News – Kragor Orthodontics

Many adults assume braces are only for teens, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. More and more adults are choosing to straighten their teeth later in life for reasons that go beyond appearance. At Kragor Orthodontics, we believe it’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. With advances in orthodontic technology, adult braces are now more comfortable, discreet, and efficient than ever before.

Whether you’re looking to correct long-standing alignment issues, improve your bite, or boost your confidence, orthodontic treatment can make a lasting difference. Here’s what adults should know about the benefits, available options, and what to expect from the journey to a healthier, more confident smile.

Why More Adults Are Choosing Braces

Today, orthodontic care isn’t just for kids and teens. Many adults are discovering the benefits of investing in their smiles at any age. Straight teeth aren’t only a cosmetic enhancement; they contribute to better oral health, easier cleaning, and improved jaw function.

Orthodontic treatment can correct a range of issues, from crowding and gaps to misaligned bites that cause discomfort or wear on teeth. By addressing these concerns, adults can prevent future dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and jaw pain. Plus, a confident smile can make a strong impression both personally and professionally.

Modern orthodontics also fits seamlessly into adult lifestyles. Thanks to innovations like clear aligners and ceramic braces, patients can undergo treatment without feeling self-conscious. These advanced options make achieving a beautiful smile more practical and discreet than ever.

Understanding the Benefits of Adult Braces

Adults often have unique motivations for orthodontic treatment. For some, it’s about regaining confidence in their smile. For others, it’s about protecting long-term dental health. Regardless of the reason, adult braces provide a range of meaningful benefits:

Better Oral Health: Misaligned teeth are harder to clean, which can lead to plaque buildup and gum disease. Straightening your teeth helps you brush and floss more effectively.
Improved Bite Function: Braces can correct issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites that place stress on the jaw and cause uneven tooth wear.
Enhanced Appearance: A straight, symmetrical smile can boost your self-esteem and make you feel more comfortable in social and professional settings.
Long-Term Stability: Properly aligned teeth are less likely to shift, wear unevenly, or cause problems in the future.

At Kragor Orthodontics, we take a personalized approach to every adult treatment plan. Our board-certified doctors, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Ambre Kragor, design each plan with your goals and lifestyle in mind, ensuring optimal results that look as good as they feel.

Treatment Options for Adult Braces

Adults have more orthodontic options today than ever before. Depending on your preferences, lifestyle, and specific needs, our team can recommend the most effective solution for you.

Traditional Metal Braces: Still one of the most reliable methods for correcting complex alignment issues, metal braces have evolved to be smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than in the past. They remain a dependable choice for patients seeking precise results.
Ceramic Braces: For a more discreet look, ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your smile. They offer the same effectiveness as metal braces with a more aesthetic appearance.
Clear Aligners: Clear aligners such as Invisalign provide a virtually invisible treatment option. They are removable, making it easy to eat, brush, and floss normally while straightening your teeth.

At Kragor Orthodontics, our advanced technology allows us to plan and monitor treatment progress with precision. From 3D imaging to dental monitoring apps, we make every step efficient and comfortable while maintaining a hands-on, personal touch.

What to Expect During Your Orthodontic Journey

Adults often worry that braces will interfere with their daily lives, but modern orthodontic treatment is designed to be flexible and manageable. Here’s what you can expect from start to finish.

Consultation: Your journey begins with a complimentary consultation. During this visit, we’ll review your dental history, take 3D scans, and discuss your smile goals. Our doctors will explain your treatment options and recommend the best plan for your needs.
Getting Started: Once you decide on the treatment type, we’ll schedule an appointment to place your braces or provide your first set of aligners. You’ll receive detailed instructions on caring for your teeth and appliances.
Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ins help ensure that your teeth are moving correctly and comfortably. With our digital monitoring tools, we can often track progress remotely, making appointments more convenient.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Most adults adapt quickly to their braces or aligners. You may need to avoid certain sticky or hard foods with braces, but overall, treatment fits easily into everyday life.
Completion and Retention: When your braces come off or your aligner treatment ends, you’ll receive a custom retainer to maintain your results. This final step ensures your beautiful new smile stays in perfect alignment.

