The start of a new year has a way of making us think bigger. New habits, new goals, new reasons to focus on the things we’ve been putting off. If one of your resolutions is to finally feel confident about your teeth, there’s no better time to begin with Pure Smiles Orthodontics in Austin. Dr. G and our team are here to help you turn that resolution into a real plan, one personalized step at a time.
What Starting a New Smile Really Means
Starting a new smile means beginning a personalized treatment plan designed to align your teeth and improve your bite. At Pure Smiles Orthodontics, that could involve braces, Invisalign, Spark clear aligners, or retainers, all customized by Dr. Silvana Gonzalez, a Board Qualified Orthodontist and member of the American Association of Orthodontists.
The new year is a natural reset point. You’re already thinking about health, habits, and the version of yourself you want to grow into. Orthodontic treatment fits right into that mindset. It’s a goal with a clear beginning and a visible, lasting result.
The purpose goes beyond looks. A properly aligned bite is easier to clean, gentler on your jaw, and better for long-term oral health. And yes, your self-confidence often follows close behind.
One thing to know up front: this is a commitment measured in months, not days. Most treatments take somewhere between 6 and 24 months. But the time passes either way, so why not spend it moving toward your pure smile?
How to Start Treatment Step by Step
Starting treatment at Pure Smiles Orthodontics follows a clear, simple process. Here’s exactly what to expect from your first phone call to your final retainer check.
- Book your complimentary consultation. This is a no-pressure first visit where you’ll meet Dr. G and our team, tour the practice, and share what you’d like to change about your smile.
- Receive a digital scan, clinical exam, and personalized treatment plan. Using our iTero digital scanner, we capture a precise 3D model of your teeth. No messy impressions. Dr. G then reviews your scans and X-rays to design a plan that fits your bite, your goals, and your lifestyle.
- Review your treatment options together. Depending on your case, Dr. G may recommend traditional braces, clear braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, or Spark clear aligners. You’ll see the pros of each, timelines, and flexible monthly payments before deciding.
- Begin treatment and attend scheduled check-ins. Most family members visit us every 4 to 8 weeks so we can track progress, make adjustments, and keep things moving. Same-day starts are often available if you’re ready to begin right away.
- Transition into retainers to protect your results. Once your teeth reach their final position, retainers lock in your pure smile. Our 5-Year Retainer Guarantee Program is designed to keep that smile looking great for the long haul.
Typical treatment ranges from 6 to 24 months, depending on how much movement your teeth need. Dr. G will give you a realistic timeline at your first visit, along with answers to any questions you’ve been carrying around for a while.
Benefits of Starting Treatment at the Start of the Year
There’s a real reason January feels like the right time. Fresh-start psychology is powerful. When you tie a new goal to a new year, you’re far more likely to follow through. Beginning orthodontic treatment now gives you a clear goal and visible change by December, something worth looking back on when the next year rolls in.
Here’s what starting in January can mean for you:
- Visible progress by summer. Many family members notice real changes within the first few months. By the time pool parties and summer weddings roll around, you’re well into your treatment.
- A transformed smile by the next holiday season. Picture next year’s holiday photos with the smile you’ve always wanted.
- Boosted self-confidence for job interviews, dates, social events, and every photo you’re tagged in.
- Improved oral health. Straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss, which supports healthier gums and a better bite long term.
- Smart use of your insurance and savings accounts. New annual dental insurance maximums reset in January, and HSA/FSA funds can often be applied toward orthodontic care. Starting early in the year lets you plan around both.
- Momentum that carries into other goals. When you take care of one part of your health, it’s easier to keep going. Family members who start treatment in January often tell us they feel more motivated about eating well, exercising, and keeping up with regular dental cleanings.
New year, same you, better smile. The timing simply works in your favor.
Comparing Your Smile Options: Braces vs. Invisalign vs. Spark
Pure Smiles Orthodontics offers every leading treatment option, and Dr. G will help you choose the right one based on your bite, your schedule, and your preferences. If you’re researching braces in Austin, here’s a quick side-by-side of what’s available today.
| Option | Visibility | Typical Treatment Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Visible | 12 to 24 months | Complex cases, children, teens, adults who want a fixed solution |
| Clear Braces | Less visible | 12 to 24 months | Teens and adults who want a fixed appliance with a more discreet look |
| Invisalign | Nearly invisible | 12 to 18 months | Adults and teens with mild to moderate alignment needs |
| Invisalign Teen | Nearly invisible | 12 to 18 months | Growing teens; includes compliance indicators and eruption tabs |
| Spark Clear Aligners | Nearly invisible | 12 to 18 months | Family members wanting a newer, stain-resistant aligner material |
Metal braces remain the most versatile option. They’re fixed to your teeth, so there’s nothing to remove, and they handle even the most complex bite corrections. Today’s brackets are smaller and more comfortable than the ones many parents remember, and you can add colored bands to make them your own.
Clear braces work the same way as metal braces, using tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your smile. They’re a good fit if you want the reliability of a fixed appliance without as much visible hardware.
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners. You can take them out to eat and brush, which many adults appreciate. As a Gold+ Invisalign Provider, Pure Smiles Orthodontics has extensive experience planning cases from simple to complex.
Invisalign Teen includes features designed for growing mouths, like compliance indicators that help parents track wear time and eruption tabs that leave room for new teeth.
Spark Clear Aligners use a newer material that resists staining and offers a comfortable fit. They’re a great option for family members who want a discreet, modern approach.
For severe skeletal issues, Dr. G may also discuss surgical orthodontics as part of your plan. The right choice depends on your case, and that’s exactly what your complimentary consultation is for.
How Long Does Each Option Take?
