ROCKPORT – Orthodontics is basically tooth movement in order to give people proper bites and beautiful smiles. Granite Coast Orthodontics, at 1056 Commercial Street in Rockport, specializes in doing just that and recognizes that it’s something not only for kids, but for adults, too.

Orthodontics is mostly associated with young people, but Douglas Laiberte said everybody can benefit from it.

“We try to treat children because you can stay ahead of problems that way,” he said. “But 30 percent of orthodontics patients are adults.”

According to Laliberte, orthodontics is putting a gentle, consistent force on a tooth.

“The body responds well to that and allows the tooth to move,” he said. “Anything from an expander to braces, invisiline and a series of different aligners that can push on teeth and we can do a variety of all those things for people. Treatment plans can be customized to whatever a patient needs.”

Laliberte is a graduate of Colby College and did his dental training at Tufts University. His Granite Coast Orthodontics has been open for three years.

“I love the area, that’s why we ended up here,” he said. “I’m married to Rebecca Laliberte, who is also a dentist. And we have one son together, who just turned one this past week.”

Dr. Laliberte said orthodontics is a wonderful field.

“I love working with patients,” he said. “Not only are we giving them something that lasts, but we’re also doing something for them that makes them feel better about themselves. They may not know it along the way, but you see changes that patients go through and it’s pretty awesome.”

As we all know, braces can be trying for a young person. We’ve all seen the famous smile with the hand up to cover the mouth to hide braces.

“Adults think about the self-conscious stuff more than children,” said Laliberte. “Believe it or not, I think most children think of it as mouth jewelry. We have a variety of different colors, 40 in all. Anywhere from glow-in-the-dark, to mixed colors, whether it be for Camden Hills, Medomak Valley, Oceanside, or Belfast. The kids really get to decorate themselves that way, which is pretty neat.”

Laliberte said there are options for adults, as well.

“Invisiline are braces that go behind the teeth,” he said. “They are great options for adults who say it’s my turn, I’ve wanted a good smile all my life and I want to feel better about my smile. We have very creative ways to hide braces, so you can either camouflage or show it off.”