Ox Bottom Manor and the surrounding neighborhoods along Ox Bottom Road are home to many families with school-age children. When it is time for braces or a first orthodontic check, Vibrant Orthodontics is about six miles away, generally a thirteen-minute drive by way of Meridian Road and Timberlane Road.
Our office is at 1350 Thomaswood Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308. The practice belongs to Dr. Maryam Rezaie, a board member of the Leon County Dental Association who earned her DMD at the University of Florida in 2009 and her orthodontic training at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics.
Personal Orthodontic Care for North Tallahassee Families
Vibrant Orthodontics is a doctor-led, single-location practice. Every patient is seen and planned by Dr. R, and our small team gets to know families well over the course of treatment. Parents from Ox Bottom tell us they appreciate that continuity: the same faces, the same doctor, and a plan that does not change without explanation.
Dr. R likes to learn about each patient’s life outside the chair, including sports, instruments and school schedules, so the treatment plan fits the family.
Common Reasons Ox Bottom Families Visit
| Concern | What we typically recommend |
|---|---|
| Crowded or crooked teeth | Braces once permanent teeth are in |
| Overbite, underbite or crossbite | An evaluation; sometimes early treatment |
| Narrow upper jaw in a young child | A custom expander as part of two-phase care |
| Teeth shifting after old braces | A new evaluation and retainer plan |
If any of these sound familiar, it is worth booking a check even if your child seems young. Many of them are simpler to correct when they are caught while the jaw is still growing.
Braces: Metal or Clear
We focus on traditional braces for kids and teens. The only real decision is the look. Metal brackets are sturdy and colorful; clear ceramic brackets blend with the teeth. Either way, metal and ceramic braces move teeth equally well, so the choice is about style rather than results.
Early Treatment and Growth Monitoring
Following the American Association of Orthodontists’ guidance, we like to see children by around age seven. If treatment is not needed, your child can join the complimentary Vibrant Kids Club for regular free growth checks. If early correction would help, we explain two-phase treatment and use appliances designed from a digital scan. It is the kind of patient, unhurried planning parents should expect from an orthodontist for kids: nothing is started before it is needed.
The Drive from Ox Bottom Manor
From Ox Bottom Road, head to North Meridian Road, then follow Timberlane Road and Timberlane School Road east and take Live Oak Plantation Road down to Thomaswood Drive. The route is usually about thirteen minutes. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Your Child’s First Weeks in Braces
The first few days after braces go on are the hardest part for most kids. Teeth may feel tender, and the cheeks and lips need time to toughen up around the brackets. Soft foods such as pasta, yogurt, smoothies and scrambled eggs help, along with a warm salt-water rinse and orthodontic wax on any spot that rubs. By the end of the first week or two, most children barely notice their braces.
Brushing takes a little longer with brackets. We show every patient how to clean around each one and how to floss under the wire. Good hygiene keeps gums healthy and prevents white marks on the teeth when braces come off.
Paying for Treatment
Before treatment begins, we explain the total fee, how your insurance benefits apply and the simple monthly payment options we offer. Everything is presented clearly, and there is no pressure to sign up at the first visit. Forms and financial details are available in our patient resources section if you would like to review them at home first.
Community Roots
Dr. R and our team are proud to be part of Tallahassee, and our community involvement keeps us close to the schools and events where we see familiar faces from north-side neighborhoods.
Clear Communication at Every Step
Parents should never have to guess what is happening with their child’s treatment. After each visit, we tell you what changed, what to watch for at home and when the next appointment should be. If your child is wearing rubber bands or an appliance, we explain exactly how and when to use it. That kind of steady communication sits at the center of what makes our practice different, and it is one of the reasons families from across north Tallahassee choose us.
For younger children, we keep the first visit relaxed. Dr. R explains each step before she does it, lets kids see their scan on the screen and answers their questions in words they understand. Most children leave curious rather than nervous, which makes every appointment after that easier.
Ox Bottom Manor FAQ
Will Dr. Rezaie see my child personally?
Yes. Dr. R evaluates and plans every case at Vibrant Orthodontics.
How long will treatment take?
Many patients wear braces for about 18 to 24 months, but it varies with the bite and how closely care instructions are followed.
What happens after braces come off?
Retainers keep teeth in place. Dr. R will explain how long to wear them and check the fit at follow-up visits.
Is there a cost for the first visit?
No. The consult and iTero scan are free.
Book a Free Braces Consult Near Ox Bottom
Get a clear plan for your child’s smile at no cost. Book a free braces consult, reach us online, or call or text (850) 385-8101.