Great Whites
ORTHODONTICS
Great Whites
ORTHODONTICS
Your Child's
FIRST ORTHODONTICS VISIT!
No matter how comfortable your child is with the dentist, braces can open up a whole new world of concerns for them. At Great Whites we take the same caring approach to your first orthodontic exam that we do with every other aspect of your child’s dental care. The process begins with a brief exam in which we will determine several things – especially if your child has a problem that orthodontics can address. If we determine that your child is ready to start orthodontic treatment, we will recommend that orthodontic records including photos and tooth molds be taken in order to develop an individualized treatment plan. Of course, we also present the cost, and payment options.
ORTHODONTIC
OPTIONS
While traditional wire braces are the most common orthodontic treatment for children, Great Whites offers the option of ceramic braces. These translucent (clear) braces offer cosmetic advantages but are more fragile than traditional wire braces. Parents and patients need to weigh this drawback against the aesthetic advantages.
Great Whites also offers Invisalign - a set of clear computer-made templates that slowly guide teeth into proper alignment.

CARING FOR
BRACES
While your child’s new braces are here to create an even better smile, they do present new impacts on their dental health making good habits more important than ever. But care is simple. In addition to regular brushing, we recommend using a Proxabrush, a special brush designed to clean underneath and around wires and braces. We recommend using using a mouthwash that contains fluoride after brushing at bedtime. Occasionally we recommend professional dental cleanings every 3 months instead of 6 for patients who have difficulty keeping their teeth clean with braces.
Check regularly for bent, broken or loose wires and brackets. Call our office should you need to arrange for a repair. Finally, avoid nail biting, chewing on objects like pens and pencils and the NO-NO foods. Hard foods damage braces. Sticky foods get stuck in braces. And sugary foods can cause decay.
WE KNOW IT'S NOT EASY, BUT TRY AND AVOID
EXAMPLES OF STICKY
FOODS TO AVOID:
Gum
Licorice
Sugar Daddies
Toffee
Tootsie Rolls
Caramels
Starburst
EXAMPLES OF HARD
FOODS TO AVOID:
Ice
Nuts, Chips, Hard Pretzels
Hard taco shells
Bagels, French bread crust/rolls
Corn on the cob
Apples and carrots (unless cut up)
Jolly Ranchers
Pizza Crust
MINIMIZE SURGARY
FOODS LIKE:
Cake
Ice Cream
Cookies
Pie
Candy
ONLY ONCE
A DAY:
Soda
Sweetened tea
Gatorade
Kool-Aid
Drinks with sugar
A SPECIAL
KIND OF
HAPPY
We use an individualized approach to help children of all abilities and sensitivities to better tolerate (and even enjoy!) a trip to the dentist.
NEW
PATIENT
PORTAL
Find our patient forms, login to our patient portal, and learn which insurances we participate with.
EMERGENCIES,
OH NO!
What to do when your child has an unexpected dental problem: how you can make your child more comfortable and when your child should see the dentist.
MEET THE
GW TEAM
Our pediatric dentists and orthodontists are all Board Certified specialists who deliver exceptional care.
AT
GREAT WHITES
WE MAKE DENTAL
CARE FUN!
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“My three children have been coming to Great Whites for eight years and we have had such a great experience. The staff at Great Whites is fantastic. We would never go to any other dental practice. Our family highly recommends Great Whites.” - Darleen F.
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“My three children have been patients at Great Whites for several years. Everyone is skilled and knowledgeable as well as kind, patient and always ready and willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. I can’t say enough about the entire staff from the dentists to the reception staff, all are a pleasure to deal with.” - Jayne B.
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"Love Great Whites! I’ve been going here for 10+ years and I’ve never had a bad experience! The staff is amazing, and the hygienists are always so nice and generate good conversations! I would definitely recommend this dentist to anyone in need of dental care!" - Shannon M.
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"My 5 year old recently had a cleaning and a baby tooth extraction and everyone involved in each appointment was so great. They really know how to talk to kids and keep them calm and explain what they are doing and why in a way the kids can understand. What a relief to leave the dentist office with a smiling child!" - Sarah S.
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"Always a helpful and warm experience at Great Whites! Everyone is so friendly and takes the time explain things to kids and adults." - Tracy G.
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"My son needed dental work at a very young age and was traumatized by another dentist. No dentist we took him to was willing to work on him without anesthesia. After going to seven pediatric dentists, Dr. Dawn was able to do all the work without putting him under. He was completely at ease with her. It was such a relief… as a mom, I couldn’t have asked for more. She is by far the BEST!!" - Raquel M.
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“Your entire staff is wonderful. They are friendly and are great with children no matter the age. We have been coming here for years and it is always a pleasure as it is a kid friendly environment.” - Cristal C.
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"Staff is wonderful. My boys have been coming here for years and they love everyone. They are always made comfortable and the rooms are very inviting. We have had nothing but positive experiences here!" - Renee W.
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"Absolutely love Great Whites! Staff are always professional, kind, patient and 100% kid friendly. Always a positive experience!" - Dani P.
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"We love Great Whites!! The dental assistants, hygienists and dentists are absolutely top notch- so kind and gentle with kids, and so thorough and knowledgeable. The office staff are always so friendly and helpful too." - Jenny K.
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"We have never had a negative experience at Great Whites. My kids have been going there since they were 2 years old, and now they are 10 and 12. My younger one has some pretty significant sensory issues. They worked so patiently with her, making sure she had the same technician each time. Some early appointments she let them brush one tooth and that was enough! Now she doesn’t even need me in there with her. They are the best!" - Sara T.
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"Everyone in the office is so nice and helpful! We have been coming to Great Whites for almost 13 years!! We love them!" - Connie T.
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"Everyone is always friendly and welcoming. Going to the dentist is fun, always!" - Nicole M.
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"Our family loves Great Whites Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics for so many reasons. The children love coming because the waiting room and staff are so welcoming! We parents trust Dr. Dawn and staff to make sound judgments and recommendations. She’s sweet and kind, knowledgeable, professional and trustworthy. The office is clean and modern yet the vibrant colors create a fun setting for the children, so much so that they actually love going to the dentist! We love that we can trust our dentist and orthodontist to do what is best for our family. As a mother, I feel as though my children are receiving the most current dental care available, while my children really enjoy the experience of being patients of Great Whites! The office staff is super friendly, kind and welcoming. We feel at home and well taken care of at Great Whites! Keep up the great work!" - The B. Family