Kirkpatrick & Lai--Help Explain Braces to Your Children

What child isn’t apprehensive when they find out they need braces? One way to head off misgivings before they arise is to familiarize your child with the basics of orthodontic treatment well before they’re at an age when braces may be necessary.

In Braces for Cori by Christine Florie, we meet a young girl whose doctor breaks the news that she needs braces. Cori, of course, is not pleased with this announcement, and her anxious imagination plays out in whimsical illustrations by Christine Tripp – depicting her fears of braces resembling train tracks or a group of spiky television antennas. (No wonder she’s worried!)

A “Rookie Reader Level C” book, Braces for Cori uses everyday words to explain somewhat complex concepts. Suitable for readers ages 4-8, the book can be introduced to youngsters who may have seen other children with braces but aren’t there yet themselves.

During the course of the story, Cori gains some ownership over her new braces when she gets to pick a color for them – blue – which later draws compliments from the lady at the bank. And when her softball teammates agree that her braces are cool, Cori realizes everything will be ok.

At Kirkpatrick & Lai, we understand that braces can be a trying time. That is why we do everything to make our patients comfortable and make their orthodontic treatment exciting and fun. Give us a call today to come in for a consultation.

Kirkpatrick and Lai Orthodontist Patient Reviews

Dr. Lai and his staff provide the latest in orthodontic treatment in a personalized setting. Just see what his patients have to say!Everyone has just been great! Danielle is thinking about becoming an orthodontist.
-Nichelle M.

Dr. Lai and his staff answer your questions and they aren't in a hurry to push you out the door.
-Danny W.

I like that the office is always bright and clean. Every person in the office has a smile at all times. Also the doctors are all friendly and knowledgeable about the field.
-Sheila S.

At first Aubrey was really opposed to getting braces. Dr. Lai and Dr. Kirkpatrick have really turned it around into a pleasant experience for her and she has adjusted quite well, which makes it easier on me as a parent. Thanks! The orthodontists are always friendly and the staff take time to talk to the patient one on one.
-Suzi P.

They are friendly and worked out financial arrangements that I was able to afford, otherwise my daughter would not have been able to get braces.
-Kelly J.

I just met my son's orthodontist, and he was very friendly and made me feel confident and at ease with what we are talking about having to do. I saw on the web site that he was an outdoorsman; this will thrill Destry, because he loves to hunt and fish as well!
-Leslie B.

What's So Special About An Orthodontist? Kirkpatrick & Lai Orthodontics

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Drs. Lai and Kirkpatrick started out in dental school and earned their DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Drs. Lai and Kirkpatrick decided they wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So they stayed in school for a few more years and became experts in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?