What Is Orthodontics? Irving Orthodontics Treatment Explained
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that diagnoses and corrects misaligned teeth and bites. At Ward Orthodontics, Irving orthodontics care means using braces, clear aligners, and growth-guiding appliances to move teeth into healthy positions. The goal is a bite that works well, teeth that clean easily, and a smile you feel good about.
Most people come to us with one of these concerns:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps and spacing issues
- Overbite or underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Jaw discomfort, clicking, or TMD/TMJD symptoms
Dr. Nick Ward treats children, teens, and adults right here in Irving, TX. Your options include metal braces, clear braces, clear aligners, and care for jaw joint concerns. Every plan starts with a free consult.
So what separates an orthodontist from a general dentist? Both graduate from dental school. Orthodontists then complete additional years of residency focused entirely on tooth movement, jaw growth, and bite correction. Dr. Ward is a board-certified orthodontist through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), a voluntary step that only a portion of orthodontists choose to complete.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment in Irving
Straight teeth do more than photograph well. Here's what treatment at our friendly neighborhood office in Irving actually does for your health.
- Easier daily cleaning. Crowded and overlapping teeth trap plaque in spots a toothbrush can't reach. Once teeth line up, brushing and flossing get simpler, which lowers your risk of decay and gum disease.
- Less wear and strain. A bad bite makes some teeth do too much work. Correcting it spreads the load evenly, protects enamel, and often eases jaw tension and TMD symptoms.
- Better function. Many families notice improved chewing after treatment. Some kids see clearer speech, too, especially when an open bite or severe overjet was getting in the way.
- Longer-lasting results. Teeth in good alignment tend to stay stable, and they're easier for your dentist to restore later if needed.
- Real confidence. Students speak up more. Working adults stop hiding their smile in meetings and photos. Kids who feel good about their smiles are more likely to smile big.
- A simpler start for kids. Early care can guide jaw growth while your child is still developing. In many cases, that shortens or simplifies later treatment with braces or aligners.
Dr. Ward walks you through which of these benefits apply to your case during your free consult. No guessing.
The Ward Orthodontics Treatment Process, Step by Step
Orthodontic treatment at Ward Orthodontics in Irving follows five steps: a free consult with digital records, a custom plan with pricing, appliance placement, progress visits every four to eight weeks, and retainers to hold your results. Most cases finish in 6 to 30 months depending on complexity.
Step 1: Your Free Consult
You'll meet Dr. Nick Ward for an exam, digital scans, X-rays, and a bite evaluation. No pokey impression trays. We'll show you what we see and explain it in plain language.
Step 2: Your Custom Plan
Dr. Ward presents your options side by side: metal braces, clear braces, or clear aligners. You'll get a realistic timeline and a straight answer on cost, including in-house payment plans and how your insurance applies.
Step 3: Getting Started
For braces, we bond small brackets to your teeth and connect them with an archwire. For clear aligners, we deliver your first trays and show you the wear schedule. Either way, you'll leave knowing exactly how to care for your new hardware.
Step 4: Progress Visits
Braces wearers come in every four to eight weeks for adjustments. Aligner wearers check in less often, and our virtual consult option means some check-ins happen from your kitchen table. Your treatment should fit your life, not the other way around.
Step 5: Finishing and Retainers
When your teeth reach their final positions, we remove the braces or you finish your last aligner tray. Then comes the retainer, which protects everything you just accomplished. Wear it as directed and your results hold.
That's the whole process, from day one to done. Most families tell us the visits go faster than they expected.
Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontics in Irving?
Almost anyone with healthy teeth and gums is a candidate for orthodontics. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age 7. Teens often treat during peak growth, and adults have no upper age limit at all. Active cavities or gum issues get treated by your dentist first, then we begin.
Kids
Around age 7, enough permanent teeth have come in for Dr. Ward to spot crossbites, crowding, and jaw growth concerns. Early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment; often we just monitor and time things right. When action helps, options like a 3D-printed rapid palatal expander can create room before problems set in. That's building healthy smiles from the start.
Teens
The teen years are a strong window. Permanent teeth are in place, jaw growth is still cooperating, and motivation is usually high. Braces or clear aligners both work well here.
Adults
It's never too late. Plenty of folks in Irving start treatment in their thirties, forties, and well beyond. Clear braces and Angel Aligners appeal to professionals who'd rather keep treatment low-key.
