Check Out These Smiles!
At Orthodontics by Dr. Ken Lawrence, our patients are our superstars, and we couldn’t be prouder of their awesome work. See some amazing smile results from our Mentor office.
Who Are Our Former Patients?
Our patients represent a wonderful cross-section of our community—from children and teenagers to parents and grandparents.
Among them, we count over 80 "Best Smile Award" winners, as well as dental hygienists, fellow dentists, scholars, musicians, and athletes. We’ve even inspired multiple several dental students along the way!
It is common to see entire families in our care, including the siblings, parents, and now many children of our former patients. Whether they are student council members, artists, or simply good citizens, we are incredibly proud to play a role in their lives and always enjoy hearing about their journeys years later.
We feel truly honored that they chose us to be a part of their stories.
Before & After Photos
Adolescent Comprehensive
Comprehensive adolescent orthodontics is a single-stage treatment used to correct smile esthetics, jaw balance, function, and tooth alignment, sometimes incorporating appliances like a palate expander or bite jumper.
It begins when most permanent teeth have erupted, on average between ages 11 and 12. A patient who requires comprehensive treatment will only need one stage of orthodontic treatment, which can take from 12 to 30 months, depending on severity.
Adult
While most people associate orthodontic treatment with children and teenagers, adults also benefit from orthodontic care. Today, about one-third of all orthodontic patients are adults. Today’s treatment options are more efficient, comfortable, and aesthetic, making treatment more appealing, convenient, and discreet than ever.
Teeth can be orthodontically moved at any age, and our patients tell us that the positive impact on their appearance and function is unparalleled.
For adults, orthodontic treatment is also often needed in preparation for other restorative dental work, such as implants or veneers. Many adult patients come to us because their bite is leading to excessive tooth wear or failure of their dental work. Dental problems will worsen if the underlying orthodontic problems are not corrected. During your initial visit, we can discuss all the treatment options available to you and work with your dentist for planned work.
Phase 1
Phase I treatment is only recommended for children who have problems that will continue to worsen, making future treatment more invasive and lengthier. Problems such as severe crowding, mouth breathing, cross-bite (the upper teeth fitting on the inside of the lower teeth), underbite (where the lower front teeth bite in front of the upper front teeth), open bite (where the front teeth do not touch), or impacted teeth (usually canines, but sometimes lateral incisors).
The main objectives of Phase I treatment are to create a more favorable environment, better function, and better breathing. Space for the eruption of the permanent teeth is also created. This reduces the complexity of later treatment. It also shortens the time it takes to complete comprehensive treatment, known as Phase II.
Phase I treatments usually involve palate expansion and braces. Early correction will reduce major developing problems. This gives young patients a better foundation for growth and peace of mind for parents. This early correction may prevent the need for later tooth extractions of permanent teeth, exposure procedures for impacted teeth, and even surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws.
Two Phase
Most patients who had Phase 1 treatment will require a second phase of treatment after the remaining permanent teeth erupt. This later treatment (Phase II) will be shorter and less complex than would otherwise have been necessary.
For example, the removal of permanent teeth is usually avoided by having Phase I treatment. This second phase of treatment enhances the smile and details the bite as the face is achieving its final form. Phase II treatments are generally shorter than starting comprehensive (full) treatment at the same age, due to the advances made in Phase I treatment.
Surgical
Surgical orthodontics is a combined treatment by an orthodontist and a craniofacial surgeon. This is done to correct jaw abnormalities such as an upper or lower jaw that is too small or too large, or a combination of both. Diagnosis and treatment planning is accomplished with Dr. Lawrence’s clinical evaluation along with advanced low-dose 3D X-rays, digital models, and photos. We then communicate closely with your surgeon throughout the process. If you are evaluated by Dr. Lawrence first, he will refer you to the surgeon who will best meet your needs and situation.
Dr. Lawrence straightens and aligns the teeth in each jaw in a way that the teeth will fit after the surgery. This can take twelve to eighteen months, depending on the severity of the problem. Braces remain in place during the surgical procedure and are removed 6 to 12 months after surgery. The surgeon positions the jaws into the correct location and balance. This achieves functional improvement and an aesthetically positive change in the face and the smile.