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only for children, but also for adults. “When your teeth are really crowded, you can’t clean them sufficiently, and that leads to some very difficult gum issues,” says Dr. Patricia Simon of Lakewood Orthodontics. “Also, many people don’t realize snoring in children isn’t normal. Sleep apnea is being diagnosed more often in young kids. It’s usually a sign of airway issues, which affect the teeth.”

For some patients, the mere mention of dentistry and orthodontics can bring up uncomfortable associations. Some doctors make it their mission to put these fears to rest. “I get the most enjoyment from being able to take a phobic dental patient, or a patient who’s had a bad dental experience in the past, and turn them into the most calm relaxed patient in the world,” says Dr. Kelli Slate of Lakewood. “I tell people on the first visit, if you’re worried about anything we do causing discomfort, don’t waste that energy, because after your first visit with us, you’ll know that everything we do here we can do comfortably.”

One way dentists can promote trust and comfort is to develop a relationship with their patients over time. That is the goal at Lakewood Family Dental, says Dr. Rick Beadle. “We run the office just as you would the traditional family business. We see lots of the same faces. People don’t want to go to the mega place where every time you walk in they try to sell you something.” Although his office has all the latest gadgets, “Ultimately,” he says, “It’s how you treat people.”

Advanced technology in orthodontics has combined cosmetic appeal and comfort in new ways. Dr. Douglas Crosby, who has offices in North Dallas and Uptown, is a firm believer in the use of Invisalign (clear aligner trays) instead of metal braces, whenever possible. “Adults and teenagers in late high school don’t want metal flashing across their photographs, so I think aesthetics is what drives them into Invisalign,” he says. “But it’s matched with a lot of advantages. The movement is gentler than braces, it’s cleaner, and in most circumstances it’s actually quicker than braces.”

In more complicated cases, traditional braces may still be necessary, but here again technology has improved the experience for patients. Dr. Greg Greenberg of Lake Highlands explains, “The

Invisalign has transformed over 1 million smiles – with Dr. Crosby’s help