Lincoln Orthodontics: Expert Braces & Clear Aligner Care

What Is Orthodontics? A Lincoln Patient's Guide

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that corrects crooked teeth, gaps, and misaligned bites using braces or clear aligners. Clabaugh Orthodontics provides Lincoln orthodontics care that includes metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners for kids, teens, & adults. Dr. Richard Clabaugh is a board-certified orthodontist who plans every case around your bite and your goals.

Orthodontists aren't general dentists with a special interest in braces. After dental school, they finish two to three additional years of full-time residency training that focuses only on tooth movement, jaw growth, and bite correction. That extra training is what separates a specialist from a general practice.

Dr. Clabaugh is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and holds board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics, complete with the ABO seal.

Common concerns treated at Clabaugh Orthodontics include:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Gaps and uneven spacing
• Overbite (upper teeth sit too far forward)
• Underbite (lower teeth sit ahead of the upper teeth)
• Crossbite (upper and lower teeth don't line up side to side)
• Open bite (front teeth don't touch when the back teeth do)
• Teeth that wear unevenly or make chewing awkward

Smiles have no age limit. Dr. Clabaugh treats first graders getting an early evaluation, high schoolers who want clear aligners before senior photos, and adults in their 40s, 50s, and beyond who finally decided this is their year.

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment does two jobs at once: it improves how your smile looks and how your bite works. Aligned teeth are easier to keep clean, they meet more evenly when you chew, and they take on less uneven wear over the years. The cosmetic payoff is real, and the health payoff is just as real.

Straight teeth look great. The health side matters just as much, and that part gets overlooked.

When teeth overlap, toothbrush bristles and floss can't reach every surface. Plaque settles into those tight spots and stays there. Aligning the teeth removes those hiding places, which typically lowers the risk of decay and gum disease over a lifetime.

Here's what a well-planned treatment can do for you:

• Easier daily cleaning. Brushing and flossing actually reach the surfaces they're supposed to reach.
• Better bite function. Correcting how the upper and lower teeth meet reduces jaw strain and uneven wear on enamel.
• More comfortable chewing. Food gets broken down properly instead of getting pushed around by teeth that don't meet evenly.
• Clearer speech. Certain bite issues, especially open bites, can affect how sounds form.
• Real confidence. Kids raise their hands in class. Teens stop covering their mouths in photos. Adults walk into meetings differently.

Orthodontic treatment plays a big role in your overall oral health, not just your appearance. Teeth that line up are generally easier to keep clean, and a bite that meets evenly usually spreads chewing forces across more surfaces, which is why orthodontists treat alignment as a health matter rather than a purely cosmetic one.

Treatment has also come a long way. Modern metal braces are smaller and smoother than what your parents wore. Clear braces blend in with natural enamel. Clear aligners are nearly invisible, incredibly effective, and come out for meals and brushing.

Every plan is built around your bite, your schedule, and your goals: personalized treatment, beautiful results. That's what we aim for with every case.

The Treatment Process: What to Expect

Orthodontic treatment at Clabaugh Orthodontics follows five steps: a free consultation with an exam and digital scans, a custom treatment plan with timeline and cost, placement of braces or your first aligner trays, progress visits every four to ten weeks, and finally removal followed by retainers. Most cases in Lincoln run six to 30 months.

Step 1: Your Free Consult

You'll meet Dr. Clabaugh, get a full exam, and have digital photos, X-rays, and digital scans taken. No messy trays. The scanner is quick, and you'll see your teeth on screen in 3D within minutes.

Step 2: Your Custom Treatment Plan

Dr. Clabaugh walks you through what he found, which options fit your case, and roughly how long each would take. You'll also get the full cost, insurance breakdown, and monthly payment numbers before you leave. No surprises later.

Step 3: Getting Started

For braces, brackets are bonded to each tooth and the wire is placed. For clear aligners, you'll receive your first set of trays with instructions on wear time. Many families qualify for same-day starts, so treatment can begin at that first visit.

Step 4: Progress Visits

Plan on stopping by every four to ten weeks. These visits are short. Dr. Clabaugh checks tooth movement, adjusts wires or hands off your next aligner sets, and answers whatever came up since last time.

Step 5: Finishing and Retainers

When your teeth reach their planned positions, braces come off or you finish your last aligner tray. Retainers hold everything in place. Wearing them as directed is the single most important thing you'll do to protect your stunning smile.

Simple cases can wrap up in six to 12 months. More involved bite corrections often take 18 to 30 months. Dr. Clabaugh gives you a realistic range at your consultation rather than a guess.

Who Is a Candidate for Lincoln Orthodontics Care?

Most people with crowding, spacing, or a bite that doesn't line up are candidates for orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth and gums matter more than age. Children as young as seven, teens with permanent teeth coming in, and adults well into their 60s all receive treatment at Clabaugh Orthodontics in Lincoln every week.

