Child Orthodontics at Hometown Dental Co.
Helping Young Smiles Grow the Right Way
Early orthodontic care can make a lasting difference in your child’s oral health, confidence, and overall development. At Hometown Dental Co., the family dentist Greencastle parents have relied on for years, we offer child orthodontics designed to address alignment and bite concerns before they become bigger problems. Whether your child is showing early signs of crowding, spacing issues, or an irregular bite, our team is here to guide you through every step with warmth and expertise.
Many parents are surprised to learn that orthodontic evaluations can begin as early as age seven. At that stage, our dentists can identify developing concerns and recommend the right time to begin treatment. Starting early often means shorter, simpler treatment later, and it gives your child the best possible foundation for a healthy, beautiful smile.
Consultation
For more info on pediatric orthodontics, contact us for a free assessment.
Quality Treatment
Hometown Dental Co is an experienced provider orthodontics for children.
Benefits of Child Orthodontics
Investing in child orthodontics early comes with advantages that go well beyond a straighter smile. Here is what families in Greencastle and the surrounding communities can expect:
- Improved oral hygiene. Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Better bite function. Correcting bite issues early helps children chew comfortably and speak more clearly.
- Reduced risk of dental injury. Protruding teeth are more likely to be chipped or damaged. Bringing them into alignment offers real protection.
- Less complex treatment later. Addressing problems during development can prevent the need for more involved procedures during the teen or adult years.
- Boosted self-confidence. Children who feel good about their smiles tend to smile more, and that matters.
- Guided jaw development. Early intervention can influence how the jaw grows, creating enough space for permanent teeth to come in properly.
As the family dentist Greencastle families count on, we take a personalized approach to every child’s treatment plan, making sure recommendations are always in the best interest of your child’s long-term health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Orthodontics
When should my child have their first orthodontic evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation around age seven. At this age, our team can assess tooth and jaw development and determine whether early treatment would be beneficial.
What orthodontic treatments are available for children?
We offer a range of options depending on your child’s needs, including traditional braces, clear aligners, and other appliances suited for growing smiles. Our team will walk you through every option so you can make an informed decision together.
Will orthodontic treatment hurt my child?
Some mild soreness is normal after adjustments, but most children adjust quickly and find treatment very manageable. Our team goes out of its way to keep every visit comfortable and stress-free for young patients.
How long does child orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment timelines vary based on the complexity of each case. Some children benefit from a short phase of early intervention, while others begin a more complete treatment plan closer to their teen years. We will give you a clear picture of what to expect after an initial evaluation.
Ready to Set Your Child’s Smile Up for Success?
Every child deserves a healthy, confident smile, and it all starts with the right care at the right time. At Hometown Dental Co., we make child orthodontics approachable, comfortable, and tailored to your family’s needs. Call us at 765-276-4299 or use our online scheduling tool to book your child’s evaluation. We would love to meet your family and help their smile thrive.
Get directions
1113 Indianapolis Road
Greencastle, IN 46135
Low-Profile Modern Orthodontics
Maybe you already knew you needed braces, and what’s really stopping you is the idea of spending a year or so as a “brace-face.” Don’t be discouraged!
There are several ways to get orthodontic treatment without everyone noticing your appliance, such as Clear Aligners or clear braces. No one needs to know that you’re on your way to a straighter smile if you don’t want them to!
Adult Orthodontics
Stopping bad habits and maintaining good ones is important, but it won’t reverse dental shifting that has already taken place, and that’s where adult orthodontic treatment comes in.
While it’s true that our teeth can be guided into place more easily when we are younger, they will still respond to orthodontic appliances.
SYMPTOMS & CONDITIONS
CHILD AND PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTICS
Crossbite
A crossbite of the front teeth occurs when the upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth. This misalignment can lead to uneven wear, jaw misalignment, and potential aesthetic concerns.
We utilize advanced orthodontic techniques to correct the crossbite, helping children achieve a harmonious and functional bite.
Crossbite of the back teeth refers to a situation where the upper teeth close inside the lower teeth instead of outside. It can cause discomfort, difficulty in chewing, and potential jaw problems.
Our skilled orthodontic team will create a treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes and guides the back teeth into the proper position, resulting in improved function and alignment.
Spacing
Spacing issues occur when there are gaps or spaces between teeth. This can be due to missing teeth, small teeth, or a discrepancy in jaw size.
We offer various orthodontic solutions, such as braces or aligners, to close the gaps and create a beautiful, well-aligned smile.