The Emotional and Practical Impact of a New Smile

Beyond physical transformation, the emotional benefits of adult orthodontics are profound. Many of our adult patients share how their new smile has boosted their confidence, improved self-image, and even enhanced their interactions at work and in relationships. A smile you’re proud of can change how you carry yourself and how others see you.

At Kragor Orthodontics, we know every patient’s story is unique. That’s why we’re passionate about building genuine connections, not just beautiful smiles. Our team makes sure every visit feels comfortable, supportive, and tailored to your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Braces

How long does treatment with adult braces take?

Treatment time depends on your specific case, but most adult patients complete treatment within 12 to 24 months. During your consultation, our doctors will provide a detailed estimate based on your needs.

Will braces interfere with my professional life?

Not at all. With options like ceramic braces and clear aligners, most adults complete treatment discreetly. Many patients find that modern braces blend easily into daily routines without affecting their confidence or appearance.

Transform Your Smile with Confidence

If you’ve been putting off orthodontic treatment because you think it’s only for kids, think again. Adult braces offer an opportunity to enhance your health, confidence, and quality of life, no matter your age. At Kragor Orthodontics, we’re here to make that journey enjoyable and rewarding from start to finish. Contact us to schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward the smile you’ve always wanted.

At Kragor Orthodontics, we combine expertise, technology, and personalized care to create smiles that last a lifetime. Our family-owned practice proudly serves Woodstock, Canton, and surrounding communities with advanced orthodontic treatments for patients of all ages. To learn more or schedule your complimentary consultation, contact us today.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the new Kragor Orthodontics website! As a practice dedicated to serving the communities of Woodstock, Canton, and beyond, we wanted to create an online space that truly reflects the warmth and professionalism of our office. Our goal was to design a resource that makes it simple for our current and future patients to find information, understand their treatment options, and feel connected to our team.

The redesigned site offers an improved user experience from the moment you arrive. We focused on creating clear navigation and providing comprehensive, up-to-date information about our advanced orthodontic services for children, teens, and adults. This new digital home for our practice is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional patient care and education every step of the way.

An Enhanced Online Experience

Our new website was built with you in mind. We know that researching orthodontic care can feel overwhelming, so we’ve made it easier than ever to find what you need. Visitors can now enjoy a streamlined experience, whether they are learning about our practice for the first time or are a long-time member of the Kragor Orthodontics family. The site features improved navigation, allowing you to effortlessly explore our services, meet our doctors, and access patient resources.

This updated platform highlights our dedication to personalized care at every stage of treatment. From your initial complimentary consultation to the day your braces come off, we are here to support you. You can conveniently request appointments online, read about the latest technologies we use in our office, and find answers to your questions, all in one place.

Meet Our Doctors

A great patient experience starts with a great team. We are a husband-and-wife team of board-certified orthodontists who are passionate about creating healthy, beautiful smiles. As a family-owned practice, we want every person who walks through our doors to feel welcome and cared for. We combine our extensive clinical expertise with a friendly, personal touch to ensure your orthodontic journey is comfortable and successful.

Dr. Andy Kragor and Dr. Ambre Kragor both earned their Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees and completed their orthodontic residencies at the University of Michigan. With advanced training in areas like craniofacial growth, surgical orthodontics, and Invisalign, we are uniquely qualified to handle even the most complex cases. Our commitment to evidence-based care is backed by published research, ensuring you receive the most effective and modern treatments available.

Our Comprehensive Orthodontic Services

At Kragor Orthodontics, we offer a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of every patient. We believe in tailoring treatment plans to fit your individual goals and lifestyle. Whether you are interested in traditional methods or modern alternatives, we have a solution for you.

Our services include traditional metal braces, clear braces, and self-ligating braces for effective and efficient teeth alignment. For those seeking a more discreet option, we offer Invisalign® and other clear aligner therapies. We also provide specialized care, such as early interceptive orthodontics for children, airway-focused orthodontics, and treatments for TMJ disorders. From your initial treatment to post-treatment maintenance with retainers, we are here to guide you toward a lasting, confident smile.

