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[caption id="attachment_944" align="alignleft" width="350"] Crooked teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean and are at risk of being lost early because of tooth decay or periodontal disease.[/caption]

A Strong & Healthy Bite Starts with Proper Alignment

The primary purpose of orthodontic treatment is to create a healthy bite—straight teeth that properly meet opposing teeth in the opposite jaw. A good bite makes it easier for you to bite, chew and speak.

If your teeth are crowded, protrusive, spaced too far apart, meet in an abnormal way, or do not meet at all, correction may be recommended. Braces and aligners are the “appliances” orthodontists most commonly use to guide your teeth into their proper positions. Retainers preserve and stabilize the results of your orthodontic treatment.
From reducing your risk of gum disease to improving bite functions and overall dental health, there are many clear benefits when you choose to undergo Invisalign treatment.

Parent’s Guide to Orthodontics by the American Association of Orthodontics

Thinking about your child and whether orthodontic treatment might be needed at some point? You’ve come to the right place. The Parent’s Guide to Orthodontics by the American Association of Orthodontics will help you understand how the process works, from understanding early check-ups to post-treatment best practices.

Orthodontic treatment can be a very important part of your child’s oral health care. Teeth that work together make it possible to bite and chew properly, and contribute to clear speech. Teeth that function well tend to have a pleasing appearance. The beautiful smile that results from orthodontic treatment is the outward sign of good oral health, and sets the stage for overall well-being.

Questions from Parents Answered in The Parent’s Guide to Orthodontics

The AAO guide provides excellent information for parents, including answers to common questions. A question we often receive is about treating upper & lower teeth.

Q: My child’s teeth aren’t too crooked on top – can s/he just get braces on the bottom?

A: Orthodontic treatment is designed to develop teeth that fit well and, as a result, wear better over an individual’s life. Think of teeth in the mouth as a “gear” system. Teeth, like gears, must intermesh well to help avoid excessive wear throughout a lifetime of use. An ideal orthodontic result most often requires treatment of both the top and bottom teeth. Consult a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) to learn what will best correct your child’s orthodontic problem. The AAO Find an Orthodontist service will help you locate AAO orthodontists near you.

Today there are many treatment options for parents to consider for their children.  Parents will see a few different orthodontic providers to weight the benefits of each option.  Questions we receive are similar to:

Q: We’ve seen three orthodontists and we have three treatment plans suggested. Which one is right?

A: There is not a single “right way” to perform orthodontic treatment. Different orthodontists use various bracket systems and appliances. As long as all of the doctors you have consulted are AAO orthodontists, all of the suggested treatment plans can help your child develop a healthy and beautiful smile. When you consult a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), you can be assured that the doctor truly is an orthodontist. That’s because membership in the AAO is open exclusively to orthodontists, meaning those who first graduated from dental school, and then went on to successfully complete a 2-3 year orthodontic residency at an accredited orthodontic program.

Pleasant Hill’s Martin Family Orthodontics has been a top choice for East Bay & Pleasant Hill families for generations.  In the past, orthodontic treatment was associated with children and teens, but today many adults seek orthodontic treatment to correct long-standing problems, or problems that stem from maturational changes. Orthodontists can help people of any age achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

Invisalign treatment with invisible and removal trays gradually reposition misaligned teeth without the inconvenience and discomfort of traditional wire braces. As you progress through the Invisalign trays and improve your bite alignment, other significant health advantages are taking affect.

Dr Jennifer Martin can map out your new smile using 3D images taken by the iTero Element scanner. from there, you’ll get a custom treatment plan that’s right for you.  The entire team at Martin Family Orthodontics will be with you every step of the way towards a healthy & bright smile!

Can We Schedule Your Appointment Today?

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

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Navigating insurance plans can be confusing. Jennifer Martin Orthodontics can help you to utilize your insurance plan in order to receive the most out of your benefits package.

Many people ask if insurance or flex spending accounts will cover their braces or Invisalign aligners. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding insurance and flexible savings accounts.

Using Your Flex Spending Account Wisely

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can often be used for your orthodontic care. The first step is to find out from your insurance provider whether or not you have the option for a FSA.

Once you’ve established that you do have a FSA, and you do need braces or Invisalign, get together with your orthodontist and lay out a plan to utilize your benefits for the treatment you need.

Planning ahead is important. You want to plan ahead for your treatment so you can be sure to accrue the money you need in your FSA in order to afford your implants. That’s why it’s helpful to communicate effectively with your orthodontist and your insurance company-to ensure that you’re prepared and properly refunded for your treatment.

If this seems confusing to you, don’t worry! We have experts standing by in our office to help answer all of your questions. We will work with you and your insurance provider to make sure that you get the treatment you need, at a rate you can afford.

