4550 Eldorado Pkwy, Suite 107, McKinney, TX
Orthodontic Care Right Where Your Family Already Goes
Most dental practices refer patients out for orthodontic treatment. A referral means a new office, a new team, a new set of paperwork, and a whole separate patient relationship to manage alongside your regular dental care.
At West McKinney Dental & Orthodontics, orthodontic treatment happens right here, in the same office where you come for cleanings, fillings, crowns, and every other dental service your family needs. Our team treats children, teens, and adults with clear braces and Invisalign clear aligners, and because we provide both dental and orthodontic care under one roof, your treatment is always coordinated, always consistent, and always managed by people who already know you.
If you have been thinking about orthodontic treatment for yourself or a member of your family, a consultation with our team is the right place to start.
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Our Orthodontic Services
We offer two primary orthodontic treatment options, both designed to achieve exceptional results with significantly less visual impact than traditional metal braces. Our team evaluates every patient individually and recommends the option that best fits their clinical needs, their lifestyle, and their goals.
Clear Braces
Clear braces use tooth-colored ceramic brackets to straighten teeth with the same effectiveness as traditional braces, but with a more discreet appearance. They are a popular choice for teens and adults who want reliable, fixed orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign®
Invisalign uses a series of custom clear aligners to gradually straighten teeth without brackets or wires. The aligners are removable, comfortable, and nearly invisible—making them a convenient option for teens and adults
What to Expect at Your Orthodontic Consultation
An orthodontic consultation at West McKinney Dental & Orthodontics is a thorough, unhurried process designed to give patients and families a complete, honest picture of their orthodontic situation and all available options.
During the consultation, our team conducts a comprehensive clinical examination of the teeth, bite, and jaw using X-rays and photographs to assess the current positions of the teeth, the relationship of the upper and lower arches, and the development of the jaw. We identify any concerns, crowding, spacing, bite issues, skeletal discrepancies and explain what they mean in plain language.
We then discuss which orthodontic option is most appropriate for the patient's specific case, walk through what treatment would look like from start to finish, and provide an honest estimate of the treatment timeline and overall investment. Questions are answered thoroughly and patients are given the time they need to think before making any decisions.
Your Journey to a Straighter Smile Starts Here
Whether you are scheduling an orthodontic evaluation for your child, exploring your own options as an adult, or simply curious about whether clear braces or Invisalign is the right fit for your situation. A consultation with our team is the right first step. We will evaluate thoroughly, explain clearly, and give you all the information you need to make a confident decision.
New patients welcome. Orthodontic consultations are a great starting point even if you are still deciding between options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. At what age should my child have an orthodontic evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this point, enough permanent teeth have erupted to allow our team to assess bite development, jaw growth, and spacing accurately. Early evaluation does not necessarily mean early treatment — in many cases it simply means having the information needed to plan ahead and act at the right time. If any concerns are identified that benefit from early intervention, addressing them at the right developmental window can simplify later treatment significantly.
Q. Is orthodontic treatment only for cosmetic purposes?
No. While a straighter smile is an obvious cosmetic benefit, orthodontic treatment also addresses functional concerns including bite misalignment, uneven wear on teeth, jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and the increased cavity and gum disease risk that comes with crowded teeth that are difficult to clean. Our team evaluates both the aesthetic and functional aspects of every orthodontic case and develops treatment plans that address both.
Q. How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment duration varies widely depending on the complexity of the case and the appliance used. Mild cases may be completed in six to twelve months. Most moderate cases take twelve to eighteen months. Complex cases involving significant bite correction or major tooth movements may take eighteen to thirty-six months. Our team provides an honest estimated timeline at the consultation based on the clinical evaluation and treatment plan.
Q. Will orthodontic treatment be painful?
Most patients experience some pressure and mild soreness in the first few days after braces are placed or after switching to a new set of aligners, as the teeth begin responding to the force being applied. This is normal and typically resolves within two to three days. Over-the-counter pain relievers manage any discomfort effectively. Most patients find the ongoing experience of orthodontic treatment far more comfortable than they anticipated before starting.
Q. Can adults get orthodontic treatment?
Absolutely. There is no age limit on orthodontic treatment. Tooth movement follows the same biological principles regardless of age, and adult patients are a significant and growing part of our orthodontic practice. The discretion of clear braces and Invisalign makes orthodontic treatment far more compatible with professional and social adult life than it has ever been before.
Q. What happens if I lose an Invisalign aligner?
Contact our office as soon as possible. Depending on where you are in the series, we may advise moving to the next aligner, returning to the previous one temporarily, or ordering a replacement. Do not go without an aligner for an extended period — the teeth will begin to drift from the last achieved position. Keeping the previous aligner as a backup until the current one is confirmed to fit well is a good habit throughout treatment.
Q. Do I need a referral to start orthodontic treatment at your office?
No referral is needed. Because we provide both general dental care and orthodontic treatment under one roof, patients can schedule an orthodontic consultation directly through our office — whether they are existing patients or brand new to our practice. New patients are always welcome.
Q. How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case, the appliance chosen, and the estimated duration of treatment. Our team provides a full cost breakdown at the consultation so patients know exactly what to expect before committing to anything. Most dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits apply them to both clear braces and Invisalign. Flexible payment and financing options are also available for patients who need them.
Q. Do I have to wear retainers forever after treatment?
Retainer wear requirements evolve over time — most patients wear retainers full-time initially and transition to nighttime-only wear after the first several months. However, some form of retainer wear is recommended indefinitely to maintain the result of orthodontic treatment long-term. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift over time without retention, and consistent retainer wear is the most reliable way to prevent that. Our team provides clear guidance on retention at the end of active treatment and monitors retainer use at follow-up visits.
Q. What is the difference between Invisalign and clear braces?
Clear braces are fixed ceramic brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by a wire, working continuously throughout treatment without removal. They require no compliance beyond oral hygiene and dietary care and can address the full range of orthodontic complexity. Invisalign uses removable clear aligner trays that are changed on a regular schedule, require 20 to 22 hours of daily wear, and offer the practical advantage of being removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning. Both are discreet, effective, and available at our office. The right choice depends on the clinical needs of the case, the patient's lifestyle, and honest expectations about compliance. Our team discusses both options thoroughly at every consultation.