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You wouldn’t skip a well-check at the pediatrician, and you shouldn’t skip an early trip to the orthodontist either. A visit to your orthodontist by age 7 will help keep your child’s oral health in check. And it may help you avoid more costly or more invasive treatments down the road.

How so?

Palatal expander – Your child may be a good candidate for palatal expansion, which can make the upper jaw wider and help to reduce crowding in abnormally narrow arches. Ideally, a palatal expander is used when a patient is still growing. Expansion occurs when the growth plate or suture in the middle of the palate is stretched and the two halves are pushed apart. As the two halves are spread, new bone is added.

In younger patients, palatal expansion may reduce the need for extractions or prevent impacted teeth. Cases not corrected in growing patients may require surgery for correction in adulthood and may lead to abnormal wear or bite problems if not corrected at all.

Early interceptive treatment–Sometimes a short time in braces can correct problems early on to prevent larger problems later.  An example of interceptive treatment is correcting an anterior crossbite.

Tooth removal – Sometimes removing baby or impacted teeth can help permanent teeth emerge better and encourage them to come in closer to their ideal position even without an orthodontic appliance. Your orthodontist will suggest the best time for extractions to take advantage of your child’s growth and development. Getting them into the orthodontist early allows you to receive the optimum treatment for them.

Not all early visits result in orthodontic treatment

One of three things could result from your child’s first appointment with the orthodontist. 1) There may be no need for treatment recognized at that time. 2) Treatment may be necessary in the future, so the child will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to develop. Or, 3) A problem already exists that would benefit by early treatment, and you are in the right spot to get started!

Most orthodontists offer free consultations, so there’s no reason to wait.

Trust an AAO orthodontist

You can work with an American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Orthodontist to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile at any age. Orthodontists are experts in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – properly aligned teeth and jaws – and possess the skills and experience to give you your best smile.

Jennifer L. Martin, DDS Specializes in Orthodontics for Your Child

Orthodontic treatment is a very important part of your child’s oral health care. When jaws and teeth line up correctly, they are able to function as nature intended. This promotes oral health and general physical health. That orthodontic treatment also helps create an aesthetically beautiful smile for life. A solid resource for parents common questions is the AAO Parents Guide to Orthodontics for Children We also have a helpful resource on our website to help prepare everyone for Your Childs First Orthodontic Appointment

How Does Orthodontic Treatment Help Children?

Orthodontic treatment will help your child bite and chew and contribute to clear speech. When their teeth function properly the achieve a strong, balanced appearance. An attractive smile is a result of orthodontic treatment, and can do wonders for confidence. Self-confidence and self-esteem may improve as orthodontic treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. Straight teeth are less prone to decay, gum disease and injury.

Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Some are “acquired,” developing over time by sucking the thumb or fingers, mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents and poor nutrition. Sometimes an inherited orthodontic problem is complicated by an acquired problem. Whatever the cause, orthodontists are usually able to treat most conditions successfully.

All Kids Should Get A Checkup with an Orthodontist No Later than Age Seven

To have a healthy smile that's good for life®, your child needs teeth and jaws that are properly aligned. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child get a checkup with an orthodontist at the first recognition of the existence of an orthodontic problem, but no later than age seven. By then, your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to determine whether an orthodontic problem exists or is developing. Putting off a checkup with an orthodontist until a child has lost all baby teeth could be a disservice. Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they're found early. A checkup no later than age seven gives your orthodontist the opportunity to recommend the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time. If early treatment is in order, the orthodontist may be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

If you have any questions or concerns throughout your treatment or in the future, please consult your orthodontist or visit mylifemysmile.org.

Creating Generations of Smiles Through A Legacy of Personal Care and Heartfelt Service!

Dr. Jennifer L. Martin and our team love transforming lives, one smile at a time. We work one-to-one with each patient to determine their clinical needs and care goals, and then develop individual treatment paths to create their healthy new smile. We appreciate parents who understand the importance of getting their children a proper start towards a lifetime or oral & orthodontic health.

