Brandon Orthodontics at Moffett & Walley Orthodontics: Braces & Invisalign for Every Age
What Is Orthodontic Care?
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that diagnoses and corrects misaligned teeth and bites. Treatment options include metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligners that guide teeth into healthier positions. Orthodontists complete dental school plus a two to three year residency focused entirely on tooth movement and jaw growth.
The issues we correct show up in nearly every family:
- Crowding, where teeth overlap because there isn't enough room in the arch
- Gaps and spacing between teeth
- Overbite, when upper front teeth extend too far past the lower teeth
- Underbite, when lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth
- Crossbite, where upper and lower teeth bite on the wrong side of each other
- Open bite, when front teeth don't touch at all when the back teeth close
Specialty training matters here. Dr. Moffett spent 11 years in training (four years of college, four years of dental school, and three years of orthodontics residency), and he is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Only a small fraction of dental school graduates go on to complete an orthodontic residency.
Moffett & Walley Orthodontics treats patients of all ages at our Brandon orthodontic office and throughout the surrounding Jackson metro communities, from second graders getting their first evaluation to adults finally deciding it's their turn.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Straight teeth do more than photograph well. Alignment changes how you clean your teeth, how your bite wears over time, and how you feel walking into a room.
Easier daily cleaning
When teeth overlap, floss and bristles can't reach the surfaces that need attention most. Aligned teeth are simpler to brush and floss, which lowers the risk of gum disease and decay.
Less wear on your enamel
A bite that meets evenly spreads chewing forces across many teeth. When it doesn't, a few teeth absorb the load, which leads to uneven enamel wear, chipping, and strain on the jaw joints and muscles.
Better function
Patients often notice that chewing feels more efficient after treatment, and some see clearer speech once crowding or an open bite is corrected. Teeth that fit together well also tend to stay put for the long haul.
A confidence boost
Teens stop covering their mouths in photos. Adults speak up more in meetings. Straighter teeth can boost your confidence and improve your oral health, and patients of all ages tell us that difference shows up in ordinary, everyday moments.
Simpler treatment later for children
Early treatment can intercept more serious issues before they take hold, and it often makes treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. Guiding jaw growth while a child is still growing also reduces the need for extractions down the road.
Every smile is unique, so the benefits look a little different for each person. That's exactly what your free consultation is for.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works: Step by Step
Orthodontic treatment follows five steps: a free consult and exam, digital scans used to build your customized treatment plan, placement of braces or delivery of your first aligners, adjustment visits every four to eight weeks, and a retainer once your teeth reach their final positions. Most treatment runs 6 to 30 months.
Step 1: Your Free Consultation
You'll meet Dr. Moffett, get a clinical exam, and talk through what bothers you about your smile. We take photos and X-rays, explain what we see in plain language, and review your treatment options along with cost and timing. There's no obligation and no referral required.
Step 2: Digital Scans and Records
Instead of a mouthful of putty, we often use our iTero Element digital scanner to capture each tooth and the layout of your gums. The scan takes about 10 to 15 minutes and produces an extremely accurate 3D view of your mouth. Those records become the blueprint for your customized treatment plan.
Step 3: Placing Braces or Delivering Aligners
Braces day usually runs about an hour. We clean and prepare each tooth, bond the brackets, and thread the archwire. Aligner patients receive their first sets, learn the 20 to 22 hour daily wear schedule, and practice inserting and removing the trays before leaving.
Step 4: Adjustment Visits
You'll return every four to eight weeks. We change wires, add elastics, check tracking on aligners, and confirm teeth are moving the way the plan predicted. Through a process called remodeling, bends in the wire encourage specific and precise tooth movements.
Step 5: Retainers
Teeth remember where they came from. Once active treatment ends, a retainer holds your results while the bone and ligaments around each tooth stabilize. Wear it as directed and your smile goals stay intact for decades.
Complexity drives the timeline. Minor crowding may finish in under a year, while significant bite correction or growth guidance takes longer.
Who Is a Candidate for Braces or Invisalign?
Almost anyone with healthy teeth and gums is a candidate for orthodontic treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age 7, teens do well once most permanent teeth have erupted, and adults face no age limit at all. Active cavities or gum inflammation are treated by your general dentist first.
Children (ages 7 to 10)
Orthodontic issues usually become apparent around age seven, when the permanent teeth have started to come in. Early visits let us monitor growth and get a head start on a beautiful smile.
