Overview
This guide explains orthodontic care in Myrtle Beach: what an orthodontist does, your treatment options, the typical process, the costs and risks to weigh, and when to see a specialist.
It is written for adults and for parents weighing braces, clear aligners, or a first check-up for a child. If you searched "orthodontist Myrtle Beach" and were not sure where to begin, this page gives you plain, useful answers. For a broader look at the specialty, you can also read the orthodontics page.
Myrtle Beach orthodontics offices serve patients across the Grand Strand and nearby South Carolina communities. Most welcome new patients of every age, from young children to adults who want to straighten their teeth and improve their smile later in life.
Key Information About Orthodontic Care
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and corrects crooked teeth and misaligned bites using braces, clear aligners, and other appliances.[1]
Orthodontic treatment is not only about appearance. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, and a balanced bite spreads chewing forces more evenly, which can help protect your teeth and gums over time.[2]
What an Orthodontist Does
Every orthodontist begins as a dentist, then completes two to three years of additional full-time training focused on tooth movement and jaw growth.[1] That extra training is the main difference between an orthodontist and a general dentist. An orthodontist plans your treatment, fits and adjusts your appliances, and tracks how your teeth and bite change at each visit.
Braces and Clear Aligners
Two of the most common options are traditional braces and clear aligners. Traditional braces use small brackets and wires bonded to your teeth, and they work well for simple and complex cases alike.[2] Aligners are removable, see-through trays that you change every week or two. Both methods apply gentle, steady pressure that guides teeth into better positions over many months.
Neither option is best for everyone. Aligners suit patients who want a less visible appliance and who will wear the trays most of the day and night. Braces may be the better choice for cases that need precise, complex movement. Your orthodontist will compare both options with you based on your teeth, your goals, and your daily habits.
Clear aligners are FDA-cleared medical devices. That means the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviewed them as safe and effective through its 510(k) clearance process, which is different from the stricter premarket approval (PMA) used for higher-risk devices. Aligners only work when you wear them, so most plans call for keeping the trays in about 22 hours a day.[7] Be careful with mail-order or online-only aligner services that skip an in-person exam, because South Carolina law now requires one before treatment.[3]
Problems Orthodontists Treat
Orthodontists treat a range of bite and spacing problems. Common ones include crowding, where teeth overlap because there is too little room; gaps between teeth; an overbite, where the upper teeth sit far in front of the lower teeth; an underbite; and a crossbite. Some patients also see an orthodontist for jaw pain or trouble chewing. Treatment for these issues can improve both daily comfort and long-term oral health.
Risks and Side Effects to Understand
Orthodontic treatment is generally safe, but like any medical care it has some risks. A good orthodontist will go over these with you before you start, because knowing about them helps you protect your results.
One risk is root resorption, also called external apical root resorption. This is when the tips of the tooth roots get slightly shorter as the teeth move. For most people the change is small and causes no lasting trouble, but some research links it to longer treatment times and heavier forces.[4]
Another risk is white spot lesions, also called demineralization. These are chalky white marks that appear when plaque sits on the enamel around braces and pulls minerals out of the tooth. They are an early stage of decay and can become permanent, so careful cleaning and cutting back on sugary drinks matter a lot.[5]
Teeth also tend to drift back toward their old spots after treatment, which is called relapse. This is why your orthodontist will have you wear a retainer, often for years, after your braces or aligners come off.[6]
What to Know Before You Start
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have a first orthodontic check-up by age 7, even though many patients start treatment later.[1]
By age 7, enough adult teeth have come in for an orthodontist to spot crowding, bite problems, or jaw growth concerns early. Starting care at the right time can make later treatment shorter or simpler. Early evaluation does not always mean early braces; often the orthodontist simply watches your child's growth and acts when the timing is right.
Adults can be treated too. Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age, so it is common for Myrtle Beach orthodontics patients to begin treatment in their 30s, 40s, or later. Treatment can work a little differently for adults, though. Adult jawbone is denser and no longer growing, so teeth often move more slowly and treatment may take longer than it would for a child.[8] Adults are also more likely to have crowns, bridges, or missing teeth that call for extra planning. Before your first visit, gather your dental history, a list of any medicines you take, and your insurance details so the office can give you accurate guidance.
If you live in South Carolina, there is one rule worth knowing before you start. A state law that took effect in May 2026, known as S.453, requires an in-person physical exam before any braces or clear aligner treatment can begin.[3] In plain terms, you cannot safely start a mail-order or online-only aligner plan without first being examined in person by a licensed provider. The exam protects you, because it can catch hidden problems like gum disease or tooth decay that a remote photo review may miss. Plan to visit a Myrtle Beach orthodontics office in person before you commit.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your first visit usually includes a free consultation, an exam, and digital images so the orthodontist can build a treatment plan that fits your case.
