# Orthodontic Care Orthodontic treatment is the key to achieving a healthy, aligned smile for patients with crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth. Orthodontics not only enhances the appearance of your smile but also improves oral health by ensuring proper bite alignment and function. Treatment options range from traditional braces to advanced clear aligners, offering solutions that suit your individual needs. Whether you're seeking to correct minor spacing issues or more complex misalignments, orthodontic care can transform your smile, boost your confidence, and support long-term dental health. ## Treatment options - Youth and adult orthodontics - Invisalign (when appropriate) - InBrace teeth straightner - Tooth-colored or clear braces - Early treatment for children, when necessary - TMJ-TMD (jaw joint) therapy - Multidisciplinary care for complex cases - 3-D dental and facial imaging for accurate diagnosis ### Why choose Harvard Dental Center - **World-Class Experts**: Care provided by expert residents and faculty. - **Affordable and Accessible**: - Nonprofit institution offering high-quality care at an affordable price. - Two convenient locations in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area and Cambridge, easily accessible by public transportation and with nearby parking available. - **Best Value in Boston**: Competitive pricing for exceptional care. - **Flexible Payment Options**: - Variety of insurance plans accepted (varies by practice). - Extended payment terms available (based on treatment duration). - **Culturally Sensitive Care**: Compassionate care tailored to diverse patient needs. - **Choice of Practices**: - Teaching Practice or Faculty Practice (based on consultation). - **State-of-the-Art Technologies**: - 3-D, radiation-free imaging system for comfortable, high-quality treatment. - **Individualized, Comprehensive Care**: - Close collaboration with specialists in all dental fields. - Expert management of complex and interdisciplinary cases in one location. ## FAQs Open all sections Close all sections ### What is clear aligner orthodontic therapy? expand\_more Clear aligner orthodontic treatment like Invisalign® involves using a series of clear plastic trays to gradually move the teeth to the position the orthodontist plans on a computer. Although there are limitations to the types of problems that can be treated using this technique, many orthodontic problems can be successfully treated with clear aligners either alone or in conjunction with braces. Orthodontic treatment with clear aligners generally requires more patient cooperation; however, in the end provides an esthetic treatment option with easier cleanings and few dietary restrictions. Please make an appointment for a consultation to find out if clear aligner therapy is an option for you. ### Am I too old for braces? expand\_more Absolutely not! Healthy teeth, bones, and gums respond well to orthodontic treatment regardless of age. Most orthodontic problems can be treated during adulthood and esthetic treatment options have made orthodontic treatment more appealing to the adult group. ### How long does orthodontic treatment take? expand\_more The duration of comprehensive orthodontic treatment can vary between 6 and 36 months depending on the problem’s severity and the patient’s compliance. Patients that take care of their orthodontic appliances, keep their teeth clean, wear their rubber bands and/or other appliances as instructed and avoid missing appointments usually complete their treatment on time with good results. ### What does orthodontic treatment involve expand\_more Orthodontic treatment involves either fixed or removable appliances that guide the teeth and/or jaws to a better position. Orthodontic treatment involves a significant amount of patient cooperation so an excellent orthodontic result requires a cooperative orthodontic patient. Patient cooperation involves wearing orthodontic appliances as prescribed, visiting the orthodontist every 4-6 weeks to adjust the orthodontic appliances, avoiding certain types of food, practicing good hygiene habits, and going to the family dentist for regular cleanings and dental check-ups to maintain oral health. ### When should children first visit the orthodontist expand\_more The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children get an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. Getting early check ups allows the orthodontist to spot certain problems that are best treated earlier than usual. This can prevent more serious problems from developing, and may allow the orthodontists to utilize growth to achieve a better result. Even if your child is older than 7, it’s still important to have an orthodontic check-up as soon as possible since children continue to grow into their teens and most orthodontic problems can be successfully treated at any age. ### Why do some people need orthodontic treatment? expand\_more In addition to the esthetic and psychological problems associated with an unattractive smile, untreated orthodontic problems can cause difficulty cleaning, abnormal wear of the tooth surfaces, damage to tissues supporting the teeth, difficulty speaking, and possibly joint problems (TMJ-TMD). ### Providers [### Sercan Akyalcin ](/people/sercan-akyalcin) [Sercan\_Akyalcin@hsdm.harvard.edu](mailto:Sercan_Akyalcin@hsdm.harvard.edu)Head of Orthodontics Member of the Faculty of Developmental Biology ![Sercan Akyalcin](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2024-11/Sercan%20Akyalcin%20headshot.jpeg?h=8769433a&itok=bhAbpd5j) [### Andre Weissheimer ](/people/andre-weissheimer) [Andre\_Weissheimer@hsdm.harvard.edu](mailto:Andre_Weissheimer@hsdm.harvard.edu)Clinic Director of Orthodontics Assistant Professor of Developmental Biology ![Andre Weissheimer](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-01/SFX07071.jpg?h=3f5109cd&itok=uLL2hUbo)