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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.

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!

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.

Did Your Children Miss Appointments?

If your child missed appointments during the past couple of months, we are here for you & want to get your caught up. We are contacting patients about re-scheduling. You can also take the proactive step to contact us to schedule at your convenience. We make every effort to move your appointment in a timely manner, but you should expect a slightly longer appointment than before due to safety protocols.

We are incredibly happy to be open to serve the oral care & orthodontic needs of our patients from the greater East Bay Area. Our updated safety protocols, disinfecting procedures & personal protective equipment ensure visits to our office are safe.  We are following the ADA.org Guidance, CDC.gov & CDA.org COVID-19 Updates. When you & your children return to our office you will see our enhanced safety features & personal protective equipment is action.

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

Does My Child Need Their Wisdom Teeth Removed for Braces or Invisalign?

A tooth extraction for wisdom teeth may be something your dentist recommends. The most common age to have wisdom teeth removed is between 16 and 20. Some children require their wisdom teeth removed as early as 12 years and other children are well into their adult years before needing to consider wisdom teeth removal.

Regular dental check-ups and X-rays can help monitor wisdom teeth growth and identify potential reasons for wisdom teeth removal, which may include:

IMPACTED TEETH – Wisdom teeth can become impacted and may not have enough space in the back of the mouth to come in normally, causing them to be stuck in the jawbone. This can cause significant pain and discomfort for your child.

WRONG ANGLE – Wisdom teeth can sometimes come in at the wrong angle and press against other molars.

NOT ENOUGH SPACE – The jaw, particularly of a younger teenager, may not physically have enough room for this final set of molars so a tooth extraction may be necessary.

CAVITIES & GUM DISEASE – Since located so far back in the mouth, wisdom teeth can be hard to properly brush and floss, allowing for plaque buildup. Over time, this can lead to decay.

ORTHODONTIC WORK – If braces are in your teenager’s future, your Orthodontist may suggest having their wisdom teeth removed first to avoid the risk of the final molars coming in during their treatment and disrupting the treatment plan.

Our Approach to Orthodontics at Jennifer L. Martin, DDS

At Jennifer L. Martin, DDS, everything we do is focused on our patients. Dr. Martin and our team know your needs and concerns are as unique as your smile. That’s why we refuse to use a “one-size-fits-all” approach to orthodontic care. Instead, we will work with you to determine the right treatment for your specific situation.

You will never be another number on a chart or set of teeth in the chair to any of us. We take pride in getting to know each patient as a person, building a long-term relationship with them. We want to learn about interests, celebrate your achievements, and share in your life.

Each of us is a people-person, and we thrive on our conversations with those in our care. We feel fortunate to spend our days creating life-changing smiles for our friends and would love to create such a smile for you!

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

Email: martinorthodontics@att.net

The American Academy of Orthodontists has published brochures and questions to inform comsurmers about online orthodontic companies who make their treatment sound as simple as taking a selfie. Some will ask you to include your selfie with an impression of your teeth or get your teeth scanned. Next, you receive aligners in the mail, and after so many months – straight teeth! It’s just not that simple!

Who Is Supervising Your Treatment?

In some instances direct-to-consumer orthodontic companies do not involve the in-person evaluation and/or in-person supervision of your orthodontic treatment by an orthodontist.

Orthodontic treatment involves the movement of biological material, which could lead to potentially irreversible and expensive damage such as tooth and gum loss, changed bites, and other issues if not done correctly.

Is Your treatment Customized for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to orthodontic treatment, which is why a thorough examination of the teeth, their position in the jaws and the relationship of the upper and lower jaws is imperative to developing a custom treatment plan.

Orthodontists closely study dental records such as panoramic x-rays to evaluate any concerns or potential problems that may be hiding below the surface.

What other transforming medical treatment would you undergo without an in-person, pre-treatment evaluation, or ongoing in-person supervision from a medical professional?

A Few Questions You May Want to Consider:

As part of your treatment, are comprehensive diagnostic records like x-rays taken before your treatment?

As part of your treatment fee, do you receive any in-person visits to a dentist’s or orthodontist’s office during your treatment?

Do you know your orthodontist or dentist? Like any treatment, it helps to know who is caring for you. For example, is their name listed on the company's website or elsewhere?

Is only one treatment type offered (such as invisible aligners or a certain appliance)?

How do you know if your teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment?

What are the possible risks (financial, health, etc.) associated with your orthodontic treatment?

Who can you speak with at the online orthodontic company about your orthodontic treatment?

Who is responsible for detecting any issues that may occur during your orthodontic treatment?

If an issue arises during your treatment, how will it be handled, and who will be responsible for handling it?

If a doctor is involved with your orthodontic treatment, how can you contact him or her over the course of your treatment? How can you contact him or her if an emergency arises?

If you are injured or have another dispute involving your orthodontic treatment, how is it handled (litigation, arbitration, etc.)?

If you are injured or have a dispute involving your orthodontic treatment, what rights do you have against the person or company involved with your orthodontic treatment?

Does the treatment model comply with the dental laws in your state?

Trust an AAO orthodontist

The AAO is a professional association of orthodontists dedicated to, among other things, “improving the health of the public by promoting quality orthodontic care, the importance of overall oral healthcare, and advocating for the public interest.” Your health and well-being are extremely important.

Remember that orthodontic treatment is not a product or device – orthodontic treatment is a professional, medical service. When your care is personally supervised by an orthodontist who is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, you are assured that your orthodontist spent years in a post-doctoral residency program focused on providing orthodontic treatment to patients.

Before making any decision about orthodontic treatment, consider doing some research and having an in-person consultation with a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Schedule Your 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!

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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[caption id="attachment_1126" align="aligncenter" width="712"] At Jennifer L. Martin, DDS, everything we do is focused on our patients. Dr. Martin and our team know your needs and concerns are as unique as your smile.[/caption]

At Jennifer L. Martin, DDS, everything we do is focused on our patients. Dr. Martin and our team know your needs and concerns are as unique as your smile. That’s why we refuse to use a “one-size-fits-all” approach to orthodontic care. Instead, we will work with you to determine the right treatment for your specific situation.

You will never be another number on a chart or set of teeth in the chair to any of us. We take pride in getting to know each patient as a person, building a long-term relationship with them. We want to learn about interests, celebrate your achievements, and share in your life.

Each of us is a people-person, and we thrive on our conversations with those in our care. We feel fortunate to spend our days creating life-changing smiles for our friends and would love to create such a smile for you!

A Second-generation Orthodontist

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

Schedule Your 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!