What Is Orthodontics? Palmetto Bay, FL Care Explained
Palmetto Bay FL orthodontics is the dental specialty that diagnoses, prevents and corrects misaligned teeth and bites. At Smiles of Palmetto Bay, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Greg Ross moves teeth and guides jaw growth using braces or clear aligners, giving children, teens & adults a healthier bite and a smile they love showing off.
Orthodontists complete years of specialty training after dental school. That extra training is what separates tooth movement from general dentistry. Dr. Ross puts it to work every day at our Palmetto Bay office, planning each case around how your teeth, your jaws and your facial growth all fit together rather than treating one crooked tooth in isolation.
Common concerns we treat:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps and spacing issues
- Overbite and underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
Orthodontic treatment options for everyone at our office:
- Metal braces: smaller and more comfortable than ever, built from high-grade metal alloys
- Clear braces: tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend in with your natural smile
- Clear aligners: clear, removable trays that give you flexibility without sacrificing results
Planning starts with a digital scan, not messy impressions. Our digital scanners capture your teeth in minutes, so Dr. Ross can map out your treatment plan quickly and comfortably.
Everything happens in one Palmetto Bay location. Kids getting a first exam, teens starting braces and adults finally fixing that one crooked tooth all come to the same fun, modern office.
Palmetto Bay FL Orthodontics: Benefits of Treatment
Orthodontic treatment at Smiles of Palmetto Bay improves three things at once: oral health, bite function and confidence. Straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss, a balanced bite spreads chewing forces evenly across your teeth, and a smile you feel good about changes how you carry yourself every single day.
Straight teeth look great. They also work better, clean easier and last longer.
When teeth overlap, toothbrush bristles and floss can't reach everything. Aligned teeth remove those hiding spots, which lowers your risk of decay and gum disease over time. Gums tend to sit healthier around teeth that are properly spaced, too, because there are fewer tight pockets collecting plaque between visits.
A balanced bite spreads chewing forces evenly. That means less uneven enamel wear, less strain on your jaw joints and easier chewing at dinner. Crowded or edge-to-edge front teeth also tend to chip and wear down along the biting edges, and once enamel is gone it doesn't grow back.
Then there's the part patients talk about most: confidence. A great smile changes how you feel about yourself. A confident smile plays an essential role in how you show up at school, at work and in photos with the people you love. Plenty of our adult patients tell us they stopped covering their mouth in pictures within a few months of getting started.
| What treatment improves | Why it matters day to day |
|---|---|
| Easier brushing and flossing | Fewer spots for plaque, lower decay and gum disease risk |
| Balanced bite | Less uneven wear and jaw strain while chewing |
| Corrected crowding or gaps | Cleaner smile line and better long-term tooth health |
| Guided jaw growth in kids | Simpler treatment later, fewer complications |
| Discreet options for teens & adults | Transform your smile without changing how you look now |
Adults and teens who don't want brackets showing have choices. Clear aligners are nearly invisible, and clear braces use tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend in with your enamel.
Early evaluation has its own payoff. Catching a crossbite or crowding while a child is still growing lets Dr. Ross guide development instead of correcting it the hard way later.
Your Orthodontic Treatment Process, Step by Step
Orthodontic treatment at Smiles of Palmetto Bay follows six steps: a free consult, digital scans and imaging, a treatment plan review, placement of braces or delivery of your first aligner trays, progress visits every 4 to 8 weeks, and retainers at the end. Most cases run 12 to 24 months depending on complexity.
Step 1: Free Consult
Come in or meet us virtually. Dr. Ross examines your teeth and bite, takes photos and answers the questions you've been sitting on. There's no charge and no obligation.
Step 2: Digital Scan and Imaging
You'll get some easy scans of your teeth using our digital scanner. No trays of messy impression material. These images become the blueprint for your custom plan.
Step 3: Review Your Plan
Together we'll walk through your options: metal braces, clear braces or clear aligners. You'll see your estimated timeline and your monthly payment options before anything starts. Clear numbers, no surprises.
Step 4: Get Started
For braces, we bond the brackets and place your first wire. For clear aligners, you'll pick up your first set of trays and learn the wear schedule. Either appointment is straightforward and comfortable.
Step 5: Progress Visits
Every 4 to 8 weeks, braces patients come in for a quick adjustment. Clear aligner patients often check in less often, since you change trays at home on schedule. These visits move fast, and we work around school and work hours.
Step 6: Retainers
Teeth like to drift back. A retainer holds your new smile in place, and wearing it as directed protects everything you just accomplished. This is the step that turns great results into lasting ones.
Who Is a Candidate for Braces or Clear Aligners?
