Your child may be nervous at first—and you may feel a bit on edge yourself—but children love it here, and with Justin Mund, DDS treating your child, he or she may not want to go home!

Just let your child know that there is a dental chair that goes up and down. There are video games, toys, and adults everywhere who encourage raucous laughter and play, adults who are always ready to share a joke or a smile.

We are a judgment-free dental office and have the warmest team around!

We recommend the following:

• Don’t let your child know that you’re feeling anxious. Children tend to pick up on and share parental anxiety. If your child sees that you’re looking forward to the appointment, he or she will be more likely to feel at ease.
• Don’t mention procedures, but talk about teeth counting and gentle brushing instead.  
• Emphasize the fun that they will have at Smile Ninja Dental & Orthodontics.
• Let them know that they are starting their journey toward Smile Ninja status! Only for the brave and strong.

Getting braces is a big change to everyone when they first get them, so it will take some time to get adjusted to having them on. The first appointment is no big deal because all we are doing is cementing brackets to the face of your teeth. What patients experience with braces as discomfort or soreness is from the pressures each time we tighten and the bone movements that are then caused below. This is actually a very good sign! It means your teeth are starting to slowly shift into a straighter smile which is what we want. The goal of braces is to align your teeth by adjusting your bite, turning your teeth and creating more/less space for your teeth depending on the situation. Most of the discomfort is usually experienced right after your monthly adjustment. Just like new shoes when you first get them, your feet experience discomfort. After wearing them for a few weeks, your feet get used to how they feel. Similarly, your mouth and lips are very much the same. After the first couple of visits, it gets easier but we do recommend some Ibuprofen, if needed, to help with your discomfort from the adjustments. You may also experience pain or discomfort from what you eat while wearing braces. Some foods to avoid when wearing braces would be anything hard, crunchy, sticky or chewy/gummy. The better you take care of your braces, the less likely you will experience any kind of pain or discomfort.

Individuals might require orthodontic treatment for several reasons, including crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, or other misalignments of the teeth and jaw.

The duration of treatment with braces varies depending on the individual's case. On average, people wear braces for 18 to 24 months, but complex cases might take longer.

Yes! Traditional metal braces are the most common, but there are also ceramic braces (which are tooth-colored), lingual braces (positioned behind the teeth), and clear aligners.

Phase 1 Orthodontics, also known as early interceptive orthodontics, is a treatment for children typically aged 6 to 10. It aims to treat and prevent developing orthodontic issues, making future treatments simpler or, in some cases, unnecessary.

While traditional orthodontics often starts during the early teen years when all permanent teeth have come in, Phase 1 Orthodontics begins earlier to address concerns in the developing mouth. It might involve space maintainers, partial braces, or growth modification devices.

Not always. Some children have dental development that proceeds without significant issues. However, for kids showing early signs of bite or alignment problems, Phase 1 Orthodontics can be beneficial.

It depends. Some children might still require braces or another orthodontic appliance after Phase 1 treatment, but the duration and complexity of this treatment can often be reduced.

If you notice early signs of crowded teeth, issues with biting or chewing, or if there's a family history of orthodontic concerns, it's a good idea to consult an orthodontist by age 7.

While getting braces or other orthodontic devices fitted isn't painful, some discomfort might be felt as the teeth begin to move. This discomfort typically lasts only a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that can damage the braces. Regular checkups with the orthodontist are essential to ensure everything is progressing well.

Typically, patients with braces have check-ups every 4 to 8 weeks. However, the frequency can vary depending on the specific treatment plan.

After braces are removed, patients usually wear retainers to hold the teeth in their new positions and prevent them from shifting back.

No, many adults also get braces or other orthodontic treatments. It's never too late to improve your smile!