For over 20 years at Smile Design Orthodontics, Dr. Fernan Rodriguez and his experienced team specialize in high-quality, personalized orthodontic care using modern orthodontic systems. Whether you’re considering treatment for your child, teens, or yourself, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, with expertise, empathy, and a commitment to excellence.
Orthodontic treatment is about more than just straightening teeth. It’s about building a healthier, more functional bite and supporting lifelong dental wellness. We offer multiple types of braces tailored to the needs of growing children, busy adults, and everyone in between.
Braces or Invisalign Aligners are one of the most effective tools for correcting misaligned teeth, bite issues, crowding, spacing, and jaw irregularities. They both work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to guide teeth into their proper positions over time. The result? A beautifully aligned smile, and often, improved speech, easier brushing and flossing, and long-term oral health benefits.
Or Metal “Self-Ligating” Brackets are one of our most common, reliable and wonderful options. They are small, comfortable and have an advanced built-in door or clip system that gently holds the wire in place. This design often shortens treatment time. Patients can customize them -if they want-, with colorful bands.
Using Invisalign Aligners is another way to apply forces and movements to teeth. It is a clear, removable alternative to braces that work as well as braces, with proper patient compliance. Learn more on our Invisalign page.
We follow the American Association of Orthodontists' recommendation: children should have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. That doesn’t mean treatment begins immediately, often, it’s just about early monitoring to ensure optimal timing for any future care.
Many patients begin braces around ages 11 to 13, once most of their adult teeth are in. But every child’s development is different, and early evaluation helps us plan for the smoothest, most effective treatment.
Every new patient receives a complimentary consultation, which includes:
This visit typically takes around 45 minutes and gives you a complete understanding of the journey ahead, no obligation, no pressure.
Getting braces or Invisalign placed is completely painless. No needles, no drilling. Mild soreness or pressure is normal within the first 24 to 48 hours as your teeth begin adjusting, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication like Tylenol.
Our team provides guidance for staying comfortable throughout treatment, including what foods to avoid and how to manage tenderness after adjustments.
Most patients complete treatment within 15 to 18 months, though some complex cases may take up to two years. Regular checkups, typically every 6 weeks, ensure progress stays on track.
Braces don’t have to hold you back. You can still:
We’ll give you a clear guide on what to avoid and how to care for your braces day to day.
We believe great smiles should be accessible. The average cost of braces at our Grand Prairie and Midlothian offices ranges between $3,000 and $5,000, depending on the complexity and duration of treatment. We offer:
Our team will walk you through all options to help you find the right fit for your budget.
Broken brackets or wires can happen, especially if certain foods are eaten. If something comes loose, we’ll advise you on how to stay comfortable at home until we can fix it. One-off breakages aren’t a big deal, but repeated incidents can delay progress. We’ll always help you get back on track as quickly as possible.
Take a look at our "Life with Braces" page, for more helpful info.
Schedule your free braces consultation with Dr. Rodriguez today and take the first step toward the confident smile you deserve.
Serving Grand Prairie, Midlothian, Oak Cliff, and surrounding areas.