Shift
Our teeth naturally move and shift throughout our lives — including in ways we’d prefer they didn’t. In a process called mesial drift, our teeth slowly move towards the front of our mouths as we age. Other factors, including enamel loss, teeth grinding, and tooth loss, can move our teeth out of alignment too. The result is an increasingly crooked, overcrowded smile that is harder to keep healthy.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when there is insufficient space in the mouth for the teeth to align properly. This can lead to overlapping or rotated teeth.
Our orthodontic treatments, such as braces or clear aligners, aim to create the necessary space and guide the teeth into their ideal positions, allowing for a well-aligned, balanced smile.
Deep Bite
A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively cover the lower front teeth. This can cause wear on the teeth and discomfort in the jaw joints.
Our orthodontic treatments aim to adjust the bite relationship, improve dental function, and create an aesthetically pleasing smile.
Oral Habits
Harmful oral habits, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged pacifier use, can lead to dental misalignment and skeletal changes.
Our orthodontic specialists will assess the impact of these habits on your child’s dental development and provide guidance, intervention, and orthodontic treatment if necessary.
Oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene is also important for keeping your teeth where they should be, because it helps reduce enamel loss over time. So keep up with that daily flossing and twice daily brushing, and don’t forget about your regular dental appointments!
Open Bite
An open bite is characterized by a gap between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are closed together. This can impact speech, chewing, and overall dental function.
Our orthodontic experts will evaluate the underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatment options to correct the open bite and restore proper alignment.
Underbite
An underbite is characterized by the lower front teeth protruding ahead of the upper front teeth. It can cause difficulties in biting, speaking, and proper dental development.
Our orthodontic team will design a customized treatment plan to correct the underbite and help achieve a functional and aligned bite.
Protrusion
Protruding front teeth can be aesthetically concerning and increase the risk of dental trauma.
We offer effective solutions to address this issue, including braces or other orthodontic appliances that gently guide the teeth into a more favorable position, resulting in a balanced, harmonious smile.
Daily Habits
Some of the things we do every day without even thinking about it can contribute to our teeth shifting over time.
Sleeping on your stomach and resting your head on your hands when sitting can both be culprits of dental shifting, but good posture and side or back sleeping will minimize this effect.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Everyone’s teeth are different, and so is their orthodontic treatment. We’re sure you still have many questions about what your treatment would involve, how long it would take, and, of course, the cost.
We’d be happy to answer any questions you have about adult braces, so just give us a call or stop by! We look forward to welcoming you to our dental practice.
Meet THE DENTISTS
DR. DENNIS KNUTH
PARTNER
Dr. Knuth is proud to care for patients right here in the community he calls home. He and his team at Hometown Dental combine continuing education with the latest technology to make sure every patient and family receives top-quality care in a comfortable, welcoming setting.
Passionate about dentistry based on a simple philosophy, Dr. Knuth treats every patient as he would a close friend or family member—always striving to deliver the level of care each person deserves.
A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Dr. Knuth feels fortunate to have learned from some of the best mentors in the field. Before becoming a dentist, he earned a degree in electrical engineering and spent six years working in the electronics industry in Cincinnati. That background gave him a strong appreciation for technology and precision, which now plays a big role in how he approaches dental care.
Dr. Knuth lives in Greencastle with Emily (Jones) and their three children. When Dr. Knuth isn’t with patients, you might find him riding his bicycle or on his Peloton trainer. Dr. Knuth also loves traveling and exploring new places with his family and friends. Some of Dr. Knuth’s favorite things are Bruce Springsteen, peanut M&Ms, cherry pie and yoga.
DR. TESS FUNKE
PARTNER
Dr. Funke loves getting to know her patients and chatting with them when they come in for visits. Its important to her to provide care for all patients, no matter where they are in their oral health journey.
While she enjoys many aspects of dentistry, Dr. Funke is excited to educate patients about dental implants and the ways they benefit oral health as Hometown Dental grows to offer implants here in our office.
Dr. Funke attended the University of Louisville for dental school and then completed a one year advanced training program in Arkansas. She's been transforming smiles with the Hometown Dental team since 2019.
When Dr. Funke isn’t with patients, you will find her spending time with her husband, Adam and their young son, Victor. Whether they are out strolling their neighborhood with aussiedoodle, Nelson or trying a new restaurant, it's wonderful to experience the world through a child’s eyes. Dr. Funke enjoys Orange Theory Fitness, cuddling up with a good book and will never turn down a good chocolate chip cookie.
