Morgan was a gem! She is really good at her job.
Orthodontic problems that are complex to correct at 14 are often simple to guide at 8. At Bay Park Smiles, we screen for bite and jaw development at every pediatric exam — identifying the small number of children who benefit from early intervention while monitoring everyone else until the right time.
Eight-Point Surveillance
Transparency section — parents want to understand what “watching the bite” actually means. Eight specific screening points, explained simply:
Are there enough physical space parameters for all permanent teeth developing below? Early crowding can indicate jaw size mismatches that benefit from palate expansion before adult teeth erupt.
When upper teeth bite inside lower teeth — causes jaw shifting and asymmetric growth. Corrects much more predictably and easily during active childhood jaw growth windows.
Lower jaw protrudes forward beyond the upper arch. Specialized jaw guidance appliances during growth can reduce or entirely eliminate the requirement for surgical correction later.
Upper front teeth that protrude significantly outward, increasing dental trauma injury risks. They benefit significantly from early orthopedic repositioning.
Are permanent teeth erupting in the correct sequences and positions? Blocked, ectopic, or deep impacted teeth are identified early when interceptive intervention is simpler.
Chronic thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and open mouth breathing affect jaw and tooth development patterns. Early identification allows habit correction before bone damage forms.
Facial symmetry and jaw midline alignment are assessed at every exam — minor growth skeletal asymmetries that develop are much more manageable when caught early.
When front teeth don't meet during a full posterior bite — often related to soft tissue habits like thumb sucking. Early habit intervention allows natural aesthetic self-correction.
Crossbites — significantly easier to correct during active bone development.
Skeletal underbites — jaw growth guidance only works during early childhood phases.
Severe crowding risks — palate expansion creates prerequisite room before teeth erupt.
Pronounced protrusions — early alignment reduces dental fracture risks from physical play.
Harmful active habits — intercepting thumb thrusts protects palate anatomy.
The Screening Sequence
We assess bite relationship, jaw symmetry, tooth eruption sequences, dental crowding metrics, and oral habits. Takes roughly 5 minutes inside your child's regular cleaning appointment.
Low-dose panoramic radiographs (captured at specific intervals) track hidden adult tooth positions, root structures, and impaction parameters before teeth emerge.
Yields one of three clear outcomes: (1) no developmental concerns, (2) continue observational monitoring at 6-month checks, or (3) refer out for an early orthopedic consult.
We outline our diagnostic findings transparently with you. If a referral is indicated, we detail exactly why early intervention is beneficial and what it will accomplish.
Orthodontic diagnostic screening is a standard component of our 6-month cleaning blocks. It is not an add-on or an extra fee — we observe growth continuously, not occasionally.
We only advocate for Phase 1 appliance referrals when early intervention delivers a clear, highly documented clinical advantage. We never push early braces if monitoring is safe.
If an early orthodontic consult is required, we securely share our diagnostic files, radiographs, and long-term history notes directly with the specialist to secure integrated care.
Morgan was a gem! She is really good at her job.
Very satisfied with my dental treatments, I have recommended both my dentist and the clinic…
Great dentist, the staff are very nice
Sylvia was the best!!! Thank you!
Dr V was fantastic!
Great atmosphere. Lobbed my hygienist.
First time to see this dentist … entrance to reception area was very warm, welcoming…
She is wonderful person caring about her patients. And explain everything has she goes .
Sylvia is my dental hygienist and she does a great job! She is very gentle…
Had a cleaning and found the staff to be super friendly and efficient. Great experience!
Love Brodhagen Dental. They are the best. They go out of their way for you….
Excellent focus on patient. Friendly staff. Know their stuff. Hygienist was excellent, very skilled, and…
I had excellent, pain free care at Dr Brodhagen's office, trust him completely. The hygienist…
Great dental office. They sure know what there doing. Ver friendly.
I have never had a dentist/hygienist explain things to me while cleaning my teeth about…
She was excellent. Not one problem. The people up front were great and did a…
Everyone, from Dr. V., to hygienist Liz, to receptionists, were very friendly, welcoming, and professional….
Friendly but very professional. Excellent care by the hygienist and dentist.
