Orthodontics

Dr. Julio E. Hernandez — **Dr Julio E Hernandez**DMD, Founder

Straightening your teeth

Personalized Orthodontic Solutions for a Healthier, More Confident Smile

We work with you, finding the best solution to fit your lifestyle

A Confident Smile Begins with Healthy Alignment

Straight teeth can improve far more than the way your smile looks. Proper alignment helps support a healthier bite, more efficient chewing, easier home care, improved gum health, and a more balanced smile. When teeth are crowded, spaced, rotated, or positioned in a way that affects the bite, patients may notice uneven wear, jaw tension, gum irritation, difficulty cleaning between teeth, or self-consciousness when smiling.

At Vikara Dentistry, orthodontic care is designed around the whole patient. We do not view orthodontics as a cosmetic service alone. We evaluate tooth position, bite function, jaw development, airway-related concerns, periodontal health, facial balance, and long-term stability before recommending treatment.

Whether you are an adult who wants a discreet way to straighten your teeth or a parent concerned about your child's growth and bite development, our goal is to help you understand your options clearly and choose a treatment plan that supports both confidence and long-term oral health.

Why Teeth Become Crooked or Misaligned

Tooth alignment is influenced by many factors. Some patients develop crowding because the jaws do not provide enough space for the teeth. Others experience spacing, bite problems, relapse after previous orthodontic treatment, tooth movement after tooth loss, or changes related to clenching and grinding.

In children, early habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, prolonged pacifier use, or airway obstruction may affect jaw development and tooth position. In adults, teeth may shift gradually over time due to gum disease, missing teeth, bite forces, or lack of retainer wear after previous treatment.

Common orthodontic concerns include:

Crowded teeth
Spacing between teeth
Overbite
Underbite
Crossbite
Open bite
Rotated teeth
Narrow arches
Jaw growth concerns in children
Relapse after braces or Invisalign
Bite-related wear or jaw discomfort

Because every smile develops differently, orthodontic treatment should begin with a careful diagnosis rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation.

The Vikara Difference

At Vikara Dentistry, orthodontic treatment begins with comprehensive records and thoughtful planning. Your evaluation may include digital photographs, iTero scanning, radiographs when indicated, bite analysis, airway and habit screening, periodontal assessment, and a discussion of your personal goals.

Our providers consider how alignment affects not only smile aesthetics but also function, stability, hygiene, and long-term oral health. For many patients, orthodontics becomes the foundation for additional dental care, including whitening, bonding, veneers, implants, periodontal therapy, or TMJ support.

Our philosophy is simple:

Understand the smile, the bite, and the patient before choosing the appliance.

Treatment Options

Invisalign

A clear aligner being seated over the upper teeth

A discreet, removable way to straighten your teeth.

Invisalign uses clear, custom aligners to move teeth gradually, so you can straighten your smile without metal brackets or wires. At Vikara we plan every case around your bite, gum health, and long-term stability, not a scan alone.

Good for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and relapse
Removable for easy eating, brushing, and flossing
Often paired with whitening or bonding

See whether Invisalign is right for you at a Vikara consultation.

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Metal Braces

Fixed metal brackets and archwire on the upper arch

Reliable correction, even for complex cases.

Traditional metal braces remain one of the most effective ways to correct crowding, rotations, and bite problems, especially when precise, controlled movement is needed.

Ideal for complex alignment and bite correction
Dependable for growing patients and adults alike
Paired with retention to protect your result

Ask about braces at your Vikara orthodontic consultation.

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Clear Braces

Orthodontic brackets set on a study model

The control of braces, with a subtler look.

Clear braces work like traditional braces but use tooth-colored brackets that blend in, giving reliable correction with a more discreet appearance.

Fixed brackets for consistent, controlled movement
Less noticeable than metal braces
Reliability without the metal look

Compare your options at a Vikara consultation.

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Retainers

Protect the results you worked for.

The most important phase of orthodontics begins after your teeth are straight. Teeth naturally tend to shift, so a personalized retainer plan keeps your smile stable.

