatment at an earlier age and are now following it up with full braces or other orthodontic treatment.

Beyond outward appearances, untreated dental problems can have a lasting impact on your teen’s oral and overall health.

Although adults can successfully complete orthodontic treatment, a teen’s jaws and teeth can respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, shortening their total treatment time.

If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a free consultation with Dr. Timock at Timock Family Orthodontics or Dr. Mioduski at Northern Colorado Orthodontics since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth
Difficulty with chewing or biting
Crowding or extra spacing between teeth
Jaws that shift or make sounds
Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
Protrusion of teeth

Bad Bites

Diagnosing and successfully treating certain bite problems can have short-term and long-term benefits.

Problems classified as “bad bites” can often be minimized with the proper orthodontic treatment, including:

Crooked or crowded teeth
Missing or extra teeth
An overbite or underbite
Incorrect jaw position
A disorder of the jaw joint

Benefits of a Straight Smile

Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment have many benefits, including:

Being less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and tooth trauma
Being easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities
Reducing the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth loss
Improving proper chewing and digestion of food

Teen Orthodontics FAQ

How long does treatment take?

This question doesn’t have a concrete answer, unfortunately. Every case is different, but the average length of the active stage of orthodontic treatment is anywhere from 6-36 months.

After this phase of treatment is complete, your teen will need to wear a retainer for as long as Dr. Timock or Dr. Mioduski feels necessary based on their individual case. We work as a team with both parents and teen to create a smile that will last a lifetime.

Can teens still play sports?

Absolutely. If your teen athlete is wearing traditional braces, it’s crucial to protect their smile to stay on track with their treatment.

We strongly recommend that they use an orthodontic mouthguard to protect their braces, and their mouth, from any potential injury.

Your teen can play any contact sport if they use the proper orthodontic mouthguard.

If your teen has Invisalign, they can take their aligner out before practice or a game, and put it back in afterward.

What about band?

Orthodontics for Adults

It’s Never Too Late for A Beautiful Smile

Today, adults make up about one in every five orthodontic patients at our offices in Windsor and Fort Collins. Here’s why more adults get braces and Invisalign than ever before.

Looking Good

Orthodontic treatment can help correct crooked teeth or spaces that you’ve been self-conscious about for years.

It can give you the confidence and pride that come with straight teeth and a great smile.

Your Teeth Can Shift

Believe it or not, your teeth don’t stop moving in adolescence. Teeth that seemed straight and aligned in youth could have shifted later in life. This can lead to jaw pain, trouble brushing, or a smile you’re unhappy with.

Maintaining Dental Health

If you leave misaligned teeth untreated, you may end up with other dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. You may also notice difficulty chewing or abnormal wear on the surface of your teeth.

Adult Orthodontics FAQ

Why is orthodontic treatment important for adults?

Why choose an orthodontist over aligners that come in the mail?

Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities.

Dr. Timock and Dr. Mioduski received an additional three full years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth.

Only those with this formal education may call themselves “orthodontists,” and only orthodontists may be members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).

You’ll feel at ease, allowing our skilled orthodontic experts to carefully oversee your treatment every step of the way.

We’ll take X-rays of your teeth and work hand-in-hand with your dentist to know the intricacies of your smile and ensure that you receive the best possible result in your treatment.

This will give you the promise of a much better smile in the end.

Does orthodontic treatment work for adults?

Do my appliances have to show?

Many options are available today to minimize the appearance of braces. Today’s braces are smaller and sleeker, and some are next-to-invisible.

Dr. Timock or Dr. Mioduski can advise you about options that will fit your particular needs. You can find more information about types of braces, including Invisalign, here.

These options allow you to have flexibility and discretion during your treatment.

Will orthodontic treatment fit my lifestyle?

Am I a good fit for orthodontic treatment?

I’m missing some teeth. Can orthodontic treatment improve my bite?

I’ve been treated for gum disease. Can my teeth be straightened?

How much does treatment cost?

The cost of orthodontic treatment will depend on many factors, including the severity of the problem, its complexity and length of treatment. Dr. Timock or Dr. Mioduski will be glad to discuss the cost with you before treatment begins.

You’ll find that braces are more affordable today than ever. We offer a variety of convenient payment plans and accept many dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits.

Get Started

Start your journey towards a healthy new smile today and schedule your free consultation.

Let's talk about your orthodontic options and develop a treatment plan that's customized to your needs and smile goals.

Why Should You Think About Orthodontic Treatment?

Straight Teeth Are Healthy Teeth

When your teeth are correctly aligned, it’s easier to keep them clean by flossing and brushing, which in turn helps to prevent other oral issues, including some that can affect your overall health.

A Straight Smile Builds Confidence & Self-Esteem

Successfully completed orthodontic treatment can help boost your self-confidence, give you a better quality of life, and allow you to smile freely for maybe the first time ever.

Untreated Oral Issues Will Get Worse

Delaying or refusing orthodontic treatment when it's needed can create long-term health issues that will wind up costing you more in the end.

At Timock Family Orthodontics and Northern Colorado Orthodontics, we recognize that children, teens, and adults will all have different dental needs, requiring a different level of attention and care.

Dr. Timock and Dr. Mioduski work diligently with each patient to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for you in the most inviting environment.

Choose Your Look

While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen or adult, Dr. Timock or Dr. Mioduski may recommend an orthodontic appliance.

Here at Timock Family Orthodontics and Northern Colorado Orthodontics, we offer:

Metal Braces

Braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people think of braces, they think of extremely bulky metal brackets.

We don't use this type of bulky orthodontic appliance, and many of the new braces are lighter and more comfortable than ever before.

Ceramic Braces

Also known as clear braces, these work the same way metal braces do but feature brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic materials.

They blend in with your teen’s smile, making them much less obvious. Since ceramic braces are slightly more prone to breaking, and a little costlier than metal braces, they may not be best for everyone.

Invisalign®

The Invisalign system is made up of a series of fully customized, clear trays called aligners. These aligners are nearly invisible and totally removable.

Made of soft plastic, they provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience, with no friction or abrasions inside your teen’s mouth.

Each week you'll switch their aligner for the next in the set. When worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day, your teeth will gradually move into the desired positions.

Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues and may not be an option if you need more serious treatment.

TFO Location

NOCO Location