At Myrtle Beach Orthodontics' North and South Myrtle Beach locations, all clinical staff is required to pass the South Carolina Orthodontic Assistants Exam and to stay up to date with new technology by attending annual or biannual state, regional, or national meetings.

Dr. Munn is a South Carolina native from West Columbia. He was influenced early on by his colleague and brother-in-law, Dr. Ross, to help others receive joy by transforming their smiles. He received his biology degree from Bob Jones University in 2003 and graduated as a dentist (DMD) from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2007. Dr. Munn went on to specialize in orthodontics at West Virginia University, receiving a master of science (MS) degree in orthodontics in 2010. Dr. Munn is a member of various dental associations including past president of the Grand Strand Dental Society, member of the South Carolina Dental Association (SCDA), and member of the South Carolina Association of Orthodontists. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Emily, cooking, going to the beach, and playing tennis and volleyball.

Dr. Becker was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In her fifth grade yearbook, she wrote Orthodontist as her future career goal and hasnt quit working at it ever since. She went on to major in biology and Russian studies at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania and graduated in 2014. She then headed to West Virginia University, where she obtained her doctorate dental degree (DDS) in 2018 and spent another 3 years at West Virginia University to earn her master of science (MS) degree in orthodontics.

Dr. Becker is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and the Southern Association of Orthodontists (SAO) and a board certified diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. In her free time, she can be found playing the violin, taking fitness classes, baking (and eating) desserts, and taking her dog Bandit on hikes.

Born in the deep south, but raised in West Virginia, Dr. Ross studied biology at West Virginia University. While at WVU, he graduated as a dentist (DDS) in 1978 and went on to complete a residency program at WVU with a master of science (MS) degree in orthodontics in 1980. After working with a multi-specialty group practice in Wisconsin for three years, he returned to the warmer southern city of Myrtle Beach in 1983.

Being a member of the Chicora Rotary Club and the Horry County Board of Higher Education shows Dr. Ross's passion for helping the local community. He is also a past president of the Grand Strand Dental Society, a past president of the South Carolina Association of Orthodontists, and a board certified diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. In his free time he enjoys kite boarding, sailing, and water/snow skiing. Good thing there is a beach near by!

Below is a list of terms that you may hear during your time with us, or that you may read in your exam letter. After reviewing your exam letter, if you have any further questions about your diagnosis, please dont hesitate to call the office at 843.293.3522

The classification of bites are broken up into three main categories: Class I, II, and III. Class II is where the lower first molar is posterior (or more towards the back of the mouth) than the upper first molar. In this abnormal relationship, the upper front teeth and jaw project further forward than the lower teeth and jaw. There is a convex appearance in profile with a receding chin and lower lip. Class II problems can be due to insufficient growth of the lower jaw, an over growth of the upper jaw or a combination of the two. In many cases, Class II problems are genetically inherited and can be aggravated by environmental factors such as finger sucking. Class II problems are treated via growth redirection to bring the upper teeth, lower teeth and jaws into harmony.

Class I is a normal relationship between the upper teeth, lower teeth and jaws or balanced bite. Class III is where the lower first molar is anterior (or more towards the front of the mouth) than the upper first molar. In this abnormal relationship, the lower teeth and jaw project further forward than the upper teeth and jaws. There is a concave appearance in profile with a prominent chin. Class III problems are usually due to an overgrowth in the lower jaw, undergrowth of the upper jaw or a combination of the two. Like Class II problems, they can be genetically inherited.

Elastics or rubber bands for braces help move the upper and lower teeth relative to each other, ultimately achieving a better bite. The orthodontic rubber bands are typically effective for correcting overbites, underbites, or other types of alignments of the jaw. They are also useful for moving a tooth out of alignment or to close a space in the mouth.

Orthodontic treatment that is usually done between the ages of 6 and 10. The objective of interceptive orthodontic treatment is to provide orthopedic intervention, so that later orthodontic treatment goes quicker and is less painful.

Interproximal reduction (IPR) is the removal of small amounts of outer enamel tooth surface between two adjacent teeth. It is a means to acquire additional space to create ideal tooth alignment. Alternative names include: slenderizing, stripping, enamel reduction, and reproximation.

Pictures taken upon the completion of treatment show the amazing changes that the orthodontics has achieved in both growth and development of the teeth, jaws and aesthetics of the smile. The orthodontist uses the pictures throughout treatment to monitor changes

A palatal expander, also known as a rapid palatal expander, rapid maxillary expansion appliance, palate expander or orthodontic expander, is used to widen the upper jaw so that the bottom and upper teeth will fit together better.

Phase 1 treatment is oftentimes necessary for younger patients to establish the proper foundation for future dental and facial development as they become adolescents and permanent dentition erupts. Narrow upper and lower jaws or situations where the back teeth are in a crossbite situation are typical.

A gadget that the orthodontist gives you to wear after your braces are removed. The retainer attaches to your upper and / or lower teeth and holds them in the correct position while your jaw hardens and your teeth get strongly attached to your jaw. At first, you wear the retainer 24 hours a day, and then only at night.

Separators are tiny rubber bands or springs that your orthodontist places between your back teeth. These separators prepare your mouth for braces by creating a small gap between these teeth. This space allows for the placement of a metal band around your molar, which anchors your braces in your mouth.

Orthognathic surgery is surgery performed on the bones of the jaws to change their positions. It may be considered for functional, cosmetic, or health reasons. It is surgery commonly performed on the jaws in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, which straightens the teeth.

Two phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and esthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.