Orthodontist Myrtle Beach - Seabreeze Orthodontics

Orthodontist in Myrtle Beach, SC

Choosing an orthodontist is a decision you live with for a long time. Treatment unfolds over months, sometimes a couple of years, and the result stays with you for life. At Seabreeze Orthodontics, our goal is to make that decision an easy one. We are a dedicated orthodontic practice serving Myrtle Beach and the surrounding Grand Strand, focused on one thing: creating healthy, confident smiles through care that is personal, modern, and built around you.

Meet your Myrtle Beach orthodontist

Seabreeze Orthodontics is led by Dr. Juan Faja-Fernandez, a specialist who has built his practice on precision, comfort, and genuine relationships with patients. A South Carolina-trained provider, Dr. Faja-Fernandez completed a Bachelor of Science in biology, graduating summa cum laude from Francis Marion University, before earning both his Doctorate of Dental Medicine and his certificate in orthodontics from the Medical University of South Carolina. He also serves as part-time faculty in the orthodontic department at MUSC, helping train the next generation of orthodontists.

That academic foundation is matched by a real commitment to staying current. Orthodontics keeps evolving, and Dr. Faja-Fernandez regularly attends continuing education at both the local and national level, with recent hands-on work in diode lasers, temporary anchorage devices, and the latest fixed appliances. These advances translate directly into more comfortable treatment and, in many cases, less time in braces overall. You can read more about Dr. Faja-Fernandez's training and the professional organizations he belongs to, including the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, and the South Carolina Association of Orthodontists.

Why see an orthodontist instead of a dentist?

It is a fair question, and one a lot of people never think to ask. General dentists are able to offer braces and aligners, but an orthodontist is a specialist who has completed years of additional training devoted entirely to the movement of teeth and the correction of bites. That difference matters most when a case is more than cosmetic. Crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and jaw alignment all call for a level of diagnosis and planning that comes from specialized education.

When you work with a specialist, your treatment plan accounts for both how your smile looks and how your bite functions, so the outcome is stable and healthy rather than just straight on the surface. That is the orthodontist advantage, and it is why so many Myrtle Beach families choose a dedicated practice for this part of their care. If you are still weighing your options, our guide on what to look for when choosing an orthodontist walks through the questions worth asking before you commit.

Treatment options at Seabreeze Orthodontics

No two smiles are alike, so we offer a full range of treatment options and match the approach to the patient rather than the other way around. Here is a look at the paths most patients consider.

Braces

Braces remain the most versatile and dependable way to correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, especially more complex ones. Today's traditional metal braces are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than the ones many adults remember, and they deliver reliable, precise results. For patients who want something more discreet, clear braces use tooth-colored brackets that blend in while working much like their metal counterparts. Both are excellent choices, and your orthodontist will help you decide which suits your case and your lifestyle. You can learn more about your options for braces in Myrtle Beach and what daily life with them actually looks like.

Invisalign and clear aligners

For patients who would rather straighten their teeth without brackets and wires, we offer Invisalign here in Myrtle Beach. The system uses a series of clear, removable trays that gradually shift your teeth into place. They are nearly invisible, they come out for meals and brushing, and they have become a favorite among teens and working adults alike. If discretion is high on your list, clear aligners are usually the first thing we talk through at a consultation, and Dr. Faja-Fernandez will let you know honestly whether they are the right fit for your goals.

Treatment for children and teens

Orthodontic care is not just for teenagers. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first check-up around age seven, because catching certain issues early can guide jaw growth, make room for incoming teeth, and simplify or even shorten later treatment. Our approach to early treatment for children is conservative and growth-focused, stepping in only when there is a clear benefit to doing so. For many kids, that early attention sets up a smoother path down the road.

Treatment for adults

More adults are straightening their teeth than ever, and it is easy to see why. Teeth move at any age, and modern options make treatment more comfortable and discreet than it used to be. Whether the goal is closing a gap that has always bothered you or correcting a bite that is starting to wear, pursuing orthodontic treatment as an adult is a smart, achievable investment in your health and confidence. It is genuinely never too late.

Retention and lasting results

Finishing active treatment is a milestone, not the end of the story. Teeth naturally want to drift over time, so wearing a retainer as directed is what protects the result you worked for. We make sure every patient leaves with a clear retention plan so that beautiful new smile stays exactly where it should.

The benefits go beyond a great smile

A straighter smile is the visible reward, but the benefits of orthodontic treatment run deeper than appearance. Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, which lowers the risk of cavities and gum disease over a lifetime. A corrected bite distributes pressure evenly, reducing uneven wear on your teeth and easing strain that can contribute to jaw discomfort. And the day-to-day functions we take for granted, like chewing and speaking clearly, often improve once everything lines up the way it should.

There is a personal side, too. A smile you are proud of has a real effect on confidence, whether you are meeting someone new, sitting for an interview, or simply showing up in photos without a second thought. Patients tell us all the time that the boost to their self-image was every bit as meaningful as the clinical result. Improving smiles is what we do, but enhancing the lives behind them is the part we care about most.

What to expect at your first visit

Your first appointment is relaxed and informative, never a hard sell. We take the time to understand your concerns and goals, examine your teeth and bite, and explain what we see in plain language. From there, Dr. Faja-Fernandez outlines the options that make sense for your situation, along with a realistic sense of timeline and what each path involves. You will leave with a clear understanding of where things stand and what comes next, with no pressure to decide on the spot. Questions are always welcome, and we would rather you feel fully informed than rushed.

Serving Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand

Our Myrtle Beach office sits at 107 Surgeons Dr, an easy drive for families across the area. While Myrtle Beach is home, patients come to us from across the region, and we are proud to care for smiles in nearby communities including Carolina Forest and Conway. Wherever you are along the Grand Strand, our goal is the same: convenient, specialist orthodontic care from a team that treats you like a neighbor, because you are one.

Schedule your consultation

If you are ready to take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile, we would love to meet you. Call Seabreeze Orthodontics at 843-903-3300 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Faja-Fernandez and find out what the right treatment can do for you and your family. Your best smile is closer than you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an orthodontist do that a dentist does not?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist with years of additional training focused specifically on aligning teeth and correcting bites. While general dentists may offer braces or aligners, an orthodontist brings specialized expertise to diagnosing and planning treatment, which matters most for complex cases.

At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit around age seven. Most children will not need treatment that early, but an early evaluation lets the orthodontist catch developing issues and plan the best timing for care if it is needed.

Is Invisalign as effective as braces?

For many cases, yes. Invisalign and clear aligners work very well for a wide range of alignment issues and are popular for being discreet and removable. More complex bite corrections are sometimes better suited to braces. A consultation is the best way to learn which option fits your smile.

Can adults still benefit from orthodontic treatment?

Absolutely. Teeth can be moved at any age as long as they and the gums are healthy. Adults straighten their smiles successfully every day, and modern options make treatment more comfortable and discreet than ever.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

It depends on the complexity of your case. Minor corrections may take only a few months, while comprehensive treatment can take a year or more. Your orthodontist will give you a personalized timeline at your first visit.