Blog Post

Building a Family One Smile at a Time

Nov 06, 2018

Dr. Johnson of MyFamily Orthodontics is raising the bar in patient care

When you first enter MyFamily Orthodontics in Lakeside Village, you're immediately immersed in the welcoming spirit of Dr. Johnson's practice. From the creative and interactive monthly giveaways stationed just beneath the soothing fishtank to the warm and friendly smile of the staff waiting to greet you, every detail of the MyFamily experience is focused on the patient.

As the proud and loving mother of two young girls and a devoted wife, Dr. Johnson is a family woman first. When the time arose to name her orthodontics practice, she was inspired by the heart warming words of her oldest daughter, "I love my family", a phrase the then two year old repeated often. Dr. Johnson wanted to share that memory and that connection with her staff and patients and MyFamily Orthodontics was born.

The MyFamily Orthodontics mission is to treat, educate and encourage oral health in the community of Horizon West. Dr. Johnson began her studies at the University of Florida where she earned her Bachelors Degree in Zoology before pursuing a career in dentistry at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. In 2007 Dr. Johnson became the first African American woman to earn her orthodontic certification from the University of Colorado. Orthodontics has allowed Dr. Johnson to combine her medical knowledge with her passion for art to create healthy beautiful smiles.

We recently had the opportunity to ask Dr. Johnson a few questions about the importance of orthodontic care in various stages of life. Here's what we learned.

HWH : What is the difference between an orthodontist and a traditional dentist?

Dr. Johnson: An orthodontist is a certified dentist that has been trained an additional 2-3 years to specialize in orthodontics and dental and facial growth and development. All orthodontists are dentists. However, not all dentists are orthodontists.

HWH : At what age should children visit an orthodontist?

Dr. Johnson : The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children at the age of 7 be examined by a certified orthodontist to evaluate dental development and Orofacial growth.

HWH : Should parents wait until their child's baby teeth have fallen out to consider braces?

Dr. Johnson : No. Children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by an orthodontist no later than the age of 7 because some dental malocclusions and/or facial deformities should be treated before full adult dentition to prevent facial surgery or adult teeth extraction later.

A certified orthodontist will sometimes recommend early orthodontic treatment prior (Phase I) to treat developing skeletal abnormalities and/or severe malocclusions, such as excess crowding or spacing for 12-18 months. If the patient needs additional treatment after the Phase I treatment, they will need Phase II to further correct the full adult dentition for another 12-18 months. Usually the Phase II treatment will not be as complex if the patient had Phase I Treatment versus if they wait until full adult dentition to initiate orthodontic treatment.

HWH : Are adults too old for braces?

Dr. Johnson : There is not an age limit for orthodontic treatment. Most adults feel that they are too “old” to have metal braces, but now we have more aesthetic orthodontic options such as Invisalign, ceramic (tooth colored braces), and lingual braces.

HWH : Why should adults consider orthodontics?

Dr. Johnson : Adults should also consider orthodontic treatment to not only improve their smiles but also for better health and function of their dentition.

Dr. Johnson understands the significance of a smile and the life changing impact it can have in both childhood and adulthood. She welcomes patients of all ages and strives to make orthodontic care a comfortable and enjoyable experience by building authentic relationships with each patient. The focal point of the MyFamily Orthodontics community treatment room is a family tree painted on the wall onto which patients are invited to hang a picture of their new smile. MyFamily Orthodontics is truly building a family, one smile at a time.

Dr. Johnson is an essential asset to our community and we are so thankful she is a part of the Horizon West family! You can often find her and the MyFamily Orthodontics team at local events as Dr. Johnson is a dedicated supporter of our local schools, Gift for Teaching, Gift for Swimming and actively serves on the YMCA Healthy Living Committee.

We look forward to many more beautiful smiles thanks to her hard work and dedication to all of us. To begin your smile journey stop by MyFamily Orthodontics in Lakeside Village or schedule your consultation by calling 407-258-3262.

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"My daughter is a new patient of Dr. Johnson. Her office and staff are extremely inviting. During our initial consultation, Dr. Johnson was very thorough and explained everything in great detail so that we thoroughly understood the commitment of having braces. We had previously visited several other orthodontic offices to find the right fit. After visiting My Family Orthodontics, we knew immediately that we wanted Dr. Johnson to care for my daughter's teeth. Once my daughter's braces were on, Dr. Johnson made her feel special by asking to take a photo with her to mark this exciting day. I would definitely recommend Dr. Johnson and My Family Orthodontics!" Tracey Forrester