A New Digital Home for Our Community

We are incredibly proud to share our new website with you. It represents our ongoing commitment to combining state-of-the-art technology with compassionate, family-centered care. We invite you to explore the site to learn more about our practice, discover our full range of services, and see how we can help you or your family achieve the smile you've always wanted. We look forward to connecting with you online and in our office.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Services

What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?

While both orthodontists and dentists are focused on your oral health, an orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an additional two to three years of advanced training after dental school. This specialized education focuses exclusively on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, specifically the alignment of teeth and jaws. While a general dentist handles a wide range of oral health issues, an orthodontist is the expert you should see for treatments like braces, clear aligners, and bite correction.

At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around the age of seven. By this age, the first adult molars have typically come in, establishing the back bite. This early visit allows us to identify any potential issues with jaw growth or emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. Early, or "interceptive," treatment can help guide jaw growth, correct harmful oral habits, and make later treatment shorter and less complex.

At Kragor Orthodontics, we are a trusted, board-certified practice proudly serving patients of all ages across Cherokee County and North Metro Atlanta. We combine advanced, research-driven expertise with a compassionate approach to help every patient achieve a healthy and confident smile. To learn more or to schedule your complimentary consultation, please contact us.

At Kragor Orthodontics, your smile is our specialty. Whether you’re looking to refine the shape of your teeth or achieve a brighter, whiter smile, our esthetic contouring and Opalescence® professional take-home whitening system deliver safe, customized, and long-lasting results.

Esthetic Contouring

Esthetic contouring, sometimes called tooth reshaping, gently sculpts the enamel to create a more balanced, harmonious smile. By carefully adjusting the length, shape, or surface of your teeth, we can correct small imperfections such as:

Minor chips or uneven edges
Slightly overlapping teeth
Pointed or irregularly shaped teeth
Teeth that appear slightly longer or shorter than surrounding teeth

This quick, pain-free procedure requires little to no anesthesia and is often completed in a single visit. The results are instant, leaving your smile smoother, more symmetrical, and naturally beautiful.

Opalescence Take-Home Whitening

For a radiant smile that shines with confidence, Kragor Orthodontics offers Opalescence® take-home whitening, a professional-grade system trusted by dentists worldwide. Unlike store-bought kits, Opalescence uses a customized approach to safely and effectively lift deep stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and aging.

Our team provides you with custom-fitted trays and a prescription-strength whitening gel available in different concentrations. You can whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, and on your schedule, while achieving dramatic, professional results within days.

Benefits of Opalescence Whitening:

Noticeable results in as little as one week
Convenient, at-home treatment customized to your smile
Reduced tooth sensitivity compared to over-the-counter kits
Long-lasting brightness with occasional touch-ups

Benefits of Esthetic Contouring and Whitening

Instant improvement: See visible results after one appointment.
Natural look: Enhances your teeth without artificial materials or drastic changes.
Comfortable and conservative: No drilling, injections, or major alterations needed.
Healthier smile: Smooths enamel surfaces to make cleaning easier and reduce plaque buildup.
Confidence boost: A balanced, radiant smile enhances both appearance and self-esteem.
Customized care: Each treatment plan is designed to match your unique goals and tooth structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is esthetic contouring safe for my teeth?
Yes. Only a very thin layer of enamel is removed to achieve the desired shape. It’s a conservative cosmetic procedure that doesn’t compromise tooth health.
Does esthetic contouring hurt?
No. The process is gentle, and most patients experience no discomfort. Anesthetics are rarely required.
How long do whitening results last?
With good oral hygiene and occasional touch-ups using your Opalescence® trays, results can last for many months to a year or more.
Can I combine whitening and contouring?
Absolutely. Many patients choose to have both treatments for a complete smile refresh. Whitening brightens the color while contouring refines the shape.
Is Opalescence® safe for sensitive teeth?
Yes. Opalescence® is formulated with fluoride and potassium nitrate to help strengthen enamel and minimize sensitivity during treatment.
How do I maintain my results?
Brush twice a day, floss daily, and limit foods and drinks that stain (such as coffee, tea, and red wine). Use your Opalescence® trays for touch-ups as recommended by our team.

