Dentistry covers many practices, but some are specialized. Orthodontics is a specialized area for a few reasons. First, orthodontics is best utilized at specific ages. Therefore, age must factor into the treatment. Accurate growth indicators and growth factors must be considered to ensure that permanent damage is not done to the facial structure or the mouth. Second, orthodontists are trained not only in implementing orthodontic appliances, but also in aligning teeth and restructuring the mouth and related areas, including the jaw. Third, at Miles of Smiles, we are only orthodontists. We dont practice any other dental procedures. This gives us unique skills, a focus that is geared specifically to your success in orthodontic treatment, and the ability to give you a personal, comfortable treatment experience.

At around age 7, we start seeing key indicators in the growth and development of children that signal that the opportunity for analysis exists. That doesnt mean its inappropriate to start treatment at 5 or 6, or slightly later than 7 years old. It does mean that, optimally, we would want to track the growth and changes in your childs mouth. At 6 or 7 years, we can begin to see what goals we can set for the months and years ahead and make appropriate, accurate determinations for treatment timelines and cycles. This age is ideal to start looking at whether there is a need for orthodontia. If there isnt, weve made a policy of informing parents and patients, so they can stay proactive and avoid unnecessary treatments. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends age 7 for screenings.

Teeth generally dont change their eruption pattern unless proper procedures and appliances are implemented. After the permanent molars come in or erupt, the available area in the mouth for the permanent teeth is limited. Identifying orthodontic needs early is a perfect way to determine the best treatment options for natural growth and development.

While its great to be able to take advantage of growth and development as it naturally occurs, often that is not a luxury we are afforded. No patient is too old for orthodontics if they can provide a life changing outcome for the patient. We often find some of our most thankful patients are adults. About a quarter of all orthodontic patients are classified as adults. An increase in self-esteem and comfort, or addressing life-long mouth issues, are important factors in determining the suitability for adult braces.

You can generally expect between 12 and 32 months for orthodontic treatments, but this is a specialty practice and every patient is different and has different needs. Generally speaking, braces require two years for a full treatment.

Each patient is different, and we cater to the individual and the established treatment plan. You can probably expect to see us about every five to 10 weeks for general braces and similar treatments. More severe conditions may require more visits. In a typical case, you would probably expect to see the doctor about 12-25 times, depending on the treatment.

A standard visit would be a perfect time for this type of scenario, but some meetings will require a parent, such as when decisions will be made about the treatment. We know your life can get busy, and you might have errands to run or other children to tend to. On most occasions, we request that parents check in with the patient manager before your child leaves to ensure your childs safety.

Braces dont hurt, per se, but there are times where the teeth may be sore for a few days after an adjustment. We recommend using OTC (over-the-counter) pain relievers. This will minimize the pain. We utilize best practices and understand the process youll be going through, so we do what we can clinically to minimize pain during our procedures. Often there wont be any soreness after a visit. Our patients know pain doesnt equal effectiveness. We can do better than that.

Both sports and musical endeavors are possibilities, though we recommend you take some time to get used to your braces and utilize mouthguards for sports. We also suggest that you give yourself a bit of time to ease into playing instruments when you first get braces, so you can adequately prepare for subtle changes in your capabilities as a musician.

Of course. Oral health is extremely important. We encourage you to continue your normal, routine checkups with your general dentist and can recommend some excellent general dentists for you if you desire. Your dentist will generally determine the best intervals for cleanings and treatments while you wear braces.

Once after each meal and once before going to bed is the minimum for best results. Flossing is also important, and we will make sure to teach you how to floss with braces. We can also provide specialty fluoride treatments if needed. Brushing and general oral hygiene are incredibly important to maintain a beautiful smile and have a healthy mouth, as well as healthy teeth and gums.

Sticky and chewy foods can be difficult with braces, as well as ice, hard candies, vegetables that are uncooked, and certain other foods. Some foods are completely off limits to ensure you can keep your braces in working order and to minimize pain. We want to make sure you only see us for progress, not for repairs or other negative visits. We provide a bit of training and some lists of foods to avoid once treatment starts.

If you have any questions about wearing braces, please do not hesitate to contact one of our orthodontic offices serving Temecula, Hemet, Murrieta and Corona, California. Dr. Tal Jergensen, Dr. Scott Hope, Dr. Samuel Waddoups and their teams are looking forward to assisting you!

I have had the honor of being Dr. Jergensens office manager at Miles of Smiles Orthodontics for 26 years. To say I love my job is an understatement. I love our team and I love our patients and their families. There are no better feelings than to see a patient smile when their treatment is complete. Lives change here. In my off time, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and, of course, my dogs, Josie and Simba. I also enjoy traveling to new places.

My name is Sally, and I have worked in the orthodontic field for 35 years. I have worked with Dr. Jergensen since 1994 as his treatment coordinator. I am married and have two sons. I love going to church and being with my family and friends. My favorite place to go is the beach. I love being part of a family-oriented and caring team, creating create smiles that last a lifetime.