Children (ages 7 to 10)

The AAO and Dr. Clabaugh both recommend a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Enough permanent teeth have arrived by then to spot crossbites, crowding, and jaw growth concerns early. Most kids don't need anything yet, and those children join our smile squad so we can watch things develop.

Teens (ages 11 to 16)

This is the sweet spot. Permanent teeth are in, the jaw is still growing, and teeth respond well to guided movement.

Adults

There's no upper age limit. If your gums and bone are healthy, teeth can move at 25 or 65.

Comparing Your Options

Metal braces are a classic choice with modern comfort, and they handle almost any case. Clear braces offer a clear look and a confident smile without giving up bracket-level precision. Clear aligners work best for people who will keep them in the recommended number of hours each day.

Why Lincoln Families Choose Clabaugh Orthodontics

Clabaugh Orthodontics is a single-provider practice, which means Dr. Richard Clabaugh personally handles your exam, your treatment plan, and every adjustment. You're not passed between rotating providers.

• Board-certified specialist. Dr. Clabaugh is a board-certified orthodontist, an AAO member, and ABO certified with seal. He was born and raised right here in Lincoln and has spent nearly a decade creating smiles in this city, backed by 15+ years of experience in dentistry.
• Advanced digital technology. Digital scans replace old-fashioned trays, and in-office 3D printing lets us produce appliances and retainers faster.
• Multiple system options. As an Invisalign, Spark, 3M Clarity, and uLab provider, Dr. Clabaugh matches the system to your case instead of forcing every case into one system.
• Budget-friendly financing. You'll know your full cost before treatment starts, down to the monthly number. We coordinate insurance benefits, offer flexible monthly payment plans, and put every fee in writing at your first visit so nothing shifts later.
• Scheduling that respects your day. We run on time, and we work around school schedules and work hours whenever we can.
• An atmosphere kids actually like. Kids love us, parents trust us. The office is bright, friendly, and never stuffy.
• Referrals welcomed. Lincoln dentists send patients our way regularly, and no referral is required to book with us.

Our patients have left over 450 five-star reviews and shared their stories by name. Take a look at the before and after gallery to see the range of cases Dr. Clabaugh has treated.

improving bites. unleashing smiles.®

Frequently Asked Questions About Lincoln Orthodontics

How much do braces cost in Lincoln, and what affects the price?

Cost depends on how complex your case is, how long treatment runs, and which system you choose. Metal braces are typically the most budget-friendly option, while clear aligners and clear braces sit higher. At your free consult, Dr. Clabaugh gives you an exact figure along with monthly payment options before you commit to anything.

Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?

Many dental plans include orthodontic benefits, often as a lifetime maximum rather than an annual one. Our team verifies your coverage before treatment starts and files claims for you. Whatever insurance doesn't cover can be spread across a monthly payment plan.

How long does treatment take?

Most cases at Clabaugh Orthodontics run between six and 30 months. Minor spacing or crowding corrections finish on the shorter end. Significant bite corrections take longer. Dr. Clabaugh gives you a realistic timeline at your first visit, and wearing your aligners or elastics as directed keeps you on schedule.

At what age should my child see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Clabaugh both recommend a first orthodontic checkup at age seven. You don't need a referral. Most children who come in at that age aren't ready for braces yet, and they join our smile squad for free monitoring until the timing is right.

Do braces feel sore?

Placing braces is quick and comfortable, and there's nothing sharp about it. Teeth usually feel tender for a few days after placement and after each adjustment, similar to the soreness you'd notice after a hard workout. Soft foods and over-the-counter relief handle that tenderness easily, and the feeling fades on its own as your teeth settle into their new positions.

Clear aligners vs. braces, which is better for me?

Braces work around the clock without any effort on your part, which makes them a strong pick for kids, teens, and complex bites. Clear aligners suit people who want a discreet option and will wear their trays the recommended hours each day. Dr. Clabaugh reviews your specific bite and lifestyle and tells you honestly which will get you the best result.

Schedule Your Free Consultation in Lincoln

Curious what's possible for your smile? Your consultation at Clabaugh Orthodontics is free, and there's no obligation.

Bring your insurance card and a list of any questions. During the visit, you'll get digital photos, X-rays, and a quick digital scan, then sit down with Dr. Clabaugh to review your options, timeline, and cost. Many patients qualify for same-day starts and begin treatment right then if they're ready.

No referral is needed. Just give us a call or send a text.

Call us: (402) 483-1009

Text us: (855) 635-1009

Book online: Free Consult

Our Lincoln office is located at 1530 South 70th Street, #201, Lincoln, NE 68506, and we welcome families from Lincoln and the surrounding communities.

Orthodontics, just for you.