Most healthy people age 7 and older with crowding, spacing or bite concerns are candidates for orthodontic treatment. Teeth and gums need to be healthy first, so cavities or gum issues get treated before you get started. Clear aligners suit mild to moderate cases, while braces handle tougher bites.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. By then most children have a mix of baby and adult teeth, which makes it easier for Dr. Ross to spot developing problems early. An early exam doesn't always mean early treatment. Sometimes we simply watch and wait for the right moment.
| Patient | Often a good fit for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Children (age 7+) | Early evaluation, growth guidance | Timing matters more than treatment type |
| Teens | Metal braces, clear braces, clear aligners | Sports and school schedules factor in |
| Adults | Clear aligners, clear braces | Discreet options are popular here |
| Tougher bites (any age) | Braces | Braces control tooth movement precisely |
One honest requirement: clear aligners only work when you wear them. Plan on 20 to 22 hours a day, removing trays for meals and brushing. If that sounds tough for your teenager, braces may be the smarter call.
Not sure which category you fall into? That's exactly what the free ortho consult is for. Dr. Ross will tell you straight, including whether treatment can wait.
Why Families Choose Smiles of Palmetto Bay
Orthodontics and kids dentistry live under one roof at our Palmetto Bay office. One trip, two specialties, no juggling between locations.
What sets our team apart
- Board-certified expertise. Dr. Greg Ross and Dr. Cassandra Iglesias are both board-certified orthodontists. Dr. Iglesias completed a full orthodontic residency after dental school, training focused entirely on tooth movement and jaw development.
- Kids dentistry too. Cleanings, check-ups and your child's everyday dental needs are handled by Dr. Jorman Garcia, known around here as Dr. G.
- Clear aligner experience. Dr. Ross has guided a large number of clear aligner cases from first scan to final tray, and that hands-on depth shows up in how carefully each plan gets mapped out.
- All ages welcome. First exams at age 7, braces for teens, adult treatment and retreatment for smiles that shifted years after a first round.
- Bilingual care. Every family gets clear answers in English and Español.
- Community roots. Our doctors volunteer with the Craniofacial team at Nicklaus (Miami Children's) Hospital and support local school events and fundraisers.
Insurance and payments stay simple. Many dental plans include orthodontic benefits, and our team verifies your coverage before you get started. Without an orthodontic benefit on your plan, families still have options, so ask our front desk what's available when you come in. Flexible monthly payment options are available, and you'll get a written estimate with no surprises.
Our Palmetto Bay location is convenient for families in Cutler Bay, Pinecrest, South Miami and the surrounding Miami area.
Palmetto Bay Orthodontics: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do braces cost in Palmetto Bay, FL?
Braces pricing depends on case complexity, treatment length and the option you choose. Minor crowding handled in a short window sits at the lower end of the range, while a full bite correction that runs closer to two years sits at the higher end. Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit that covers part of the total, and we offer monthly payment options. You'll get your full estimate in writing at your free consult before committing to anything.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most orthodontic treatment takes 12 to 24 months. Minor spacing or crowding can wrap up faster, while bite corrections and complex cases run longer. Dr. Ross gives you an estimated timeline after reviewing your digital scans, and wearing your aligners or elastics as directed keeps you on schedule.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Most children have a mix of baby and adult teeth by then, making it easier to spot crowding, crossbites and jaw growth concerns early. Early evaluation often means simpler treatment later, and it's free at our office.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For mild to moderate crowding, spacing and many bite issues, clear aligners deliver results comparable to braces. Complex rotations, significant bite corrections and cases needing precise control usually respond better to braces. Consistent wear makes the difference with aligners, since they only move teeth while they're in your mouth.
Do you offer free or virtual consultations?
Yes to both. You can book a free ortho consult at our Palmetto Bay office, or start with a virtual consult from home by sending photos of your smile. The virtual option works well for busy families and adults who want a quick opinion before scheduling an in-person visit.
Does insurance cover braces?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, often as a lifetime maximum applied toward braces or clear aligners. Coverage varies by plan and sometimes by age. Bring your insurance information to your free consult and our team will verify your benefits, then show you exactly what's covered and what isn't.
Book Your Free Orthodontic Consultation in Palmetto Bay
Ready to get started? Schedule your free ortho consult at Smiles of Palmetto Bay, in office or virtually, whichever fits your week better.
New patients are welcome. Book online at any hour, or call our Palmetto Bay office at 786-705-3572 and we'll find a time that works around school and work.
There's no obligation at your first visit. You'll meet Dr. Greg Ross, see your digital scan, hear your options and get clear pricing with payment plans explained upfront.
Smiles of Palmetto Bay
7290 SW 168th Street, Bay B, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157
Phone: 786-705-3572
Email: Info@smilesofpalmettobay.com
Book online: Free Consult
Get ready to smile! We can't wait to help you live life smiling.