Orthodontic smile result at Livewell Dental in Fairfax Station, VAOrthodontic smile result at Livewell Dental in Fairfax Station, VA

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5 Star Reviews

Orthodontics in Fairfax Station, VA

Whole-mouth planning
Bite and jaw function
Doctor-led monitoring

Orthodontics Done Right Makes the Difference

Straight teeth aren't just cosmetic. Proper alignment means you chew better, your jaw functions without strain, and teeth wear evenly. We focus on why teeth shifted, not just moving them.

We start with diagnosis, not brackets.
‍We evaluate bite, jaw function, and wear patterns first. Moving teeth without addressing the cause can make relapse more likely.
Orthodontics is part of a larger plan.
We consider bite stability, TMJ health, and future restorative needs. Goal is decades of stability.
Dr. Chris oversees every stage.
No handoffs. Same person evaluates, plans, monitors, and ensures stability.
Orthodontic treatment planning at Livewell Dental

Orthodontics Is Part of the Plan, Not the Entire Plan

Most ortho practices move teeth and stop. We plan for what happens after. How does your bite function? Will teeth stay stable? What caused misalignment?
Orthodontics here integrates with whole-mouth health. We evaluate jaw joint, airway, bite forces, and restorative needs before moving anything.

 Complete evaluation of bite, jaw, and airway We evaluate jaw closure, TMJ function, and airway alongside tooth position.

Treatment planning for long-term function Straight teeth that don't fit together create problems. We plan for stable function.

Coordinated with restorative work If you need veneers or crowns after, we plan both phases together.

One doctor, entire journey Dr. Chris evaluates, plans, and monitors personally. No handoffs.

Your Orthodontic Options

Treatment choice depends on bite complexity, timeline, and goals.

Clear Aligners

Removable plastic trays that shift teeth gradually using controlled pressure. Each set moves teeth slightly before switching to the next in the series. Treatment is planned digitally, so you see your projected result before starting. Trays are nearly invisible and come out for eating and cleaning.

Traditional Braces

Brackets bonded to teeth with wires that apply precise, controlled pressure. Adjusted every 4-6 weeks as teeth move into position. Offers the most control for complex movements and severe bite corrections. Works for cases where aligners can't achieve the necessary precision.

Dr. Chris image

One Doctor. Your Entire Journey.

Treatment starts with understanding goals and evaluating whether orthodontics alone achieves them.

Dr. Chris evaluates bite, jaw function, tooth wear, and airway. If grinding or TMJ contributed to misalignment, we address that. If restorative work follows alignment, we coordinate both.

  • No referrals out. Everything under one roof, one doctor.
  • Treatment planned digitally first. See your result before we start.
  • Progress monitored by Dr. Chris. Same doctor, start to finish.
  • Retention built into the plan. Keeping teeth straight matters as much as moving them.

Compare Your Orthodontic Options

Every situation is different. This table shows how the two approaches compare.
Feature
Clear Aligners
Traditional Braces
AppearanceNearly invisibleMetal brackets visible
Removable?Yes (must wear 20-22 hrs/day)No - fixed to teeth
Best forMild to moderate casesComplex bite corrections, severe crowding
Eating restrictionsNone - remove to eatAvoid hard, sticky foods
Oral hygieneBrush and floss normallyRequires extra care around brackets
Treatment time6-18 months average18-36 months average
Office visitsEvery 8-12 weeksEvery 4-6 weeks for adjustments

The Level Other Dentists Train Toward

Dr. Chris teaches advanced dental planning to other dentists. That same diagnostic discipline guides orthodontic care at Livewell. Tooth movement is planned around bite function, jaw stability, airway, and long-term health.
Dr. Chris Kim at an Implant Accelerator course teaching advanced technique
Group of dental professionals at a course led by Dr. Chris Kim
Dr. Chris Kim instructing dentists at Implant Accelerator
Dental professionals at an advanced training session with Dr. Chris Kim
Dr. Chris Kim demonstrating complex technique at a dental education event

The Technology Behind Your Treatment

Digital impressions create precise 3D models. No goop. Better accuracy.

Intraoral Scanning

We capture digital impressions of your teeth to create precise 3D models. This eliminates uncomfortable goop trays and provides more accurate data for treatment planning and aligner fabrication.

3D Treatment Simulation

Before moving a single tooth, we simulate your entire treatment digitally. You see your final result, understand the timeline, and know exactly what movements are involved before committing.

CBCT 3D Imaging

This technology evaluates your bone density, root positions, and jaw structure in three dimensions. Critical for complex cases where we need to see what's beneath the gum line to plan safe, effective tooth movement.

Digital Progress Tracking

We monitor your tooth movement digitally throughout treatment. If something isn't tracking as planned, we catch it early and adjust rather than discovering issues months later.

Custom Appliance Fabrication

Your aligners, retainers, and any functional appliances are designed digitally and fabricated through precision manufacturing. This ensures better fit, faster turnaround, and consistent quality.

Bite Analysis

We don't just straighten teeth - we ensure they fit together properly when you bite down. Digital bite analysis confirms your final result is functional and stable, not just visually straight.

Start With Clarity, Not Commitment

At Livewell, orthodontic treatment begins with a clear evaluation before any decision is made. You leave your visit understanding what is happening with your teeth, bite, and jaw function — and which options make sense for your goals.

Dr. Chris Kim consulting with a patient at Livewell Dental, Fairfax Station, VA
How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Depends on case complexity. Clear aligners for mild crowding: 6-12 months. Comprehensive correction with braces: 18-24 months or longer. We give you a specific timeline during consultation.

Am I too old for orthodontics?

No. Adults make up a significant portion of ortho patients. As long as teeth and gums are healthy, treatment works at any age.

Do I need to wear a retainer after treatment?

Yes. Teeth naturally shift back toward original positions. Retainers hold teeth while bone and tissue stabilize. Most patients wear full-time for months, then nightly indefinitely.

Can orthodontics fix my bite, or just straighten my teeth?

Orthodontics corrects many bite issues: overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites. Severe skeletal discrepancies may require orthodontics plus jaw surgery.

What's the difference between clear aligners and braces?

Clear aligners: removable, nearly invisible, work for mild to moderate cases. Braces: fixed, offer precise control, work for severe crowding or bite issues.

Can I eat normally during orthodontic treatment?

With clear aligners, yes. Remove them to eat. With braces, avoid hard, sticky, crunchy foods that damage brackets or wires.

Common Questions About Orthodontics