Having braces in high school changed my life, taking me from being a hidden extrovert to someone who is confident and outgoing. Straight teeth gave me the confidence to interact with people in a way Id always wanted but never felt comfortable doing, because I was self-conscious about my teeth.
The transformation in my self-esteem, as the orthodontist crafted my new smile, had a profound and lasting impact in my life: I became an orthodontist to share that same experience with others giving each patient the confidence to shine!
Dr. Gates has practiced orthodontics since completing his specialty residency in 1999. That challenging education and training provided him with a solid foundational understanding of the biomechanics of tooth movement, as well as the technical skills required to deliver quality care.
However, orthodontics as with all areas of healthcare is a constantly advancing field. Ongoing research yields new techniques and technologies, each of which has the potential to improve the patient experience and results. Through active pursuit of continuing professional education, Dr. Gates stays at the forefront of changes in the specialty.
Having grown up in a Navy family, Dr. Gates moved a lot as a child, and graduated high school in Kodiak, Alaska. He and his wife Zee, an attorney, were married in 1988 and have lived in Round Rock since 2002. The couple has three children Ava, Ella, and Zane and their family is rounded out by Suki, the dog.
I opened Round Rock Orthodontics in 2002, having designed the office to reflect my belief that patient privacy is of utmost importance. While many orthodontists embrace the idea of an open-bay treatment area, where patients are treated side-by-side in a big room, I designed my space so I could treat patients in a manner that respects their privacy.
Having private suites reassures patients they have the full attention of my staff and me during their visit. The individual rooms also help each patient feel secure and that fosters comfort as they ask questions and discuss treatment.
Choosing orthodontic care is choosing to make a lasting, wonderful change in your life. Healthy, correctly positioned teeth mean an attractive, pleasing smile a smile that engages others and allows your confident personality to shine in every interaction!
For more than 20 years, Dr. Paul A. Gates and his team have created incredible smiles for the Round Rock community. Our practice has grown through referrals from area dentists, parents, and current and former patients. Their perfect, finished smiles are the best testimonial to the quality of care we offer and the results we deliver!
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received two to three years of additional training and experience. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile.
If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you're considering treatment for yourself or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.
The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient, because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between six and 30 months, but most standard treatments take about 22 months.
With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn't able to reach. Your orthodontist can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.
Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up that can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.
Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 1134 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestElizabeth Fitzwalter
a year ago
Friendly staff, and your teeth get fixed fine, but it's definitely not the best deal in the area. Slightly overpriced and tend to resort to pulling teeth that don't need to be pulled. Would recommend you shop around for quotes before getting caught in a contract.
Fadzai Cee
a year ago
There is a reason why this place has solid reviews. The receptionists were polite and saw to me right away. I did not have to wait for long to be seen to. Going to the orthodontist can be a little daunting , but Will the Treatment Coordinator made my experience a pleasant one. He provided exceptional customer service, listened to my concerns and was very knowledgeable -10/10. The orthodontist, Dr Gates did a good job of talking me through treatment options. He was thorough and painted a realistic picture without sugar coating , which I appreciated. I highly recommend this place, do not hesitate
Betsy Bean
a year ago
Wonderful experience with Dr. Gates and staff. He was very thorough and provided treatment efficiently.
Alexander de Serres
a year ago
Dr. Gates is a really good orthodontist and he is very intelligent in what he does here at round rock orthodontics and the staff are very nice and friendly and kind
Whitney Wilkins
a year ago
Love this office!
Alyssa Cavazos
a year ago
Always great service here! Grace was so kind and helpful :)
Alyssa P
a year ago
Always a great experience
Cari Veit
2 years ago
Dr Gates and his team are THE BEST! Cannot recommend them enough!
Aidan Buss
2 years ago
Wonderful staff and results :D
Affinity Property Solutions
2 years ago
Great customer service and very helpful staff.
Madison Mcgaugh
2 years ago
This office was extremely thorough and made sure I was fully aware of everything! I am so excited for my adult braces journey. :)
Racheal Jones
2 years ago
Very personable and easy to talk to. Spent time answering questions and developing a treatment plan.
Tori Tay
2 years ago
Edit: I feel like the staff here really listens to their patients. I had a bad interaction with someone scheduling my appointment and was really upset. Tressie called me back and was so incredibly sweet. I have only had a bad interaction with one person here and I realize now that one person is not a good reflection of the quality that the rest of the staff is. Thank you for being kind and listening. Original Post: I was really nervous to get braces at almost 30.... I've had some really horrific experiences with dentist and orthodontists before, so I was really anticipating another terrible experience.... I'm so glad I was wrong. From the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out, I was treated like family. I was explained everything thoroughly and it was made very clear that there are no hidden fees in my plan. The total that they quote is "all inclusive", meaning that what you pay is what you pay.. no matter wwhat. I was really relieved to hear that. I have never been to a doctor's office that was so transparent before! I was even given a tour of the facility and introduced to all of the staff. Everyone acted like that was completely normal too, so it felt great. Today, after signing paperwork, I was told "Welcome to the family!". I'm so grateful to have chosen this facility. I genuinely feel like they're going to have my best interest at heart.
Missy Hernandez
2 years ago
Great experience, thank you Will!
AkBear2427
2 years ago
Really good place and really easy to talk to about scheduling and whatnot really would recommend this place for everyone!!
Josh Cartwright
2 years ago
Great service! Provided a very detailed description of all my available options during my consultation.
Marc Ruiz
2 years ago
Awesome friendly staff! All my experiences have been positive and definitely no regrets. I work with Gracie most of the time and she is super cool, only downer is she a Rangers fans, GO ASTROS :) I know getting braces can be traumatizing and expensive but if you need them this is the place to go!!!!
Darin Hallam
2 years ago
They are always so kind and explain the procedures very well. I like that he integrates sleep and breathing in the evaluation.
laura owens
2 years ago
This was an amazing first appointment, Dr.Gates and Will were so thorough and we had a great experience! Thank you!
Jackie Chase
2 years ago
Goodness! Words cannot express the ease and peace of mind I had after visiting with Stephanie and Dr. Gates! I went in feeling very apprehensive about the possibility of my child needing braces and the potential cost. Stephanie was very reassuring and even placed us on a very flexible payment plan. I'm able to get my child what he needs and still be able to take care of other things as well. If you're in need of an Orthodontist, look no further as Round Rock Orthodontics is the place!