Brace Yourself. This Is Going to Be Fun.
Getting braces doesn’t have to feel like swimming against the current. At Blue Fish Dental and Ortho, Dr. Cate handles both your general care and your orthodontics, so you get everything done by a team you already know and trust. Whether you’re looking at traditional metal braces or a clear option, Dr. Cate will help you figure out what makes the most sense for your smile, timeline, and budget. No referrals, no strangers, just a familiar crew helping you reel in the smile you’ve always wanted.
Every smile has a season. Dr. Cate works with patients at every stage of life because the right time to start is different for everyone. Find your age group below and see what we recommend for you.
Guppies, Barely Off the Reef
0-3 Years
Resources for 0-3 years
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Get comfy before any real treatment. No rush.
Tooth Trauma: What to Do When Things Go Sideways
Nutrition & Snacking: Best and Worst Foods for Little TeethÂ
Sippy Cup Smarts: What’s in That Cup Could Be Causing Cavities
Tiny humans, big foundations. You might be surprised to see a dentist talking about ortho for toddlers, but this is when the real groundwork gets laid. Dr. Cate and the team watch for early habits like pacifier use and thumb sucking that can quietly shape how the jaw and teeth develop over time. We’re not putting braces on a two-year-old, promise. But catching little things early means a lot less swimming upstream later.
Little Swimmers, Finding Their Fins
4-6 Years
Resources for 4-6 years
Baby Teeth Matter: Why Those Tiny Teeth Are a Big Deal
The Truth About Baby vs. Adult Teeth: What’s Coming In and When
Fluoride: Friend or Foe? (Spoiler: Definitely Friend)
Happy Visits: Practice Runs That Make the Real Thing Way Less Scary
These little ones are growing fast and so are their teeth. This is a great age to start keeping an eye on how the bite is coming together. Dr. Cate and the team look for crossbites, shifting jaws, and crowding that can cause bigger problems as adult teeth start making their grand entrance. A little guidance now can steer things in the right direction before the current gets stronger.
Sea Explorer, Making Real Waves
7-11 Years
Resources for 7-11 years
Your First Ortho Check-In: Why Age 7 Is the Magic Number
Sealants: The Ultimate Cavity Shield (Deep Grooves, Meet Your Match)
Crooked Teeth 101: When Spacing Is Fine vs. When It’s Not
Mouth Guards: Save a Tooth, Wear One of These
Halloween Candy Survival Guide: Tricks to Keep the Treats in Check
This is where things get really interesting. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first ortho evaluation around age 7, and Dr. Cate and the team completely agree. Baby teeth are still saying goodbye, adult teeth are moving in, and there’s a golden window here to create space, correct drift, and set everything up for a smoother finish. Early braces or expanders at this stage can make a seriously big splash down the road.
Big Fish, Water Ready
12-17 Years
Resources for 12-17 years
Braces & Beyond: What Early Intervention Can (and Can’t) Fix
The Crossbite Fix: A Real Kid’s Story About Simple Solutions
Composite Fillings: When Cavities Happen, Here’s What to Expect
Xylitol: The Sweet Stuff Dentists Actually Love (It Fights Plaque)
Welcome to the sweet spot. Most of the adult teeth are in, the jaw is still growing, and braces or Invisalign can work their magic efficiently and predictably. Dr. Cate works with teens every single day and knows how to make the whole process feel way less intimidating and, honestly, kind of fun. This is the age where smiles really start to shine.
Full Grown, No Current Too Strong
18+
Resources for 18 and older
Adult Ortho Is a Thing: It’s Never Too Late for a Great Smile
What Is a Cavity, Really? A Deep Dive for the Grown-Ups
Insurance & Payments: Let’s Talk About the Money Part
Virtual Appointments: Get Care Without Leaving Your Couch
Spoiler alert: it’s never too late. More adults are straightening their teeth than ever, and we are here for it. Blue Fish Dental and Ortho makes it easy by handling everything in one place, no bouncing around, no starting over with someone new. Whether you had braces as a kid and things have shifted, or you’re diving in for the first time, Dr. Cate and the team will meet you exactly where you are and help you swim toward the smile you deserve.