Orthodontics in Idaho Falls, ID
Acheive Your Perfect Smile With Our Orthodontic Special!
Toward Your Orthodontic Treatment!- -
- Traditional Metal Braces
- Smile Design Clear Aligners
Find Out If Orthodontics Are Right For Your Smile!
Our team at Foothills Dental is here to help you smile with confidence again. Take our 2-minute quiz to see if you are a candidate for orthodontics!
Why Patients Love Foothills Dental
Straighten Your Smile with Foothills Dental
Improved Oral Health
Straighter teeth are easier to clean, as there are fewer hard-to-reach areas where plaque and bacteria can build up. This reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues, helping you maintain a healthier smile in the long run.
Boosted Confidence
A straight smile can have a profound impact on your self-esteem, giving you the confidence to smile freely and comfortably. It can make you feel more at ease in social situations, boosting your overall confidence and enhancing your personal and professional relationships.
Long-Term Results
Orthodontic treatments not only give you a better smile but also improve the functionality of your teeth and bite, leading to better chewing, speaking, and overall comfort. The results from orthodontics can last for many years, helping you enjoy a more functional and beautiful smile for life.
What Orthodontic Treatment Can Help With
Crooked or Crowded Teeth
Misaligned teeth can lead to discomfort and difficulty cleaning. Braces or aligners can help straighten them for improved aesthetics and easier maintenance.
Misaligned Jaw
Misalignment can make speaking, chewing, and breathing difficult. Orthodontics realigns your jaw, making these activities easier and more comfortable.
Overbite or Underbite
These bite problems can cause discomfort and affect how your teeth come together. Orthodontics can help correct them for better function and comfort.
Difficulty Chewing or Speaking
Teeth misalignment can interfere with chewing and speaking. Orthodontics improves bite functionality and speech clarity.
Gaps Between Teeth
Gaps can impact your smile’s appearance and your ability to chew properly. Orthodontics closes gaps, improving both looks and functionality.
Tension or Discomfort from Teeth Misalignment
Misalignment can cause jaw pain and headaches. Orthodontics can alleviate discomfort and provide lasting relief.
Is Orthodontic Treatment Right for You?
Teens Seeking Braces or Aligners
If your teen has crooked teeth or bite issues, orthodontics can help them achieve a functional smile as they grow.
Adults Looking for a Straighter Smile
Many adults opt for clear aligners or discreet braces to improve their smile without drawing attention.
Patients with Misaligned Teeth or Bite Problems
If you struggle with crooked teeth or bite issues that affect your ability to eat, speak, or clean your teeth properly, orthodontic treatment can help.
People Interested in Improving Their Oral Health and Aesthetics
If you want to boost your self-esteem and enjoy better oral health, orthodontic care can give you the smile you deserve.
Customized Orthodontic Treatments for Every Patient
At Foothills Dental, we offer a variety of orthodontic options to fit your unique needs. We’ll help you choose the best option based on your lifestyle, age, and dental condition. Here’s a breakdown of what we offer:
Braces
The most effective and versatile treatment for straightening teeth. Braces are ideal for correcting a wide range of issues, including severe misalignment, gaps, and bite problems.
Clear Aligners
Discreet, removable aligners that work just like braces to straighten teeth over time. Clear aligners are a great option for adults or teens who want a less noticeable treatment.
Retainers
After completing orthodontic treatment, retainers help maintain the new alignment of your teeth. We provide customized retainers that are comfortable and easy to use.
Phase 1 Orthodontics for Children
Early orthodontic intervention can help guide the growth of a child’s jaw, preventing more severe problems later on.
Your Orthodontic Journey with Foothills Dental
Initial Consultation
Your first visit includes a comprehensive examination of your teeth and bite. We’ll discuss your treatment options and recommend the best solution for your needs.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your consultation, we’ll develop a custom treatment plan that includes the best orthodontic method for you, whether it’s traditional braces or clear aligners.
Regular Adjustments
As your treatment progresses, you’ll come in for routine visits so we can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal results.
