Arlington Orthodontist: Expert Braces & Clear Aligners at Larson Orthodontics
What Does an Arlington Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses, prevents, and treats misaligned teeth and jaws. While general dentists focus on overall oral health, orthodontists complete additional years of specialty training to correct bite issues and align smiles using braces and aligners. At Larson Orthodontics, Dr. Larson focuses exclusively on this work for families across Arlington and Northern Virginia, all from our home in nearby Alexandria.
That specialty focus matters. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, less prone to wear, and better at supporting healthy jaw function for life.
Our Arlington patients have several options under one roof:
- Invisalign clear aligners
- Spark clear aligners
- 3M Advanced metal braces
- 3M Clarity clear braces
- LightForce custom 3D-printed braces
We treat children, teens, and adults with customized plans designed around each smile. If your child needs an early evaluation, or you're an adult finally ready to fix a long-standing concern, Dr. Larson, DMD, will walk you through the options at your consult.
Benefits of Choosing Larson Orthodontics in Arlington
Choosing the right orthodontic office shapes your entire experience. Here's what sets Larson Orthodontics apart for Arlington families.
Multiple treatment options. We offer Invisalign, Spark clear aligners, 3M Clarity clear braces, 3M Advanced metal braces, and LightForce custom 3D-printed braces. That means we can match the treatment to your smile, not the other way around.
Customized plans for every age. Kids, teens, busy professionals, and adults all walk through our doors. Each customized plan is built around your goals, lifestyle, and timeline.
Modern technology for a personalized fit. LightForce brackets are 3D-printed to fit the exact shape of your teeth. That helps Dr. Larson create a more customized braces experience from the start.
A convenient location for Northern Virginia. Our Alexandria home is a short drive for Arlington, Old Town North, Del Ray, Fairlington, and Washington D.C. patients.
Consults, in person or virtual. Curious about treatment? Start with an in-person consult or a convenient virtual consult from your couch.
| Feature | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Multiple treatment types | Options that fit your smile and lifestyle |
| LightForce 3D-printed braces | A custom bracket fit designed around your teeth |
| Spark & Invisalign aligners | Clear, removable treatment for teens and adults |
| Virtual consults | Get answers without leaving home |
| Orthodontic care near Arlington | Specialized care from our nearby Alexandria office |
We love the details, and you'll feel it from your first visit.
Your Orthodontic Treatment Process: What to Expect
The orthodontic treatment process at Larson Orthodontics has five clear steps. It starts with a consult and digital exam. Next comes a customized plan review, then the fitting of your braces or aligners. After that, you'll come in for regular progress check-ups, usually every 4-8 weeks depending on your treatment plan. The final step is a retention phase to protect your new smile. Many cases take 6 to 24 months, depending on complexity.
Here's how each step works:
- Consult and digital exam. You'll meet Dr. Larson, tour our home, and get a digital scan. No pressure, no obligation.
- Customized plan and options review. Dr. Larson walks you through what's possible, including timelines and pricing. You decide what fits.
- Fitting your braces or aligners. If you choose LightForce, 3M Clarity, Invisalign, or Spark clear aligners, we will walk you through the fitting process, care instructions, and what to expect next.
- Regular progress check-ups. Plan on quick visits so Dr. Larson can adjust your treatment and keep things moving.
- Retention phase. Once your teeth are in their new spots, retainers hold them there. This step protects everything you worked for.
Treatment time varies. Minor spacing fixes can wrap up in under a year, while more involved bite corrections may take 18-24 months. At your consult, Dr. Larson will give you a realistic timeline for your case.
Are You a Candidate for Braces or Clear Aligners?
Most people who want a straighter smile are candidates for treatment. We regularly treat:
- Crowding, when teeth overlap or twist
- Gaps, the spaces left between teeth
- Overbite, where upper teeth cover too much of the lower
- Underbite, when lower teeth sit in front of the uppers
- Crossbite, a bite that doesn't line up correctly
- Open bite, where the front teeth don't meet when biting down
Kids, teens, and adults all qualify. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment, but it gives Dr. Larson a chance to spot developing issues. Teens often benefit from full braces or Spark aligners as their permanent teeth settle in. Adults are also great candidates for orthodontic treatment, and clear options like Invisalign make treatment easier to fit into work and social life.