We offer complimentary consultations for you and your family at our Pleasant Hill, CA orthodontic office, serving Martinez, Concord, Walnut Creek and Lafayette. Please call to learn more and schedule your consultation, today.

Dr. Martin and everyone at Jennifer L. Martin, DDS, look forward to welcoming you to our practice. We would love to develop a long-term relationship with you, while making the beautiful smile of your dreams a reality!

Jennifer L. Martin, D.D.S.
401 Gregory Lane, Suite 126
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Phone: (925) 676-8485

Email Martin Family Orthodontics

Say goodbye to crooked teeth and hello to a perfect smile with Dr. Jennifer L. Martin, the leading orthodontist in Pleasant Hill, CA. With her years of experience and expertise in orthodontics, she works closely with each patient to understand their unique dental needs and goals and develops customized treatment plans to achieve optimal results. Using state-of-the-art technology and the latest methods, Dr. Martin provides a range of orthodontic solutions, including braces, clear aligners, and retainers, to help patients of all ages achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. So, if you're looking for an orthodontist who truly cares about your oral health and well-being, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jennifer L. Martin today!

A Unique Practice

Dr. Martin is a second-generation orthodontist; our office has been creating healthy, beautiful smiles for more than 50 years. As a mother with children, Dr. Martin understands the concerns of parents who want the best care and results for their child’s oral health and smile.

She also understands how to engage with children and teens at their level. Excelling at settling a patient’s worries, and there with an encouraging smile and word, Dr. Martin is always available for her patients and their parents. 

Our Office Environment

We believe that the orthodontic journey is one that should be enjoyed. After all, you are changing your life. We’ve created a positive, welcoming practice, where you’ll be surrounded by smiles and laughter. Our team members love sharing stories and trading jokes with our patients.

Make no mistake, though: we are professionals. We’re serious about delivering leading-edge care using the most effective treatment processes and state-of-the-art technology. This means the shortest, most comfortable treatment, and the most amazing results.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

Before you commit to orthodontic treatment, it’s essential you understand your options. It’s just as essential you find a practice where you like and trust the doctor and team, and where you’ll receive the highest level of care. That’s why we offer complimentary consultations.

Please call to schedule your orthodontic consultation at our Pleasant Hill, CA office. We welcome patients from Martinez, Walnut Creek, and surrounding communities.

Dr. Martin and our team look forward to meeting you. It will be our pleasure to create a healthy, beautiful smile you’ll share with confidence!

We offer complimentary consultations at our Pleasant Hill, CA orthodontic office, serving Martinez, Concord, Walnut Creek and Lafayette. Please call to learn more and schedule your consultation, today.

Dr. Martin and everyone at Jennifer L. Martin, DDS, look forward to welcoming you to our practice. We would love to develop a long-term relationship with you, while making the beautiful smile of your dreams a reality!

Jennifer L. Martin, D.D.S.
401 Gregory Lane, Suite 126
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Phone: (925) 676-8485

Email: martinorthodontics@att.net

Invisalign or Braces? Which Option is Best for Me?

Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about your crooked teeth? It's time to take action and invest in a straighter smile! Jennifer Martin DDS offers both Invisalign and traditional braces to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Invisalign is a discreet and comfortable option that uses clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth into place. It's perfect for those who want to straighten their teeth without anyone knowing.

On the other hand, traditional braces are a tried and true method that use metal brackets and wires to straighten your teeth. They're a great option for those with more complex dental issues. Dr. Jennifer Martin will work with you to determine which option is best for your unique needs and budget. Don't wait any longer to get the smile you deserve - schedule a consultation with us today!

Creating Generations of Smiles Through A Legacy of Personal Care and Heartfelt Service!

Dr. Jennifer L. Martin and our team love transforming lives, one smile at a time. We work one-to-one with each patient to determine their clinical needs and care goals, and then develop individual treatment paths to create their healthy new smile. We appreciate parents who understand the importance of getting their children a proper start towards a lifetime or oral & orthodontic health.