Reveal Your Best Smile

At Kragor Orthodontics, we make it easy to love your smile again. Whether through gentle esthetic contouring or professional Opalescence whitening, you’ll leave with a smile that looks as good as it feels.

Contact us to schedule your appointment today at our Woodstock or Canton office and discover how small changes can make a big difference in your confidence.

Kragor Orthodontics is running a Mother’s Day contest for this Mother’s Day 2019. All you have to do is tell us something your mother ALWAYS says and you will be entered into our May contest for a pampering gift basket for your mom! You can do this at your orthodontic adjustment appointment, or on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Any way you do it will be awesome.

Also if you write us a Google review, Yelp review, or Facebook review you will be entered to win again for this awesome Mother’s Day basket. Writing a positive review is an easy way to help spread the word about how great Kragor Orthodontics is to our Woodstock, Townelake, and Canton communities. We appreciate raving fans and will continue to support our patients in any way we can!

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our incredible supermoms out there who help our awesome patients become the best young adults they can be. We appreciate you!

How does a young patient like this 7 year old present with an open bite?

Open bites can be caused by many factors: thumb sucking, tongue tie, pacifier use in late years, skeletal imbalances of the jaws, finger sucking, airway issues. The best thing to do if you notice an open bite in a young patient is to have it evaluated by your local orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child be evaluated by their orthodontist by no later than age 7. Most of these children do not need treatment at this time, but the children that do, you will prevent many major factors with early intervention.

At Kragor Orthodontics, our doctors provide a complementary consultation for all children that include an examination, radiographs, digital scan, and photos that allow the orthodontist to evaluate and determine the orthodontic corrective course of action. With this evaluation, a treatment plan will be given. Sometimes the treatment plan is no treatment in which case the orthodontist will continue to monitor your child for future growth.

The best way to prevent these issues is to visit your local orthodontist today for an evaluation. At Kragor Orthodontics we offer complementary consultations, in house no interest financing, and accept most major dental insurances. Give our office a call today (770) 485 8827 or visit our website for more information: www.KragorOrtho.com

Did you know the American Academy of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends children to be evaluated by an Orthodontist by the age of 7? Timing is everything.

Timing is everything – even when it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment. “Early” treatment, also called “interceptive” treatment, is performed while some baby teeth are still present.

The AAO recommends that your child’s first check-up with an orthodontist is done when an orthodontic problem is first recognized. We want this exam performed no later than age 7. Why age 7? By then, your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate the developing teeth and the jaws. This provides a wealth of information. AAO orthodontists are trained to spot subtle problems even in young children. Again, timing is everything.

There are generally two outcomes of an initial check-up:

No treatment is necessary now. Or treatment may be needed in the future. The child can be followed periodically by the orthodontist. The orthodontist will monitors while the face and jaws continue to grow. This is approximately 90% of the patients evaluated in our office.
There is a problem that recommends early treatment. This is approximately 10% of the patients evaluated in our office.

While there are many orthodontic problems that orthodontists agree are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in, e arly treatment can be in a patient’s best interests if their problem is one that could become more serious over time if left untreated. The goals of early treatment are: intercept the developing problem, eliminate the cause, guide the growth of facial and jaw bones, and provide adequate space for incoming permanent teeth. A patient may require a second course of treatment after all permanent teeth have come in. This helps to move those teeth into their best positions. Timing is everything, but it is never too late.

The types of problems orthodontists may recommend treatment for while a child still has some baby teeth include:

Underbites – when the lower front teeth are ahead of the upper front teeth
Crossbites – when the jaw shifts to one side, or the top is too narrow for the bottom
Openbites – when the top jaws and bottom jaws are open in the front, making the tongue visible
Very crowded teeth
Excessively spaced teeth
Extra or missing teeth
Teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all
Thumb-, finger-, or pacifier- sucking that is affecting the teeth or jaw growth

Some of these orthodontic problems are inherited, while others may result from accidents, dental disease, habits, or abnormal swallowing.

