Braces, Bite Fixes & Smile Game Plans (No, We’re Not an Orthodontist)
Dr. Dave crafts personalized smile plans—including bite corrections and aligner therapy—many times without the need for an orthodontist.
By Dr. Dave – Five Point Family Dentistry of Olathe
Let’s clear the air—no, we’re not orthodontists. But as your family dentist, we play a big role in your braces journey.
From the first awkward smile to that moment when your teen asks, “Do I need braces?”—we’re the ones helping you spot the signs early and decide what to do next.
🧐 How Do I Know If Braces Might Be Needed?
There are a few signs we look for during regular checkups:
- Crowding or overlapping teeth
- Bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- Difficulty cleaning between teeth
- Jaw pain or clicking
- Speech or chewing problems
If we start seeing these, we’ll talk with you honestly about what’s going on, what your options are, and when the right time might be to explore orthodontics.
📍 We’re Not Doing the Braces Ourselves… But We Start the Conversation
Think of us as the starting line—not the finish line. We can:
✅ Spot early signs during exams
✅ Recommend the right age to begin ortho consults
✅ Take initial X-rays and monitor growth
✅ Help you explore aligners or traditional braces
For some mild cases, clear aligners like Invisalign® or other brands might be a great fit. And yes—we can help with that, too.
😌 What’s the Right Age to Start?
There’s no magic number, but we usually start checking ortho development around age 7. That’s when adult teeth begin settling in, and we can see how the bite is forming.
From there, it’s all about timing. Some kids need early intervention. Others can wait until the teen years. Either way, we’ll guide you the whole way through.
🦷 Why It Matters
Straight teeth aren’t just about looks. They’re easier to clean, reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, and can even help with jaw comfort and digestion.
💬 Final Word from Dr. Dave:
“Braces don’t start with an orthodontist—they start with your family dentist. We know your smile best, and we’ll help you make the next right move.”
📅 Book a visit!
Serving Olathe with family-friendly, zero-pressure guidance on all things smiles—braces included.
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