When it comes to your child’s health, orthodontic care could make parents feel nervous. But at — a family-owned practice serving Lincoln for nearly 40 years — getting started is simple and free.
“We want families to feel at ease walking through our doors, even if they’re just exploring their options,†said Dr. Jared Schoettger, a board-certified orthodontist who leads the practice in tandem with his sister, Dr. Anna Schoettger. “That first visit is really about comfort and clarity.â€
Easing into orthodontics
Schoettger Orthodontics, which has offices in Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý, offers new patients a complimentary consultation. It includes a full tour of the office, two X-rays, digital photographs and a 3D scan of the patient’s teeth.
The practice treats patients of all ages, helping each person achieve their best smile based on their specific dental needs, lifestyle and budget. If a child comes in and their mouth isn’t ready for treatment yet, Schoettger Orthodontics will offer free growth checks until it is the ideal time to begin treatment, if needed.
The high-tech digital scan uses a small handheld camera to create an interactive model of your child’s smile.
“The kids love it. It’s on a big screen, and they can manipulate the image and see their teeth from every angle,†Dr. Jared Schoettger said.
The scan creates detailed images that are used to plan future treatment — including custom brackets, expanders or Invisalign aligners — without needing goopy molds or additional appointments.
“We can help you understand what’s coming — maybe it’s a year away, maybe three,†said Dr. Jared Schoettger. “But either way, you’ll leave that first visit with a plan.â€
Starting early
It’s recommended that children get screened for possible orthodontic treatment at around 7 or 8 years old.
 “When those front teeth start coming in — top and bottom — it’s a good time to check alignment or catch early bite concerns,†said Dr. Anna Schoettger, a board-certified orthodontist who joined the practice in 2022.
Early visits help identify developing issues, from crowding to jaw growth patterns to thumb-sucking habits that may affect a child’s bite.
For many young patients, especially first-timers, a visit to the orthodontist can feel overwhelming. The Schoettger team keeps the experience low-pressure.
“If a kid’s really nervous, we might skip the photos and just show them the cool digital scanner,†said Dr. Anna Schoettger. “By the end, kids are smiling — and yes, we do have an ice cream machine.â€
Orthodontics and whole health
While orthodontics is known for smiles, it plays a role in bigger health conversations.
“If a child has a really narrow upper palate, we might help widen it — and that can improve breathing or sleep,†said Dr. Anna Schoettger. “We’re part of the larger care team: dentist, orthodontist and pediatrician. This visit helps put the full picture together.â€
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t require a referral. To get started a patient simply needs to make an appointment. Schoettger Orthodontics will contact your current dental provider to request recent X-rays and records.
Walking through that door for a first visit, all you need is an insurance card and health history form.
“That first visit can be the starting point to a healthier, happier smile,†said Dr. Jared Schoettger. “And we’re here to guide families every step of the way.â€
Visit us on  and for more information or to schedule a free consultation, visit  or call 402.423.8000.
