Few of us are born with that perfect smile, but modern medicine can get pretty close.

Forget your old ideas about orthodontics ("Tinsel Teeth, ""Metal Mouth"). Today there are many styles of braces that can help children actually make a fashion statement as their smiles are being perfected.

Best of all, straightening teeth, correcting protruding jaws, improving bites and the other jobs of orthodontics have all become less painful and more successfully done.

 Does Your Child Need Braces? About 50 percent of children can benefit from braces.

Though we tend to think of braces as a route to a beautiful smile, orthodontics can also correct talking or chewing problems.

 Any of the following signs may indicate that your child needs braces.

 • Early or late loss of teeth

 • Difficulty chewing or biting.

• Finger sucking or other oral habits. (Especially after age six)

• Crowding, misplaced or blocked out teeth

• Jaws that shift or make sounds • Speech difficulty

• Biting the cheek or into the roof of the mouth

 • Protruding teeth

• Teeth that meet in an abnormal manner or don't meet at all

• Facial imbalance

Orthodontics for Adults As the profession has changed, so have the patients. Today, over 25% of Dr. Hennes's patients are adults. In today's society, bite and TMJ problems, aesthetic braces and shortened treatment times have all contributed to this phenomenon.

Still, the most opportune time is during childhood while the teeth and jaws are still growing. In many cases potentially serious problems can be greatly reduced or eliminated with early treatment. We recommend the first orthodontic examination between the ages of six and eight or whenever you or your family dentist identifies a problem.

ORTHODONTICS: A SMART INVESTMENT When you consider the lifelong personal and professional benefits of a healthy, attractive smile, orthodontics is the best investment you'll ever make.

A new smile can increase your self-confidence, improve your appearance and promote better dental health. The cost of your treatment will depend on your individual problem and the type of appliances needed.

 Many orthodontic patients require only a limited treatment that gives you the maximum value for your investment. Whatever your needs, our office will work with you to develop an affordable financing plan of monthly installments .