Treatment forms for early orthodontic treatment:

Fixed or removable “appliance” – a device used to move teeth, change the position of the jaw, or hold teeth in place in order to bring about desirable changes. An example of this is an orthodontic expander.
Braces – to help with cosmetic alignment of the front teeth
Removal of baby teeth – may help the permanent teeth erupt better. The extractions will be timed to take best advantage of a patient’s growth and development.

Regardless of how treatment goals are reached, the bottom line is that some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult. Timing is everything.

Why choose an AAO orthodontist?

To give your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile, visit an AAO orthodontist. No referrals neecessary! Most AAO orthodontists provide an initial consultation at no cost and with no obligation. Your orthodontist can alert you to potential problems and recommend treatment when it is most appropriate for your child. Remember, timing is everything.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is open exclusively to orthodontists. Only orthodontists are admitted for membership. The only doctors who can title themselves “orthodontists” have graduated from dental school and then successfully completed the additional two-to-three years of education in an accredited orthodontic residency program.

When you choose an AAO orthodontist for orthodontic treatment, you can be assured that you have selected a specialist orthodontist, an expert in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. The doctors possess the skills and experience to give you your best smile. Timing is everything so contact us today so we can help your child!

You nominated. We won! Kragor Orthodontics was nominated as best orthodontist in Woodstock Family Life Awards 2019! This is the second year in a row we have received this award. We are thankful for the Woodstock community who voted for us. You can view the other award winners here.

A special thank you to our patients who voted and to Family Life Publications. We really appreciate our community support.

Come visit our office today for a complementary consultation with our incredible doctors. You will not be disappointed with our award winning practice! Our mission: We provide exceptional orthodontics with unprecedented customer service, while creating a memorable experience with beautiful outcomes.

Drs. Andy and Ambre Kragor published an article in the Townelaker and Around Woodstock December 2019 about how important it is for your child to be evaluated by an Orthodontist by age 7. This recommendation is made by the American Association of Orthodontists. They also discuss the need for rapid palatal expanders, and crossbites. You can read more it here. We hope you enjoy!

Our office is so excited — we are featured on this month’s Townelaker for our article titled “The Right Age to See an Orthodontist.” We truly believe it is an honor to be able to write articles for the Townelaker and enjoy being a part of our community. We hope our readers love it too! In this article, Drs. Andy and Ambre discuss the right age to see an orthodontist and why it is important to have yourself or childs’ teeth evaluated early to prevent problems later. You can read more about it here. Our goal is to spread awareness to the readers in the Woodstock community!

If you are interested in our growing office, or fantastic team, you can visit www.kragorortho.com for more information. Also feel free to read our reviews on Google or Facebook! We would love for you to drop by and see what our office is about. We strive to make our patients feel like family and provide a 5-star orthodontic service. We hope you visit soon and thank you again Woodstock for your wonderful community support.

Our incredible Drs. Andy and Ambre Kragor were featured on July’s Woodstock Family Life July 2017’s front cover and we couldn’t be more proud! Not only do they look like rockstars (which goes along with their awesome personalities), but they have an awesome 2-page front cover story that is not only funny but informative and you can read it here. Dr. Ambre did a fantastic job making our readers laugh while still getting people excited about their braces or Invisalign. There is no better time to get braces than this summer when the kiddos are out of school and the sun is out of course!

As you know, our office opened in August of last year. We hadn’t really put ourselves out there, so it was somewhat of a slow start. Now we are open 2 days a week, and getting very busy on those days. We have so much fun, and enjoy not only informing our patients on their orthodontic needs, but also providing amazing care with new technologies and a very clean clinic! We thank our awesome patients and their families for our success! We are so lucky to be a part of a wonderful community. We absolutely love Woodstock. Thank you Woodstock Family Life for posting our wonderful docs on the front cover!

Can Adults Get Braces? Benefits, Treatment Options and What to Expect