Overview: What Braces Are and the Process

Braces are orthodontic devices used to align and straighten teeth, improving both dental health and aesthetics. They consist of brackets bonded to the teeth and archwires that apply gentle pressure to gradually move the teeth into the desired position.

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Importance: Why Braces are Essential to Oral Health

Braces offer more than just a straighter smile; they contribute significantly to your oral health:

• Correct Bite Alignment
  Braces correct issues such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite, improving your bite function and reducing wear on teeth.

• Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
  Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.

• Improved Speech
  Correcting misaligned teeth can improve speech clarity and pronunciation.

• Enhanced Self-Esteem
  A straighter smile boosts confidence and self-esteem, leading to better social interactions and overall well-being.

• Long-Term Benefits
  Straight teeth are less prone to dental trauma and premature wear, potentially reducing the need for future dental work.

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Considerations When Considering Braces

When deciding whether braces are right for you or your child, it's important to consider various dental issues that braces can help correct. Here are some common considerations:

• Crowding
  Crowding occurs when there isn't enough space in your mouth for all your teeth to fit comfortably. This can lead to crooked or overlapping teeth, making it difficult to clean properly.

• Crossbite
  Crossbite refers to misalignment where the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth instead of outside. This can affect both front and back teeth alignment.

• Open Bite
  An open bite occurs when the front teeth don't touch each other when the mouth is closed, even though the back teeth are closed. This can affect chewing and speech.

• Deep Bite
  In a deep bite, the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower front teeth when biting down. This can lead to excessive wear on the teeth and gum irritation.

• Protrusion
  Protrusion, or overjet, happens when the upper front teeth stick out too far compared to the lower teeth. This can increase the risk of injury to the front teeth and affect facial aesthetics.

• Underbite
  An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when the back teeth are closed. This can affect jaw alignment and facial symmetry.

• Spacing
  Spacing issues include gaps or spaces between teeth due to missing teeth or teeth that are too small compared to the jaw size.

• Oral Habits (Thumb and Finger Sucking)
  Persistent habits like thumb or finger sucking beyond early childhood can impact dental development, leading to alignment issues that may require orthodontic treatment.

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Benefits of Braces

• Improved Appearance
  Braces align teeth and correct spacing issues, resulting in a straighter and more aesthetically pleasing smile. This improvement can enhance facial symmetry and boost self-confidence.

• Better Oral Health
  Aligned teeth are easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. This promotes overall oral health and prevents future dental problems.

• Correct Bite Issues
  Braces can address various bite issues such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite, improving bite function and jaw alignment.

• Prevention of Tooth Wear (Grinding and Clenching)
  Properly aligned teeth distribute the forces of chewing more evenly, reducing excessive wear caused by grinding (bruxism) and clenching. This helps preserve tooth enamel and prevents premature tooth damage.

• Correct Teeth and Jaw Alignment
  Braces not only straighten teeth but also align the jaws, ensuring proper positioning and function of the teeth and bite. This alignment improves chewing efficiency and speech clarity.

• Enhance Confidence
  A straighter smile can significantly enhance self-esteem and confidence. Feeling proud of your smile can positively impact social interactions and overall quality of life.

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What to Expect When Getting Braces

Before Braces

• Free Consultation with the Doctor
  Schedule a consultation with our orthodontist to discuss your dental history, concerns, and treatment goals. This initial visit helps determine if braces are the right option for you.

• X-rays and Photos
  Comprehensive X-rays and photos of your teeth and jaws will be taken to assess their current alignment and aid in treatment planning.

• Planning Personalized Treatment Plan
  Based on the consultation and diagnostic images, our orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific orthodontic needs and goals.

During Braces

• Application of Braces
  Braces are applied during a comfortable procedure where brackets are bonded to your teeth and connected with an archwire. You may experience mild pressure and soreness for a few days after placement, which is temporary.

• Adjustments and Follow-Ups
  You'll visit your orthodontist approximately every 4-6 weeks for adjustments. During these appointments, the archwires are tightened or changed to gradually move your teeth into the desired position.

• Oral Care
  Proper oral hygiene is crucial during braces treatment. Brushing and flossing after every meal helps prevent plaque buildup and maintain oral health. Avoid sticky or hard foods that can damage braces and prolong treatment.

