In Clinton Township and Grosse Pointe, you have access to many orthodontic providers. But experience, training, and a thoughtful approach separate truly exceptional orthodontic care from the rest. Let’s explore why experience truly matters at Lifetime Orthodontics, especially when it comes to kids, complex treatment plans, and your long-term satisfaction.
Proven Skill That Goes Beyond the Basics
Not all orthodontic training is created equal. To become an orthodontist, a doctor must complete dental school and an additional multi-year orthodontic residency. But even among orthodontists, there’s a wide range of experience levels.
Dr. Gerald Wesley, board-certified and extensively trained, goes above and beyond so that all of his patients’ care considers the whole picture, not just their teeth, but their life beyond that.
Dr. Wesley relies on years of clinical knowledge, ongoing education, and hands-on expertise to treat each case with intention. Whether it’s guiding jaw development in children, improving airway health, or addressing jaw joint issues, his approach is never one-size-fits-all.
Board Certification: A Mark of Mastery
Dr. Wesley is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, an achievement held by only a portion of practicing orthodontists. Board certification means he has voluntarily passed rigorous written and clinical exams that test both skill and judgment.
Why this matters for you:
- Assurance of top-tier training and commitment
- Greater accuracy in diagnosis and planning
- Confidence that your care meets national standards
An Emphasis on Family Care
Children and teens are completely different than adult patients when it comes to treatment, due to growing bones and developing dental habits. Orthodontic treatment during these formative years requires a gentle hand, a sharp eye, and the ability to adjust treatment as your child matures.
Dr. Wesley’s kid-focused expertise includes:
- Monitoring facial growth and jaw development: Dr. Wesley understands how a child’s facial structure evolves over time. By tracking this growth, he can recommend the most effective timing for treatment to guide natural development.
- Identifying breathing or bite concerns early: Early evaluation allows for prompt intervention. If your child has a narrow airway or early signs of bite misalignment, Dr. Wesley can act before these issues escalate.
- Recommending interceptive care before problems progress: Not all orthodontic problems require full braces right away. Dr. Wesley offers early-phase treatment to gently correct emerging issues and minimize future treatment needs.
- Creating fun, relaxed visits that put kids at ease: Our office teams go above and beyond to create a welcoming environment where children feel safe, valued, and hopefully, excited to return.
- Offering kid-friendly tools and technologies: From digital scans that avoid tedious manual impressions to smaller, more comfortable appliances, Dr. Wesley uses modern equipment tailored for little mouths.
- Partnering with parents: You’ll always be kept in the loop with us. Every person you work with, including Dr. Wesley, takes the time to explain options and progress so families can feel well-informed throughout the process.
Navigating Complex Cases With Confidence
Every smile is its own individual case, and some require more than just straightening teeth. Crowding, bite misalignment, jaw pain, or airway concerns can make treatment more complex. That’s where clinical experience makes a major difference. Our experienced (and cool) team partners with Dr. Wesley to tackle anything and everything:
- Treating patients with missing or impacted teeth using advanced diagnostics and targeted treatment planning.
- Managing TMJ-related concerns with special knowledge of joint anatomy, bite function, and soft tissue balance.
- Designing treatment for complex malocclusions such as crossbites, underbites, or open bites, with precision.
- Coordinating care with other dental or medical providers, like oral surgeons or pediatricians, for holistic outcomes.
- Balancing aesthetics with function, ensuring your smile not only looks great but also works well long-term.
- Using advanced tools like digital imaging and 3D scanning to visualize movement and anticipate challenges.
- Applying airway-friendly orthodontics that promote better breathing and sleep health in children and adults, and referring you to specialists as needed.
- Utilizing TADS (Temporary Anchorage Devices) for cases that require precise and efficient tooth movement that traditional braces alone can’t achieve.
A Test of Time
Everything we’ve described is only possible with years of experience and an intrinsic desire to keep learning as new discoveries are made in the orthodontic field. It’s easy for a doctor to sit in one era and stay there, but others will strive to grow for the sake of their patients.
Our community and our people are everything to us at Lifetime Orthodontics, which is one of the reasons we’re always so excited to meet new folks. We offer everyone a free consultation to get acclimated and ask questions—let us know if you’d like to join us for one in Clinton Township or Grosse Pointe!