Demonstration of dental braces on a model during an orthodontic consultation

Treatments

All Ages

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children visit an orthodontist around age seven. By this age, most kids have a mix of baby and adult teeth, making it easier to identify and address tooth and jaw issues early, sometimes avoiding more extensive treatment later.

Early orthodontic care can guide jaw growth, create space for crowded teeth, correct habits like thumb sucking, and improve minor speech issues. Early intervention can set your child on the path to a healthy, confident smile.

Hearing “You need braces” might not make your teen jump for joy (teens, am I right?) But don’t worry! At Meinhardt Orthodontics, we make orthodontic treatment as easy and comfortable as possible. We offer a variety of treatment options to fit every personality and lifestyle, including traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign®.

Braces are a big part of life for many teens, but today’s options make it easier than ever to look good and feel confident while getting the smile they deserve!

We love helping adults achieve confident, healthy smiles, because it’s never too late for the smile of your dreams! Whether you’re dealing with crowding, spacing, bite issues, or just want to love your smile more, we offer a range of options, including clear and traditional braces, as well as Invisalign®. Every treatment is personalized for your comfort, lifestyle, and goals.

Braces

Our most popular and durable option! Made from high-grade stainless steel right here in Sheboygan by American Orthodontics, these braces gently guide your teeth into place. You can even add colorful elastics to show off your personality and make your smile pop.

A discreet alternative to metal, ceramic braces blend with your teeth for a more subtle look, perfect for teens and adults who want a confident, low-profile smile.

Invisalign^®

As Sheboygan County’s top Invisalign® provider, we offer a clear, comfortable, and convenient way to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Invisalign aligners can correct crowding, gaps, crossbites, overbites, underbites, and more, all while being virtually invisible. Plus, with check-ins only every 2-3 months on average, Invisalign fits perfectly into your busy schedule.

Palatal Expanders (Hyrax)

A palatal expander expands (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure outward on your upper molars. This can correct crossbites and/or create more space to resolve crowding in children. Typically, an expander is turned daily for 2-4 weeks and then maintained in place for 6-9 months. However, this can vary, so please always follow the advice of Dr. Meinhardt and Dr. Jacobson.

1. Initial

Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander (MARPE)

A MARPE appliance, also known as a miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expander, is used to widen the upper jaw in cases involving a posterior crossbite or severe crowding, much like a traditional palatal expander. However, unlike a traditional expander, it uses small temporary anchors (TADs) in the palate for additional anchorage. It applies gentle pressure to create the desired space based on each individualized treatment plan. It is turned daily for 2-4 weeks and then maintained in place for 6-9 months. However, treatment time may vary and Dr. Meinhardt and Dr. Jacobson will guide you through each step to ensure a comfortable and effective outcome.

Orthognathic Surgery

For some patients, orthodontic treatment alone isn’t enough to achieve proper alignment or balance between the upper and lower jaws. In these cases, Dr. Meinhardt and Dr. Jacobson may recommend orthognathic (jaw) surgery in coordination with an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This combined approach can correct significant bite discrepancies, improve facial balance, and enhance function for long-term oral health.

Orthognathic surgery is carefully planned using digital imaging and models to ensure precise results. While the idea of surgery may sound intimidating, our team will guide you through every step, from preparation to recovery, to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. The outcome is not only a healthier bite but also a smile that feels as good as it looks.

Debonding & Retainers

The final stage of your orthodontic journey! Your braces have been removed, and your smile is beautiful, straight, and best of all, metal-free! However, your orthodontic journey isn't quite completed. To keep your smile looking its best, you'll have to wear a retainer to preserve and stabilize your results. Retainers are needed to control or limit potential changes in tooth position. They are used after braces treatment to hold teeth in their correct alignment while the surrounding gums, bone, and muscle adjust to the new positioning of your teeth.

Smile Transformations

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Technology

The iTero Element Scanner captures a precise 3D model of your teeth and gums—no messy putty required. It’s faster, more comfortable, and provides highly accurate images we use not only to plan your treatment but also to create perfectly fitted retainers.

We have two in-office 3D printers that lets us create models and retainers quickly and accurately. By handling printing on-site, we reduce wait times, ensure high-quality results, and make your care faster and more convenient.

Our all-digital office uses advanced technology, including digital panoramic and cephalometric X-rays and 3D intraoral scans. These tools help us plan and monitor treatment accurately, making your care precise, efficient, and personalized.