Aligners vs. braces. Invisalign and Spark clear aligners work well for many of our patients who want a clear, removable option. Braces, including LightForce and 3M Clarity, can handle many more complex cases and don't require the discipline of wearing trays for most of the day.
| Treatment | Best For |
|---|---|
| Invisalign / Spark | Adults and teens wanting a clear, removable option |
| 3M Clarity clear braces | Patients who want a lower-profile fixed option |
| 3M Advanced metal braces | Reliable treatment for a wide range of ages and cases |
| LightForce 3D-printed braces | Custom-fit braces planned around your smile |
A consult with Dr. Larson is the best way to find out which option fits your smile. You can also explore our full list of orthodontic treatment options before your visit.
Why Arlington Families Trust Larson Orthodontics
Families across Arlington and Northern Virginia trust Larson Orthodontics because Dr. Larson is an orthodontic specialist, our Alexandria home pairs modern technology with genuine warmth, and we treat every visit like it matters. From the first hello to your final retainer check, you're never just a patient here.
Dr. Donald F. Larson, DMD, provides customized orthodontic care with treatment options that include Invisalign, LightForce, Spark Clear Aligners, 3M Clarity, and 3M Advanced braces. His approach is built around personalized planning, clear communication, and helping every patient feel confident about the path ahead.
Real results come from real patients, and our team is proud of the relationships we have built with families throughout Alexandria, Arlington, Del Ray, Fairlington, Old Town North, and nearby Northern Virginia communities. You're never just a patient here; you're part of the family, and that shapes every appointment.
We keep our visits family-friendly and comfortable. From the front desk welcome to the post-consult check-in, efficiency, hospitality, and encouragement stay at the heart of everything we do. Larson Orthodontics has built relationships across Arlington, Alexandria, Del Ray, Fairlington, and Old Town North for years, and we see neighbors, classmates, and coworkers in the chair every week. Our Alexandria home features the technology you'd expect from a specialist and the warmth you'd expect from a friend's living room.
We deliver on our promise and our product.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Care in Arlington
How much do braces or Invisalign cost in Arlington?
Cost depends on the type of treatment, the complexity of your case, and how long you'll be in treatment. Braces, Invisalign, and other treatment options vary by case, so at your consult, Dr. Larson will review pricing for all suitable options, including financing plans, so you can choose what works for your budget. We offer flexible financing to make care accessible.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most cases take between 6 and 24 months. Minor corrections can finish in under a year, while more involved bite work may take 18-24 months. Your treatment time depends on the issues being corrected, your age, and how closely you follow Dr. Larson's instructions.
Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Many dental insurance plans include partial orthodontic coverage, especially for children and teens. Our team will help you understand your benefits and walk you through what's covered before you start treatment. We'll also explain any out-of-pocket portion clearly.
Are clear aligners as effective as metal braces?
For many of our patients, yes. Invisalign and Spark clear aligners can correct many bite and alignment issues when worn as directed. For more complex cases, braces like LightForce, 3M Clarity, or 3M Advanced may be a better fit. Dr. Larson will help you choose.
What age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age 7. At this age, enough permanent teeth have come in for Dr. Larson to spot early issues. Early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment, but it lets us monitor growth and step in at the right time.
Do you offer payment plans and consultations?
Yes. We offer in-person and virtual consults, plus flexible financing options to spread out treatment costs. Ask our team at your consult and we'll walk you through the numbers together, no surprises.
Schedule Your Consultation with an Arlington Orthodontist
Ready to see what your new smile could look like? Book your consult with Larson Orthodontics today. You can come visit us at our Alexandria home or start with a virtual consult right from your phone.
Either way, there's no pressure and no obligation. You'll meet Dr. Larson, see your options, and leave with answers.
We welcome patients from Arlington, Alexandria, Old Town North, Del Ray, Fairlington, North Ridge, Rosemont, Park Fairfax, and Washington D.C.
Call or text us at (703) 838-8998, schedule online, or contact our Alexandria office. We can't wait to meet you.
