The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening around age 7.  No referral from your dentist is needed for this appointment.  Just call Brenda or Vicky and they will be happy to schedule your child for an initial screening appointment.

You might be surprised to learn that most children don't need early intervention.  Most of the time your child's orthodontic problem is best treated at around junior high age but wouldn't it be nice to be sure.  Our practice philosophy is to treat in one phase whenever possible.  This means fewer visits to the orthodontist, less time out of school for your child and less time out of work for you, and lower costs.

About 20% of the patients we see around age 7 would benefit from early treatment.  If your child is showing signs of an underbite, some type of cross bite, severe protrusion of the upper front teeth or a thumb/finger habit, you should know that these problems are best treated at an earlier age.  If left uncorrected, these problems can result in your child needing more difficult and lengthy treatment when it is time for regular braces.  Sometimes just the timely removal of a few baby teeth can reduce your child's time in orthodontic treatment by a significant amount.

One of the major advantages of a screening appointment at around age 7 is that Dr. Ruff can advise you of the best time for treatment to begin.  We will follow your child's growth and development and choose the proper time to start treatment to achieve the best result possible in a minimum amount of time.

And of course, by knowing what is coming, you can make appropriate decisions regarding flex spending or dental insurance to minimize your out of pocket expenses.  While orthodontic treatment is an investment that lasts a lifetime, it is still an investment and being able to plan for it makes the process more manageable.

Call to schedule an early orthodontic screening appointment for
your child.

Smiles4ME Kids Club 

We have a wonderful program in the office called the Smiles4ME Kids Club.  It has been specifically designed for those patients and their parents who are not ready for orthodontic treatment after the first examination.  This is an exclusive club for children in the waiting phase before orthodontics. It allows Dr. Ruff to evaluate your child’s orthodontic growth and development, watching for the proper time to begin treatment.  While your child is in this program, all the appointments and progress x-rays are complimentary.

So how does our Kids Club work?

• You will receive your membership card in the mail after your next follow-up appointment.
• Bring your card with you to every appointment while a member of our club to have a chance to spin the Prize Wheel! 
• We have special contests and drawings JUST for our Smiles4ME Kids Club members.
• Watch the mail for special information every few months!

 Membership expires on your 13th birthday, so enjoy it while it lasts! Of course, we will still continue to give you Ruff Bucks even when your braces are on!

YOU CAN WIN AN iPod CONTEST (Feb. 1,  2013 until Feb. 28, 2013)

Our newest contest exclusively for Smiles4ME Kids Club members!  Who doesn't love I spy?  Now is your chance to find orthodontic items hidden in a photo.  Print off the photo and ask your parents to help you find as many items as you can that is listed in the instructions list.  Whoever finds the correct amount of items will be the winner of an 8GB iPod Nano.  If there is a tie, we will do a random drawing!  Scan and email anwers to darlene@smiles4ME.com or snail mail it to our office!

I SPY Contest Instructions List - deadline is 2-28-13

I SPY PHOTO - print this off and start counting!