Orthodontics for All Ages in Livermore, Pleasanton, & Tracy
Expert Orthodontic Care for Children, Teens, & Adults
Orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages is a central part of the care we provide at Marcel Method Orthodontic Specialists. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Marcel and Dr. Faldu customize treatment recommendations based on each patient’s needs and timing.
From early evaluations to adult treatment, our goal is to help every patient achieve a healthy smile with a plan that makes sense for them.
Early Intervention | Phase 1 Orthodontics
Orthodontics for Children in Livermore, Pleasanton, & Tracy
Growing Smiles, Growing Confidence
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist for an evaluation by age seven. While that may sound young, these early visits are typically focused on assessing growth and development rather than beginning treatment.
In many cases, Dr. Marcel and Dr. Faldu will simply continue to monitor your child’s smile as it grows. Regular evaluations allow our team to track changes over time and identify the ideal timing for any future orthodontic care.
If concerns are detected, early intervention may provide an opportunity to guide jaw growth, support healthy dental development, and address potential issues before they become more difficult to correct. By keeping a close eye on growing smiles, we can help families make informed decisions about treatment every step of the way.
How Early Treatment Works
The First Visit
Around age 7, children begin to show important signs of dental and jaw development. During this visit, Dr. Marcel and Dr. Faldu will evaluate your child’s teeth, bite, and growth patterns to identify any concerns and determine whether treatment may be beneficial in the future.
Laying the Foundation
Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment. When intervention is recommended, Phase 1 treatment is designed to work alongside a child’s natural growth and development. Depending on your child’s needs, treatment may help create space for incoming teeth, guide jaw development, or address emerging orthodontic concerns.
Once Phase 1 treatment is complete, we’ll continue monitoring your child’s smile through regular growth and development visits. These appointments allow us to track changes over time and determine whether any additional treatment will be needed.
Precision With Phase 2
As more permanent teeth erupt and development progresses, some patients benefit from a second phase of treatment during the preteen or teen years. If Phase 2 treatment is recommended, Dr. Marcel and Dr. Faldu will create a personalized plan focused on achieving a healthy bite, proper alignment, and a balanced smile.
Signs to Look for in Your Child’s Smile
So, what kinds of issues might need early orthodontic treatment?
An early, first orthodontic appointment is a good idea if your kid shows signs of having any of the following:
- Crowded or missing teeth
- Premature or delayed loss of baby teeth
- Challenges in biting or chewing
- Speech difficulties
- Prolonged pacifier use
- Narrow palate
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
Phase 2 | Comprehensive Orthodontics
Orthodontics for Teens in Livermore, Pleasanton, & Tracy
Supporting Smiles Through the Teen Years
By the time the teen years arrive, most permanent teeth have erupted, making it possible to address a wide range of orthodontic concerns. This stage of development often provides an excellent opportunity to improve alignment, correct bite issues, and create a strong foundation for good oral health.
That’s why we offer personalized treatment plans to bring out the best in your teen’s unique smile. We’re also well aware of just how busy today’s teenagers and their families are and we strive to make treatment as convenient as possible.
The Importance of Treatment
Empowering Your Teenager
As children grow into teenagers, their smiles continue to develop as well. Orthodontic treatment during this stage can help correct alignment and bite concerns while permanent teeth are settling into their long-term positions.
At Marcel Method Orthodontic Specialists, we do more than straighten teeth — we craft smiles that boost self-esteem and encourage your teen to shine during these important years.
Lifelong Healthy Smiles
A straighter smile can offer benefits that extend well beyond the teen years. By improving the alignment of the teeth and bite, orthodontic treatment can make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and support the prolonged health and function of the smile.
Addressing orthodontic concerns during adolescence can also help prevent certain issues from becoming more significant over time. The result is a healthier foundation that can benefit your teen for years to come.
Personalized Orthodontic Solutions
There’s no universal approach to orthodontic treatment. Some teens benefit from braces, while others may be candidates for clear aligners. The right choice depends on the individual smile and the goals of treatment.
Dr. Marcel and Dr. Faldu take the time to evaluate each patient carefully before creating a customized treatment plan. The result is orthodontic care tailored to your teen’s needs from start to finish.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are great — especially if your teen prefers the discretion of transparency.
Clear aligners for teens are designed for your teen’s specific needs. For example, Invisalign plastic aligners have special tabs at the back to accommodate your teen’s growing molars and include blue markings on the plastic that wear off to ensure your teen is wearing their aligners as often as prescribed.
Teen treatment, also known as Phase 2 treatment, is all about designing a smile that’s straight, functions properly, and remains stable so your child will have healthy, beautiful teeth for the rest of their life.
Custom Braces
Braces remain one of the most effective ways to create healthy, lasting smile transformations. At Marcel Method Orthodontic Specialists, teens have access to several braces options, including traditional metal braces, clear braces, and advanced self-ligating systems when appropriate.
Traditional metal braces continue to be a popular choice, offering reliable results and the opportunity to personalize treatment with colorful elastic ties at adjustment appointments.
For teens looking for a more subtle appearance, clear braces may also be an option. Dr. Marcel and Dr. Faldu can help determine which type of braces is best suited to your teen’s smile and treatment goals.
Using digital records and personalized treatment planning, our team is able to create a precise roadmap for treatment from the very beginning. Combined with technologies like SureSmile custom archwires, this approach helps ensure treatment is tailored to your teen’s unique smile every step of the way.
Grown Up Smiles
Orthodontics for Adults in Livermore, Pleasanton, & Tracy
Ageless Solutions for Grown-Up Smiles
The decision to start orthodontic treatment as an adult often comes after years of saying, “Maybe someday.” When that someday arrives, it’s worth having a team that takes the time to understand your goals and what matters most to you.
We offer personalized treatment options for adults seeking healthier, more confident smiles. Whether you’re interested in braces or clear aligners, our team will help you find an approach that fits comfortably into your life.
The Value of Adult Orthodontic Treatment
Choosing orthodontic treatment as an adult is an investment in your smile, your oral health, and your confidence. With today’s treatment options, adults have more flexibility than ever when it comes to improving the alignment and function of their smiles.
Looking Good, Feeling Good
Your smile is one of the first things people notice, and feeling good about it can have a lasting impact. Treatment with Dr. Marcel and Dr. Faldu can improve the alignment of your teeth and address concerns that may have bothered you for years, helping you feel more comfortable sharing your smile with the world.
Your Teeth Can Shift
The smile you had at 18 may not be the smile you have today. Teeth naturally change position over time, especially after years of chewing, aging, and inconsistent retainer wear.
You may notice new gaps, crowding, changes in your bite, or a smile that no longer looks the way it once did. Orthodontic treatment can help restore alignment, improve function, and address these concerns before they become more significant.
Maintaining Dental Health
A properly aligned smile can make daily oral hygiene easier and more effective. When teeth overlap or crowd together, it can be more difficult to reach certain areas with a toothbrush and floss.
You can create a healthier foundation for your smile with braces or aligners by improving alignment.
Start Your Family’s Journey Today
Join us at Marcel Method Orthodontic Specialists to begin your path to a new, happier smile for every member of your family.
Reach out to us today and schedule your free consultation(s) and experience an office that goes the distance to make your family feel like a part of our family.