Orthodontics for All Ages

Orthodontics for All Ages

Care for Every Smile

Somerville, Hillsborough, & Montgomery Orthodontics for All Ages

Orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults is available at Somerset Orthodontic Specialists because a healthy, well-aligned smile is important at every stage of life. Whether you're bringing your child in for an early evaluation or are ready to begin treatment yourself, Dr. Robert Peterman and Dr. Michael Fogge will create a personalized plan that fits your needs.

Early Intervention | Phase 1 Orthodontics

Orthodontics for Children in Somerville, Hillsborough, & Montgomery

A Healthy Start For Growing Smiles

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven.

That doesn't mean your child will need braces right away. In many cases, Dr. Peterman and Dr. Fogge simply monitor how the teeth and jaws are growing to make sure everything is developing as expected.

These early evaluations give our orthodontists the opportunity to identify potential concerns before they become more complex. We look for issues such as crowding, bite problems, missing or extra teeth, and jaw development that may benefit from early intervention.

If treatment isn't needed yet, we'll continue to monitor your child's growth and let you know when the timing is right. If Phase I orthodontics is recommended, early treatment can help guide jaw growth, create space for permanent teeth, and reduce the need for more extensive treatment in the future.

Parent and young child at Somerset Orthodontic Specialists

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

When Dr. Peterman and Dr. Fogge recommend Phase I orthodontic treatment, it's because they see an opportunity to improve your child's long-term oral health while they're still growing.

Early treatment can help guide proper jaw development, create room for permanent teeth, and keep existing orthodontic issues from becoming more complex.

By taking advantage of your child's natural growth, treatment may also help shorten future treatment time, lower overall treatment costs, and reduce the likelihood of more invasive procedures, such as permanent tooth extractions or jaw surgery.

Young patient with Dr. Peterman and Dr. Fogge at Somerset Orthodontic Specialists

Signs to Look for in Your Child’s Smile

Here are a few key indicators to look for to know if your child needs orthodontic treatment:

  • Crowded or missing teeth
  • Premature or delayed loss of baby teeth
  • Challenges in biting or chewing
  • Speech difficulties
  • Prolonged pacifier use
  • Narrow palate
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Open bite

Phase 2 | Comprehensive Orthodontics

Orthodontics for Teens in Somerville, Hillsborough, & Montgomery

Lifetime of Healthy Smiles Starts in the Teen Years

The teenage years are an ideal time to build a healthy smile that will last well into adulthood.

As the permanent teeth settle into place and the jaws continue to develop, treatment can correct alignment and bite concerns while growth is still on your teen's side.

Whether your teen is beginning treatment for the first time or transitioning from Phase I to Phase II, they'll receive a personalized treatment plan designed to support healthy function and lasting results.

Orthodontist talking with a teen patient in the treatment chair

Treatment Options for Teens

Today's teens have more orthodontic options than ever before. From sports and school to music, clubs, and other activities, Dr. Peterman and Dr. Fogge will help your family choose a treatment option that fits comfortably into your teen's routine.

Somerset Orthodontic Specialists offers modern metal braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, and in-house clear aligners. Every recommendation is based on your teen's orthodontic needs, smile goals, and long-term oral health.

Clear Aligners

For teens who want a nearly invisible treatment option, clear aligners can provide an excellent alternative to braces.

Somerset Orthodontic Specialists offers both Invisalign and custom in-house clear aligners, giving Dr. Peterman and Dr. Fogge the flexibility to recommend the option that's best suited to your teen's smile.

Designed to fit comfortably and fit seamlessly into busy schedules, clear aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, flossing, sports, and special occasions.

Metal & Clear Braces

Braces remain a great option for teens because they can treat everything from simple alignment concerns to more complex bite issues. Teens can choose traditional metal braces or ceramic braces, which use tooth-colored brackets for a more natural-looking appearance.

Grown Up Smiles

Orthodontics for Adults in Somerville, Hillsborough, & Montgomery

Ageless Solutions for a Healthier Smile

Orthodontic treatment isn't just for children and teens. More adults than ever are choosing to improve their smiles.

If you never had the opportunity to straighten your teeth or you've noticed changes since wearing braces years ago, Dr. Peterman and Dr. Fogge can help.

With modern treatment options and personalized care, it's never too late to achieve a healthier, more balanced smile.

Adult patient reviewing a treatment plan with the Somerset team

Reasons for Adult Orthodontics

You’ll enjoy several benefits of adult orthodontic treatment, and our team makes your smile transformation easy and effective.

Here are a few reasons we recommend braces or aligners for adults:

Looking Good, Feeling Good

Many adults choose orthodontic treatment because they've never been fully happy with their smile, while others are looking to correct teeth that have shifted over time. Dr. Peterman and Dr. Fogge create personalized treatment plans to address concerns like crowding, spacing, and bite alignment.

A healthier, more balanced smile can make you feel more comfortable in everyday conversations, photos, and professional settings while supporting your long-term oral health.

Your Teeth Can Shift

Believe it or not, your teeth don’t stop moving in adolescence. Teeth that seemed straight and aligned in youth could have shifted later in life.

This can lead to jaw pain, trouble brushing, or a smile you’re cosmetically unhappy with. Getting treatment with Dr. Peterman and Dr. Fogge can correct these issues and give you a comfortable, confident smile.

Maintaining Dental Health

Crowded or overlapping teeth often create areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and floss, allowing plaque and bacteria to accumulate more easily. Bite problems can also place uneven pressure on certain teeth, leading to excessive wear over time.

Orthodontic treatment helps create a healthier bite and better tooth alignment, making it easier to care for your smile and support your long-term oral health.

Orthodontic team treating a patient with a digital scan on screen

Why Choose an Orthodontist?

If you’re considering perfecting your or your child’s smile with braces or clear aligners, visiting a trained orthodontist like Dr. Peterman and Dr. Fogge is the best way to get the results you want.

Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry dedicated to diagnosing and treating alignment and bite concerns. As board-certified orthodontists, Dr. Peterman and Dr. Fogge have completed advanced specialty training beyond dental school and are committed to delivering precise, personalized orthodontic care for patients of all ages.

Start Your Family’s Journey Today

Join us at Somerset Orthodontic Specialists to begin your path to a new, healthier smile for every member of your family.

Reach out to us today to schedule your free consultation and experience an office that goes the extra mile to make your family feel like part of our family.