Teens (ages 11 to 16)
This is the classic window. Permanent teeth are in, jaws are still growing, and teeth respond quickly.
Adults
A growing share of orthodontic patients nationally are adults, and that shift shows up in our own treatment chairs every week. Clear braces and Invisalign clear aligners fit professional life well, and many adults tell us their only regret is not starting sooner. It's never too late for a confident smile.
Braces vs. Invisalign Clear Aligners
| Consideration | Metal or Clear Braces | Invisalign Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Visible; clear braces blend with tooth color | Nearly invisible |
| Removable | Fixed until treatment ends | Removable for meals and cleaning |
| Best for | Complex bites, rotations, significant crowding | Mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and bite issues |
| Daily responsibility | Careful brushing and food choices | 20 to 22 hours of wear per day |
| Cleaning your teeth | Requires extra tools and time | Brush and floss normally |
Lifestyle, case complexity, and how consistently you'll wear aligners all factor in. Dr. Moffett will walk you through the trade-offs at your free consultation and tell you honestly which option gets you to your smile goals with the best possible result.
Why Brandon Families Choose Moffett & Walley Orthodontics
We only do orthodontics. That single focus shapes everything from how we plan cases to how we schedule your visits.
- Specialist-level credentials. Dr. Jared Moffett, D.M.D., M.S., is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Graham Garvey also treats patients of all ages at Moffett & Walley Orthodontics, and together the doctors see every patient personally.
- A free consultation, with no strings. You'll leave knowing your options and your investment before committing to anything.
- Every option under one roof. Metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and retainers, all planned by the same team.
- Flexible payment plans. We build payment schedules around family budgets and coordinate your orthodontic insurance benefits for you.
- Family-friendly scheduling. Siblings and parents can be treated at the same office, often on the same afternoon.
- A long local history. The practice carries forward the work Dr. Kenneth Walley, D.D.S., M.S., began before his retirement.
Brandon families are welcome at our Brandon office or either of our nearby Clinton and Madison locations, and our team keeps visits efficient so you're not spending your whole afternoon with us. Read our reviews, look through the before and after photos, and see the difference for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics in Brandon
How much do braces cost in Brandon?
Cost depends on the treatment option you choose, how long your teeth need to move, and how complex your bite correction is. At your free consultation, we give you the exact figure for your case, apply any orthodontic insurance benefit, and set up a monthly payment plan that fits your budget. Nothing is estimated after the fact.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most patients finish somewhere between 6 and 30 months, with 18 to 24 months being typical for full treatment. Minor spacing or crowding can wrap up much faster. Wearing your elastics and aligners as directed is the single biggest factor in finishing on schedule.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. By then, enough permanent teeth have come in for us to spot crossbites, crowding, and jaw growth concerns. An early visit doesn't always mean early treatment; often we simply monitor growth and start at the ideal moment.
Is Invisalign as effective as braces?
For most mild to moderate cases, yes. Invisalign clear aligners are made of clear, lightweight plastic that fits over your teeth, and the soft, flexible material won't irritate the soft tissues of your mouth the way wires sometimes can. Very complex rotations or significant bite corrections may still respond better to braces, which is why we evaluate each case individually.
Do braces hurt?
Expect mild soreness for about three to five days after placement and for a day or so after adjustments. Over-the-counter relief and soft foods handle it easily. Modern metal braces are lighter, smaller, and more comfortable than the bulky versions people remember from years ago.
Does insurance cover orthodontics?
Many dental plans include a lifetime orthodontic benefit that covers a portion of treatment, sometimes with an age limit for dependents. Our team verifies your coverage before you commit and files the claims on your behalf. Any remaining balance can be spread across monthly payments.
Schedule Your Free Brandon Orthodontic Consultation
There's no better time to start your smile transformation. Booking with Moffett & Walley Orthodontics takes about two minutes.
- Call us at 601-922-3888
- Request your free consultation online
- Or come see us and walk through your treatment options in person
No referral is needed, and we can often get you in the same week. Our Brandon office at 2139 MS-471, our Clinton office at 489 Springridge Rd., and our Madison office all welcome patients of all ages from across the Jackson metro, so bring the whole family. Children, teens, and adults are all in good hands here.
Why wait to love your smile?
love. give. smile.