TREATMENT OPTIONS
Find the right fit for your smile.
Every treatment at ION is planned and supervised by Dr. Rad. Whichever option you choose, you're in a specialist's hands.
Metal Braces
Dr. Rad straightens your teeth using "frictionless" passive self-ligating brackets. That means your teeth move with light, gentle forces, less binding, and minimal friction inside the bone. These brackets allow teeth to reach their position faster than traditional metal braces.
Good to know
- Adjustment visits every 6-8 weeks (on average).
- Brush and floss consistently between visits. A floss threader is your friend.
- Keep seeing your family dentist every six months during treatment.
3D printed custom clear braces
Tooth-colored ceramic braces do the same work as metal (aligning your teeth and correcting your bite) with more discretion. They're a popular choice for adults and teens who may not be candidates for clear aligners but still have cosmetic concerns. Every bracket is completely custom to the movement each individual tooth needs. Dr. Rad plans that movement up front and the prescription is printed directly into the bracket, so the brackets do more of the work on their own. Stock brackets use a one size fits all prescription. Ours never do. All of our clear braces are 3D printed. It is not an optional upgrade, it is how we do it. Both our metal and 3D printed brackets can be accessorized, so you can still have fun with colors.
Good to know
- Same treatment power as metal braces, lower visibility.
- Adjustment visits every 8-10 weeks (on average).
- We place ceramic brackets on both upper and lower teeth, so they stay discreet.
- Keep seeing your family dentist every six months during treatment.
Removable Clear Aligners in Port St. Lucie
If you've put off orthodontic treatment because you didn't want metal brackets and wires, there's good news. ION Orthodontics offers clear aligner therapy with removable clear aligners. At your consultation, Dr. Rad takes a digital impression of your teeth with a 3D impression-less digital scanner, sends it to the aligner laboratory, and then carefully plans each movement to make sure your outcome is predictable and successful. Each aligner gently pressures your teeth into better position; every new aligner picks up where the last one left off. Wear them at least 22 hours a day. You can take them out to eat and brush, but they only work while they're in. Most patients wear 20 to 30 aligners over anywhere from about 4 months for minor movement to 24 months for full bite correction, depending on your case. Keep seeing your general dentist every six months during treatment. Schedule a consult to see if you're a good candidate for clear aligners.
Why patients love clear aligners
- Easier brushing and flossing: fewer cavities, less staining.
- No food restrictions. Eat what you want.
- More comfortable: no poking wires, no broken-bracket emergencies.
- Nearly invisible, even up close or in photos.
- Helps protect enamel if you grind your teeth at night.
- Plans around implants, bridges, and existing dental work.
- Office visits every 10-12 weeks (on average).
For teens & kids
Clear aligners are a great option for busy, responsible teens, especially athletes and musicians. There are also aligner systems made for kids who still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth.
Told you weren't a candidate?
Dr. Rad is highly trained in clear aligner therapy and successfully treats many complex cases other clinicians consider too complicated for aligners. It's time to check again, and if clear aligner therapy truly isn't right for you, she'll walk you through the options that are.
Phase 1 · Early Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child be evaluated by age 7. Early detection matters: Phase 1 treatment intercepts moderate or severe problems (most often crossbites and crowding) while your child's growth can still be used to advantage, turning a difficult problem into a manageable one. Phase 1 usually begins around ages 7-10, as the permanent front teeth erupt, and it can make a real difference for a child's confidence too. Dr. Rad takes a conservative approach: only about 20% of kids benefit from early treatment, and when possible she prefers to wait until most or all permanent teeth have erupted. If early treatment isn't needed yet, she'll recommend complimentary observation visits every six months to find the optimal time to begin.
Good to know
- First evaluation recommended by age 7.
- Observation visits are complimentary.
- Most kids won't need Phase 1, and Dr. Rad will tell you honestly either way.
Retainers
Whether you just finished treatment or never had braces at all, retainers keep your teeth from shifting over time. They protect your smile for as long as you wear them. Thanks to a 3D digital scanner, we can fabricate retainers (plus expanders and other appliances) without messy, uncomfortable impressions.
Book a Complimentary ConsultationNot sure where to start?
That's what the complimentary consultation is for: photos, digital x-rays, and an honest recommendation from Dr. Rad.