Hello Northern Michigan! My name is Dr. Spencer Crouch and I am a Traverse City native who is thrilled about returning home to create amazing smiles and provide orthodontic care to the community I grew up in. As I went through orthodontics myself back in middle school, it captured my curiosity as to how smiles could be transformed using brackets, wires, and retainers. Growing up, I loved puzzles of all shapes and sizes. As I continued through my schooling, it became apparent that orthodontics is the epitome of being able to put together 3D puzzles on a daily basis!
I attended Western Michigan University (Go Broncos!) for my undergraduate degree. From there, I continued my schooling at the University of Michigan earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree followed by a Master of Science and certificate in orthodontics. My thesis research while at U of M focused on bone growth and stem cells work that will eventually lead to better treatment options for individuals born with life-threatening bone development issues! While in dental school I also had the privilege to travel to Kenya multiple times as part of a humanitarian team working to bring dental services to underserved communities.
My wife, Ashley, and I are excited to be back in Traverse City! I grew up a short bike ride from Long Lake and Ashley grew up on a cherry farm in Leelanau County. We are thrilled to return to northern Michigan with our two daughters (Evelyn and Nora). When not in the office, we enjoy spending time with family and friends, adventuring around the world, kayaking, trying new restaurants, and being outdoors whenever we get the chance. I am thrilled to be joining the northern Michigan community to provide you and your family with patient-centered care and an exceptional orthodontic experience!
There are very few foods you cannot eat while you have braces. We do ask you not to eat hard and sticky foods such as caramel, taffy, gummy bears, suckers, jolly ranchers, jerky or popcorn. You may chew gum as long as it is sugarless and not big, bulky bubblegum. When you eat foods like apples, pizza, corn on the cob, carrots and celery, etc., we ask that you cut those foods up into small pieces and then chew them on your back teeth. The corn will have to be cut off the cob.
Its more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces so the teeth and gums are healthy during orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease may also need to see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment. Watch the video below on the proper care of braces during orthodontic treatment.
Brush your teeth well, then take a teaspoon of fluoride rinse and swish it around in your mouth for about a minute. Spit the rinse out and do not swallow it. If your dentist has given you a fluoride gel to use, that would be acceptable to use in place of the rinse.
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for 4 5 days. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, should help if you experience discomfort. The lips, cheeks, and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the braces. We will supply wax to put on the braces in irritated areas to lessen discomfort.
Eating soft foods for the first couple of days also helps. Some suggestions include jello, soups, applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, etc. Everyone responds differently, so for one person it might be minor discomfort, yet to another, the teeth may be very sore. Periodically throughout treatment, you may experience sore teeth when a new archwire has been placed in the mouth. However, this soreness lasts approximately 1-2 days.
To successfully complete orthodontic treatment, the patient must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands or other appliances as prescribed. Elastics provide extra forces to help move your teeth. Be very faithful at wearing your rubber bands so you do not prolong your treatment time.
*The total treatment fee does NOT include charges for appliance breakage. There may be additional charges for lost or broken appliances. Charges may be incurred if a lack of patient cooperation causes treatment to extend beyond the estimated time.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 131 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestKarla Franco
a year ago
We came to this office by our dentist referral, all the staff here is very friendly and welcoming, Dr Spencer explained everything very clear and detailed, all the procedure, cost and time frame, very happy new patient here! Highly recommend
Laura N
a year ago
Love Dr Spencer and his staff. Friendly, laid back environment. Welcoming for kids and adults as well. Let me add that they have state of the art equipment. Top notch!
Allison Schajter
2 years ago
I would highly recommend Up North Orthodontics. I felt very welcomed from the moment I walked through the door, and all the staff was very kind and helpful to me. I got a lot of detailed information to help me make an informed decision on my orthodontic care, and Dr. Spencer is very good at what he does.
Mauricio Cortes landero
2 years ago
Good service!
Elizabeth Singer
2 years ago
Had to come in for an emergency visit while on vacation. They got him in right away and were amazing! So nice and great care!
Marcelle Mallery
2 years ago
Dr. Crouch and his entire team are wonderful. We were visiting from out of town when my son had an issue with his braces. Anna worked us in the next day even though we were not established patients. Their kindness and professionalism was so appreciated.
John Singer
2 years ago
We were on vacation over 1,000 miles from home when our sons braces disconnected. We called hoping we could get in and have this fixed to be able to enjoy our vacation. They were so awesome and were able to get us in within 2 hours of contacting them. Definitely saved our vacation and spare our child from being miserable all week. Thank you so much!
Mary Beth Rhodes-Woodruff
2 years ago
we were from out of town and my daughter had a brace bracket that came loose and the wire was sticking into the side of her mouth. We were so grateful for up north fixing it for her within hours of me calling and her fitting her in at the last minute. They also refused any sort of payment. Just such kind people so clean and organized and we are forever grateful.
Tina Miller
2 years ago
Amazing staff! ~For an out of towner, and a daughter that the wire was cutting her inner cheek they were so accommodating. They took us in, cut the wire and gave some samples of a mouthwash to help it heal. Thanks a ton! Very kind and would highly recommend them.
Andrea Grix
2 years ago
Friendly staff, excellent service, professional care, affordable treatment.
Danielle Humphrey
2 years ago
Dr. Spencer and crew are AMAZING! Highly recommended!
Gwen McLellan
2 years ago
Love everyone at Up North Orthodontics! Dr Crouch and staff are professional and patient with my young kids. Dr. Spencer never pushes unnecessary treatment and works with your budget! Highly recommend this practice!
Josh Jacobson
2 years ago
Dr. Crouch expertise is a fresh welcome to the Traverse City area. He's knowledgeable, fantastic personality and desires to solve every problem. Highly recommend!
Jodi Garcia
2 years ago
Wonderful and welcoming staff. Friendly, informative! Very impressive!
Mikayla Dennis
2 years ago
The office is clean and updated! Dr. Couch and his entire staff were very welcoming. Dr. Spencer did an great job explaining everything and taking the time to do so. I am so glad we chose UPNorth orthodontics for my son's orthodontic needs!
Susan Miller
2 years ago
Such a professional yet caring place. Dr. Spencer is just phenomenal and all of the workers are very nice and helpful. I'd recommend upnorth orthodontics to everyone.
GradyandCooper w
2 years ago
Dr Spencer is wonderful! He spoke directly to my son and made conversation with him the whole time, putting him at ease. His presentation of what he plans to do for treatment was completely clear! The entire staff was very welcoming from the moment you walk in, until you walk out the door to leave.
Robby Ray Pearson
2 years ago
Staff works very well with children. Our family is comfortable and confident that that staff is taking the best care of our children. Good people
Steven Bednarczyk
2 years ago
These folks are super professional and super down-to-earth at the same time. Combined with the high-level of technology, I feel assured that I'm receiving the best care there is.
Lisa Elizabeth
2 years ago
Very friendly, welcoming staff. Clean, relaxed environment. Dr Crouch was excellent during my consultation, explaining everything in detail. He was very professional, knowledgeable and personable. Wonderful experience and I highly recommend Up North Orthodontics.
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