Braces
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At Smile Ranch here in Utah, we believe braces are an art form. We do more than just straighten out your teeth. We work with your facial structure and bite to give you that picture perfect smile.
We know that if our patients’ smiles are worthy of head turns and compliments, it will elevate our patients’ lives and show the community what we’re all about. That’s why we treat every patient’s mouth as a work of art.
If you’re ready to give yourself or your child the gift of a beautiful smile, contact us for a free consultation for braces in our Salt Lake City, Lehi, and South Jordan offices.
Why Smile Ranch Orthodontics?
Where do you go to get braces? There are many different options when it comes to braces in Utah, but not all care is created equal. Here’s why Smile Ranch is consistently rated among the best orthodontic offices for braces in Salt Lake City, Lehi, and South Jordan.
- Board certified orthodontists. While some dentists offer orthodontic treatment, there are significant advantages to choosing a board certified orthodontist for braces. Both dentists and orthodontists complete dental school, but only a handful of the most qualified graduates are selected to proceed to highly competitive orthodontics residency programs. During these two to three year programs, orthodontists are immersed in advanced instruction and hands-on work for straightening teeth and fixing bite problems. We highly recommend trusting your braces care to orthodontists who have received this intensive training.
- Decades of experience. We’ve been specializing in braces in Utah since 1988, and we’ve run up against every kind of orthodontic challenge you can think of. Yet, there’s no bite that we haven’t been able to transform into a brag-worthy smile.
- Cutting edge technology and training. You want to choose a seasoned braces orthodontist, but not one that has been resting on their laurels. Time-in-industry is only valuable if it’s coupled with a thirst for learning and a finger on the pulse of the latest advances. Our commitment to continuing education is second to none. Orthodontics is a constantly changing field, and we want to bring our patients the latest and greatest in imaging, automated design, biomechanics, and more.Our orthodontists are constantly immersed in continuing education. We’re also on the leading edge of in-office technology. That means we’re consistently among the first orthodontists in the greater Salt Lake City area to adopt advanced technologies that improve outcomes for our patients. This requires us to invest more money and time into learning and technology than the average orthodontist, but it’s part of our commitment to excellence.
- Above and beyond customer service. Just check out our reviews, and you’ll see the common threads: “They make us feel like family.” “They are flexible and easy to work with.” “Helped me relax.” “Willing to work with my schedule.” “The office has a great atmosphere.” In everything we do, we aim to make you feel comfortable in our offices. Anxious about the discomfort of orthodontic care? Squeamish about having instruments in your mouth? Concerned about the costs of braces in Utah? Have an exceptionally busy or limited schedule? Worried about getting braces as an adult? Worried about getting braces as a child?We will do all in our power to ease your concerns and work with any limitations in your schedule or finances. Right down to the free, fresh baked cookies you can look forward to with every visit, we work to give you all you’re hoping for in your Utah braces experience—and then a little more!
- Incentives for compliance. Good behavior should be rewarded, which is why we initiated our Smile Bucks program. Patients can get rewards for everything from wearing elastics and appliances to achieving good grades in school. It’s one of the reasons our patients actually look forward to coming to their check-ups with our orthodontists (that and the cookies, of course).
- Affordable prices. Everyone deserves access to top quality braces in Utah, but we know the expenses of life can get in the way. That’s why we keep our rates reasonable, work with your insurance, and offer flexible payment plans. We don’t require you to do any unnecessary treatments that would inflate your costs, and we are very transparent with our pricing. The last thing you need is an unexpected surprise on your bill.
What Type of Braces Should I Get?
It used to be that there was one type of braces: the traditional metal ones. Today, there are many options for fixing crowded, crooked teeth or closing gaps with braces. Depending on your tooth alignment, age, budget, and other factors, our orthodontists can recommend the best option for braces or braces alternatives. These may include:
- Traditional braces. But be advised that these are not the same braces of yesteryear. Brackets are more subtle with smoother edges that won’t rip up your cheeks. The metals are less allergenic and more flexible so that they can tighten teeth more efficiently.
- Clear braces. Invisible braces might have seemed Space Age back in the day, but they’re a very real option now. These ceramic braces come with translucent or tooth-colored brackets, and even the wire that threads through the braces can be crafted out of clear material. Looking for “clear braces near me”? Our orthodontists in Salt Lake City, South Jordan, and Lehi specialize in these discreet but effective braces.
- Clear aligners (Invisalign). These are an alternative to braces that involve a series of clear trays that gradually tighten your teeth. The advantage of these clear trays is that they can be taken off to eat. They can also work faster than braces in some cases because they are applying force to your bite as a whole (rather than just placing force on each individual tooth).
- Self-ligating/Damon braces. Named for their inventor, Dr. Dwight Damon, these braces use a sliding mechanism in place of a standard bracket to gradually, organically tighten your teeth. Because your teeth are constantly moving little by little (rather than being tightened more drastically every time you go in for an orthodontic appointment), Damon braces hurt less. They can also work more efficiently than traditional braces because they adjust your teeth so gradually.
Do I Need Braces?
Braces for your teeth are a big commitment, so we understand if you don’t want to rush into them needlessly. On the other hand, you don’t want to miss an opportunity to get the best looking smile possible. And beyond that, you don’t want to ignore challenges that could cause you pain and alignment problems your whole life.
You may be a candidate for braces if:
- Your teeth are crooked or misaligned. You can figure this one out with a glance in the mirror. If your teeth are visibly crooked, or if they don’t quite line up right when you bite down or smile, you probably need braces.
