The moment your orthodontic consultation wraps up in Mequon, the guessing game is over: you finally see what the road to a better smile looks like! Patients at Kittleson Orthodontics meet Dr. John Kittleson and walk away with a clearer picture of how braces or aligners could fit into their everyday routines. Instead of leaving with uncertainty, families leave with confidence and a plan that feels within reach. First, let’s look at how diagnostic records are captured and used to create the foundation for your treatment plan.
Building the Blueprint
Every orthodontic treatment begins with a solid foundation, and that starts with records. Photos, digital X-rays, and scans with theiTero system capture a complete picture of your teeth without the mess of old-fashioned impressions. These details give Dr. John Kittleson the information needed to see every angle and predict how your smile will change over time.
It’s a bit like plotting your route before heading out on Lake Michigan: a precise map makes the trip smoother. Families in Mequon appreciate how quick and comfortable this step feels, leaving plenty of time for soccer practice at Rotary Park or grabbing coffee at Fiddleheads.
Once the blueprint is in place, the next step we’ll look at is exploring treatment options to see which path fits best with your goals and routines.
Picking Your Path
Once your records are ready, you’ll explore the treatment styles that match your needs. Here are the main options offered by Kittleson Orthodontics in Mequon:
- Metal Braces: Strong and reliable. With digital indirect bonding, brackets are placed using a virtual model so they’re more precise from the start.
- Clear Braces(Ceramic Braces): Less visible than metal, but still fixed. Great for people who want a more subtle look without giving up consistent tooth movement.
- Clear Aligners(Invisalign / SureSmile): Removable trays that gently shift teeth over time. They’re nearly invisible and often more convenient for meals and daily life.
- Palatal Expanders: Used especially in younger patients to widen the upper jaw, creating space and reducing the chance of needing extractions later.
Children, teens, and adults are all welcome! Dr. John Kittleson considers each person’s habits, goals, and daily life when recommending treatment.
Each of these options comes with trade-offs in visibility, comfort, and routine changes. Next, we’ll look at how long each treatment typically takes and what can shorten or lengthen the process.
Mapping the Timeline
Every orthodontic plan comes with its own clock, and knowing how long things might take can make the road ahead feel clearer. Braces and aligners both work steadily, but the pace depends on the complexity of the case and how closely the plan is followed.
Braces often run about 18–24 months, with steady progress thanks to fixed brackets and wires.
Clear aligners can take 12–18 months for many patients, with trays swapped every week or two. Consistency is what keeps the process moving.
Dr. John Kittleson, a board-certified orthodontist, uses detailed records and years of experience to set realistic expectations from the very beginning, so there are no surprises down the line. Families in Mequon appreciate knowing what to expect before committing, whether they’re juggling sports schedules at Homestead High or planning around busy commutes into Milwaukee.
With timing in mind, the next step is understanding how cost and payment options compare between braces and aligners.
Cost and Payment Options
Once the timeline is clear, the next question is often about cost. The good news is that braces and clear aligners usually fall within a similar range, and Kittleson Orthodontics makes both accessible for families across Mequon.
Insurance Benefits
Kittleson Orthodontics is a Delta Dental PPO provider and works with many insurance plans. The team helps patients understand coverage so they know exactly how their benefits apply.
Flexible Financing
Interest-free in-house financing is available, with payments spread out monthly. Options include credit cards, HSA/FSA accounts, and ACH withdrawals, making it simple to choose what works best for your budget.
Paid-in-Full Discount
For patients who prefer to handle everything up front, a discount is available for paying in full.
With finances sorted, the next step is seeing what daily life feels like once braces or aligners become part of your routine.
Life During Treatment
Starting orthodontic treatment means weaving a few new habits into your daily routine. Whether you choose braces or aligners, the adjustments are easy to manage once you know what to expect.
Eating and Snacking
- Braces: Skip sticky or hard foods like caramel corn at Concordia’s Kid Min Fall Fest or popcorn at a football game.
- Aligners: Remove trays to enjoy your favorites, from pizza to a quick coffee at Colectivo.
Oral Care
- Braces: Brushing and flossing take more time around brackets and wires.
- Aligners: Pop trays out for your regular brushing and flossing routine.
Activities
- Braces: Durable enough for soccer or basketball with a mouthguard.
- Aligners: Smooth trays feel comfortable for athletes and musicians alike.
After life with braces or aligners becomes second nature, the next step is planning for retainers to keep results steady once active treatment is done.
The Role of Retainers
When braces or aligners come off,retainers step in to hold your smile steady. They may be clear trays or fixed wires, depending on what fits best. Dr. John Kittleson explains how often to wear them and checks progress during follow-up visits so everything stays on track.
Patients around Mequon often wear retainers while studying at Concordia University, running errands, or while they sleep, knowing they’re protecting the progress already made. With the support of a board-certified orthodontist and a friendly team, you can feel confident that treatment won’t just finish strong; it will stay that way!
Orthodontic Choices Made Simple
Your orthodontic consultation in Mequon is just the beginning, and what comes after is a plan crafted with care and precision. Dr. John Kittleson and the Kittleson Orthodontics team bring board-certified expertise and a neighborly touch that local families trust. Braces or aligners, you’re never left guessing about the path ahead. Book your free consultation today and watch how your plan unfolds to confident results!