I have three children and six grandbabies. I have been doing orthodontics since 1976, and I have been with Dr. Jergensen since he opened his practice in 1993. I love quilting and going to the desert and the river in my free time. I have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Bella that I totally love!

My name is Stephanie. I am a wife and mom of two of the cutest boys in the world. We love camping, off-roading, playing baseball and spending time with our two Boxer dogs. I am a huge I Love Lucy fan and love to binge-watch true crime shows. I have been with Miles of Smiles since 2002. I stayed home when I had my boys, then went back as soon as they started school.

Hello, my name is Katie and I have been with Miles of Smiles since 2009. I love seeing our patients grow through the braces process. I have been married to my high school sweetheart since 2015 and I have my handsome little boy, Brenden, who always keeps me busy.

Hello, I am Heather. I have worked for Miles of Smiles since October 2020. I am the front desk administrator at both Hemet and Temecula locations. I have been in the orthodontic field for over three years. I have a passion for photography and graphic design, and I love working at Miles of Smiles because they embrace my passion.

Hi, I am Alexa. I have worked for Miles of Smiles since September of 2020. I am the front desk lead in our Temecula location. I have been in the orthodontic field for over three years. I have my bachelors in psychology from California Baptist University. I am a licensed phlebotomist, but orthodontics has captured my heart.

My name is Shelby Capperauld. I have been a registered dental assistant for about 20 years. I am married and I have a daughter that is 17 years old and a Golden Retriever named Rosie. My favorite things to do are going to the river, beach and desert, and spending time with family and friends.

I am Carlie, and I enjoy spending time with family. I love going to Glamis with my boyfriend and his family. I have three cats and one dog. My fur babies mean everything to me. Every weekend I am constantly doing something with family, whether that be riding bikes, going to the beach or just watching a movie.

My name is Paulina. I am one of Miles of Smiles orthodontic assistants and I love what I do! As well as putting braces on, I really enjoy going to the beach and hiking or watching the sunset! I love scary movies, cheese and spicy food. I have 100% Mexican heritage, and Spanish is my first language. I enjoy traveling and I have lived in Europe for a short while. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you and getting to create your beautiful smiles!

Hi, I am Jessica. I am the X-ray and sterile technician in both Temecula and Hemet. Orthodontics caught my eye a while ago and being at Miles of Smiles has taught me so much. I have my notary license and I love learning new things. I am always open to finding new interests and hobbies. I enjoy spending my time with my family and my Frenchie, King. We love going to the beach and just being outdoors.

Hello I am Michelle, and I have been in the dental field for over 25 years. I have worked in all aspects of the dental field. I have been with Dr. Jergensen since February 2006. I have learned so much from Dr. Jergensen over the past years. I enjoy caring for our patients, and I care for them like they are my own family. I am married to the greatest husband in the world. We have four children and a granddaughter. I love spending time with my family and traveling.

Hi, my name is Lina. I have worked in the orthodontic field since 2006 and have been with Miles of Smiles since 2013. I have had the privilege to work a number of different positions, starting off as a sterilization technician, and then completing school and becoming on registered dental assistant. I worked as a back-office lead and now office manager for the Corona and Murrieta locations. I am happily married with two beautiful boys, two Frenchies and a 75-pound African Sulcata tortoise. During my free time, I love to garden. Fun fact about me: I love skippy peanut butter and cannot live without it. I am also Colombian and Ecuadorian.

Hello, my name is Frances. I am a treatment coordinator at our Murrieta and Corona offices. I have been married since 2003, and we have two awesome daughters. I also have three beautiful Poodles, two African Sulcata tortoises and two Australian tree frogs. I love spending my free time with my family and friends, doing anything outdoors.

Hello! My name is Kari and I am the Corona back-office lead at Miles of Smiles. I have been with the company since January 2005. I am married with three young adult kids. I also have a granddaughter and will have a second grandbaby later in 2021. I enjoy spending my time with my family and close family friends. We love going to Las Vegas with our friends and going to Hawaii with our family.

Hi, I am Carmina, back-office lead for Murrieta. I have been with Miles of Smiles since 2015. I love spending time with my family and going on scrapbook retreats with my aunts, cousin and friends. I put a lot of passion in my work and enjoy every minute of it.

Hi, I am Coya! I have been in the orthodontics field for over 20 years now. I really enjoy what I do, making new smiles for our patients. I am married to my husband, Enrique. We have three beautiful daughters: Daniela, Diana and Damara. I loved to spend time with my family. My passion is cooking.

Hello, my name is Martha. I am the lead lab technician at Miles of Smiles. I have been happily married for 11 years and have two beautiful stepdaughters. I enjoy spending my free time watching movies, going to the beach and traveling. I love taking my dog, Susy, out for walks and my favorite food is from my home country, Columbia.

Hello, my name is Ruth. I am currently working as a lab technician here at Miles of Smiles, located in Murrieta. I spend my free time studying for my college classes. I also love spending time with my family, watching anime and reading a good book whenever I get the chance. My favorite food is chicken pho or sushi, and I am obsessed with matcha green tea lattes.