Looking for braces in Glendale, WI? Our office is in Mequon, not Glendale. It is a straight run north on Port Washington Road, about ten minutes for most Glendale families, and we see North Shore patients every week.
Kittleson Orthodontics has cared for families in this area for more than 60 years. We fit metal braces and clear braces for kiddos, teens and adults, and we build every plan around the smile in front of us rather than a template.
Types of Braces We Offer
Not every smile needs the same approach. Here is what we fit at our Mequon office.
Metal Braces
The classic choice, and still the most versatile. Metal braces are durable, more comfortable than the ones you may remember, and they handle the widest range of alignment and bite corrections. Kiddos and teens usually enjoy picking new elastic colors at each visit.
Clear Braces
Want something more discreet? Clear braces use tooth-colored brackets that blend with your natural enamel. They move teeth the same way metal brackets do, just with a lower profile. Popular with older teens and adults.
If brackets are not for you at all, clear aligners are a removable alternative that works for many mild to moderate cases. Dr. Kittleson will talk you through which fits your situation at your first visit.
Living With Braces Day to Day
Most families want to know what changes once the brackets go on. Honestly, less than you would expect.
Eating. Soft foods for the first few days while your teeth settle. After that, most things are back on the menu. The list to avoid is short and specific. Hard candy, ice, popcorn kernels, whole nuts, and anything sticky enough to pull a bracket loose. Corn on the cob and apples are fine cut up.
Sports and band. Braces are not a reason to sit anything out. Football, hockey and lacrosse players wear an orthodontic mouthguard over the brackets. Brass and woodwind players usually need a week or two to adjust their embouchure, and then it stops being something they think about.
Cleaning. This is the part that matters most. Brushing takes a bit longer and flossing needs a threader or a water flosser. Families who stay on top of it finish with clean, healthy teeth. Families who do not can end up with marks on the enamel where the brackets were, and those do not come off.
Soreness. Expect a few days of tenderness after placement and a day or so after each adjustment. Soft food and over-the-counter relief handle it.
Braces for Kiddos, Teens and Adults
We provide orthodontic care for all ages, and braces look different at each stage.
Kiddos. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic visit around age 7. Early treatment can guide jaw growth and create room for adult teeth, which often makes later treatment simpler. Plenty of kiddos come in at seven and do not need anything yet, and that is a good outcome too.
Teens. Still the most common time for braces. We know how full the calendar gets at Nicolet High School and across the Glendale-River Hills district, so we hold after-school and evening slots and schedule around sports seasons where we can.
Adults. It is never too late. Many adults choose clear braces for something subtler at work. Some come to us years after a first round of braces because the retainer stopped getting worn.
What the Braces Process Looks Like
- Free consult and digital scans. We examine your smile, talk through your goals, and use 3D imaging instead of goopy impressions. Our new patient page covers what to bring.
- Personalized care plan. Dr. Kittleson maps out your treatment and gives you a realistic timeline.
- Placement visit. Brackets and wires go on at an unhurried appointment. Plan on a couple of hours.
- Regular check-ins. Every four to eight weeks for adjustments, usually well under thirty minutes.
- Retainers. Once the braces come off, a retainer holds everything in place. We give you clear retainer instructions so the results last.
Most treatment runs about 12 to 24 months, though every smile moves at its own pace.
Why Glendale Families Choose Us for Braces
- Board-certified expertise. Dr. John Kittleson is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics with over 25 years of experience, and a former president of the Wisconsin Society of Orthodontists.
- A teacher who treats you. Dr. John has taught at Marquette University for more than 20 years, which keeps him current on how the field is actually changing.
- One office, one team. We do not rotate doctors between locations. The same people know your name and your file every visit.
- An easy drive. Straight up Port Washington Road or I-43 from anywhere in Glendale.
- Flexible weekday hours built around school and work schedules.
We also see families from Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Bayside, River Hills and Brown Deer, all on the same short stretch of the North Shore.
Insurance and Payment
We accept most major dental and orthodontic plans. Our team verifies your benefits, handles the paperwork and helps you get the most from your coverage. If you are not sure what your plan includes, call us and we will walk you through it. Our financing and insurance page has more detail.
Visit Our Office
Kittleson Orthodontics
10521 North Port Washington Road, Suite 100
Mequon, WI 53092
Phone: 262-241-3141
Office Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Friday through Sunday: Closed
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have an office in Glendale, WI?
No. Our office is in Mequon, a straight run north on Port Washington Road from Glendale. We see North Shore families every week and schedule around school and work hours so the drive stays easy. No referral is needed to book.
How long does braces treatment take?
Most treatment takes 12 to 24 months, though timing depends on your goals and how much movement your case needs. Dr. Kittleson will give you a realistic timeline at your first visit.
What is the difference between braces and clear aligners?
Braces use brackets and wires bonded to your teeth for steady, continuous movement. Clear aligners are removable trays you switch out every week or two. Both produce good results, and the right choice depends on your case and your lifestyle.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit around age 7. Early evaluation helps us spot growth patterns and plan ahead if anything needs attention.
Do braces hurt?
You may notice mild soreness for a few days after placement and for a day or so after each adjustment. It is temporary and usually manageable with soft foods and over-the-counter relief.
Schedule Your Free Braces Consult
Ready to start? Your free consult is a relaxed visit with no pressure. You will meet Dr. Kittleson, see the office and get honest answers about your options. Book your free consult online or call 262-241-3141. We can't wait to see you smile.