Some discomfort is a normal part of treatment. After your braces are placed or adjusted, soreness or pressure usually starts within a few hours, peaks around 24 hours later, and then eases over the next three to seven days. Over-the-counter pain relievers, soft foods, and cold drinks can help. Soreness tends to be strongest when treatment first begins and after each adjustment, and milder as your mouth gets used to your appliance.
Good brushing and flossing matter even more during treatment, because braces and aligners create new spots where plaque can hide.[2]
Your daily habits have a big effect on how well and how fast treatment works. With clear aligners, you need to wear the trays about 22 hours a day, taking them out mainly to eat, to drink anything but water, and to brush. If you wear them less, your teeth may not track the way the plan predicts, and treatment can take longer.[7] With braces, you need to keep every adjustment appointment and wear any rubber bands, called elastics, exactly as directed.[7]
Cleaning takes more effort during treatment. Brackets and wires block a regular toothbrush and floss, so most patients add tools like a floss threader, a small interproximal brush that fits between teeth, or a water flosser.[7] Diet matters too. Sticky, gummy, and hard foods can break brackets or bend wires, so it helps to avoid items like caramel, gum, hard candy, and ice.[7] Research has also found that teens often stick to these routines better than busy adults, so adults may need to be extra deliberate about daily care.[7]
- Consultation: You discuss your goals and concerns, and the orthodontist examines your teeth, bite, and jaw.
- Records: The office takes digital scans, photos, and sometimes X-rays to map your teeth in detail.
- Treatment plan: You review your options, the expected timeline, and the cost before anything begins.
- Fitting: When you choose braces or aligners, the orthodontist places your first appliance or delivers your first set of trays.
- Adjustments: You return every few weeks for adjustments or new trays, and each visit is usually short.
- Retention: After active treatment, you wear a retainer to hold your teeth in their new positions.
Cost Factors and Insurance
Orthodontic treatment costs vary widely, and most offices set a single case fee rather than charging per visit.
In many cases, traditional braces range from roughly $3,000 to $7,000, and aligners from about $3,000 to $8,000 for a full course of treatment. Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity, so ask each office for a written estimate. Shorter, simpler cases usually cost less than full treatment for complex bite problems.
Many dental insurance plans include some orthodontic coverage, often with a lifetime maximum that applies per person, commonly between $1,000 and $3,000.[9] Flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, and in-house payment plans can also spread out the cost. Ask the office to verify your benefits before treatment begins so there are no surprises.
Costs and coverage can differ by age. Comprehensive treatment for an adult often costs about 10 to 20 percent more than the same treatment for a teenager.[9] Much of this is biological. Adult jawbone is denser and no longer growing, so teeth move more slowly and treatment can run longer.[8] Adults are also more likely to have crowns, bridges, or missing teeth that need careful planning. On the insurance side, many employer plans cover orthodontics only for dependents under age 19, which can leave adults paying the full cost.[9]
- Treatment time: teens often finish in about 18 to 24 months, while adults may need 18 to 30 months or more.
- Insurance: teens are more likely to have orthodontic benefits, while adult coverage is often limited or fully excluded.
- Complexity: adults more often have existing dental work, such as crowns or bridges, that adds planning and cost.
When to See a Specialist
See an orthodontist when you notice crowded or crooked teeth, wide gaps, a bite that feels off, or jaw pain when you chew or speak.
A general dentist handles cleanings, fillings, and overall oral health, and is often the first to notice an alignment problem. When teeth or jaws need to be moved, your dentist can refer you to an orthodontist for specialty care.[1] You do not always need a referral, though; in South Carolina you can usually book an orthodontic consultation on your own. Keep in mind that state law still requires an in-person exam before treatment can begin.[3]
For children, ask your dentist about the age 7 check-up. For adults, it is never too late to ask whether treatment could help your teeth and bite.
- Teeth that overlap, twist, or stick out
- Noticeable gaps between teeth
- Upper and lower teeth that do not meet correctly when you bite
- Difficulty chewing, or frequent biting of the cheek or tongue
- Crowding that makes brushing and flossing hard
Find an Orthodontist in Myrtle Beach
Ready to take the next step? Use our directory to compare Myrtle Beach orthodontics practices, read about each provider's training, and book a first visit. Many offices offer a free consultation, so you can ask questions and review your options before you commit. Start your search today and find an orthodontist near you who matches your goals and your schedule.
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