After Braces

• Removal of Braces
  Once your teeth have reached their ideal position, the braces will be carefully removed. This process is painless and quick.

• Retention Phase: Wearing a Retainer
  A retainer will be custom-made to fit your teeth and prevent them from shifting back to their original position. It's essential to wear your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist to maintain your new smile.

• Continued Care
  Maintain regular dental check-ups every six months to monitor your oral health and retainer wear. Continued oral care, including brushing, flossing, and avoiding habits that could damage your teeth, ensures long-term success of your orthodontic treatment.

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Our Unique Expertise in Orthodontics

At our orthodontic practice, we strive to provide exceptional care and service that sets us apart. Here’s what makes us unique:

• Free Consultation
  We offer a complimentary consultation with our orthodontist to discuss your needs, goals, and treatment options. This initial visit allows you to explore orthodontic solutions without any financial commitment.

• Swag Bag When You Get Started
  To welcome you to our orthodontic family, we provide a swag bag filled with goodies and essentials.

• Constant New Promotions
  We regularly offer new promotions and special offers to make orthodontic treatment more accessible and affordable for our patients.

• Growth and Guidance Visits for Kids
  For younger patients, we offer growth and guidance visits to monitor dental development. We wait until they are ready for treatment, ensuring optimal timing for effective results.

• Point System for Rewards
  Our point system rewards you for maintaining good oral hygiene and attending appointments. Earn points that can be redeemed for exciting rewards.

• All Offices Attached (One-Stop Shop)
  With multiple offices conveniently connected, we provide a seamless experience where you can access orthodontic care and dental services—all in one location.

• Digital Scanner (No Impressions)
  We use advanced digital scanning technology instead of traditional impressions. This technology ensures accuracy, comfort, and efficiency during your orthodontic evaluations and treatments.

• Digital Treatment Planning
  We use state-of-the-art digital treatment planning for braces to enhance your orthodontic experience. With digital treatment planning, we can predict the movement of your teeth with greater accuracy, ensuring optimal results in a shorter time.

• Open Late One Night a Week for Your Convenience
  To accommodate busy schedules, we offer extended hours one night a week. This allows you to schedule appointments conveniently without disrupting your daily routine.

• Orthodontist Who Speaks Spanish
  Our orthodontist is fluent in Spanish, ensuring clear communication and understanding for our Spanish-speaking patients and their families.

• Open 5 Days a Week
  We understand the importance of flexibility and convenience. Our clinic is open five days a week, making it easier for you to schedule appointments that fit into your busy lifestyle.

• We Run on Time
  We value your time and strive to run our practice efficiently. Our commitment to punctuality means you can expect minimal wait times and timely appointments, allowing you to get back to your day quickly.

• Orthodontist is Board Certified
  Our orthodontist is board-certified, reflecting a high level of expertise and dedication to ongoing education and excellence in the field. You can trust that you are receiving top-notch care from a highly qualified professional.

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The Summit Smile Difference

• The Summit Comprehensive Clinic Program
• One Clinic, One Record, Multiple Practitioners All in One Place

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Patient Testimonials and Smile More Program

Success Stories:

Dawn Velasquez

"My daughter had a great experience with Summit Dental! Her teeth look amazing! Thanks for the goody bag and balloons after she got her braces off! And thanks to all the staff for being so great, we really appreciate you all! Thanks again, xoxoxo Dawn, Marlee 😆"

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Valerie Barber

"I've had two kids get their braces done here and it has been a breeze of an experience each time! They are helpful in the beginning phase to educate and explain as well as answer questions. They are kind and patient as they put the braces on and do adjustments and cleanings throughout the time my child has their braces. I would recommend them for others to check out!"

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Josh Chafin

"I was on the fence about getting adult braces, but Summit Dental & Orthodontics helped me through the whole decision-making process. I'm currently seven months into having braces and I love the progress I'm seeing with my teeth. The team at Summit is easy to work with for scheduling and upfront with all the pricing discussions. After using them for myself, we will have all our children come here for orthodontics."

