For families in Betton Hills, orthodontic care is practically around the corner. Vibrant Orthodontics is about two miles north on Thomasville Road, a drive that usually takes around five minutes. For a neighborhood full of busy parents and school-age kids, being that close to the orthodontist takes a lot of the hassle out of treatment.
Our office is at 1350 Thomaswood Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308. The practice is led by Dr. Maryam Rezaie, a University of Florida-trained dentist (DMD, 2009) who completed her orthodontic specialty training at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics. She opened Vibrant Orthodontics in June 2021 and has served on the board of the Leon County Dental Association.
Orthodontic Care Built Around Betton Hills Schedules
Braces are a commitment of time as well as money. Adjustment appointments happen every several weeks, and each one is quicker when the office is nearby. Parents in Betton Hills often tell us they can pick their child up from school, stop in for an adjustment and still be home before dinner.
We keep appointments efficient by planning ahead. Your child’s treatment is mapped out from the start, so each visit has a clear purpose. That planning begins with an iTero digital scan, part of the orthodontic technology we rely on every day, which captures a 3D model of the teeth in minutes and lets you preview the expected result.
Choosing Between Metal and Clear Braces
We focus on traditional braces for kids and teens. Within that, patients choose their bracket style:
| Question | Metal brackets | Clear ceramic brackets |
|---|---|---|
| How visible are they? | Visible, with fun color options | Blend with natural tooth color |
| How durable? | Very durable | Durable, with a little more care needed |
| Who picks them? | Kids and many teens | Image-conscious teens and adults |
There is no wrong answer. The archwire, the adjustment schedule and the timeline are the same either way, so traditional braces work just as well in metal as they do in ceramic. Dr. R will tell you if one style suits your bite better once she has seen your child’s scan.
When Should a Betton Hills Child See an Orthodontist?
By around age seven. That is the recommendation of the American Association of Orthodontists, and it is what we suggest to every parent. An early visit does not mean early braces. It means Dr. R can check how the jaw is developing and whether permanent teeth have room to come in.
If everything looks on track, your child can join the Vibrant Kids Club, a complimentary program of growth checks until treatment is actually needed. If Dr. R sees a problem worth addressing early, such as a narrow upper jaw, she may recommend two-phase treatment, which uses a custom appliance first and saves full braces for later. Early visits like this are a big part of our work as an orthodontist for kids, and most children find the first check far easier than they expected.
Life with Braces: Support Between Visits
The first few days with new braces take some getting used to. Teeth can feel tender for a short while, and soft foods make that stretch easier. Every patient goes home with practical care instructions, and we stay reachable by call or text.
If something breaks, such as a loose bracket or a poking wire, most fixes are simple and can wait for a short repair visit. When a problem is painful or truly cannot wait, call or text and our team will help with orthodontic emergencies as quickly as we can.
Directions from Betton Hills
From Betton Road, head to Thomasville Road and continue north for about two miles. Turn onto Thomaswood Drive and look for our office. Traffic near schools can add a few minutes at pickup time, so we recommend booking after-school appointments with that in mind. We are open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What Happens at an Adjustment Visit
Parents new to braces often wonder what actually happens at those regular appointments. At a typical adjustment, Dr. R checks how the teeth have moved since the last visit, and our team may change the archwire or replace the elastic ties. We also check brushing around the brackets and answer any questions. Mild soreness for a day or two afterward is normal and usually eases with an over-the-counter pain reliever and soft foods.
Most adjustment visits are short, which is one more reason a nearby office helps. Toward the end of treatment we start talking about removal day and the retainers that keep teeth from drifting back afterward.
Adults in Betton Hills Are Welcome Too
Orthodontics is not only for kids. Many adults in established neighborhoods like Betton Hills straighten teeth that shifted over the years or were never treated. Clear ceramic brackets make adult orthodontic treatment discreet, and Dr. R can coordinate with your general dentist if crowns or other restorative work are planned.
Betton Hills Orthodontic FAQ
How long does braces treatment usually take?
Many patients wear braces for about 18 to 24 months, but every case is different. Dr. R will give you an estimate for your child at the consult.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We offer simple monthly payment options and explain them clearly at the consult, with no pressure to decide that day.
Can my teen still play sports and instruments?
Yes. We recommend a mouthguard for contact sports, and most wind instrument players adapt within a week or two.
What do we need to bring to the first visit?
Just your questions and any insurance information. We take care of the digital scan and everything else at the visit.
Start with a Free Consult Near Betton Hills
A first visit costs nothing and gives you a clear plan. Request your free braces consult, reach our team online, or call or text (850) 385-8101. We are glad to be part of the Betton Hills community.