Killearn Lakes sits in the wooded far north of Tallahassee, and for families there, getting to appointments usually means a trip down Thomasville Road. Vibrant Orthodontics is right off that corridor at 1350 Thomaswood Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308, about seven miles from the neighborhood. Most drives take around fifteen minutes via Kinhega Drive and Thomasville Road, with no cross-town detours.
The practice is led by Dr. Maryam Rezaie. Dr. R earned her DMD at the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 2009, then trained as an orthodontist at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics, where she served as chief resident. She opened Vibrant Orthodontics in 2021.
Making a Longer Drive Worth It
When you live a little farther out, you want every appointment to count. We plan treatment carefully so that visits are efficient and predictable. Here is how we keep the drive from Killearn Lakes manageable:
- Planned schedules. You get an appointment rhythm at the start, so you can plan around school and work.
- Digital records. An iTero scan replaces impression putty, which shortens records visits.
- Support by phone or text. Many small questions can be answered without a trip in.
- Virtual first step. Starting with a virtual consult gets you initial answers before you ever drive in.
Braces Options for Killearn Lakes Kids and Teens
We focus on traditional braces for kids and teens. That focus means Dr. R and our team spend every day on the kind of treatment most families here are looking for. The main choice is the bracket style:
| Metal braces | Clear ceramic braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Silver brackets, colorful ties | Tooth-colored, low-key |
| Best for | Active kids, color lovers | Teens who prefer a subtle look |
| Care | Standard braces care | Standard care, avoid staining foods |
Both work the same way. The bracket is just the handle; the archwire does the moving, which is why metal and ceramic braces are equally effective. The choice comes down to how visible you want them to be.
Why the Age-Seven Visit Matters
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have an orthodontic check by about age seven. That early look allows Dr. R to catch issues like crowding or a narrow jaw while a child is still growing. Many kids simply need monitoring, which is free through our Vibrant Kids Club. Others benefit from two-phase treatment, which guides growth first and finishes with braces later.
That first appointment is relaxed and quick. Dr. R takes a digital scan, explains what she sees in plain language and tells you honestly whether anything needs to happen now or can simply be watched.
Adults Welcome Too
Parents often decide to straighten their own teeth once their kids are in treatment. Adults make up a meaningful share of orthodontic patients, and braces for adults work exactly the same way, often with clear ceramic brackets that are hard to spot.
The Drive from Killearn Lakes
From the neighborhood, follow Kinhega Drive out to Thomasville Road and head south. Stay on Thomasville Road through the Bannerman Road intersection and continue south until you reach Thomaswood Drive. Expect roughly fifteen minutes in normal traffic. We are open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early-afternoon appointments often avoid the heaviest school traffic.
Braces and a Busy Activity Calendar
Many kids in north Tallahassee juggle sports, band and weekend commitments. Braces fit around all of it. Athletes should wear a mouthguard designed for braces during practices and games; we can recommend one. Wind and brass players usually need a week or two to adjust their embouchure, and orthodontic wax can help during that period. If your child has a big performance, tournament or trip coming up, let us know so we can schedule adjustments around it.
For food, the rules are simple: avoid hard, sticky and chewy items that can pop a bracket loose, and cut crunchy foods into small pieces. The first week is the adjustment period, so plan on softer meals while teeth settle in.
What Parents Should Ask at a Consult
Whether you visit us or another office, a good consult should answer a few questions clearly: What is the diagnosis? What are the options, and why is one recommended? How long should treatment take? What is the total cost and the monthly payment? What happens after braces come off? At Vibrant Orthodontics, you will get all of those answers in writing.
One more tip for families driving in from Killearn Lakes: keep a small braces kit in the car or backpack with wax, a travel toothbrush and floss threaders. It makes after-school snacks and surprise sore spots much easier to handle on the way home.
Small preparations like that go a long way over a long treatment.
Killearn Lakes FAQ
Is Vibrant Orthodontics the closest orthodontist to Killearn Lakes?
There are other offices in north Tallahassee. Families choose us for our planning, communication and focus on kids and teens, and the Thomasville Road drive is straightforward.
How many visits will braces take?
It depends on the case. Most patients come in every several weeks, and Dr. R maps out the full visit schedule at the start of treatment.
What should we do if a wire starts poking?
Cover it with orthodontic wax and call or text us. If the wire is cutting into the cheek or the soreness does not settle, we treat it as an orthodontic emergency and help you get it fixed.
Do you work with insurance?
Yes. Bring your insurance details to the consult and we will explain your benefits before treatment begins.
Request a Free Braces Consult
A first visit is free and comes with a written plan. Book your free braces consult, message our team, or call or text (850) 385-8101. We are glad to serve families from Killearn Lakes.