13945 Panther Dr.Dewitt, MI 48820
(517) 669-5833
5238 W St. Joseph Hwy., #1Lansing, MI 48917
(517) 321-4375
At Grubaugh Orthodontics, we believe that educated patients make the best partners in any orthodontic journey! We want to help you feel empowered and informed from your first appointment to the last. We know choosing to improve your oral health with orthodontic treatment is a big decision, and your smile is too important to trust anything less than an experienced orthodontist. But what if you’re not sure where to start?Â
To help you begin your orthodontic journey, we’ve put together this list of questions to ask when choosing an orthodontist to help you make an informed decision on your care. Keep reading below for a more detailed look at what you should know before committing to an orthodontic practice for treatment in Lansing and DeWitt!
As obvious as it seems, this is the most important question you can ask when exploring braces treatment or clear aligner therapy. That’s because some general dentists can also provide orthodontic treatment, even though they don’t specialize in it.Â
A general dentist will typically offer common dental services such as crowns, fillings, dentures, and occasional orthodontic treatment like Invisalign. An orthodontist like Dr. Grubaugh, on the other hand, spends their days providing only orthodontic services.
This distinction matters a great deal. Imagine for a moment that you or your child required specialized treatment or surgery. Would you feel comfortable with your family physician handling your case, or would you prefer a dedicated specialist? Orthodontists are essentially dentists who also have several years of additional specialized training and experience. This means an orthodontist has:
Orthodontic residency programs are highly competitive, accepting only the top students in any dental school graduating class. These orthodontic programs tend to last around two to three years and include full-time training that focuses on correcting orthodontic issues with braces and aligners. While there are exceptions to every rule, most dentists will not possess this same level of thorough orthodontic training and experience.
Dr. Grubaugh studied at The University of Michigan’s School of Dentistry. He graduated at the top of his class and was elected into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society. Following graduation from dental school, Dr. Grubaugh continued his education at The Ohio State University, specializing in orthodontics while receiving a Master’s of Science in Oral Biology.
Dr. Grubaugh currently serves as a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, something only one-third of orthodontists achieve. That means you can feel confident that Dr. Grubaugh will take the best care of your smile!
Grubaugh Orthodontics offers a wide variety of orthodontic treatments to patients of all ages, including:
Damon metal braces
The Damon metal braces system is the most popular treatment at Grubaugh Orthodontics. Damon braces are self-ligating, meaning there are no adjustment appointments necessary, and the brackets are more comfortable. Made of high-grade stainless steel, this type of braces straightens your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With Damon metal braces, you’ll have a quick and comfortable treatment that fits your budget.
Clear braces
Also known as ceramic braces, this option works like metal braces but is made of transparent materials and is, therefore, more subtle. While they are visually less prominent, they require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, Dr. Grubaugh uses ceramic braces more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth and are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns.Â
Invisalign clear aligners
The Invisalign system consists of clear aligners that straighten your teeth like braces. Not only are the aligners invisible, but they’re also removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. Invisalign clear aligners at Grubaugh Orthodontics are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.
Whatever treatment option you choose, you can expect relatively frequent visits to your orthodontist. For most patients, adjustment appointments will be scheduled for every 4-8 weeks or so in the office location most convenient for you. During these visits, Dr. Grubaugh will replace any worn-out rubber bands, check the progress your teeth are making, and make sure that your teeth are moving according to your treatment plan.Â
Patients in clear aligners may be seen slightly less frequently, but these appointments are still an essential part of the orthodontic process!
While treatment time will always vary from case to case, the average patient will spend anywhere from 12-36 months years in treatment. You should be prepared to see us regularly! We know families these days are busy, and we value your time, so we never overbook patients and always aim to see you at your scheduled time.
Are you looking for an optimal orthodontic experience? Grubaugh Orthodontics is unmatched in skill, expertise, and the level of care every patient receives! Since our sole specialty is orthodontics, you’ll receive nothing but the best in treatments, cost, and efficiency as we work to straighten your smile.
If you’re ready to take the first step in your orthodontic journey, we would love to meet you and talk more about the smile you want! There’s never been a better time to go after the smile you’ve always wanted, so contact our Lansing or DeWitt office today to schedule your FREE consultation!