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Emily Jacoby

"If you’re looking for a dentist and/or orthodontist, look no further. No, seriously. Summit Dental is the bees knees. I had been going to the same dentist for 30 years, but when we moved a few years ago, I couldn’t justify the time and gas spent driving there and back. I finally made the difficult decision to find a new office, which, as many know, is not for the faint-hearted. I had seen various advertisements for Summit Dental, and since it was in my insurance network, I decided to give it a try—and I’m glad I did. Since transitioning to this office, I have had regular cleanings, treatments for a few cavities and crowns (Friendly PSA: be good to your teeth when you’re a kid, or else it'll bite you in the rear later), and most recently...braces! They do it all and with such efficiency. Scheduling is easy, consults are thorough, pricing is reasonable, the staff are professional and friendly, AND you can text the office with your questions or concerns at any time—day or night (!!). For example, I broke one of my brackets last Friday night at 8 PM and the wire was causing me significant pain. I decided to text about the incident, assuming I would hear back until Monday morning. Not only did I hear back from a staff member within a few minutes that night, Dr. Metcalf (the orthodontist) also touched base and was able to meet me at the office first thing Saturday morning to fix the wire. Talk about service! I am so beyond grateful to both the dental and orthodontic staff and cannot say enough good things about them. Thank you, all!"

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Presley Moss

"Summit is probably the best ortho place on planet earth. It is so well staffed, everyone is so freaking nice and the front desk team is so welcoming and unbelievably kind. I wish I could express how welcoming they are and how professional they are over the phone as well. Not to mention, my whole braces AND wisdom teeth experience was so seamless and so smooth. The doctors and the assistants were so nice and knew I was in good hands. I will be recommending them to everyone and will be doing business with them for a lifetime."

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Niley Luviano

"I absolutely love Summit!! I have been coming here for a bit now and the process has been so smooth!! I love how nice everyone is, and I love the flexibility of the appointments. It is overall the best place to have your braces done. I seriously recommend coming here if you want to fix up your teeth!!"

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Megan Schroader

"Our family has been going to Summit Dental & Orthodontics for over 10 years and now my son, who is 15, is starting his journey with them on his braces and I couldn’t be more grateful that I took him there to Summit! They have been so supportive and kind with my son with every single step of the process and they explained everything to him about how to take care of his teeth with braces on. All of the staff that works there are very educated and passionate about their clients. AND they remember who you are! You’re not just another paycheck to them! They take the time to get to know you with every visit. I would recommend Summit Dental & Orthodontics to anyone that is looking for dental care, and they will work with you on payment plans for braces! Give them a try because I did, and I did not regret it and I’m really glad that I did give them a chance 😊"

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Brynna Camp

"We have loved Summit so much! My daughter needed braces, they were our second opinion and ended up being the one we chose! Katie, Dr. Metcalf, and all of the ortho assistants are so fun to work with! They made the experience hassle-free and my girl is ecstatic to have her emoji braces. 😍"

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Bailey Chatelain

"We absolutely loved our experience here and got to meet the most amazing person named Katie who was able to go over everything with me very amazingly, and I got my braces on the exact same day. I would highly recommend going here and I will be coming back for any and all of my orthopedic or dental needs."

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Kali Peterson

"Giving 5 stars to Summit Dental & Orthodontics. Big thanks to Dr. Metcalf and Orthodontic Assistant Katie who have taken the best care of my daughter during her braces' treatment. The front office staff are also amazing and are always on top of everything."

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Jelina Powell

"I just recently passed my year mark with braces and I’m a happy regular client at Summit Dental! 🙂 All of the staff are exceptional, especially Alex B. who has been my orthodontic assistant since the beginning and makes every visit easier by explaining what she’s doing and just her overall attitude/friendliness. Dr. Metcalf always helps me feel at ease and has done such a great job. I already feel way more confident with my teeth and smile, I can’t wait to see the final result!"

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Lindsey Rizley

"I really do love Summit Dental and Orthodontics! We’re just starting kid #2 in braces, and I couldn’t be happier with the results from our first. Their staff is friendly, efficient, and up to date on all the newest and greatest. We personally worked with Ashley at my son's first appointment, and she was so great! We’ll definitely be going to Metcalf for all the rest of our ortho needs!"