HERLIFE Magazine

As a society we seem to be realizing that it is just as important tokeep your smile beautiful as it is to keep it healthy. There are a myriadof procedures that not only make us look better but feel good aboutourselves and Harman’s offices-located in both Olathe and Leawoodareon the top of smile technology.“We treat all ages,” says Dr. Harman. Adults may have appearanceor functional issues that need to be addressed. “We don’t think of treatingthem as re-doing their look, but more of updating.” And adults canbe the perfect patients, according to Dr. Harman. “Historically, it wasthought that adult treatments take longer to get results than children’streatments. I don’t believe that is true. Typically, adults adhere to theprotocol. When they have made their mind up and want to pursue atreatment, they are ideal patients and the timeframe for finishing isshorter.”Since insurance has increased dental benefits over the years andwith the availability of flexible spending accounts, adults are nowtaking advantage of the extra assistance to improve their facial appearance.Many times, the treatments are not cosmetic, but for functionalissues like TMJ, headaches, migraines, grinding, bite and jaw imbalances.As far as younger patients, Dr. Harman stresses the importanceof following the guidelines provided by the American Association ofOrthodontists noting that children should be screened at age seven.By this age, several permanent teeth may have erupted, allowing theorthodontist to evaluate the teeth and assess the way they are growinginside the mouth, the bite pattern, skeletal growth and the optimaltiming of treatment.Many general dentists may advise parents to wait to have childrenvisit the orthodontist, but seeing an orthodontist does not require areferral. “Our consultation is free and it includes digital photos and ascreening at no charge.” The photos offer a helpful visual aid to get anoral baseline and discuss any issues that may need to be addressed nowrather than later. Waiting too long often presents more complication.“Why not be proactive rather than reactive?” says Dr. Harman.“By planning ahead at age seven, you may be able to avoid additionalprocedures such as extractions of teeth, tooth impactions, oral surgeriesor jaw imbalances.” Dr. Harman stresses that early screenings areimperative so that impending problems aren’t missed and radicaltreatments are avoided. Many times, young patients may have airwayobstructions and early oral work can help improve speech and breathing.Dr. Harman’s office offers state-of-the-art treatments including avariety of braces. In addition to common metal braces, teeth can bestraightened with nickel-free braces, gold-plated braces, clear alignersand Damon Braces. The Damon bracket utilizes (sliding-door) technologyknown as “self-ligation” that allows the wire to slide back andforth within the bracket.For those looking for a more subtle option, the Invisalign® System“By planning ahead at ageseven, you may be able toavoid additional proceduressuch as extractions ofteeth, tooth impactions,oral surgeries or jawimbalances.” ”HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 25