Are you searching for a caring, experienced orthodontist in Amherst, MA who truly puts patients first? At In The Valley Orthodontics, we’ve been helping families across Amherst and the Pioneer Valley achieve confident, healthy smiles for years. Our Amherst office at 196 N Pleasant St is conveniently located right in the heart of the community, making it easy for residents from UMass, downtown Amherst, Hadley, Leverett, Sunderland, and surrounding towns to access top-quality orthodontic care without the hassle of long drives.
Whether you’re a parent looking for braces for your teen, an adult exploring discreet Invisalign options, or someone who wants to maintain a beautiful smile with retainers, our all-female team of local orthodontists is here for you. We combine advanced technology, personalized treatment plans, and a warm, family-like atmosphere because we know every smile tells a story, and we’re honored to be part of yours.
We know that first appointments can feel a little daunting, especially if you’ve never been to an orthodontist before, or if it’s been a long time. Here’s exactly what happens when you come in:
The whole visit takes under an hour, and you’ll leave with a clear picture of where things stand and what your path forward looks like. No pressure, no hard sell, just honest information so you can make the decision that’s right for you.
We offer a complete range of orthodontic treatments for children, teens, and adults. No matter what you’re dealing with, crowding, spacing, bite issues, or a mix of everything, we’ll put together a plan that fits your life, not a template.
Metal braces remain one of the most effective, reliable orthodontic options available, and today’s version is a far cry from what you might remember from childhood. Modern metal brackets are smaller, smoother, and considerably more comfortable than older designs.
Clear ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces, but the brackets are tooth-colored and blend with your natural teeth. They’re a popular choice for older teens and adults who want effective correction without the obvious metal look, especially for those in professional environments or who just prefer a subtler aesthetic.
In the Valley Orthodontics has been offering Invisalign treatment since 2001, long before it became a household name. That depth of experience matters when you’re trusting someone to map out a series of custom trays that will gradually, precisely shift your teeth. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners, each worn for about one to two weeks, to move your teeth toward their final position. You swap them at home; we check your progress at regular appointments.
Getting your teeth straight is only half the story. Without a proper retainer protocol, teeth gradually shift back toward their original positions, something we’d rather you never experience.
We fit every patient who completes treatment with custom retainers designed to maintain their results long-term. Depending on your case and preferences, you may receive a removable retainer, a fixed (bonded) retainer, or both.
We also see patients who weren’t originally treated at our practice but need a replacement retainer or want to stabilize past treatment. If you’re near Amherst, MA, and need orthodontic retainer help, we’re a quick drive away.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At that stage, a mix of baby and permanent teeth allows us to spot potential problems that are far easier to address while the jaw is still growing.
The teenage years are when most patients get the bulk of their orthodontic care, and for good reason. Most or all permanent teeth have come in, making it the ideal window for comprehensive alignment work. We understand that teens care about how they look during treatment, which is why we walk through all options together. Some teens prefer the control and ease of Invisalign Teen. Others find that metal braces with colorful elastics are actually a fun form of self-expression. There’s no wrong answer; we’ll match the treatment to the person, not the other way around.
Adult orthodontics has grown significantly over the past two decades, and we see a meaningful percentage of patients who come to us as adults, some for the first time, some to address shifting that happened after they wore braces as teenagers. It really is never too late. Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing your long-term risk of cavities and gum disease. Proper alignment can relieve jaw tension, reduce TMJ-related discomfort, and genuinely improve how you chew and speak.
“This is THE best orthodontic practice in the Valley. They are extremely experienced, thorough, helpful, and friendly. If you need an orthodontist, then this is the place to go!”
— Stacy S.
“I was impressed from day one. I was a 70-year-old looking for opinions on what could be done to improve my smile. They never made me feel that I was too old for treatment. I chose Invisalign and was completely satisfied with the results.”
— Peggy L.
“Wonderful staff! Everything was explained in detail, and I felt confident and assured that the decisions we made for my son’s teeth were the right ones.”
— Serena B.
“From the front office to the orthodontist, the service was exceptional. The staff is very nice and very professional; highly recommend to anyone looking into getting their teeth straightened.”
— Emil C.
You don’t need to travel far to find an outstanding orthodontist in Amherst, MA. In the Valley Orthodontics has been shaping Pioneer Valley smiles for nearly four decades and is ready to help you or your family take the next step. Whether you’re 7 or 70, whether you want invisible aligners or classic braces, whether you need a second opinion or you’ve never seen an orthodontist before, we’ll meet you exactly where you are.
Schedule your consultation or call us at (413) 253-0001 to book your free, no-pressure consultation.
No referral is required. You can contact us directly to schedule a consultation. That said, many of our patients do come to us with a recommendation from their general dentist, which we always appreciate; it helps us coordinate care seamlessly.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age 7. This doesn’t mean your child will need treatment at 7; in most cases, we simply monitor growth and let you know when the ideal treatment window opens. Early evaluations are free and carry no obligation.
Treatment length depends on the complexity of the case. Many straightforward cases finish in 12 to 18 months. More complex bite or alignment issues may take 18 to 30 months. Invisalign treatment tends to run slightly shorter for mild-to-moderate cases. We’ll give you a realistic estimate at your consultation, not an overly optimistic one.
Yes, we’ve been a certified Invisalign provider since 2001, and we treat both teens and adults with Invisalign. Invisalign Teen includes features specifically designed for younger patients, including compliance indicators and replacement aligners. If you’re in the Amherst, MA area and interested in clear aligners, we’d love to evaluate whether you’re a good candidate.
We accept most major dental insurance plans and will work with your insurer to maximize your benefits. We also offer flexible in-house financing options to help spread the cost of treatment over time. Interest-free options are available. Our team will walk through every financial detail with you before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.