Treatment time is the question we hear most, and the honest answer is that it depends on your teeth. Simple cases, such as minor crowding or small gaps, can finish in as little as 6 months. Moderate cases usually land in the 12 to 18 month range, and complex bite corrections with fixed braces can take 18 to 24 months.
A few things shape your timeline:
- How far your teeth need to move. Mild crowding takes less time than a full bite correction.
- The option you choose. Fixed braces handle the widest range of movements, while aligners work best when the plan stays within what they can do.
- Your age and growth. Teens often move efficiently because growth is still happening, and early treatment for children can guide jaw development.
- How closely you follow the plan. Wearing aligners as directed, keeping appointments, and caring for your braces all keep treatment on schedule.
Dr. G confirms your estimated finish date at your first visit and updates it at check-ins. If you’d like to see what other families can expect, our guide on how long you will be in braces walks through the stages of treatment.
What Affects the Cost of Your New Smile?
The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on a handful of factors: how complex your case is, how long treatment takes, which option you choose, and what your insurance covers. At Pure Smiles Orthodontics, we review your estimate in detail during your complimentary consultation, so there are no surprises.
Here’s what typically influences your investment:
- Case complexity and treatment length. A short, simple alignment plan involves fewer visits and less treatment time than a full bite correction.
- Treatment type. Metal braces, clear braces, and aligners each use different materials and planning, which is one reason Dr. G walks you through every option side by side.
- Insurance orthodontic benefits. We accept most major plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Cigna, Delta Dental, DentaQuest, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, and UnitedHealthcare. Many include orthodontic lifetime maximums.
- HSA and FSA eligibility. Orthodontic treatment is typically eligible for both. Starting in January gives you a full year to plan contributions.
- Flexible monthly payments. Our in-house flexible payments make treatment manageable for most family budgets.
Your consultation includes a clear breakdown of your options, an insurance estimate, and monthly payment choices so you can make a confident decision. You can also read more about financing and insurance before you visit.
Are You a Good Candidate to Start This Year?
Orthodontic treatment is for just about every age. The question isn’t usually “can I?” It’s “what’s the right approach for me?”
- Children: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. Early intervention can guide jaw growth and prevent bigger issues later.
- Teens: This is the most common age for full treatment. Permanent teeth are in, growth is still happening, and treatment often moves efficiently.
- Adults: It’s never too late. If your teeth and gums are healthy, you’re likely a candidate. Many of our adult family members are in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond.
- Common issues we treat: crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.
- Surgical orthodontic candidates: Those with significant jaw discrepancies may benefit from a combined orthodontic and surgical approach.
Signs it’s time to book: you hide your teeth in photos, you have trouble cleaning between crowded teeth, your bite feels off, or you’ve simply thought about it for years. That’s your sign.
Visit Our South Austin Orthodontic Office
Pure Smiles Orthodontics is a boutique practice in South Austin, so you’ll see the same friendly faces at every visit. Here’s everything you need to plan your first appointment.
- Address: 4301 W. William Cannon Dr., Ste. E300, Austin, TX 78749, near MoPac and Arbor Trails.
- Phone: 512-215-2520
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Dr. Silvana Gonzalez and our team welcome patients of all ages from across South Austin and Southwest Austin, including Circle C, Westgate, and Sunset Valley. Many families also drive in from Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, Bee Cave, and Lakeway. If you’re not sure which neighborhood is closest, our guide to an orthodontist in South Austin explains what to expect from a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting Your New Smile
How long will my orthodontic treatment take?
Most treatments at Pure Smiles Orthodontics take between 6 and 24 months. Simple cases can finish in as little as 6 months, while metal braces and clear braces for more complex bites often run 12 to 24 months. The exact length depends on your case complexity, the option you choose, and how closely you follow Dr. G’s instructions. You’ll receive a personalized timeline at your complimentary consultation.
Is it too late to start braces or Invisalign as an adult?
Not at all. Adults make up a large and growing portion of family members we treat. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you can start treatment at any age. Invisalign and Spark clear aligners are especially popular with adults because they’re discreet and fit easily into professional and social life.
Can I use my dental insurance or FSA/HSA toward treatment?
Yes, in most cases. We accept most major dental insurance plans, and many include orthodontic benefits. HSA and FSA funds are typically eligible for orthodontic treatment as well. Our team will verify your benefits and walk you through everything during your first visit.
What happens at my first consultation?
Your complimentary consultation includes a tour of our boutique practice, a digital scan with our iTero scanner, X-rays, and a clinical exam with Dr. G. She’ll review your results, explain your options, and answer every question. You’ll leave with a personalized treatment plan and a clear understanding of your costs and timeline.
How soon will I see results after starting?
Many family members notice visible changes within the first 2 to 3 months. The pace of progress depends on your treatment type and your specific case. Dr. G will share progress updates at each check-in so you can see your pure smile taking shape.
Will treatment interfere with work, school, or sports?
Rarely. Visits are scheduled every 4 to 8 weeks and usually take under an hour. Invisalign and Spark aligners are removable, so eating, brushing, and playing sports stay simple. For braces, we provide protective wax and mouthguard guidance. Most family members adjust quickly and continue their normal routines.
Where is Pure Smiles Orthodontics located, and what areas do you serve?
Our Austin office is at 4301 W. William Cannon Dr., Ste. E300, Austin, TX 78749, near MoPac and Arbor Trails. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and welcome patients from South Austin, Southwest Austin, Circle C, Sunset Valley, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, Bee Cave, and Lakeway. Call 512-215-2520 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Ready to find your pure smile? This is the year. Dr. Silvana Gonzalez and the team at Pure Smiles Orthodontics in Austin are ready to welcome you with a complimentary consultation at our South Austin practice on W William Cannon Dr. Call 512-215-2520 or book online, and together we’ll help you discover your pure smile.