What Does an Orthodontist in Glendale Do?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who corrects tooth and jaw alignment with metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and retainers. After dental school, orthodontists complete two to three years of accredited residency focused only on tooth movement, bite correction, and facial growth. Dr. Christopher Teeters is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, and Glendale families are welcome at our nearby Peoria office.
Every dentist studies teeth. Only a small group goes back for specialty residency to study how teeth and jaws move.
That extra training matters when your case involves growth, bite mechanics, or a plan that has to hold up for decades. Dr. Teeters is also a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and a certified Invisalign Provider.
Issues an orthodontist corrects:
- Crowding and overlapping teeth
- Gaps and spacing between teeth
- Overbite (upper teeth cover the lower teeth too far)
- Underbite (lower teeth sit ahead of the upper teeth)
- Crossbite (teeth close on the wrong side of each other)
- Open bite (front teeth don't touch when you bite down)
- Jaw alignment concerns that may require orthognathic surgery with a trusted oral surgeon
At Teeters Orthodontics, we provide orthodontics for all ages. Second graders, high school seniors, and grandparents all sit in the same chairs, and families frequently start treatment together. Dr. Teeters and Team Teeters build each plan around your bite, your schedule, and your goals.
Why Glendale Families Choose Teeters Orthodontics
Glendale families drive a few short minutes up the road for care that feels personal from the first hello. We take your smile seriously, and we make the process genuinely enjoyable while we're at it.
What you get with Teeters Orthodontics:
- Every option under one roof. Invisalign clear aligners, traditional metal braces, and clear ceramic braces, so your treatment fits your life instead of the other way around.
- A free consult with no obligation. Come in for a full exam, digital scans, and answers. Short on time? Ask about our virtual consultation option.
- Plans built by age and stage. Phase 1 treatment for growing kids, full treatment for teens, and discreet options for adults who'd rather nobody notice.
- Emergency care when something breaks. Loose bracket, poking wire, cracked aligner tray, we'll get you in and get you comfortable.
- A warm welcome every visit. Our emotional support goldendoodles, Ginger and Coco, greet patients at the door. A calm, happy office sets the tone for a better appointment.
Our Peoria office sits at 7505 West Deer Valley Road, close enough for Glendale families to fit an appointment between school pickup and dinner. We're a Peoria practice by address and a Glendale practice by neighborhood, serving patients across Peoria, Glendale, and the surrounding west valley.
Teeters Orthodontics has cared for west valley families since 1978. That's 47 years of siblings, cousins, and now the kids of former patients walking through the same door. A legacy of excellence isn't a slogan here. It's a schedule full of people who came back.
Your Orthodontic Treatment Process, Step by Step
Orthodontic treatment follows five steps: a free consultation with digital scans and photos, a custom plan with pricing, placement of metal braces or delivery of your Invisalign clear aligners, progress visits every four to eight weeks, and retainers at the finish. Most cases at Teeters Orthodontics take 6 to 24 months.
Here's what each step looks like.
1. Your free consultation
You'll meet Dr. Teeters, get a full exam, and we'll capture digital scans, digital photos, and digital X-rays. No messy trays, no gagging. The scan takes minutes and gives us a precise 3D model of your bite.
2. Your custom treatment plan
Dr. Teeters walks you through what's happening in your mouth, which options will work, how long each takes, and exactly what it costs. You'll also hear about insurance and in-house 0% financing before you leave. No surprises later.
3. Getting started
Bonding metal braces or clear braces typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. Invisalign clear aligner deliveries run shorter, usually around 30 to 45 minutes, including a walkthrough on wear time and cleaning.
4. Progress visits
Plan on stopping by every four to eight weeks. Adjustment appointments are quick, and we'll always tell you how far along you are and what's next. Have a game, a trip, or finals week? Tell us, and we'll work around it.
5. Retainers and long-term retention
Retainers are what keep your smile looking the way it did the day your braces came off. Teeth like to drift back toward where they started. Dr. Teeters will explain your wear schedule and check your fit at follow-ups.
Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Almost anyone with healthy teeth and gums is a candidate for orthodontic treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age 7, and there's no upper age limit. Plenty of people straighten their teeth long after their teen years. Teeth respond to gentle, steady pressure at any age when the supporting bone and gums are healthy.
Kids (ages 7 to 10)
Around age seven, a child's mouth has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. That's the ideal time for Dr. Teeters to check bite alignment, jaw development, and spacing. Most kids leave without braces. They join our 7 & up kids club and follow an observation schedule until the timing is right. Big changes start with small steps.
Teens (ages 11 to 16)
Permanent teeth are in and jaw growth is still working in our favor. It's the classic window for full treatment, and teens can choose metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign clear aligners.
Adults
You didn't miss your chance. Adults across Glendale straighten teeth for health reasons, wedding photos, or simply because they've wanted to for 20 years. Discreet options make it easy.