- Your teeth have too little or too much space between them. If your teeth look like they are crowded or overlapping, you are inviting dental hygiene problems because it will be hard to clean between them. The aesthetics of a crowded mouth are a problem, too. Gaps, on the other hand, can create problems all their own. Your teeth will have plenty of room to move around over the years, which can ultimately make it hard to bite and chew. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for closing gaps with braces.
- You have an overbite. This means that your upper front teeth stick out too far beyond your lower front teeth (sometimes referred to as “buck teeth”). This is often caused by the shape of your jaw (either too small causing tooth crowding or too large causing teeth to grow too far apart). An overbite can also develop when children use bottles or sippy cups for too long or when people thrust their tongues (push them against their teeth). A significant overbite can lead to jaw pain, sleep apnea, and even speech problems.
- You have an underbite. With an underbite, your lower front teeth stick out beyond your upper front teeth. In severe cases, your jaw could stick out noticeably. An underbite can keep you from being able to open and close your mouth all the way. It can also make it uncomfortable to speak or chew and can cause jaw pain, difficulty breathing, and even bad breath. Severe underbites can cause gum disease, sleep apnea, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), which affects the joint that acts like a hinge between your jawbone and skull.
- You have a crossbite. In general, the teeth in the upper bite should be slightly wider than the lower bite. In other words, they should sit slightly outside of the teeth on the lower bite. When the opposite happens, you end up with crossbite. It’s common to have just one or several upper teeth in a crossbite position. It can result from a jaw that is too small, teeth that are too big, missing teeth, baby teeth that don’t fall out, baby teeth that fall out too early (causing your other teeth to shift), tongue thrusting, or pacifier sucking. You don’t want to ignore crossbite, as it can cause problems with your facial symmetry, uneven jaw growth, and gum recession.
- You have an open bite. This occurs when there is open space between the upper and lower bites. In a perfect world, when you close your mouth the upper and lower teeth should meet, with your upper teeth being slightly wider (outside of) your lower teeth. With an open bite, your teeth won’t be able to touch each other, either in the front or back or both. This can be caused by skeletal problems (the jaw grows so that the upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly), thumb sucking, or TMJ. An open bite can affect your appearance, including your facial alignment. It can also give you a “weak chin.” It can affect you functionally, too, causing speech impediments and making it difficult to bite and chew.
- Your jaw clicks. This can occur when your jaw alignment is off. You might feel your jaw clicking or popping when you first wake up or when you are chewing. This results from a misaligned jaw.
- You have difficulty chewing or speaking. If it’s hard for you to do either of these activities, or if you feel discomfort in your jaw when you chew or speak, you may be a candidate for braces with an orthodontist. This is usually a result of jaw misalignment, and it will only get worse if you fail to get braces to align your teeth.
Smile Support Staff
With their extensive knowledge and friendly demeanor, our dedicated Orthodontic team ensures that every patient receives personalized attention and support throughout their orthodontic journey, making the path to a perfect smile as comfortable and smooth as possible. You can trust our exceptional orthodontic team to be your smile’s greatest advocates and partners in achieving the results you desire.
Smile Ranch Google Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stacy Olson
Three out of four kids have had braces through Smile Ranch in Lehi. They have been awesome to work with and have worked around our schedule. Thank you!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Michelle Williams
We have been using Dr Jensen for a year. It has been a great experience. He is very knowledgeable and takes time to explain to his clients. Great staff and program.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amelia Miyasaki
We love Smile Ranch! Dr. J is fantastic, and the office staff is outstanding! The office is super efficient (three patients in and we’ve never had an unreasonable wait) but we never feel like a number, everyone is so helpful and friendly.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Whitney Rasmussen
Dr. J did my braces a few years ago and I was so amazed with his work. I absolutely love my smile and have received so many compliments on my teeth. I send everyone I know to the smile ranch, including my own kids who have just started braces!! 😁 woo hoo! They also have the best staff and make it so fun. Fresh cookies and rewards for the kids to earn smile bucks that turn into gift cards👍 We love smile ranch!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Aubrie Haymore
We love Dr. J and all the staff! They are soooo kind and my sons bite has improved and we are so grateful! We love them and I’ll bring all my kids here!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rachel Gardner
I love Smile Ranch! I took my oldest daughter here over a year ago. Her teeth look great. Im now back with my 10 year old daughter and myself. Dr J is extremely good at what he does and his staff are amazing. The most welcoming, loving and positive energy. My daughter has anxiety and Dr J and his staff have been so great to talk with her and explain what they are doing. They have eased her worries. They stay on schedule, but you never feel they are rushing you out their door. They truly care about you as a person and take pride in a job well done. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Emily Chidester
I am on my fourth child having orthodontic treatment from Smile Ranch and couldn’t be happier. Initially I went to three other orthodontics for consults and felt that Dr. Alan Jensen was the only orthodontist with the experienced needed to care for my one of my child’s treatment. We have had traditional braces, expanders, and Invisalign. The care we receive from the doctor and staff each time we visit is wonderful. I know that my children are getting the best smiles thanks to the care at Smile Ranch.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amy Sackett
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Robyn Green
We love Smile Ranch! We’ve had nothing but positive experiences and everyone there is amazing and friendly. It feels like a second home, so comfortable and welcoming.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Betsy Broadwater
I love this office! Dr. Jensen and staff make it so easy! They’re so kind to my family and they do a great job. They’re super easy to schedule with. They have a fun office atmosphere and I love taking my boys in. They know what they are doing and they do it well. They give us (all of us!) cookies after every appointment, the office is nice and clean and we are going to miss coming in here now that boys are getting braces off! … and most importantly, my boys’ teeth look fabulous!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Julie Johnson
Happy, clean atmosphere with friendly staff. We appreciate the care and attention they give. We have been very impressed with Dr. Jensen and the hygienists and their expertise. We have been very happy with the results so far!
