Braces

Expert Orthodontic Treatment For Every Smile

Young girl in a pink sweater smiling at her reflection in a handheld mirror, showing her braces at a top-rated orthodontic practice.

Braces remain the cornerstone of orthodontic treatment offering a dependable and effective way to straighten smiles for patients of all ages. Today, there are a variety of options available to fit every smile need. In general, braces are a reliable and efficient orthodontic appliance for anyone looking to achieve a straighter smile. They are a proven choice for children, teens and adults alike, and the benefits far outweigh the small inconveniences. Advantages include:

Crowded or misaligned teeth can increase your risk of cracks, chips or other dental injuries. By aligning your teeth, you not only achieve a beautifully straight smile, but also reduce your risk of dental injuries in the future.

Misaligned teeth can make brushing or flossing more difficult, allowing plaque or bacteria to build up. Over time, this can increase the risk of gum disease or other oral health issues. Properly aligned teeth make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and keep your gums healthy.

Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which lowers the risk of plaque build up and tooth decay. By aligning your smile, you help protect your teeth from common dental issues and support long-term oral health. 

It’s hard to maintain thorough oral care when teeth are misaligned and crowded. With a straight smile, it’s much easier to brush and floss, helping you maintain a happier mouth.

At Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics, we know a straight smile is about more than just teeth. Dr. Jodi and Dr. Little often see the incredible boost in confidence and self-esteem patients experience once they’ve completed their smile journey.

Most importantly, you deserve to have a beautiful smile you or your child can be proud of. From school photos to work meetings and everything in between, the boost in confidence and overall well-being you gain from your dream smile is truly immeasurable.

Find The Right Braces For Your Smile

At Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics, we want to make sure we have something for every smile and every age. See below to explore the different options we have available.

It doesn’t get more straightforward than this. Traditional braces are the classic choice for those who are looking to straighten their smiles, without the frills of our other options.

Clear ceramic braces icon representing discreet orthodontic treatment.

For those who are attracted to the ease of traditional braces, but hesitant about the aesthetic, we offer clear ceramic braces. Clear ceramic braces are much less noticeable than the traditional ones, allowing you to continue with your life undisrupted.

Self-ligating braces icon showing low-friction orthodontic brackets.

Damon self-ligating braces are cutting edge orthodontic technology. Efficient, more comfortable and slightly more discreet than traditional braces—self-ligating braces with The Damon System are a fantastic option for those who want effective treatment while having maximum comfort during their smile journey.

Lingual braces icon showing braces placed behind the teeth.

If you are looking for treatment that is virtually invisible, then lingual braces may be the option for you. As the only truly hidden orthodontic appliance, they are fixed to the inside of your teeth, so you can keep smiling while they quietly work in the background.

How To Care For Braces

To keep your smile journey moving as efficiently as possible, it’s important to follow all care instructions from our team. Stick to an orthodontic appliance-safe diet, brush after each meal and floss at least once per day. This helps avoid issues like broken brackets and keeps your smile transformation on track.

For more details, we encourage you to check out our pages on diet restrictions, common orthodontic questions and orthodontic emergencies. And remember—if you ever have questions, just give our office a call. We’re always here to help!

Patient choosing colorful rubber bands for braces at a top rated expert orthodontic office in columbia and waterloo

Common Questions About Braces

Whether you’re a child, teen or an adult, your dream smile starts here. Reserve your complimentary consultation with Dr. Jodi or Dr. Little today, and take the first step toward the smile you’ve always wanted. We can’t wait to partner with you and support you every step of the way!

The cost depends on the type of orthodontic appliance, length of treatment, and your or your child’s unique smile needs. These details will be assessed during a complimentary consultation with Dr. Jodi or Dr. Little. From there, we’ll walk you through your options and provide a personalized estimate.

At Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves access to orthodontic care. We encourage you to check with your dental insurance provider to see what may be covered. To make treatment more accessible, we also offer flexible payment plans and interest-free financing.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up at age seven to help catch potential issues early. But braces aren’t just for kids—teens and adults of all ages can also benefit from orthodontic treatment. At Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics, we believe it’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, no matter your age.

With so many options available, it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed. The good news is—you don’t have to figure it out alone. During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Jodi or Dr. Little will carefully evaluate your or your child’s smile and recommend the orthodontic treatment option that best fits your needs, lifestyle and goals. 

Are You Ready To Start Your Smile Journey With Braces?

Whether you’re a child, teen or an adult, your dream smile starts here. Reserve your complimentary consultation with Dr. Jodi or Dr. Little today, and take the first step toward the smile you’ve always wanted. We can’t wait to partner with you and support you every step of the way!

Your Smile Journey Starts Here

Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics makes treatment fun, comfortable and patient-focused in both of our welcoming offices. With advanced tools like in-house 3D-printed aligners and precise CBCT scans, we deliver efficient, high-quality results. We proudly give back through school programs, community events and local sponsorships, and we make confident smiles affordable with flexible, no-interest financing. Ready to get started? Request your appointment today and experience the HJO difference!

Teen orthodontic patient wearing braces and colorful glasses at hentscher-johnson orthodontics in columbia il
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Delivering Stunning Smiles To All Of Columbia & Waterloo, IL