Motherhood Dr. Patrice Smith Motherhood Dr. Patrice Smith

Early Signs Your Child Might Need Braces (And When to Actually See an Orthodontist)

As a parent, it’s natural to wonder whether your child’s teeth are developing “normally.” Some kids seem to have perfectly straight smiles early on, while others look… a little chaotic. The truth is, orthodontic concerns don’t always announce themselves with obvious crooked teeth. Many early signs are subtle—and often overlooked.

The good news? Early awareness doesn’t always mean early treatment. It simply means informed, calm decision-making.

Most orthodontic associations recommend a first evaluation around age 7. That doesn’t mean braces at 7, it means observation.

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Professional Financial Dr. Patrice Smith Professional Financial Dr. Patrice Smith

Harmful Effects of DIY Braces

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) braces and at-home teeth straightening kits have become a trend popping up all over the internet, promising dentist-quality results at a fraction of the price. While I understand how attractive these may look and sound, unfortunately, things that sound too good to be true often are. As an orthodontist I have seen some pretty damaging effects of DIY braces and wanted to share a few facts about this dangerous trend.

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Professional Financial Dr. Patrice Smith Professional Financial Dr. Patrice Smith

An Orthodontist Can Boost Your Self Esteem!

People who are happy with the the way they look are typically more confident and have higher self esteem than those who are not. The way our teeth look and the appearance of our smile can have a pretty significant impact on the way we view ourselves. This is where an Orthodontist comes in. Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that has a focus on the alignment of teeth.

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