Trusted Moorhead Orthodontist for All Ages
At Fargo Orthodontics, Dr. David Duevel and our team welcome patients of all ages from Moorhead and the surrounding area. From our Fargo office just minutes across the river, we serve Moorhead families with clear aligners, metal braces, clear braces, and retainers in a warm, friendly setting where your comfort comes first. Every smile that walks through our door is treated like it matters, because to us, it does.
What Is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats issues with tooth alignment, bite, and jaw position. Beyond dental school, an orthodontist completes two to three additional years of specialty training focused on moving teeth and guiding jaw growth. That extra training is what sets an orthodontist apart from a general dentist.
While your family dentist focuses on overall oral health, an orthodontist handles the details of malocclusion, crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and jaw alignment. Dr. Duevel earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery with Highest Distinction from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, along with a Master's degree in Oral Biology and a Certificate in Orthodontics from UNMC.
Moorhead patients of all ages come to our Fargo office for specialty care they can trust, backed by years of experience and advanced training.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment in Moorhead
Orthodontic treatment does more than straighten teeth. It improves your bite, makes cleaning easier, supports better chewing and speech, and boosts your confidence. When your bite works the way it should, your whole mouth benefits for years to come. Here's what treatment at our Fargo office can do for you or your child in Moorhead:
- A more confident smile. Straighter teeth often lead to greater self-esteem in school, at work, and in social settings.
- A healthier bite. Correcting overbites, underbites, and crossbites reduces jaw strain and prevents uneven tooth wear over time.
- Easier cleaning. When teeth aren't crowded or overlapping, brushing and flossing become much simpler. That means a lower risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Better chewing and speech. Aligned teeth help you chew food properly and can improve certain speech patterns.
- Options for every lifestyle. From clear aligners for busy adults to metal braces for kids and teens, there's a fit for everyone.
| Treatment Concern | How Orthodontics Helps |
|---|---|
| Crowded teeth | Creates space and improves cleaning |
| Gaps between teeth | Closes spaces for a balanced smile |
| Overbite or underbite | Aligns the bite and reduces jaw strain |
| Crossbite | Prevents uneven wear and tooth damage |
| Crooked front teeth | Boosts confidence and smile appearance |
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, early evaluation and treatment can help guide healthy jaw development in growing children.
Our Orthodontic Treatment Process
We keep every step clear, simple, and stress-free. Here's what your time with Fargo Orthodontics looks like from start to finish:
- Free consultation and digital exam. You'll meet Dr. Duevel and the team, tour the Fargo office, and get a look at your smile using our intraoral scanner and digital X-rays. No pressure, no obligation.
- Custom treatment plan. Dr. Duevel will walk you through your individualized treatment plan and review your options, whether that's clear aligners, metal braces, or clear braces.
- Fitting your appliance. Once you decide which option is right for you, we'll place your braces or deliver your first set of clear aligners. We take our time to make sure everything feels right.
- Regular progress visits. You'll come in every 4 to 8 weeks so we can check your progress and make small adjustments. These visits are quick and friendly.
- Retainers to keep your results. After your braces come off (or your final aligner is done), a retainer helps hold your new smile in place for the long term.
Most patients complete treatment within 12 to 24 months, though timelines vary based on your specific needs.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces or Aligners?
The short answer? Almost everyone. We treat kids, teens, and adults, and it's rarely too late to start.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At that age, enough permanent teeth have come in for Dr. Duevel to spot issues with jaw growth, crowding, or bite before they become bigger concerns. Early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment, but it gives us a chance to plan ahead.
Orthodontic care is a great fit if you have:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- An overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Jaw discomfort or difficulty chewing
- Teeth that shifted after previous treatment
Clear aligners work well for mild-to-moderate alignment concerns and are a favorite among adults who want a discreet option that fits a busy schedule. For more complex cases, metal or clear braces often give the best results for your unique smile. Your free consult with Dr. Duevel is the best way to find out which option is right for you.
Why Choose Fargo Orthodontics as Your Moorhead Orthodontist
We've been Serving Smiles Since 1988, and we're honored to care for patients of all ages from Moorhead, Fargo, and the greater Cass County area.
Here's what makes our Fargo office different for Moorhead families:
- Specialty-trained care from Dr. Duevel. With a Doctor of Dental Surgery earned with Highest Distinction, a Master's in Oral Biology, and a Certificate in Orthodontics from UNMC, Dr. Duevel brings deep expertise to every visit.
- A full range of treatment options. Clear aligners, metal braces, clear braces, and retainers, all under one roof.
- Care for the whole family. Kids, teens, and adults are all welcome. Many of our patients bring in their siblings, parents, and even grandparents.
- Trusted memberships. Fargo Orthodontics is affiliated with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), the American Dental Association (ADA), the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists (MSO), and the North Dakota Dental Association (NDDA).
- A no-obligation free consultation. You'll get real answers and a clear plan before making any decisions.
- Flexible payment options. In-office no-interest payment plans and a discount for paying in full help keep treatment within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do braces cost near Moorhead?
The cost of braces or clear aligners depends on the length and complexity of your individualized treatment plan. At your free consult, Dr. Duevel will review pricing openly and walk you through our flexible payment options, including in-office no-interest payment plans and a discount for paying in full. We work hard to keep quality orthodontics within reach for Moorhead families across the area.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most patients complete treatment within 12 to 24 months, though some cases are shorter and some are longer. Treatment time depends on factors like the type of correction needed, your age, and how well you follow care instructions. Dr. Duevel will give you a personalized estimate at your free consultation.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For many patients, yes. Clear aligners work well for mild-to-moderate alignment concerns and give you comfort and flexibility that fit a busy schedule. For more complex bite issues, metal braces or clear braces often deliver the best results for your unique smile. Dr. Duevel will recommend the option that fits your goals.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. By this age, enough permanent teeth have come in for Dr. Duevel to spot developing bite or spacing issues. Early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment, but it helps us plan the right time to step in.
Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Many dental insurance plans include some orthodontic benefits, especially for children. Our team will help you understand your coverage and file claims on your behalf. We also offer flexible payment options for families whose insurance doesn't cover the full cost.
Do I need a referral to visit an orthodontist?
Nope! You don't need a referral to schedule with Fargo Orthodontics. You can call us directly or book your free consultation online whenever you're ready.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Ready to see how far your smile can go? Booking your free consultation with Fargo Orthodontics is simple, and there's no obligation to start treatment.
Our Fargo office at 2585 23rd Avenue South is a short drive from Moorhead, making high-quality orthodontic care convenient for families across the area. Call us at 701-293-0006 or book your free consult online whenever it works for you.
You bring the smile, and our team will take care of every step of the rest.