Post-Treatment Care
Once your braces or aligners are removed, we’ll provide you with retainers to ensure your smile stays straight and healthy. We’ll give you instructions on how to care for your new smile.
Get to Know Us
Expertise You Can Count On
Care You Can Rely On
Dr. James Richey
Dr. James Richey was born and raised in Central California among the olives, grapes, walnuts, and oranges. Trust us, the good ones stick around! He has now lived in Idaho for almost nine years and calls it home, especially after marrying a beautiful Idaho girl.
Dr. James Richey graduated from Brigham Young University – Idaho with a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology and a minor in Dance Pedagogy. He received his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine. He came to love orthodontics through Progressive Orthodontic Seminars Continuing Education courses and enjoys seeing the transformation in people when they are proud of their smile.
Dr. James Richey has interests in so many things, it’s become a bit of a problem. He enjoys archery, shooting, leatherworking, reading, writing, music, gaming, and computers, just to name a few. He’s always got a project in the works, planning another, and is excited to complete projects he hasn’t even thought of yet. He comes from a family of seven, with only one sister! As the youngest of five, he developed into being a good observer of people and learned lessons by watching. He says this helps him detect early course corrections when needed. Dr. James Richey’s upbringing gives him an upper hand in getting along well with people of all ages, with all different types of interests and personalities.
His wife Deanna and two children, Steven and Adalind, are his world, and we can definitively state he is most certainly wrapped around their fingers. However, we can’t blame Dr. Richey for falling for his kids’ puppy eyes… They learned it firsthand from their real puppy, Clancy.
Dr. Tyson Murdock
Dr. Tyson was born in Washington and raised in Idaho Falls. While attending Hillcrest High School – Go Knights! – he, unknowingly, met his future wife, who was attending Idaho Falls High School – obligatory ‘Go Tigers!’ After high school, Dr. Tyson had the amazing opportunity to live in the beautiful country of Venezuela for two years. Because of this, he became fluent in Spanish and mastered his dad’s jokes.
After returning to his hometown, he married his high school sweetheart, Rachelle Woolstenhulme, and off to college they went. Dr. Tyson graduated from ISU, where he earned his degree in zoology and served as the activities director on the student council. This must be where he learned to be the witty doctor we know him as.
After ISU, he packed up his family and moved to Pittsburgh, where he attended the University of Dental Medicine and earned his DMD. He has received training in oral surgery, prosthodontics, pediatrics, endodontics, and special needs sedation dentistry. During dental school, Dr. Tyson served in numerous community outreach programs at public health clinics and participated in the annual "Give Kids a Smile" day at his school. He was also an active member of the Spanish Dental Club at his school.
After graduating from dental school, Dr. Tyson wanted to move back to his hometown and work side by side with his dad, Dr. Murdock. He absolutely loved having his dad as his mentor for 10 years. Dr. Tyson is passionate about dentistry and providing quality care for his patients.
More About Dr. Murdock
Dr. Tyson works with Mountain View Hospital to help the special needs community and young kids achieve dental work through sedation. He is always seeking to increase his knowledge by staying current on dental topics, procedures, and equipment through continuing education. He has completed extra training in clear aligner therapy through ClearCorrect, CEREC crowns and veneers, and implant placement for teeth and denture stability.
Dr. Tyson’s family consists of his beautiful wife, Rachelle, and their two children. He spends many hours listening to his son play the drums or piano, or watching his daughter tumble on the gymnastics mat. He loves helping his wife with her passion for crafting and can often be found in the shop doing woodworking for her. If not in those locations, you can be sure he’s out on the golf course, usually the one yelling at the ball that’s going in the wrong direction!
Dr. Justin Bell
Dr. Justin Bell grew up just outside Idaho Falls, in a home with three boys and three girls. Now, he has his own set of three boys and three girls. He loves anything with a fast engine and enjoys surfing, reading, being outdoors, or doing anything with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Dr. Bell graduated in the first class from Hillcrest High School. He attended Rick’s College, now Brigham Young University – Idaho, and Idaho State University. During his undergraduate studies, Dr. Bell was accepted into a doctoral program by Creighton University through the Idaho Dental Education Program and graduated Cum Laude with his Doctor of Dental Surgery. He began practicing in Idaho Falls in 2000.
