For All Ages
Orthodontics for Children
There’s no single “right” age for every child to start orthodontic treatment, but the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation by age 7.
At this stage, most children have a healthy mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This allows Dr. Menker to spot potential issues early—such as crowding, bite problems, or jaw growth concerns—and often address them gently and effectively, usually without the need for surgery or more complex procedures later.
How Early Treatment Benefits Your Child
Early orthodontic intervention gives Dr. Menker the opportunity to:
- Guide proper jaw growth so permanent teeth erupt in better alignment
- Balance the width of the upper and lower dental arches for improved bite and function
- Create essential space for crowded or erupting teeth
- Often eliminate the need for permanent tooth extractions in the future
- Address habits like thumb-sucking and support improvement of minor speech issues
With timely early care, many children enjoy straighter teeth, healthier bites, and simpler treatment overall—setting the foundation for a confident smile that lasts a lifetime.
For parents, it's not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment. Here are some common signs that suggest it’s time for a check-up:
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting food comfortably
- Frequent mouth breathing
- Ongoing thumb- or finger-sucking
- Crowded, overlapping, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that click, pop, or make noises when opening or closing
- Teeth that don’t meet properly or don’t touch at all when biting
- Jaws or teeth that appear out of proportion with the rest of the face
- Noticeable crowding or overlapping of front teeth by age 7 or 8
Ready to give your child a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime?
Contact our practice today to schedule a gentle orthodontic evaluation. Early intervention now can make a world of difference—guiding proper growth, preventing bigger issues later, and setting the foundation for a beautiful, lasting result. We look forward to welcoming you and your child!
BRACES FOR TEENS
Braces, Retainers & Everything You Need to Know!
You just heard the three words most teens dread: “You need braces.”
What now? Don’t worry—braces aren’t nearly as scary (or boring) as you might imagine. Today’s options are more comfortable, faster, and way more customizable than ever before. You can choose from clear aligners, colorful brackets, or even nearly invisible options that let your personality shine through. Life with braces has never been easier—or more stylish.
We’re here to make the whole process fun, supportive, and tailored just for you.
Braces Your Way!
Our practice offers a variety of braces, types and styles, to choose from. Some common options include:
- Clear ceramic braces with optional color application
- Clear custom removable aligners for teens
- Lingual (behind the tooth) braces for teens
- Traditional metal braces with optional color application
Orthodontic braces are a big part of life for many people your age. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, today's braces make it easy to look good and feel good! Please contact our practice to schedule your next orthodontic checkup.
Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teens anymore. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in five orthodontic patients is now over the age of 21.
More and more adults are choosing treatment because they recognize the lasting benefits to their oral health—and they want to feel more confident about their smile. You’re not alone in wanting to improve your appearance and well-being, and today’s discreet, comfortable options make it easier than ever.
Now is the perfect time to take the step—your healthier, more confident smile is waiting.
Common Reasons Adults Choose Orthodontic Treatment
Adults often seek orthodontic care for these key reasons:
- A misaligned bite (malocclusion) that causes teeth to fit together improperly, leading to uneven wear, jaw strain, or discomfort
- Crowded or widely spaced teeth, which can make cleaning difficult and increase the risk of decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues
- Jaw pain, pressure, or headaches triggered by crooked teeth or bite misalignment
- A strong desire for a healthier mouth and the confidence that comes with a straighter, more attractive smile
Many adults discover that modern, discreet options make treatment more comfortable and convenient than ever—allowing them to achieve lasting improvements in both function and appearance.
Treatment Options for Adults
Many adults hesitate to pursue orthodontic treatment because they picture traditional metal braces. The good news? Modern options are discreet, comfortable, and fully customized to fit your lifestyle and goals.
Today’s choices include:
- Ceramic clear braces — tooth-colored brackets that blend naturally with your smile
- Lingual braces — placed discreetly behind your teeth for complete invisibility
- Removable clear aligners — custom-made, nearly invisible trays you can take out for eating and brushing
- Traditional metal braces — smaller, more comfortable, and highly effective for complex cases
Whatever your needs, we’ll help you select the option that delivers the confident, healthy smile you want—without compromising on aesthetics or convenience.
Adult Orthodontics vs. Orthodontics for Children & Teens
The key difference between treating adults and younger patients lies in jaw growth: in children and teens, the jawbones are still developing, allowing for natural guidance and correction. In adults, jaw growth has stopped, which can sometimes require orthognathic surgery to properly align the jaws.
Other important differences include:
- Gum and bone health — Adults are more likely to have gum recession, bone loss, or periodontal disease. Straighter teeth make cleaning easier and can help reduce the risk of gum issues.
- Worn, missing, or shifted teeth — Years of wear can cause teeth to shift, tilt, or create uneven bites. Missing teeth may lead to further drifting and increase the chance of gum disease or bite problems.
- Unfinished treatment from earlier years — Many adults had partial orthodontic care as teens but never completed it. Now they choose to finish the job for the healthy, beautiful smile they’ve always wanted.
We understand that adults and younger patients have different priorities and lifestyles. Our practice tailors care to your unique needs, delivering personalized attention with respect, understanding, and flexibility.
Why Consider Orthodontic Treatment?
- Straight teeth are healthier teeth — Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss thoroughly, helping prevent decay, gum disease, and related health issues.
- A confident smile changes everything — A straighter smile boosts self-esteem, improves quality of life, and lets you smile freely without hesitation.
- Untreated issues often worsen over time — Delaying treatment can lead to more complex (and costly) problems later—acting now protects your long-term oral health.
Ready to explore how adult orthodontics can benefit you? Contact our practice to schedule a convenient consultation. We’ll work around your busy schedule to make every visit easy and stress-free.