ProviderOur Values
We treat each patient as an individual with his or her own goals, concepts of self-image, dreams and aspirations.
It's because we celebrate what makes each person unique—by truly listening, paying attention to the details that matter to them, and making the process work for their individual needs. It's because we’re committed to building real connections with our patients every step of the way.
What You Get From Us
- A true passion for providing exceptional results and a relentless pursuit of improvement—we aim to be better today than we were yesterday.
- We strive to deliver the best patient experience through genuine connections with our patients and families.
- We lead with compassion, humility, and care – building trust through openness and integrity.
- We support our team’s excellence, happiness, and growth, creating a culture where we have fun every day.
- We focus on giving – generously sharing our time and attention with patients and families, and giving back through community outreach.
Early Assessments for Children
One of the best ways to ensure healthy oral development in children is an early evaluation by an orthodontist. This allows us to identify and treat any emerging orthodontic issues at the best possible time in their oral development.
Our goal is to address isolated orthodontic issues when optimal results can be achieved. Sometimes this means immediate treatment; other times, waiting is best. Early assessment helps us determine the perfect treatment timing for your child's smile.
Orthodontics for Oral Health
There's no question that orthodontic treatment can create beautiful smiles. But orthodontics is about so much more than than how a smile looks. It's about helping patients establish good oral health that improves their day-to-day lives.
Better Oral Function
Improving the alignment of the teeth and jaws can help improve their actual function – biting, chewing, and speaking. Problems with these basic functions can be debilitating for many patients, and we take pride in helping our patients resolve them.
Better Oral Hygiene
Straight teeth provide easier access to all the spaces between your teeth. That makes cleaning and flossing those harder-to-reach spaces easier. For many of our patients, orthodontic treatment makes a huge difference when it comes to avoiding serious oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Long-Term Damage Prevention
Misaligned teeth can sustain considerable wear and tear over time as they move against each other in uneven patterns during talking and chewing, or as a result of compensatory movements. Straightening your teeth can help you avoid much of this wear and tear – and reduce the need for restorative dental treatments in the future.
Knowledge is Power for Patients
We believe that well-informed patients are more likely to be successful with their orthodontic treatment. That's why patient communication is central to our approach.
Our team is always available to answer questions, and we make sure our patients understand each element of their treatment plans at each stage of treatment.
Here are our answers to some questions we are frequently asked by new patients about orthodontics.
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What are the benefits of orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatments aim to align the teeth and jaws, which can have a number of aesthetic benefits. However, this is only part of the story. Orthodontic treatment also has positive oral health implications.
First of all, misaligned teeth are simply more difficult to clean than straight, even teeth are. This means that people with misalignments are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, misalignments in the teeth and jaws can cause difficulties with chewing, leading to digestive issues. These misalignments can also result in chronic neck pain and facial pain.
By improving the alignment of the teeth and jaws, orthodontic treatment can help resolve all of these issues.
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What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist highly trained in the diagnosis, prevention, management, and correction of misaligned teeth, jaws, and bite patterns.
After qualifying as a general dentist, candidates must complete an additional three years of university and earn the specialty designation.
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At what age should someone seek orthodontic treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7
These early evaluations give us an opportunity to identify and treat emerging, isolated orthodontic issues and treat them promptly. In some cases, we can work with a child's developing upper jaw to guide healthy growth. This type of early intervention can help prepare for orthodontic treatment in the teen or adult years.
As far as adults go, there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. As long as their teeth and gums are healthy, adults in their 30s, 40s, and beyond can benefit from orthodontics too!
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How can I tell if I need orthodontic treatment?
The best way to know for sure if you could benefit from orthodontic treatment is to be evaluated by an orthodontist. You can request an appointment with us at any time (no referral needed!).
That being said, some signs that you should book a consultation include:
- Visibly misaligned teeth or bite
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Chronic facial or jaw pain
- Difficulty brushing and flossing
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What are my orthodontic treatment options at Munk Orthodontics?
The two primary modes of orthodontic treatment we offer are traditional braces and clear aligners. Both treatment modalities can be customized for each patient's specific needs.
For children, early intervention in the form of jaw growth guidance with appliances like palatal expanders may also be used.
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How much does orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners cost?
Orthodontic treatment costs vary depending on the severity and complexity of your orthodontic issue, the amount of time it takes to correct it, and the type of treatment you choose.
Our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that takes your budget into consideration. We're also happy to help you with submitting insurance claims and to work with you on a financing plan to help take some of the stress out of paying for treatment.