Removable and fixed options
Replacements available if you had treatment elsewhere
Simple care that protects your investment

Ask about a retainer plan at Vikara.

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Orthodontic Appliances for Children

Early guidance at the right time.

Children's orthodontic care is not always about braces. Early evaluation can guide jaw growth, create space, support the airway, and correct habits, so treatment happens at the right moment.

Helps guide growth and bite development
Addresses habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing
Early monitoring, so we treat only when it helps

Schedule a children's orthodontic evaluation at Vikara.

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Accelerated Orthodontic Treatments

Support for more efficient tooth movement.

Every smile has biological limits, but selected acceleration techniques may support more efficient movement when they fit your case and goals.

Considered as part of a personalized plan
Only used when clinically appropriate
Aimed at a smoother experience

Ask whether acceleration fits your plan at Vikara.

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Your Orthodontic Journey at Vikara Dentistry

Your journey begins with a consultation designed to understand your smile, your concerns, and your long-term goals. We gather the records needed to properly evaluate your teeth, bite, facial balance, oral health, and treatment options.

After reviewing your findings, we explain which orthodontic solutions may be appropriate, how long treatment may take, what responsibilities you will have at home, and how we will help maintain your results after treatment is complete.

Personalized Smile Roadmap

If you want a discreet removable option, Invisalign may be recommended.

If you need more comprehensive bite correction, metal braces or clear braces may be more appropriate.

If your child has growth or development concerns, orthodontic appliances may help guide treatment at the right time.

If you have already completed orthodontic treatment, retainers help protect your results.

If you want to improve treatment efficiency, accelerated orthodontic options may be discussed when appropriate.

Start Your Orthodontic Journey

A straighter smile can improve confidence, function, hygiene, and long-term oral health. At Vikara Dentistry, orthodontic treatment is personalized, comprehensive, and designed to support the health of your smile for years to come.

Call Vikara Dentistry at 305-572-1600 to schedule your orthodontic consultation in Miami.

FAQ about Orthodontics

Is Invisalign painful?

Most patients feel pressure when starting a new aligner. This usually means the aligner is actively moving teeth. Discomfort is typically mild and temporary.

Are metal braces only for children?

No. Metal braces can be appropriate for children, teens, and adults. The right treatment depends on the patient's orthodontic needs, goals, and oral health.

Are clear braces as effective as metal braces?

Clear braces can be very effective for many patients. The best option depends on your orthodontic needs, bite concerns, and treatment goals.

How long do I need to wear retainers?

Retention is generally a long-term part of orthodontic care. Your provider will recommend a schedule based on your treatment and stability needs.

What age should my child have an orthodontic evaluation?

Many children benefit from an orthodontic screening around age seven, although some concerns may be evaluated earlier if parents or providers notice developmental issues.

Can orthodontic treatment really be accelerated?

In selected cases, adjunctive techniques may support more efficient tooth movement. However, safe orthodontic treatment must respect biological limits.

How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

VIKARA offers a wide range of orthodontic options for children beginning around age seven, as well as teens and adults of all ages. Treatment may involve traditional braces or clear aligner therapy, depending on each patient’s needs, goals, and case complexity. After a complete evaluation, we will provide a customized treatment plan and review the total cost before treatment begins.

Patient Stories

Hear from a few VIKARA patients in their own words.

From the moment I walked in, everything felt different. The team genuinely listened to what I wanted and designed a plan that addressed my smile, my skin, and my overall confidence in one cohesive approach. I have never experienced care like this anywhere else.

Fatima Velasquez

I used to see three different providers for my teeth, my skin, and my wellness. VIKARA brought everything under one roof with one team that actually communicates with each other. The results speak for themselves, and they look completely natural.

David Murray

The attention to detail here is extraordinary. They remembered my preferences from my first visit, the music I liked, how I take my water, everything. It feels like they designed the experience specifically for me.

Miranda Navarro

Individual experiences and results vary. Videos include on-screen captions.

See more patient stories

Find the right approach for you.

Schedule a private consultation and discover a more complete standard of care in Miami.

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Or call 305-572-1600