We offer complimentary consultations for you and your family at our Pleasant Hill, CA orthodontic office, serving Martinez, Concord, Walnut Creek and Lafayette. Please call to learn more and schedule your consultation, today.

Dr. Martin and everyone at Jennifer L. Martin, DDS, look forward to welcoming you to our practice. We would love to develop a long-term relationship with you, while making the beautiful smile of your dreams a reality!

Jennifer L. Martin, D.D.S.
401 Gregory Lane, Suite 126
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Phone: (925) 676-8485

“When your pup is overdue for a groom, you wouldn’t bring them to your appointment at the salon. For maintenance of your poodle’s locks, you visit a groomer – the definitely-right person to maintain your pup’s coat, not the almost-right person.  The same is true for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists are specialized in properly aligning teeth and jaws and possess the dental training to give you your best smile, making them the definitely-right person for orthodontic treatment. To put it simply, it’s best to see an orthodontist for orthodontics. Here’s why:

1. Orthodontists are specialists.

Orthodontists are specialists who focus on your bite and alignment of your teeth. Their job is to not only make sure that your smile looks great, but your bite feels good and functions properly, too.

2. Orthodontists have 3,700 hours of orthodontic training.  YES! 3,700.

In addition to dental school, orthodontists are the only dental specialists who have additional education and training focused exclusively on the movement of teeth, jawbones, facial bones, and soft tissue–3,700 hours of specialized training to be exact. They understand growth and development and are also called dentofacial orthopedists.

3. Because of their extensive training, they can provide you with a truly customized treatment plan.

Straightening teeth and aligning the bite are both complex biological processes, not quick fixes. With expertise in those complexities (like changes in jaw bones, facial bone and soft tissue as teeth are moved), your orthodontist is equipped to provide a truly custom treatment plan that is best for you. When it comes to your health you don’t want to miss any critical factors.

When it’s time to make an appointment for yourself or your family, take comfort that, by selecting a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, you will be seeing the right person. Not the almost-right person.”

(June 9, 2021. AAO.com Blog. ‘Why an Orthodontist is the Definitely-Right Person for Orthodontic Treatment’)

End-of-Year Reminder To Use Your FSA Flex Spending for Orthodontics

During the final portion of the year many patients choose orthodontic treatment with their FSA, HSA or Health Savings Accounts. It is important to know that orthodontia is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) or a limited care flexible spending account (LCFSA). Orthodontia is not eligible for reimbursement with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Do you have a question on treatment? Contact our office to discuss your treatment needs and eligibility for health savings account eligibility.  The internet has great resources to describe further at Investopedia FSA Dental Expenses

Invisalign Orthodontics: Are Eligible with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Invisalign orthodontics reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) or a limited care flexible spending account (LCFSA). Invisalign orthodontics reimbursement is not eligible with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Creating Generations of Smiles Through A Legacy of Personal Care and Heartfelt Service!

Dr. Jennifer L. Martin and our team love transforming lives, one smile at a time. We work one-to-one with each patient to determine their clinical needs and care goals, and then develop individual treatment paths to create their healthy new smile.  Please reach out to schedule a consultation so you maximize your health savings account features.  Now is the time to start treatment if you want to use funds for a 2020 ‘use it or lose it’ budget.

We offer complimentary consultations for you and your family at our Pleasant Hill, CA orthodontic office, serving Martinez, Concord, Walnut Creek and Lafayette. Please call to learn more and schedule your consultation, today.

Dr. Martin and everyone at Jennifer L. Martin, DDS, look forward to welcoming you to our practice. We would love to develop a long-term relationship with you, while making the beautiful smile of your dreams a reality!

Best wishes,

Jennifer L. Martin, D.D.S.

401 Gregory Lane, Suite 126

Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Phone: (925) 676-8485

https://www.drjennifermartin.com/