Kansas City Orthodontist: Expert Care for Every Smile

Looking for a Kansas City orthodontist who treats you like family? Kanning Orthodontics has been building better smiles daily for patients of all ages across the Northland. With Dr. Neil Kanning and Dr. Jereme Sebastian leading our team, you'll find specialty-trained care, the latest technology, and a home away from home at every visit.

What Is an Orthodontist and Why Choose a Specialist in Kansas City

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who completes two to three additional years of residency training after dental school, focused entirely on tooth alignment, bite correction, and jaw development. This advanced education qualifies them to diagnose and treat intricate cases that go beyond general dental care.

Orthodontists who are members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) dedicate their practice to moving teeth safely and planning bite correction for lasting results. While a general dentist handles cleanings, fillings, and overall oral health, a Kansas City orthodontist like Dr. Kanning has the specialty training to guide teeth into their ideal positions with precision.

At Kanning Orthodontics, we've served Kansas City-area families for two decades. Our team embraces modern tools like LightForce clear braces and advanced clear aligner systems, so you benefit from treatment that's more accurate, often more comfortable, and tailored specifically to your smile.

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment at Kanning Orthodontics

Orthodontic care does so much more than straighten teeth. The right treatment supports your long-term health, your confidence, and the way you live every day.

Here's what patients gain when they choose Kanning Orthodontics:

• Healthier teeth for the long haul. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, which lowers your risk of decay and gum disease.
• Better bite function. Correcting a bad bite can ease jaw tension, headaches, and uneven tooth wear.
• A confidence boost that lasts. A beautiful smile changes how you show up at school, work, and life events.
• Easier daily hygiene. Properly spaced teeth are simpler to clean, which supports healthier gums.
• Faster, more precise results with LightForce clear braces. Our 3D-printed custom brackets are designed for your teeth specifically, which can mean smoother progress.
• Flexibility with clear aligners. Nearly invisible and fully removable, aligners let you eat, brush, and smile without hiding behind hardware.

Parents, teens, and adults all find a fit here. Whether early treatment is on your mind or you're ready to finally get your smile across the finish line, Kanning Orthodontics has a smile solution for everyone, with options matched to your age, lifestyle, and goals.

Your Orthodontic Treatment Process: What to Expect

Treatment at Kanning Orthodontics moves through five steady stages, each with its own purpose. From your first visit to the day your retainers go in, you'll see exactly how each appointment pushes your smile forward.

Here's what the experience looks like:

1. Complimentary consultation. We start with digital scans, X-rays, and a one-on-one conversation with Dr. Kanning or Dr. Sebastian. No guesswork, no pressure.
2. Custom treatment plan. We walk you through your options, whether that's LightForce clear braces, clear aligners, or early treatment for younger patients. You'll see your options and timelines side by side.
3. Appliance placement or aligner delivery. Once you're ready, we schedule your start appointment. Braces are bonded, or your first set of aligners is handed off with clear wear instructions.
4. Regular check-ins. You'll visit us every 6 to 10 weeks so your smile architect can track progress, make adjustments, and keep you on schedule.
5. Treatment completion and retainers. When your teeth reach their final positions, we remove your braces or finish your aligner series and fit you with retainers to protect your results.

Treatment Timeline at a Glance

Timelines vary based on your specific needs and how closely you follow your plan, but you'll always get a personalized estimate at your complimentary consultation.

Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?

If you're wondering whether treatment is right for you or your child, chances are good the answer is yes. We practice orthodontics for all ages, and we see patients at every stage of life, from first baby-tooth evaluations to adult smile makeovers.

You may be a great candidate if you fall into any of these groups:

• Children ages 7 and up. The AAO recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to catch bite or spacing issues early.
• Teens. As permanent teeth settle in, crowding, spacing, and bite concerns often appear and respond well to treatment.
• Adults. It's never too late. Many adult patients choose clear aligners or LightForce clear braces for discreet correction.
• Patients with bite issues. Crossbites, overbites, underbites, and open bites all benefit from specialist care.
• Early treatment candidates. Younger patients whose jaws are still growing can sometimes avoid longer treatment later with early, growth-guided care.

Why Patients Trust Kanning Orthodontics

Choosing an orthodontist is a big decision, and families across the Kansas City area have trusted Kanning Orthodontics for two decades. Here's why patients keep coming back and keep sending their friends and neighbors our way:

• Specialty-trained orthodontists. Dr. Neil Kanning and Dr. Jereme Sebastian both completed advanced orthodontic residencies and bring years of hands-on experience.
• Experience with every type of case. We've helped Kansas City-area families through every type of case, from simple alignment to detailed bite correction.
• LightForce technology. We use 3D-printed custom brackets, giving our patients more precise, personalized treatment.
• Five-star reviews from real patients. Our Google reviews are full of named patients and video testimonials sharing their smile experience.
• A modern, family-friendly office. Digital scans, streamlined workflows, and a team that genuinely cares make every visit feel like your home away from home.
• Dr. Kanning stays active in Missouri dental community leadership. That involvement keeps our practice connected to the latest standards of care.

Dr. Sebastian joined Kanning Orthodontics after years of referring his own patients to Dr. Kanning, a testament to the quality of care our practice is built on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas City Orthodontics

What's the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?

A dentist handles your general oral health, including cleanings, fillings, and routine care. An orthodontist is a dental specialist with two to three additional years of residency focused specifically on tooth movement, bite correction, and jaw alignment. For braces, clear aligners, or any intricate alignment case, a specialist-trained orthodontist like Dr. Kanning offers the depth of expertise your smile deserves.

What happens after braces are removed?

Once your braces come off or you finish your clear aligner series, we fit you with retainers to hold your new smile in place. Teeth naturally want to shift over time, so retainers are a lifelong part of protecting your results. We'll walk you through your retainer schedule and follow-up visits so your smile stays beautiful.

At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, we can spot developing bite or spacing issues early and plan ahead, even if treatment isn't needed right away. Early evaluation at Kanning Orthodontics is complimentary, so there's no reason to wait.

How long does treatment with clear aligners or LightForce braces take?

Most patients complete treatment in 6 to 24 months, depending on the detail of their case and which option they choose. Clear aligners often work faster for mild to moderate cases, while LightForce clear braces handle a wider range of corrections with precision. You'll get a personalized timeline at your consultation.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Ready to get your smile across the finish line? Your complimentary consultation at Kanning Orthodontics includes digital scans, a one-on-one visit with Dr. Kanning or Dr. Sebastian, and a clear plan built around your goals. You'll leave knowing your treatment options and your timeline, with every question answered in plain language.

We welcome new patients at our Kansas City office at 9101 NE 82nd Terrace, (816) 451-4404, serving families from Liberty and across the Northland. Book online or give us a call. Smile brighter, live better starts with that first hello.

Complimentary consultation? Yes, please!