Signs it's time to see an orthodontist:
- Crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth
- Teeth that don't meet correctly when you bite
- Jaw clicking, soreness, or tension
- Chronic mouth breathing or trouble chewing
- Thumb sucking past age five
- Baby teeth lost very early or very late
Comparing Your Options
| Invisalign Clear Aligners | Metal Braces | Clear Braces | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Nearly invisible | Visible brackets | Blends with tooth color |
| Best for | Adults, responsible teens | All ages, complex cases | Adults and teens wanting a subtle look |
| Removable | Yes, for meals and brushing | No | No |
| Food restrictions | None | Some (hard, sticky foods) | Some (hard, sticky foods) |
| Daily commitment | 20 to 22 hours of wear | Nothing to remember | Nothing to remember |
One requirement applies to everyone: healthy gums and cavity-free teeth before we start. If you need dental work first, we'll coordinate with your general dentist and get you back on track.
Experienced, Specialty-Trained Orthodontic Care
Your treatment plan should come from a specialist, not a side service. Glendale families searching for an orthodontist deserve to know exactly who is designing their care. At Teeters Orthodontics, Dr. Teeters personally designs and oversees every plan.
What sets his training apart:
- Board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a voluntary credential that requires case review by a panel of peers
- Summa Cum Laude graduate, finishing at the top of his class
- Active AAO member and certified Invisalign Provider
- Ongoing continuing education in aligner therapy and modern bracket systems, so techniques stay current
- Founder of an orthodontic study group for practicing orthodontists
Colleagues call him the doctor's doctor for a reason. When orthodontists want to sharpen their own skills, they learn from him.
If you're comparing braces in Glendale or researching Invisalign in Glendale, know that every consult, every plan, and every adjustment here runs through a board certified specialist rather than a rotating list of providers.
Technology backs the training. Digital scans, digital photos, and digital X-rays give Dr. Teeters precise data before a single bracket goes on, and they make appointments faster and more comfortable for you.
Pricing stays transparent, too. You'll get a full cost breakdown at your free consult, along with insurance guidance and in-house 0% financing options. Most insurance plans accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontists in Glendale
How much do braces or Invisalign cost in Glendale?
Cost depends on case complexity, treatment length, and the option you choose. Simple alignment cases cost less than full bite correction. At your free consult, Dr. Teeters gives you an exact quote in writing, plus your insurance estimate and in-house 0% financing options. You'll never get a vague number and a handshake.
Where can I find an orthodontist near me in Glendale?
Teeters Orthodontics is a short drive from most Glendale neighborhoods. Our Peoria office at 7505 West Deer Valley Road, Suite 120, is an easy trip for Glendale families and serves patients throughout the west valley. A "near me" search will hand you plenty of names, so compare the things that matter: board certification, specialty residency training, the treatment options offered, and whether the first visit costs you anything. Call (623) 572-8855 and we'll help you figure out the drive from your address.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
No referral required. You can book directly with Teeters Orthodontics, and many Glendale families do. That said, plenty of our patients arrive because their general dentist or pediatric dentist sent them, and we're happy to coordinate with your dental team throughout treatment.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most patients finish in 6 to 24 months. Minor crowding or spacing can wrap up in under a year, while significant bite correction takes longer. Phase 1 treatment for younger kids typically runs shorter, followed by an observation schedule. Dr. Teeters gives you a realistic timeline at your free consultation, not a guess.
Is the free consultation really free, and what happens at it?
It's genuinely free with no obligation. You'll get a full exam, digital scans, digital photos, and digital X-rays, followed by a conversation with Dr. Teeters about what he sees and what your options are. You'll leave knowing your recommended treatment, timeline, and cost. Whether you start with us is entirely up to you.
Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Many dental plans include orthodontic benefits, often with a lifetime maximum for each covered person. We accept most insurance plans and our team will verify your benefits and explain what's covered before treatment begins. Anything insurance doesn't cover can be spread out through in-house 0% financing.
What should I do if a bracket breaks or an aligner cracks?
Call our Peoria office at (623) 572-8855 and we'll get you scheduled. Most orthodontic issues don't need same-day attention, but they shouldn't wait weeks either. If a wire is poking, cover the end with orthodontic wax until your visit. Dr. Teeters has also recorded video guidance for common at-home fixes.
Schedule Your Free Consultation in Glendale
Ready to see what's possible? Book your free consult with Dr. Teeters and get real answers, a clear timeline, and an exact price. No pressure, no obligation, no sales pitch.
Prefer to start from your couch? Our virtual consultation option works well for busy Glendale schedules.
Our Peoria office at 7505 West Deer Valley Road, Suite 120, welcomes patients from Peoria, Glendale, and the surrounding west valley. Same-week appointments are often available, and current patients dealing with a broken bracket or cracked tray can call for prompt emergency care.
Bring your insurance card and your questions about financing. We'll handle the rest.
Get ready to love your smile. Call (623) 572-8855 or book online at teetersorthodontics.com/free-consult.
LET'S DO THIS.