Arnold, MO orthodontists go beyond general dental services

JL Dental provides orthodontics for all ages. Learn how braces correct smiles, completing general and cosmetic dentistry from Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears.

What’s the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist? They can be one and the same if the dentist has specialized training. Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears of JL Dental offer orthodontic services to complete their menu of general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry in their Arnold, MO office.

What does a dentist do?

Dentists take care of overall oral health for patients of all ages. This means their scope of practice includes preventing and treating problems with the teeth and gums and their associated connective tissue, nerves, blood supply and supporting bone.

Preventive care

The Arnold, MO husband-wife team, Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears, focus their skills on preventing, diagnosing and treating dental health problems such as cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and TMJ dysfunction. Of course, they believe in patient participation in treatment planning and take opportunities for teaching young and old the benefits of good oral hygiene and a healthy diet. Simple sealants and fluoride treatments protect teeth from decay. The Mears would rather see their patients every 6 months for routine check-ups, x-rays and cleanings than for expensive and complex restorations later on.

Restorative care

Of course, problems do happen. So, JL Dental delivers excellent restorations such as:

l  tooth-colored fillings to treat decay

l  porcelain crowns to support failing teeth

l  emergency care for injuries and painful toothaches

l  root canal therapy for deeply decayed or injured teeth

l  dental implants for the best in tooth replacement

l  dentures and bridgework for tried and true spanning of smile gaps

Cosmetic services

For a dazzling, healthy smile, the team at JL Dental does smile makeovers. From simple professional teeth whitening to cosmetic bonding to fill gaps and cracks to realistic porcelain veneers to cover discolorations and chips, Dr. Jonathan Mears and Dr. Laura Mears craft attractive smiles that last with regular dental hygiene.

They also straighten crooked smiles with expert orthodontics. This area of dentistry combines the best of prevention with excellent aesthetic results.

Arnold, MO braces

Sometimes a crooked smile can be healthy, too, but many times, the spacing, bite and overcrowding cause hygiene, decay and gum problems. Self-confidence suffers when smiles are less than pleasing, too.

So, the professional team at JL Dental offer complete orthodontic consultations. Again, orthodontics  complement and complete other dental services. The Arnold, MO dentists recommend children be evaluated by age 7 to catch potential bite problems while they are developing, making treatment easier.

The dentists offer both traditional metal bracket and wire braces and American-made ClearCorrect invisible braces. Metal braces work well for a wide range of bite and alignment problems, and clear braces discreetly treat mild to moderate issues without the discomforts, appearance issues and hygiene difficulties of traditional braces.

Do you need a dentist or an orthodontist?

Find both at JL Dental. Contact the friendly office staff to arrange a convenient appointment. Whether for routine care or to create a healthy, straight smile, the knowledge and skills you need are just a phone call away.