Dr. Lebus carefully vets all promising technologies and chooses the best-in-class to introduce into patient care. With the ever-growing number of new systems coming to market, it is vital that an experienced practitioner weeds out what is indeed truly best for the patient, regardless of their time on market. The newest technologies aren’t always the most ideal in every scenario. What works for one patient, may not be best for you, and, taking everything into consideration, Park Smile does what’s best for our patients.
When is the best time to start orthodontic care?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends routine orthodontic evaluations for kids once they are 7, which is when Dr. Lebus usually begins collaborating with Dr. Chang to provide ongoing free assessment, consultation, monitoring and recommendations. While most kids won't need early orthodontic intervention, our coordinated care ensures that we can detect problems early and intervene when it will be most effective.
Orthodontics aren’t only for children. A bite can be adjusted at any age if the gums and bone are healthy. At Park Smile, we understands completely that you have many things that require your time. Dr. Lebus will design a treatment plan that works best for your individual lifestyle – not only for the health of the bite, but for the tremendous positive effect on self-image and self-esteem.
Developed in-house by Dr. Scott Lebus, custom-made aligner trays are the next-generation of clear orthodontic aligners. Using a combination of state-of-the-art 3D modeling and printing, the team at Park Smile can immediately respond to the nuanced changes of dentition as patients proceed with treatment, providing near unmatched efficiency and excellence in end results.
Straight teeth and a healthy smile can do a lot for a person’s self-confidence, but many are embarrassed by traditional metal braces. That's where custom clear aligners provide an excellent alternative. As the teeth shift into place, we’ll craft new aligners, and will even make getting replacements easier, since we know accidents happen. These aligners will also feature wear indicator buttons, so we and the patient can be certain a schedule is being properly adhered to. Call us today to schedule a consultation!
The tried-and-true, wire braces are still often the most precise method of treatment. Dr. Lebus operates with a couple variants of the standard wire brace, depending on the patients needs.
An advanced system by 3M Unitek of the latest technology that enables the wire to be clipped into the brackets, allowing for easy and effective treatment by reducing friction and appointment time. The brackets are made of nickel titanium and help prevent against any accidental disengagement of the wire, and are also easier to keep clean.
Retainers hold or “retain” the teeth in place. However, in certain circumstances, we are able to move and straighten the teeth by simply bonding a wire directly to the front teeth. The indication for its use is when there is slight crowding and the bite fits reasonably well. Its advantages are its relatively low cost, its effectiveness and aesthetic superiority to braces.
When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 24 months. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.
Gingival wire straighten teeth is by simply bonding a wire directly to the front teeth. The indication for its use is when there is slight crowding and the bite fits reasonably well. Its advantages are its relatively low cost, its effectiveness and aesthetic superiority to braces.
This is tricky for you to assess as a parent. Your child’s teeth might appear to be straight, but there may be other jaw or bite alignment issues that aren’t obvious without the expertise of an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends routine orthodontic evaluations for all kids once they are 7, which is when Dr. Lebus usually begins collaborating with Dr. Chang to provide ongoing free assessment, consultation, monitoring, and recommendations.
While most children won’t need early orthodontic intervention, our coordinated care ensures that we can detect problems early and intervene when it will be most effective.
If your child feels embarrassed while talking or smiling, has difficulty chewing or routinely bites their cheeks, or has difficulty cleaning between their teeth, you should mention that to Dr. Chang and Dr. Lebus. Teeth grinding, mouth breathing, and crowded teeth, as well as overbites, underbites, or crossbites that interfere with chewing or speech may also be early indicators.
Some kids need early orthodontic treatment while their teeth are still developing (Phase 1) to prevent more significant orthodontic treatment later after all of their teeth have erupted (Phase 2).
The first phase usually aims to treat problems like crossbites or crowding when they are significant and likely to create bigger problems in the future. This phase of care usually occurs around age 8 or 9 and can significantly improve self-esteem and self-confidence for some kids. Most kids will not need phase one treatment, but it’s important to begin routine evaluations at age 7 so that nothing important is missed.
The second phase is recommended after all permanent teeth have erupted and is focused on proper alignment which can only be created when baby teeth are no longer present.
No! Dr. Lebus finds that most kids do not need early orthodontic treatment. But he provides free, ongoing evaluation and monitoring as part of your child’s routine dental care after age 7, coordinating closely with Dr. Chang to save you and your child time, money, and discomfort down the road. Most patients who need orthodontic treatment will be able to wait until all of their permanent teeth are in.
Yes! Orthodontics aren’t just for kids! Orthodontic care for adults can be transformative - not just for your bite but for your self-image and self-esteem. Your bite can be adjusted at any age if your gums and bone are healthy. Dr. Lebus can tailor a treatment plan that is best suited for your individual lifestyle.
Coordinated care is the best care, so we provide pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and adult dentistry all in one practice. Integrating regular, complimentary orthodontic evaluation into your child’s routine visits ensures that nothing gets missed. It also ensures that if your child does need orthodontic treatment, they will receive it at the optimal age and stage.
Because we believe so strongly that our coordinated care model ensures the best possible patient care and results, our dentists collaborate exclusively with Dr. Lebus, preferring the frequent communication and built-in monitoring that their partnership provides.
Most of our families love the convenience of a single home for everyone’s dental and orthodontic appointments. They also tell us they like knowing their orthodontist is more focused on patient care than patient acquisition!
Your child’s orthodontic evaluations and ongoing monitoring will always be a free service provided alongside their routine dental care.
Park Smile(415) 566-72751244 9th Ave
San Francisco, CA 94122
lebus Orthodontics(415) 388-6710613 Strawberry Village
Mill Valley, CA 94941
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