If you deal with jaw clicking, tension headaches, or soreness when chewing, ask Dr. Ward about a TMD/TMJD evaluation during your visit.
Comparing Your Options
| Feature | Metal Braces | Clear Braces | Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Visible metal brackets | Tooth-colored, barely-there appearance | Nearly invisible trays |
| Best for | All case types, including complex | Most cases, esthetic-minded teens and adults | Mild to moderate cases |
| Removable | No | No | Yes |
| Food limits | Some (no hard or sticky foods) | Some (no hard or sticky foods) | None, trays come out to eat |
| Visit frequency | Every 4-8 weeks | Every 4-8 weeks | Fewer in-office checks |
Not sure which fits? Dr. Ward will walk you through each one so you can decide with confidence.
Why Irving Families Choose Ward Orthodontics
We're not just orthodontists; we're your neighbors.
A specialist, not a generalist
Dr. Nick Ward is a board-certified orthodontist who works on braces, aligners, and bite correction all day, every day. He holds memberships with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the American Dental Association (ADA), the Texas Association of Orthodontists (TAO), and the Texas Dental Association (TDA).
A legacy of excellence and convenience
Ward Orthodontics carries forward the work of Dr. Patrick Ohlenforst, a board-certified orthodontist with a Master's from UT Houston and Baylor training, who built this family-first practice around Irving families, one generation at a time. Some of the parents who sit with us today started their own treatment in this same office years ago, and now they bring their kids through the door.
Rooted right here
Our office on N. O'Connor Rd. serves Irving, Las Colinas, Valley Ranch, and Coppell. Dr. Ward was born and raised in Irving, so this isn't a market to us. It's home.
Modern tools, warm feel
Digital scanning and treatment planning replace messy impressions, and we're an Angel Aligner provider. That's modern care with a family feel.
Easy to start
Every new family gets a free consult, in person or virtual. We offer in-house payment plans and help sort out your insurance benefits. Skip the stress.
Irving Orthodontics FAQs
How much do braces cost in Irving, TX?
Cost depends on your case complexity, the appliance you choose, and how long treatment runs. A short case with clear aligners costs less than a complex case requiring two years of braces. Rather than throw out a range that may have nothing to do with your smile, we'd rather show you the real number for your situation. At your free consult, Dr. Ward gives you an exact quote with no surprises, plus in-house payment plans and a review of your insurance coverage. Ask us what your monthly payment would look like, and we'll spell out fair-priced options before you commit to anything.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most cases run 6 to 30 months. Minor crowding or spacing can wrap up in well under a year. Bite correction, significant crowding, and cases involving jaw growth take longer. Dr. Ward gives you a realistic estimate at your consult, and wearing your elastics or aligners as directed keeps you on schedule.
Do braces hurt?
Braces feel tight and your teeth may be tender for a few days after placement or an adjustment. Most people manage fine with soft foods and over-the-counter relief. Modern brackets are smaller and smoother than older designs, so cheek irritation is much less common. The soreness fades quickly and doesn't come back between visits.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For mild to moderate cases, yes. Clear aligners move teeth predictably when you wear them the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day. Complex bite issues, severe rotations, and certain jaw discrepancies still respond better to braces. Dr. Ward evaluates your specific case and tells you honestly which option will get you the best result.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation at the first sign of an issue or no later than age 7. At that point, enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Ward to assess crowding, crossbites, and jaw development. Most kids just get monitored, but catching a problem early can make later treatment simpler.
Do I need a dentist referral to see an orthodontist?
No referral needed. You can call Ward Orthodontics and book a free consult directly. Many families come to us through their dentist, and we're glad to coordinate with your dental office, but you're welcome to start on your own whenever you're ready.
Book Your Free Irving Orthodontic Consultation
Ready to get started? Schedule a free consult with Dr. Nick Ward at Ward Orthodontics in Irving. You'll get a real exam, digital scans, honest answers, and a clear picture of your options and costs. No obligation, no pressure.
Prefer to start from your couch? Our virtual consult option lets you share photos and get initial feedback before you ever drive over.
Call us: 972-257-3200
Visit us: 3200 N. O'Connor Rd., Irving, TX 75062
Book online: https://www.irvingorthodontist.com/free-consult/
Our Irving office welcomes patients of all ages, from Las Colinas to Valley Ranch to Coppell. Great smiles grow here.