Business Details
27 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Orthodontic Care in Destin, FL
Dr Scott Runnels Orthodontics has been dedicated to orthodontic excellence in Destin, FL, since 1999. Founded by Dr. Scott Runnels, a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Dentistry with advanced orthodontic training from Nova Southeastern University, our practice combines decades of expertise with cutting-edge technology. We specialize in personalized orthodontic solutions, including traditional braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, Invisalign, and advanced retainers, tailored to meet the unique needs of children, teens, and adults. Our team prioritizes patient education, utilizing tools like the Dental Monitoring app to enhance treatment efficiency and convenience.With a focus on community engagement and continuous professional development, we maintain memberships in leading organizations such as the American Association of Orthodontists and the Florida Dental Association. Our commitment to exceptional care is reflected in our state-of-the-art facilities, flexible financing options, and a patient-centered approach that ensures comfort and confidence throughout the treatment journey. By integrating innovative technologies like iTero digital scanning and SmartTrack aligners, we deliver efficient, aesthetically pleasing results while maintaining the highest standards of oral health and patient satisfaction.
Services
Braces
Invisalign
Retainers
Phase One Treatment
Dental Monitoring
Lingual Braces
Ceramic Braces
Teeth Whitening
Laser Gum Sculpting
Orthodontic Consultations
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of orthodontic expertise with personalized treatment plans.
- Our practice utilizes advanced technology like iTero scanning and Dental Monitoring.
- We provide comprehensive options including braces, Invisalign, and discreet retainers.
- Our team prioritizes patient education and flexible financing solutions.
- We serve multiple Florida communities with convenient, family-friendly care.
What people say
Incredible experience
Fantastic team
Great service
Streamlined process
Confidence boost
Services
Braces
Braces correct misaligned teeth and jaws using brackets and wires. Ideal for children, teens, and adults, they address crowding, overbites, and gaps. Treatment lasts 18-30 months, improving oral health, speech, and aesthetics while reducing injury risks. Customized plans ensure optimal results.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses removable, transparent aligners to straighten teeth discreetly. Suitable for adults and teens, it treats gaps, overbites, and crowding without dietary restrictions. Treatment averages 6-15 months, offering comfort, convenience, and improved oral hygiene through easy removal.
Retainers
Retainers maintain post-treatment alignment, preventing teeth from shifting. Custom-fitted options include removable clear retainers and fixed wire retainers. Patients wear them nightly long-term to preserve results, ensuring lasting oral health and bite stability after braces or aligners.
Phase One Treatment
Phase One targets children aged 7-10, addressing severe alignment issues early. Treatment lasts 16-21 months, correcting crossbites, overbites, and spacing to guide jaw growth. This early intervention improves facial symmetry and reduces future treatment complexity for lasting, healthy smiles.
Dental Monitoring
Dental Monitoring uses smartphone scans to track orthodontic progress remotely. Patients perform weekly scans, reducing in-office visits. Ideal for busy lifestyles, it ensures timely adjustments and maintains treatment accuracy for braces or aligners, enhancing convenience without compromising results.
People
Dr. Scott Runnels
Orthodontist
Dr. Runnels earned his dental medicine degree from the University of Alabama and orthodontic certification from Nova Southeastern University. With over 25 years in practice, he specializes in braces, Invisalign, and advanced orthodontic techniques, serving Destin since 1999.
Kristy
Virtual Financial/Insurance Coordinator
Kristy brings 30+ years of dental experience to Runnels Orthodontics. As a remote coordinator, she manages insurance and finances, leveraging the Dental Monitoring app to support patients. She enjoys running and beach trips with her family in Texas.
April
Team Leader/Manager
April holds a bachelor's in Exercise Physiology from California State University. Stationed at Eglin AFB, she leads clinical operations at Runnels Orthodontics, balancing family time with beach outings and patient care.
Ally
Treatment Coordinator
A Destin native, Ally excels in patient consultations and treatment simulations. She resides locally with her family and pets, cherishing water-based activities and personalized care for every patient.
Caelin
Clinical Assistant
Caelin, from Louisiana, supports patients at Runnels Orthodontics while stationed at Eglin AFB. She enjoys hosting gatherings and celebrating patient progress, bringing warmth and dedication to daily interactions.
Questions
At what age should children receive an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends screening at age 7 to address early alignment issues and guide jaw development.
Can adults benefit from orthodontic treatment?
Yes, 25% of patients are adults. Braces and Invisalign effectively correct misalignment at any age, improving oral health and confidence.
How do Invisalign aligners work?
Custom aligners apply gentle pressure to shift teeth gradually. Worn 20-22 hours daily, they straighten teeth in 6-15 months with minimal disruption to daily life.
Are retainers necessary after treatment?
Yes, retainers prevent teeth from shifting back. Patients wear them nightly long-term to maintain results achieved through braces or aligners.
Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Coverage varies by plan. Our team files claims and maximizes benefits for eligible procedures like braces, while retainers are often excluded.
Can I play sports with braces or Invisalign?
Yes, but we recommend a mouthguard to protect teeth and appliances during physical activities.
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