Your Trusted Orthodontist in Opelika, AL
Thorough Orthodontic Care in Opelika, AL
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Your general dentist handles cleanings, fillings, and overall oral health. An orthodontist like Dr. Thames, on the other hand, completes years of additional training specifically in tooth movement and bite correction. That specialized expertise makes all the difference when you're investing in a straighter, healthier smile.
The right orthodontist serving Opelika, AL treats you like family and delivers results you can count on. Dr. Allyn Thames III, D.M.D., M.S., brings board-certified expertise and two decades of patient-first care to every smile he creates at Thames Orthodontics, P.C., serving Auburn & opelika. Based in Auburn, AL, our practice is just minutes from Opelika and serves families throughout Lee County.
Thames Orthodontics offers treatment options to fit your lifestyle and goals. Metal braces remain a reliable, time-tested choice for patients of all ages. Clear braces use ceramic brackets that blend with your natural tooth color for a more subtle look. Clear aligners provide a removable, nearly invisible option for teens and adults who want flexibility during treatment.
Thinking about treatment for your seven-year-old, your teen, or yourself? Dr. Thames and our team are here to help. If you've been searching for an Opelika orthodontist or orthodontic care near Auburn, our practice proudly serves families throughout Opelika, Auburn, and the surrounding Lee County communities.
Benefits of Choosing an Orthodontist in Opelika, AL
Choosing an orthodontist serving Opelika, AL offers benefits that go well beyond a straighter smile. These include improved oral health, reduced risk of cavities and gum disease, relief from jaw discomfort, and greater confidence, all with the convenience of local care from a board-certified orthodontist.
Key benefits of orthodontic treatment:
- Brush and floss more effectively with properly aligned teeth
- Lower your risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Find relief from jaw discomfort and bite-related issues
- Show off a smile you're proud of
- Feel more confident in personal and professional settings (patients tell us this one matters most)
- Get personalized care from a board-certified orthodontist who knows your name
Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, which means fewer cavities and healthier gums over time. When teeth overlap or crowd together, food particles and bacteria get trapped in hard-to-reach spaces. Orthodontic treatment opens up those areas and makes your daily oral hygiene routine more effective.
Bite alignment plays a bigger role than most people realize. A properly aligned bite takes pressure off your jaw joints and muscles. Many patients who struggle with jaw discomfort, headaches, or difficulty chewing find relief after orthodontic treatment corrects their bite. Your teeth are designed to work together in a specific way, and when they do, everything functions more smoothly.
Confidence is the benefit patients mention most. A smile you're proud to show off can change how you carry yourself in job interviews, social situations, and everyday conversations. Kids and teens especially benefit from the self-esteem boost that comes with a healthy, attractive smile.
Every plan at Thames Orthodontics is built around your unique needs. Dr. Thames takes time to understand your concerns, evaluate your bite, and recommend the approach that will work best for you. No cookie-cutter solutions here.
Choosing a local orthodontist serving Opelika also means convenience. You won't need to drive to Columbus, GA or Montgomery for visits. Regular visits fit easily into your schedule, and you'll see familiar faces every time you walk through our doors.
What to Expect: The Orthodontic Treatment Process
The orthodontic treatment process at Thames Orthodontics in Opelika typically involves five steps: an initial free consultation, a personalized treatment plan, appliance placement, regular progress visits, and a retention phase. Most patients complete treatment in 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of their case.
Getting started is simpler than you might think. Here's what to expect:
Step 1: Free Initial Consultation
No pressure. No commitment. Your first visit is all about getting to know you and your smile. Dr. Thames will perform a thorough exam, take digital images of your teeth and jaw, and discuss any concerns you have. This free consultation visit is completely free.
Step 2: Your Personalized Treatment Plan
After evaluating your needs, Dr. Thames will create a plan built around your goals. You'll learn which treatment option is best for your situation, how long treatment will take, and what the investment looks like. Our team will also review payment options and help maximize any insurance benefits you have.
Step 3: Appliance Placement or Aligner Fitting
Ready to get moving? We'll schedule your placement visit at our Auburn practice, conveniently located near Opelika. For braces, Dr. Thames will carefully bond brackets to your teeth and thread the archwire through. Most people are surprised by how quick it is. For clear aligner patients, you'll receive your first sets of custom trays along with instructions for wearing them.
Step 4: Regular Progress Visits
You'll come in for periodic checkups throughout treatment. These visits allow Dr. Thames at Thames Orthodontics to monitor your progress, make adjustments, and confirm everything is moving according to plan. Most patients visit every four to eight weeks.
Step 5: Retention Phase
Almost done. Your teeth have reached their final positions, and you'll receive retainers to wear as directed, keeping your teeth from drifting back to old positions. This phase is what protects your beautiful new smile for years to come. The Thames Orthodontics team will walk you through exactly how and when to wear your retainers so there's no guesswork.
Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Children as young as seven, teenagers, and adults of all ages can be good candidates for orthodontic treatment at Thames Orthodontics, P.C. in Auburn, serving the Opelika area. Common reasons to seek care include crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. A free consultation is the best way to determine whether treatment is right for you or your child.
Children (Age 7 and Up)
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Dr. Thames uses early orthodontic evaluations to spot developing issues with jaw growth and tooth alignment at this age. Early intervention doesn't always mean braces right away. Sometimes it means monitoring growth patterns and stepping in at the ideal time. Parents often feel relieved knowing someone is keeping an eye on things.
Teenagers
Prime time for orthodontics. Permanent teeth are in place, jaw growth is still happening, and tooth movement tends to be more predictable. At Thames Orthodontics, teens can choose from metal braces, clear braces, or clear aligners depending on their needs and preferences. Most of our teen patients adjust faster than they expected, and many tell us they wish they'd started sooner.
Adults
"I missed my window." We hear this all the time, and it's simply not true. More adults than ever are straightening their smiles, whether they skipped braces as a kid or their teeth have shifted over time. Clear aligners and clear braces offer discreet options that fit into professional and social life without drawing unwanted attention. It's never too late to get the smile you've always wanted.
Common issues orthodontic treatment can correct:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite (upper teeth protrude over lower teeth)
- Underbite (lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth)
- Crossbite (upper and lower teeth don't align properly)
- Open bite (teeth don't meet when mouth is closed)
Not sure if orthodontic treatment is right for you or your child? A free consultation at Thames Orthodontics in Auburn, serving the Opelika area, is the best way to find out. Dr. Thames will evaluate your situation and recommend the most effective approach.
Why Opelika Families Trust Thames Orthodontics
Choosing an orthodontist is a big decision. You want someone with the right credentials, the right expertise, and the right approach to patient care. Here's why families throughout Opelika and Auburn choose Thames Orthodontics:
Board-Certified Expertise
Dr. Allyn Thames III is a board-certified orthodontist, a distinction that not all practicing orthodontists pursue. This certification from the American Board of Orthodontics demonstrates mastery of orthodontic knowledge and ongoing dedication to the highest standards of care. Dr. Thames is also a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, and the Southern Association of Orthodontists.
Technology That Makes a Difference
Digital imaging and advanced bracket systems at our Auburn practice, serving Opelika families, deliver precise and efficient care. Digital scanning means fewer messy impressions. Updated bracket designs mean fewer visits and more comfortable adjustments. We invest in tools that make your treatment shorter and more predictable.
Patient-First Philosophy
From the moment you walk through our doors, you'll notice the difference. We treat everyone like family. You're greeted by name and with a smile. Dr. Thames takes time to explain your options, answer your questions, and make sure you feel confident about your plan. That's what patient-first care looks like in practice.
Flexible Payment Options
Financial concerns shouldn't stand between you and a healthy smile. The team works with you to create payment plans that fit your budget, and we'll help you understand and maximize any orthodontic benefits your insurance provides. Accessible care that fits your family's budget matters to us, and we work hard to make it happen.
Proven Results
The before-and-after gallery showcases the smiles we've helped patients achieve. From complex bite corrections to simple alignment improvements, the results speak for themselves. Your smile is in expert hands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics in Opelika, AL
How much do braces cost in Opelika, AL?
Costs vary based on case complexity and treatment type. Schedule a free consultation at Thames Orthodontics for a clear breakdown of costs, payment plans, and insurance coverage.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most treatments take between 12 and 24 months, though timelines vary. During your consultation, Dr. Thames will give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation. Severity of misalignment, age, and how well you follow care instructions all play a role.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
Yes, for many patients clear aligners deliver results comparable to metal braces. They work particularly well for mild to moderate crowding, spacing issues, and certain bite concerns. Some complex cases may benefit more from braces, so Dr. Thames will help you find the right fit for your smile during your free consultation.
Does Thames Orthodontics offer payment plans?
Yes. We offer flexible financing options to make orthodontic care accessible for every family. The team will work with you to create a plan that fits your budget and coordinate with your insurance provider.
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends age seven for a first evaluation. This doesn't mean treatment starts right away. Early evaluation allows Dr. Thames to monitor development and recommend treatment at the right time.
What's the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
All orthodontists are dentists, but orthodontists complete an additional two to three years of specialized training in tooth movement and jaw alignment after dental school. This advanced education makes orthodontists like Dr. Thames uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat complex alignment issues.
Schedule Your Free Orthodontic Consultation in Opelika Today
Your smile is in expert hands at Thames Orthodontics, P.C. Dr. Allyn Thames III, a board-certified orthodontist, and our team are ready to help you or your child achieve the healthy, confident smile you deserve. Whether you're coming from Auburn, Opelika, or anywhere in Lee County, our doors are open.
Ready to get started? Call us at 334-501-7000 or visit our website to request your free consultation online. We proudly serve patients from Opelika, Auburn, and communities throughout Lee County.
At Thames Orthodontics, we're building healthy smiles for confident tomorrows right here in Auburn and Opelika. We'd love to meet you and your family.