Options for Every Age
At Lupi Orthodontics, we’ve spent more than 30 years helping families throughout Stafford build healthier, more confident smiles through personalized orthodontic treatment. Whether your child just turned seven, your teenager wants a faster path to a great smile, or you’re finally ready to invest in the smile you’ve always wanted as an adult, Dr. James Lupi and our team build a plan around you, not the other way around. As a certified Platinum Plus Invisalign® provider offering everything from traditional braces to clear aligners, palatal expanders, and sleep apnea appliances, we’re able to treat almost any orthodontic concern under one roof, guided by a doctor who’s been part of this community since 1994.
Orthodontic treatment is the process of gently guiding teeth and jaws into a healthier, more functional position using appliances like braces, clear aligners, or expanders. At its core, it corrects what dentists call “malocclusion,” a bad bite, whether that means crowded teeth, a gap, or jaws that don’t quite line up. Straightening your smile isn’t just cosmetic. A properly aligned bite is easier to clean, which lowers your risk of decay and gum disease, reduces abnormal wear on your enamel, and can relieve headaches and jaw pain caused by TMJ/TMD. It’s one of the few treatments in dentistry that improves both how your smile looks and how your whole mouth functions, for a lifetime, not just for the months you’re in treatment.
Orthodontic issues show up differently at every age, but a few signs mean it’s worth scheduling a complimentary evaluation:
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Even if nothing looks obviously wrong, by that age, there’s enough permanent tooth structure for Dr. Lupi to catch subtle issues early, when they’re far easier to correct. Teens and adults can start treatment at any age; it’s genuinely never too late.
Every smile is different, so we don’t put every patient on the same path. Here’s a look at the full range of orthodontic treatment options available at our Stafford office:
For patients who want proven, efficient results, traditional metal braces remain one of the most effective ways to treat even complex bite issues. If you’d prefer a more discreet look, our ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets, and our KLOwen® braces combine comfort with style. We’ll walk you through every option based on your alignment issue, lifestyle, and budget.
As a Platinum Plus Invisalign provider, we offer clear aligners for kids, teens, and adults who want a nearly invisible way to straighten their smile. Custom, removable trays gently shift your teeth over time- no metal, no food restrictions, and check-ins that can often happen virtually.
Some children benefit from early, or “Phase 1,” treatment that guides jaw growth before all the permanent teeth arrive. A palatal expander is often part of that plan; it widens a narrow upper jaw to correct a crossbite, ease crowding, or improve nasal breathing. Early intervention can mean a shorter, simpler Phase 2 later on.
Treatment doesn’t end when the braces come off. We provide detailed retainer instructions and our Lupi Retainer Club membership to help you protect your results for life, because a straight smile is only “done” if you keep it that way.
Orthodontic treatment isn’t only about appearance. For patients with a physician-diagnosed case of obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Lupi can design a custom oral appliance that repositions the jaw to keep the airway open overnight, a comfortable, non-CPAP option for many patients.
Cost depends on your specific case, but we believe in transparent pricing from the very first conversation. Our Smile Choice Option at Lupi Orthodontics starts as low as $2,280 for a Smile Touchup (about 6 months), around $4,280 for a Smile Refresh (about 12 months), with custom pricing for a full Smile Makeover. Every plan comes with flexible, zero-interest in-house financing options, and we work with most major insurance providers.
Every treatment plan starts with a precise, comfortable digital scan using our iTero® Digital Scanner– no messy impressions, just a 3D preview of your future smile before treatment even begins. From there, we use in-house 3D printing and remote monitoring tools to keep visits efficient and your progress on track, wherever life takes you.
Book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Lupi, in person or virtually, and find out which orthodontic treatment option is right for you.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation by age 7. Your child will likely have enough permanent teeth by then for Dr. Lupi to spot subtle issues early, even if treatment doesn’t start right away.
Phase 1 (early treatment) addresses jaw growth and space issues in younger children, often using a palatal expander or partial braces. Phase 2 is comprehensive treatment, usually full braces or aligners, once all the permanent teeth have come in. Not every child needs both phases; Dr. Lupi will tell you honestly whether early treatment is necessary for your child.
Both are excellent, proven options. Clear aligners are nearly invisible and removable, which many teens and adults prefer, while braces can be the most efficient choice for certain complex bite issues. During your free consultation, Dr. Lupi will walk you through the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed choice, not a sales pitch.
Not at all. A growing number of our patients are adults who either never had treatment or didn’t wear their retainer after braces. With options like Smile Touchup for minor adjustments, it’s never too late to invest in your smile.
