KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME FOR BRACES

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

tooth crossbite and can be addressed by the use of expanders to widen the jaws,” says Dr. Mickey Samra, owner and orthodontist at Samra Orthodontics (with locations in Stockton and Modesto). “Oftentimes, a late treatment (aka Phase II) is needed a few years following early treatment to fine tune the position of the teeth.”

Most times, however, Samra says children do not need two phases of treatment. Most children will also only receive treatment once all of their baby teeth have been lost and their adult teeth have grown into position. “Aside from the cosmetic benefits, there are a lot of dental health benefits associated with having straight teeth as they are easier to clean and maintain,” Samra says.

While children are a large percentage of the patients at Samra Orthodontics, adults are welcomed for care, too. “The demand for adult orthodontic treatment has increased significantly during the pandemic, as adults are becoming more aware of their smiles while on virtual calls like Zoom,” says Samra. “Additionally, since masks are being widely used, adults appear to be more comfortable with having braces that are unseen.”

SAMRA ORTHODONTICS

(209) 478-4666

@samraortho