Our Treatments

All Ages

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7, allowing Dr. Mike Kierl to identify potential issues early and determine the best timing for treatment. Early evaluation can guide the growth of the jaw and erupting teeth, preserve space for permanent teeth, correct habits like thumb-sucking, and prevent more severe problems later on. Early treatment can simplify or even reduce future orthodontic work.

Orthodontic treatment is most commonly recommended between ages 11 and 15, when most permanent teeth have erupted, and issues like crowding, gaps, or bite problems can be easily addressed. Teens' high metabolisms can help shorten treatment time and reduce discomfort. Dr. Mike Kierl connects easily with teen patients and strives to make the process smooth, stress-free, and supportive of good oral health habits. During a complimentary initial consultation, we’ll determine the best timing for treatment and outline a personalized plan, including the expected duration and cost.

About one in five patients is an adult, and it’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Adults pursue treatment to correct previous issues, address relapse, improve oral hygiene, close gaps, align teeth for a more aesthetic smile, or even prepare for jaw surgery. Modern appliances and techniques make treatment more comfortable, efficient, and effective. . Treatment costs depend on the complexity, appliances used, and duration of treatment, but adults of all ages, including those in their 50s, 60s and 70s (even 80s!), have successfully benefited from orthodontic care with Dr. Mike Kierl.

Hybrid Treatment

Hybrid treatment combines a short period of traditional braces with a follow-up period of clear aligners to efficiently achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. Patients typically wear metal or ceramic braces for a few months, allowing the more significant tooth movements to occur, and then transition to clear aligners for the remainder of treatment, which allows teeth to move more easily and comfortably. This approach significantly reduces the overall time spent in traditional braces while still achieving excellent results.

Not every patient is a candidate for “invisible” orthodontic options, so the best way to determine if hybrid treatment is right for you is to contact Michael Kierl Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation today.

Clear Aligners

Sometimes, the appearance of wearing braces can leave patients of any age feeling apprehensive. That’s why Dr. Michael Kierl offers clear aligners (sometimes called “invisible braces”) that discreetly and effectively treat orthodontic issues. No one will know you’re wearing them, unless you tell them!

Dr. Mike Kierl is able to treat his patients with clear, customized aligners, designed by Dr. Mike himself and made right in the office! He does not delegate this task to large outside companies. These aligners are discreet, lightweight, and can be removed when you eat, drink, brush, and floss your teeth, or for special occasions. With Dr. Kierl’s customized clear aligners, there’s no need to modify your diet and lifestyle. These aligners move your teeth into their corrected position over time, while their smooth contours ensure nothing pokes you or loosens during the treatment.

Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces used today. They are smaller and more comfortable than ever before and constructed of high-grade space-age metal alloys. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile

Ceramic braces are made from clear materials, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces, an ideal choice for teens and adults concerned about aesthetics. While they blend in beautifully, ceramic braces do require extra attention to oral hygiene, as they are slightly larger than metal brackets. The main considerations are that ceramic brackets are more fragile, and the elastic ties can stain between visits if exposed to certain foods or smoking.

Lingual braces are a discreet option for patients who want an invisible appliance but are not candidates for clear aligners. Placed behind the upper teeth, these braces are fully customized to fit the unique shape and alignment needs of each smile using advanced orthodontic technology. Dr. Mike Kierl designs a personalized treatment plan for every patient to ensure precise, efficient tooth movement and reliable results. With lingual braces, you can achieve effective orthodontic correction while keeping your smile virtually hidden throughout treatment.

Retainers

After braces or other orthodontic appliances are removed, retainers are used to stabilize the teeth while the surrounding bone and soft tissues adjust. It’s essential to wear retainers as instructed to prevent unwanted tooth movement, which could require re-treatment. Typically, patients wear retainers full-time for the first month, then at intervals determined by Dr. Mike Kierl. Over time, many patients only need to wear them a few evenings per week, though the schedule varies depending on individual needs.

Retainers require proper care to last. Keep them in their case when not in use, avoid excessive heat, and clean them gently with a toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner. Fixed (bonded) retainers are designed to stay in place indefinitely, with regular monitoring by your dentist to ensure oral health. Removable retainers may need periodic replacement if lost, damaged, or worn out. With proper wear and care, retainers help maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for a lifetime.

Technology

Our in-office 3D scanner captures precise images of your teeth and bite in minutes, eliminating messy impressions. It’s fun to watch your mouth being built in real time on the screen! This technology allows for faster, more accurate treatment planning and gives you a clear visual of your future smile.

With our in-house 3D printer, we design and print custom clear aligners right in the office. This allows us to scan, print, and insert your appliances, reducing the number of appointments, speeding up treatment, and ensuring a precise, seamless experience for every patient.

Digital X-rays provide detailed, high-resolution images of your teeth, jaws, and bite while exposing you to significantly less radiation than traditional X-rays. They allow Dr. Kierl to quickly and accurately diagnose issues, monitor progress, and plan treatment with precision, ensuring you receive the most effective and safe care possible.