How to use your FSA for Braces or Invisalign

Typically orthodontia is eligible for reimbursement with an FSA, a Health Savings Account (HSA), a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), or a Limited Care Flexible Spending Account (LCFSA). If you have any of these things under your health insurance umbrella, then you will likely be reimbursed for your treatment.

A general rule of thumb is that FSA’s, HSA’s, and LCFSA’s cover anything that is considered preventative care. Things that are cosmetic, such as teeth whitening are generally not covered. Different insurance companies cover different things, and you should choose an implant orthodontist who can work with your insurance provider to ensure that you get the treatment you need at an affordable rate.

We believe that a healthy smile for the whole family is absolutely vital for your overall health and wellness. Uneven teeth can lead to a variety of more serious health issues in the future. Fixing an uneven smile will lead to healthier and happier lifestyle for everyone.

How Orthodontic Care is Reimbursed

Orthodontia expenses are eligible for reimbursement even if you’ve already fully paid for your treatment. This is assuming that the plan design permits reimbursement of full payment.

While reimbursement requirements do vary between benefits administrators, one-time payments are the easiest method to be quickly reimbursed for the full amount of out-of-pocket costs that are not covered by insurance.

If you choose to pay for your treatment as you go however, you’ll need to keep careful track of each visit to your orthodontist, and what work was done. This method of reimbursement may work best for those who are organized and can keep track of dates and services rendered.

So the answer is yes, braces and Invisalign can be covered by Flex Spending Accounts and insurance. You will need to do some planning with your orthodontist and insurance provider to make sure that you get reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses accrued during your treatment.

Dr. Jennifer Martin specializes in family care. She believes that an even set of teeth is vital to a healthy lifestyle. If you’re in need of orthodontia, and you need some guidance in navigating the insurance aspect of it, give us a call today. We treat patients from all over in our Pleasant Hill office, from Martinez to Walnut Creek and all of the surrounding communities.

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

Can Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking Affect My Child’s Teeth?

Thumb sucking or pacifier use is one of an infant’s natural reflexes, prolonged sucking can exert force on the teeth and jaws.  If your child sucks a thumb, finger, pacifier, or lips, their teeth or jaw growth may be affected.  Bone changes can actually occur as early as 18 months.

Common orthodontic problems caused by prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can include:

Protruding front teeth: front teeth that stick out (“buck” teeth). Protrusive front teeth may make it hard to comfortably close the mouth and lips, cause speech problems, and make them more susceptible to trauma.

Open bite: when the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap, which can create swallowing or speech problems.

Crossbite: upper teeth that fit inside the lower teeth. If not corrected, the jaw can shift to one side causing lopsided jaw growth.

What to do if you notice prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use

Consult your AAO orthodontist. They will be able to identify any orthodontic related issues caused by the oral habit and can offer early treatment options to help your child break the habit and correct any problems that may have occurred. Orthodontists have been specifically trained in dentofacial orthopedics. In other words, they can help jaws grow and develop in better positions.

Correct harmful oral habits

Guide jaw growth

Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth

Guide permanent teeth into better positions

Trust an AAO orthodontist like Jennifer Martin, DDS

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. Find an orthodontist near you at https://aaoinfo.org/locator

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.

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

It’s Halloween Candy Time! For most or all of us, this month begins with the weather changing, drinking pumpkin spice latte’s, and of course, Halloween! But for your orthodontist, it’s also a month to recognize their patient’s beautiful, healthy smile in honor of National Orthodontic Health Month. This is a perfect time to review a few helpful tips from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) to embrace October worry-free for orthodontic patients.

Eating candy while wearing braces is still an option. But avoid damaging your braces and risk extending your orthodontic treatment by staying away from certain candy items.  Broken brackets will require a trip to the orthodontist to repair and multiple broken brackets can extend your time in braces

Avoid Sticky Candies Like:

Caramels, Taffy, Jellybeans, Bubblegum

Hard Candy, Suckers, Licorice

Popcorn and Nuts

You are probably wondering what you can eat or drink? Actually, quite a lot; eat soft, melt-in-your-mouth candies. Those tend to be less risky when keeping your braces intact. Good options:

Chocolate (without caramel or nuts)

Peanut butter cups

Marshmallows

Soft Cookies

Eating Halloween candy in excess can cause more than a bad stomachache. Any type of sugary snacks can accumulate around braces and lead to cavities or gum disease (gingivitis). Establish an oral care regimen that involves preventive measures, it can help avoid tooth decay and promote healthier gums.

Orthodontic treatment is a very important part of your child’s oral he

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.

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