Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics (SID 307919)

Welcome to Bernhardt and Smith Orthodontics, where Dr. Melissa Bernhardt and Dr. Blair Smith have been serving the orthodontic needs of the residents in and around West Des Moines, Iowa since 2007. We are committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles for a lifetime!

We continuously strive to stay on the cutting-edge of orthodontic treatments available and offer a full range of treatment options from traditional, time-proven metal and clear appliances to the latest modern orthodontic advancements, such as Invisalign®, which uses a series of clear, removable aligners that work hard to straighten your teeth and twice as hard to keep others from noticing!

When you visit our office, we believe our highly skilled team and our innovative treatments and technologies will give you the confidence that you are receiving the highest standard of orthodontic care available. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation.

At Bernhardt and Smith Orthodontics, your smile is our top priority!

Regular Office Hours:

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Summer Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of jaw, face and bite irregularities, often referred to as malocclusions. Malocclusion is the technical term for teeth that don’t fit together correctly. Malocclusions not only affect the teeth, but also the appearance of the face. Most malocclusions are inherited; however some are due to acquired habits such as thumb sucking. The spacing left from an adult tooth being extracted or an early loss of a baby tooth can also contribute to a malocclusion.

Orthodontic treatment is provided by an oral health care provider known as an orthodontist, who has completed two to three years of additional training beyond dental school.

Recent years have brought about many changes within the dental industry, specifically with regards to orthodontic treatment and care. Now more than ever patients are experiencing fewer incidences of cavities and missing teeth due to the heightened awareness of fluoride use and preventative dentistry. This increasing awareness on the health and look of a patient’s smile has fueled the desire for many to seek out orthodontia not only for functional/bite issues, but for cosmetic reasons as well.

Whether it’s traditional braces or custom made removable appliances, orthodontics can help you have the healthy, straight, beautiful smile you’ve been waiting for!

Orthodontic braces are predictable, versatile, and incredibly successful at realigning the teeth. Braces work in the same way regardless of the age of the patient, but the treatment time is greatly reduced in patients who are still experiencing jaw growth and have not been affected by gum disease. In short, anyone can experience the same beautiful end results, but treatment often takes longer for adults.

Straight teeth offer a multitude of health and dental benefits including:

Reduction in general tooth decay
Decreased likelihood of developing periodontal disease
Decreased likelihood of tooth injury
Reduction in digestive disorders

One of the primary concerns people often have about dental braces is the aesthetic impact of the metalwork on their smile. Especially for adults, the prospect of wearing metal braces for long periods of time can be very discouraging. Invisalign® offers an almost invisible aligning system that straightens teeth and contains no metal.

Invisalign® treatment consists of a series of custom-made aligning trays. The patient changes the trays every few weeks to gradually align the teeth. In addition to the reduced visual impact, Invisalign® aligning trays can be temporarily removed for important occasions – meaning that treatment duration is patient-controlled. A great number of people report complete satisfaction with both the Invisalign® treatment and the stunning results.

Here are some problems that are commonly corrected with Invisalign®:

Overcrowding – This occurs when there is too little space for the teeth to align normally in the mouth. Overcrowding can cause tooth decay and increase the likelihood of gum disease.
Large gaps between teeth – This can sometimes occur because teeth are missing or because the jaw continues to grow abnormally.
Crossbite – This common dental problem occurs when one or multiple upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. As a consequence, uneven wear can lead to bone erosion and gum disease.
Overjet/Overbite – This problem occurs when the upper teeth project further than, or completely cover, the lower teeth. Eventually, enamel wear and trauma may occur.
Underbite – This is the inverse of the overjet; the lower teeth project further than, or completely cover, the upper teeth. Eventually, enamel wear and trauma may occur.

Over the years, we've helped people just like you to achieve their various goals and enjoy lasting results. We've taken these experiences and used them to fine-tune our processes and hone our capabilities for everyone we serve. Using modern technology and tools, combined with our constantly evolving skills, we strive to go above and beyond your expectations in everything we do. We also work hard each year to study new developments in our field and ensure you are receiving up-to-date services and information.

Whether you're reaching out to us for the first time or you've worked with us before, we want to deliver a consistent and positive experience in every interaction. Our team is friendly, knowledgeable, and patient, regardless of the circumstances you're facing. We know that the unexpected can lead to urgent situations, and we're prepared to stand by you and be the dependable partner you need in such times. From routine services to emergencies, we have the experience and skill to find the right solution and carry you through. Find out how our quality office can support you by scheduling a consultation with our friendly and reliable team today!

FREE NEW PATIENT ORTHODONTIC EXAMS!

welcome to

BERNHARDT & SMITHORTHODONTICS

Two Convenient Locations

Welcome to Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics!

Our Services

Orthodontics

Braces For Adults & Kids

Invisalign

Exceptional Services Backed by Seasoned Expertise

Steady Service From Start to Finish