Orthodontics for All Ages in Walla Walla, La Grande, Yakima & Ellensburg
Orthodontic Care for Your Whole Family
Walla Walla Orthodontics, La Grande Orthodontics, and Christopher Orthodontics proudly provide expert orthodontic care to patients of all ages within our community.
Whether it’s a child just beginning their smile journey or an adult ready for a straighter, more confident smile, Dr. Christopher and Dr. Farjo offer personalized treatment options designed to fit every stage of life.
Orthodontics for Children
Healthy Habits for Growing Smiles
At Walla Walla Orthodontics, La Grande Orthodontics, and Christopher Orthodontics, we follow the American Association of Orthodontists’ recommendation that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven.
But don’t worry—this doesn’t mean your child will walk out with braces! This early visit is simply a check-in to see how their teeth and jaws are developing. During the exam, Dr. Christopher and Dr. Farjo will look for any early signs that your child could benefit from treatment down the road.
In most cases, we’ll just monitor their growth and development with occasional check-ins—no treatment is needed yet! By spotting potential issues early, we can guide your child’s smile in the right direction and step in only when it’s truly needed.
It’s a proactive way to set them up for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.
How Early Treatment Helps Growing Smiles
By age seven, your child’s mouth is already showing early signs of how their permanent teeth and jaw are developing. That’s why it’s the perfect time for our orthodontists to take a look and start planning for their healthiest, happiest smile.
Early check-ups give our team the chance to spot potential issues before they become more complicated. If treatment is needed, it often involves simpler, more affordable solutions—and can even help avoid more intensive care later on.
Building a Strong Foundation
After your child's first evaluation, the doctors may recommend early treatment, known as Phase 1, to address any developing orthodontic concerns. Phase 1 typically lasts 8 to 12 months and includes customized treatments to guide healthy jaw and facial growth.
Once Phase 1 is complete, your child will come in for regular check-ups so we can monitor their new teeth as they come in and decide if Phase 2 treatment will be needed.
Fine-tuning With Phase 2
Phase 2 treatment typically starts around ages 11 to 14 when most adult teeth have come in. If your child's smile needs a bit more adjustment, our orthodontists will develop a personalized plan to put the final touches on their smile.
Why Early Treatment Matters
If our orthodontists suggest early treatment, you may have questions — and that's normal! Early orthodontic care may sound like a big step, but rest assured, your child will be in expert hands.
Our family-friendly offices in Walla Walla, La Grande, Yakima, and Ellensburg are designed to make both kids and parents feel comfortable and relaxed. To help ease any concerns, we've outlined the main benefits of early orthodontic treatment.
Common Concerns Early Treatment Can Address
Wondering what types of issues might call for early treatment? Here are some common concerns that an initial orthodontic evaluation can help address:
Protruding Front Teeth
If your child sucked their thumb or pushed their tongue against their front teeth well into childhood, they may have front teeth that stick out. These teeth are more prone to injury or loss, and early treatment can help bring them into alignment.
Underbites & Overbites
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw juts out farther than the upper jaw, while an overbite is when the upper jaw extends over the lower jaw. Both can cause issues with chewing, speaking, and self-confidence. Early treatment can help balance these misalignments.
Crossbites
A crossbite, where the jaw shifts to one side, can lead to uneven jaw growth, gum issues, and wear on the teeth. Addressing this early can prevent long-term problems with alignment and symmetry.
Crowding or Overly Spaced Teeth
If your child's teeth appear crowded or too widely spaced, it may be due to early or late loss of baby teeth. Early orthodontic care can help guide proper spacing as permanent teeth come in.
Orthodontics for Teens
Building Confidence, One Smile at a Time
Giving your teen a sparkling new smile can be life-changing. That added confidence carries over into every part of their life, from school to friendships and beyond. At Walla Walla Orthodontics, La Grande Orthodontics, and Christopher Orthodontics, we take this responsibility seriously.
We create personalized treatment plans to make the most of your teen’s natural smile while also keeping convenience in mind. We know how busy life can be, so we work to fit treatment into your teen’s schedule with as little disruption as possible.
The Importance of Treatment
Empowering Teens’ Smile
As your teen grows, they’re exploring new experiences, friendships, and a world influenced by social media. A superstar smile can make a huge impact during these formative years.
At our orthodontic practices, we’re helping teens feel good about themselves and encouraging them to shine.
Bright Smiles, Brighter Futures
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t just improve appearance — it’s a foundation for lifelong oral health. A properly aligned smile supports better function and helps prevent future issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and jaw problems.
Investing in your teen’s smile now saves them time, cost, and potential complications down the road.
Orthodontics for Adults
Timeless Smile Solutions
At our orthodontic practices in Walla Walla, La Grande, Yakima, and Ellensburg, we believe it’s never too late to start working on the smile you’ve always wanted.
With today’s advanced orthodontic options, adults can enjoy subtle, proactive solutions that work with their lifestyle. From clear aligners to clear braces, we’ll help you find a treatment that feels right for you.
Why Consider Adult Orthodontics?
Adult orthodontic treatment offers more than just a beaming smile — it can make you more comfortable and self-assured. You might actually enjoy going to meetings just to show off your new smile!
Here are a few reasons why braces or aligners can be a great choice for adults:
Look Great, Feel Great
Dr. Christopher and Dr. Farjo can help you straighten teeth or close gaps you've felt self-conscious about for years. A realigned smile doesn't just look great. It elevates your confidence and helps you feel your best in every part of your life.
Teeth Change Over Time
Your teeth don't stay in one place forever. Even if you had a straight smile as a teen, natural shifting over time can lead to crowding, jaw pain, or brushing challenges. Treatment with our orthodontists can rectify these shifts.
Supporting Long-term Dental Health
Misaligned teeth can cause a ripple effect of dental problems, from tooth decay to gum disease and abnormal wear. Dealing with these issues now can make chewing easier, keep your teeth healthier, and help prevent bigger dental concerns down the line.