Education and staying on the forefront of dental technology have always been central to Dr. Bell’s practice. His passion for technology brought 3D orthodontic fabrication, same-day crowns, and computer-aided digital implant surgery to Foothills Dental before many other dental offices in town. His skills have also earned him hospital privileges at every major hospital in Idaho Falls.
More About Dr. Bell
In 1993, while working in the fishing industry, Dr. Bell was crowned the Ekuk, Alaska, Maple Bar Eating Champion! This is just one of many prestigious awards and accomplishments on his mantel. Others include the International Award from the Pierre Fauchard Academy for Academic Merit, honorary membership in the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honors Society, serving as president of the Upper Snake River Dental Society in 2004, and receiving the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership Award in 2016.
Dr. Bell devotes part of his time to helping the disabled. He has a daughter with Rett Syndrome, which has kept him active in volunteering and serving the disabled community for 20 years. His volunteering also extends to church callings and being a member of Idaho’s Boy Scouts National Youth Leadership Training Program, titled Cedar Badge. His care in all that he does is reflected in each dental appointment scheduled with Dr. Bell.
Where Quality Meets Comfort
Same-Day Emergency Care
We keep spots open for dental emergencies – because you shouldn’t have to wait for relief.
Extended Hours Available
Busy schedule? No problem. We offer evening hours during the week and Saturday appointments to fit your life.
Modern Comfort Amenities
Enjoy relaxing entertainment with Hulu and stress-relieving items like earphones and stress balls during your visit.
State-of-the-Art Technology
We use advanced tools and digital imaging to provide you with faster, more precise treatments.
Located in Idaho Falls, ID
Foothills Dental is proud to serve the Idaho Falls community and neighboring areas, including Ammon, Shelley, Rigby, and Jackson Hole. Our practice is dedicated to providing high-quality dental care to families throughout Southeast Idaho, offering everything from routine cleanings to advanced restorative treatments.
We are located next to the mall and across from Subway.
Insurance & Financing
New Patients Receive $200 in In-Office Credit!
Join Foothills Dental as a new patient and receive $200 in credit for essential treatments, including:
- Initial Examination
- X-rays
- Cleaning
- Teeth Whitening
- Healthy Smiles Subscription
Eligibility: The Smile for Free promotion is for new patients or those who haven't received care at Foothills Dental in the last 24 months.
Credit Use: The $200 credit can be applied to your initial exam, x-rays, cleaning, teeth whitening, or a Healthy Smiles subscription. The credit is for future treatments only and cannot be exchanged for cash or products.
Exclusions: MCNA patients are not eligible. The promotion can be used only once per patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I need to wear braces or aligners?
Treatment time typically lasts between 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of your case.
How do I get started with orthodontics?
Simply schedule a consultation with us! We’ll assess your needs and develop a treatment plan that works best for you.
How much do braces cost?
The cost varies based on the treatment type, but we offer financing options like CareCredit to help make your treatment affordable.
Can adults get braces?
Yes, adults can definitely benefit from orthodontic treatment. We offer clear aligners and other discreet options for adult patients.
What age is the best time to get braces?
Most patients get braces between the ages of 10 and 14, but adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment as well.
Will my insurance cover orthodontic treatments?
We accept most major insurance plans, including Delta Dental, BlueCross BlueShield, and MetLife. Our team can help you understand your coverage.
Do braces hurt?
While you may experience some discomfort after your braces are first applied or adjusted, the pain is typically mild and temporary.
How do I take care of my braces?
Regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the orthodontist are essential for keeping your braces clean and your teeth healthy.
Are clear aligners as effective as traditional braces?
Yes, clear aligners can effectively straighten teeth for many patients, particularly those with mild to moderate alignment issues.
Can I still eat my favorite foods with braces?
You’ll need to avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods, but you can still enjoy many of your favorite meals.
