McElroy Orthodontics

Taking braces off in the waning days of summer school vacation!

CONGRATS to our most excellent patients Peter and Brady!

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Crowding is the number one reason people walk into an orthodontic office. It happens when there is not enough space in the jaw for all your teeth to fit properly. Teeth overlap, rotate, and get pushed forward or backward trying to find room. Beyond the aesthetics, crowded teeth are genuinely harder to brush and floss effectively. That means more plaque buildup in the tight spots, a higher risk of cavities, and a greater chance of gum disease over time. Straightening crowded teeth is not just about looking good. It is about being able to actually clean them.

Has anyone ever told you that you have a lisp or that certain sounds come out differently than expected?

In some cases, speech differences are connected to how your teeth come together, or do not come together. An open bite is one of the most common structural causes of certain speech patterns. Orthodontic correction does not automatically fix speech, but aligning the teeth properly creates the foundation that speech therapy can build on much more effectively. If you have wondered whether your bite is connected to your speech, come in for an evaluation.

"I wish I had done this sooner." That is the sentence we hear more than almost any other from adult patients who finally decided to start orthodontic treatment. Life gets in the way. You put yourself last. You assume it is too complicated or too expensive or that the window has closed. None of that is true. Consultations are free. Treatment is more flexible than you think. And your smile is worth it.

WOOOOOO!!!

It took a while but our awesome patient Dominic FINALLY got his braces off!

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A deep overbite is not just a cosmetic issue. When your upper teeth bite too far down over your lower teeth, it can cause your lower teeth to press into the roof of your mouth, wear down enamel unevenly, and put stress on your jaw joints over years. Orthodontic treatment uses a combination of braces or aligners and bite correction tools to gradually move the jaw into proper position. The earlier it is caught, the simpler the fix.

A hearty CONGRATULATIONS going out to our amazing patient Eliot who had his braces removed today!!

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Orthodontic treatment is an investment. It costs money. It takes time. It requires you to show up to appointments, follow instructions, and stay committed for months. But here is the other side of that equation. The confidence of a straight smile does not fade. The functional benefit of a corrected bite lasts a lifetime. And most patients tell us that the months of treatment felt like nothing compared to the years they spent wishing they had done it sooner.

Is it worth it? We have never had a patient tell us it was not.

Quick breakdown of how orthodontic financing typically works: Most practices offer a down payment followed by monthly installments spread over the length of your treatment. Many accept FSA and HSA dollars. Orthodontic insurance benefits, if you have them, can cover a significant portion of the cost. The bottom line is that most families can fit orthodontic treatment into a monthly budget that is less than a car payment. Ask us about financing options at your free consultation. We are transparent about every number.

Let us clear something up about clear aligners. ⚠️ They only work if you wear them.

The standard recommendation is 20 to 22 hours per day. That means they are in while you sleep, while you work, while you are out. You take them out to eat and brush. That is it. Patients who wear them consistently get great results. Patients who treat them like optional accessories do not. We will help you stay on track. But it starts with commitment. Are you ready?