Fort Myers Orthodontist

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Comprehensive orthodontic options for children and teens

At smiLee, we offer a wide range of orthodontic therapies — from early interceptive treatment to traditional braces and appliances, Invisalign, and retainers. We use only state-of-the-art treatment modalities to create gorgeous smiles in the most efficient and comfortable way possible.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends screening for all children no later than age 7 to evaluate the developing dentition and bite. While most children do not require treatment at this age, there are some issues if detected and corrected at this age that have the potential to benefit the child greatly.

Dr. Jenny is a dual board-certified Fort Myers orthodontist and pediatric dentist which means that the developing smile and bite will be monitored from the first dental visit through adolescence. This has many advantages as many orthodontic issues can be prevented with early care when appropriate.

Why work with a board-certified orthodontist?

A general dentist is ideal for providing regular oral health check-ups, comparable to your family doctor. An orthodontist is a dentist who has gone through a competitive orthodontic program for an additional 2-3 years to be trained specifically in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

A board-certified orthodontist has successfully completed a voluntary, rigorous written and clinical examination process through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). ABO certification is recognized throughout the world as representing the highest level of commitment to orthodontic patient care.

Orthodontic treatment options and technology change rapidly, making it essential for orthodontists to keep abreast of the latest advances. By participating in the ABO’s Certification Renewal process every 10 years, board-certified orthodontists are demonstrating their continuous dedication to the highest standards of care that every patient deserves.

Our Fort Myers Orthodontic Services

Braces

There are several different types of braces that can be used to correct spacing, crowding, and bite issues. Here at smiLee we offer traditional metal braces, white ceramic braces, and clear aligners (Invisalign). Depending on the issues present, one type of braces may be more advantageous than others.

Caring for Your Braces

Great attention should be paid to oral hygiene while undergoing orthodontic treatment to minimize discomfort during treatment and to reduce the risk of decalcification spots.

Brushing should be performed after each meal. It is important to take a toothbrush to school or work. Diligent brushing includes brushing all sides of the braces and teeth and also along the gums. Flossing requires use of a floss threader or an orthodontic flosser.

Diet limitations should be observed to prevent breaking appliances and prolonging treatment. Avoid crunchy (popcorn, ice-cubes, nuts, pizza crust, croutons, corn on the cob, etc.) and sticky foods (gummy bears, taffy, bubblegum, etc.). If a brace loosens, please do not delay in contacting our office. Sugary drinks should always be limited but it is especially important during orthodontic treatment to prevent decalcification and decay while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Elastics

Elastics are sometimes used along with braces or Invisalign to correctly align the teeth and bite. It is important to wear the elastics exactly as prescribed and for the length of time prescribed in order to fully correct the bite.

Expanders

Expanders are custom made to fit each individual and can be used early to correct a crossbite and/or encourage growth of the jaw to be able to accommodate more teeth.

Functional Appliances

Functional appliances can be used in conjunction with braces to encourage the full growth potential of the lower jaw. They can also be used to correct a bite.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a clear and removable alternative to braces. It is a great method of correcting some types of orthodontic issues. The ability to remove the aligners allows for improved oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Invisalign should be reserved for those adults, children, and teens who would be diligent in wearing their aligners.

Mouthguards

Facial and dental injuries can be significantly reduced by wearing appropriate protective equipment when playing sports. Baseball and basketball have the highest incidence of sports-related injuries. While the National Federation of State High School Associations mandates mouthguards only for football, ice hockey, lacrosse, and field hockey and for wrestlers wearing braces, the American Dental Association currently recommends the use of mouthguards in 29 sports or activities.

Orthodontic Emergencies

Adjusting to new braces can take some time. Most children acclimate well to the braces after a few days to a week. Soreness is to be expected for the first few days after placement and after routine orthodontic adjustment visits. During soreness, a soft diet can help alleviate pain along with the use of over-the-counter pain medications, dosed appropriately by a child’s age and weight. The cheeks and lips also undergo an adjustment period with braces. Great attention should be dedicated to oral hygiene while undergoing orthodontic treatment to minimize inflammation, swelling, and pain. Please do not delay in contacting our office if you are experiencing issues with your orthodontic appliances.

Wax Placement:

How to place wax on braces: Place a pea-sized piece of wax over the bracket and/or wire that is irritating. Call the office to schedule an appointment if the wire is too long to cover with wax or if the bracket feels loose or broken.

Pokey Wire:

What to do if braces wire is poking me: Place wax over the protruding wire and call the office to schedule an appointment.

Pokey Wire Eraser Trick:

What to do if braces wire is poking me: Using a pencil eraser, push the pokey wire behind the main braces wire and/or brace.

Orthognathic Surgery

There is a limit to how far the teeth can be moved with Braces or Invisalign alone. If there are issues with the jaws that are beyond the movement of braces, surgery may be recommended.

Retainers

Once a perfect smile is created with braces or Invisalign, it is important to maintain this beautiful smile for life. We offer a few different types of retainers. Some retainers are better for some types of bites than others. Retainers should be worn as prescribed. If a retainer is lost or broken, it is very important to contact the office as soon as possible to have the retainer re-made.

  • Essix: Clear removable retainers
  • Hawley: Acrylic and wire removable retainers. Often recommended for patients with a deep bite or for children with some baby teeth remaining.
  • Fixed lingual: Thin wire affixed to the tongue surface of the lower front teeth and/or the tongue surface of the top front teeth. Only recommended for patients who had severe crowding or lower teeth or a large gap in between the front top teeth. These retainers are affixed to the front teeth only and can last several years before needing to be replaced. A clear retainer is usually recommended in addition to a fixed retainer to hold the back teeth in proper alignment.

Sleep Apnea

Screening for sleep-disordered breathing in children is very important. In children, untreated sleep apnea can lead to impaired growth, lower academic performance, behavioral problems, bedwetting, and cardiovascular problems. Working in conjunction with other sleep medicine specialists and ear nose and throat specialists, some of these children may also benefit from orthodontic therapy.

Teeth Whitening

Staining and discoloration of the teeth can have many causes. Certain foods, including tea, coffee, soft drinks, juices, alcohol, iron supplements, condiments, etc. can lead to staining of the teeth. Also, trauma to the baby teeth and/or the permanent tooth can lead to discoloration of the teeth. Teeth can also have defects in the enamel which can cause discoloration.

Depending on the cause of the staining, several treatment options exist for whitening teeth. Often a prophylaxis or cleaning can remove build-up and lead to a brighter smile. At smiLee, we can discuss whitening options to help you achieve your brightest smile.

How we help your child

Straighten misaligned teeth

Reshape your child’s bite

Treat dental sleep issues

“If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist, smiLee is the place to go! This was his first dentist appointment and he was so chill throughout the whole process.”

- Mollie R.

“Best dentist office we’ve ever been to! They respect the appointment times, and are super courteous, professional, knowledgeable, and friendly! We definitely recommend them.”

- Andrea O.

“This was our first time at the smiLee office. My daughter had been nervous prior to going, but I don’t think I’ll have any trouble getting her to go back, she had a great experience!!”

- Kara T.

Let us give your child the smile they deserve

We are currently accepting new patients and very excited to work with you and your child.

Our Fort Myers Pediatric & Orthodontic Office

Hours:

Monday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-5:00pm*
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

*We answer phone calls on Fridays from 8:00am-5:00pm and are open for appointments on some Fridays. Contact us for full Friday availability!