Business Details
20 Years
experience
Your Trusted Orthodontist in Sandpoint, ID
Since 2006, Ballard Orthodontics has been dedicated to providing family-friendly orthodontic care in North Idaho. Led by Dr. Rick Ballard, a former orthodontics practitioner at Vanderbilt University, our practice combines advanced technology with personalized treatment plans to address the unique needs of patients of all ages. Our state-of-the-art facilities in Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry offer a comfortable environment where we prioritize clear communication, patient education, and tailored orthodontic solutions.With expertise in traditional braces, Invisalign, and self-ligating systems, we focus on delivering results that enhance both dental health and confidence. Our commitment to community values, transparent pricing, and flexible financial options ensures accessible care for local families and Canadian patients alike.
Services
Invisalign Treatment
Teen Invisalign
Traditional Braces
Self-Ligating Braces
3D Imaging
Orthodontic Consultations
Patient Reviews
Educational Videos
Smile Gallery
Financial Options
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized orthodontic care for patients of all ages since 2006
- Our practice utilizes advanced 3D imaging and DIBS AI bracket placement technology
- We provide both traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligner options
- Our team prioritizes patient education and transparent treatment planning
- We offer flexible payment plans and accept Canadian insurance coverage
What people say
Family-friendly atmosphere
Professional expertise
Visible results
Clear communication
Comfortable environment
Services
Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign treatment uses clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth without traditional braces. Our 3D imaging technology creates customized treatment plans that allow for 22-hour daily wear with removal for eating and cleaning. This method reduces gum irritation while improving oral hygiene access, effectively addressing issues like open bites, crowded teeth, and spacing problems through sequential aligner changes every 1-2 weeks.
Teen Invisalign
Teen Invisalign provides removable clear aligners specifically designed for adolescent dental development. Featuring eruption tabs for emerging molars, this treatment requires 20-22 hours daily wear with aligner changes every 1-2 weeks. Our digital scanning technology visualizes treatment outcomes before starting, making it ideal for correcting moderate to complex alignment issues while accommodating active lifestyles through temporary removal during sports and special events.
Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces use stainless steel brackets and wires for precise tooth movement. Our DIBS AI technology optimizes bracket placement to shorten treatment duration, typically lasting 18-30 months. Available with colored elastics for personalization, these braces effectively correct severe misalignments, bite issues, and jaw disorders through regular adjustments every 6-12 weeks while maintaining durability and cost-effectiveness compared to clear alternatives.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces use metal brackets with built-in mechanisms to reduce friction and treatment time. These braces eliminate the need for elastic ties, allowing smoother tooth movement with fewer adjustments required. Patients typically wear them for 2-3 years, benefiting from reduced discomfort and easier oral hygiene maintenance while achieving similar results to traditional braces through advanced bracket technology.
3D Imaging
Our iTero Element Scanner creates precise 3D digital impressions of teeth and gums without messy putty. This technology enables treatment simulation visualization, accurate aligner fabrication, and bracket placement planning. The non-invasive process captures detailed mouth anatomy in minutes, allowing real-time treatment outcome previews and improved diagnostic accuracy while enhancing patient comfort through a gag-free, breathable scanning experience.
People
Dr. Rick Ballard
Orthodontist
Dr. Rick Ballard combines over 15 years of orthodontic experience with a family-centered approach. A former Vanderbilt University instructor, he specializes in braces and Invisalign treatments for all ages. His practice philosophy emphasizes clear communication, advanced technology integration, and personalized care plans tailored to each patient's unique dental needs and lifestyle requirements.
Questions
What orthodontic treatment options do you offer?
We provide traditional metal braces, self-ligating braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and Teen Invisalign options to address various orthodontic needs for patients of all ages.
Do you accept insurance coverage?
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans and will file claims on your behalf, including Canadian insurance policies with treatment priced in local currency.
How long do typical treatments last?
Treatment duration varies by case complexity: Invisalign typically takes 6-30 months while braces require 18-36 months, with regular adjustment appointments scheduled every 6-12 weeks.
What technology do you use?
We utilize DIBS AI for precise bracket placement, iTero Element 3D scanning for digital impressions, and Invisalign Outcome Simulator for treatment visualization.
Are there age restrictions for orthodontic treatment?
No, we treat patients of all ages from children needing early intervention to adults seeking smile improvements, with specialized Teen Invisalign options available.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Contact us at (208) 946-5650 or use our online booking system to schedule a free consultation where we'll discuss your specific needs and create a personalized treatment plan.
Videos