My daughter smiles 😁 is back with a confidence. She broke her front tooth while…
The staff is friendly, efficient & on time.
My first visit was a big win. Everyone there was very nice. I’ll definitely be…
Excellent dental clinic, punctual and excellent care
Dr Mark Brodhagen is the absolute best dentist ever. Excellent work, very caring and professional….
Excellent service as an early walk in patient!!!
Always very friendly! Enjoyed my cleaning with Morgan and was very fortunate to meet the…
Dr mike as i call him is awesome and lisa my hygienist is also
It’s a really nice clean. They have really nice people there.
Everyone was friendly and helpful. Always a plus at a dental visit
Stacey had me smiling all bright and shiny
Great place, friendly atmosphere.
At my first visit, I experienced a warm welcome from the front staff. My hygienist,Mckenzey,…
The staff is very welcoming and friendly. They also did a great job explaining every…
Great dentist and staff! Always professional and personable.
Everyone is so very friendly and helpful. The Dentist are very informational, experienced and caring.
Always professional, friendly and they all make you feel very comfortable
Wonderful staff, so grateful to be back!
Great dental facility and awesome staff they care about their patients wouldn’t go anywhere else…
Excellent care no issues. Everyone there is friendly and very competent.
Dr. Mark and his team are amazing! He is incredibly caring and good. Our whole…
Lisa, my hygienist, is the best! Professional with an amazing personality. Lisa helps so much…
Going in with complications from a former dentist, and they had absolutely no problem taking…
I would recommend my family & friends to go here! Very friendly staff and they…
I’ve been with Dr Brodhagen for about 30 years. You’ll never find a finer dentist…
Everyone here is so friendly and knowledgeable. Always great service and painless.
Going to the dentist was one of my fears As a child. At Bay Park…
Very friendly and professional. There was no trying to find something wrong that "needs" fixing.
Great dentist & staff 👏
Employees very respectful and polite during complete procedure. Had good conversations throughout procedure. Very good…
Professional and caring. Morgan is kind and engaging. Billing was easy even with insurance involvement….
Prepping for implant so it is always a bit unnerving but I was talked through…
My name is amariana Cruz and I’ve never had a better experience with dental in…
Best dential care a person can ever expect. They are caring, concerned and ready to…
Professionals that are efficient, kind, and patient. They listen well and answer all questions. I…
My experience was very good. The dental hygienist was very professional and precise. The dentist…
Very professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.
Morgan, the hygienist, was very professional snd courteous. A painless experience. Would highly recommend her.
The staff was very friendly and helpful. Dr. explained things in an understanding manner.
Still have concerns hopefully will be fixed.
Great dentists and service. The best. Plus, you get good cycling stories from Mark
Sylvia was very kind and thoughtful. She handled her profession duties with care and explanation…
Stacy is amazing and I love the conversations and care I received. Love all the…
Good experience Assistant very informative and pleasant. Dr. Mark always pleasant and I feel comfortable…
Always friendly and explain what they are doing so nothing is a surprise.
The hygienist took her time with me. Made sure I was comfortable with everything she…
They do an amazing job at this place. I was very nervous about having surgery….
Very kind and caring. Explains dental options and procedures well.
My hygienist Stacey is so friendly and helpful with hints and tips on maintaining good…
Pain free dentistry with Dr. Mark and great teeth cleaning with Lisa! They care about…
I was a first time patient of Dr. Mike’s at Bay Park Smiles today. Going…
Great. First appointment. They explained information well.
On time, very efficient. Never had a bad visit.
Very thorough . I feel good about my cleanings.
Nobody looks forward to seeing the dentist, but Bay Park Smiles has been wonderful and…
Everyone there is very friendly making our visit a great experience.
Always a great experience.
Morgan is very professional, proficient, personable, and down to earth. Very happy with my experience!!…
Sylvia is fantastic. I never worry about her being too rough. She’s always professional and…
Great care was taken for my comfort during my teeth cleaning.
Nothing but great things to say. Always treated well with excellent and professional care given.
My hygienist was amazing! She got to know me, explained to me on an easy…
This is by far the best place to go. They are so sweet, very caring,…
I have been a patient of Dr. Brodhagen for many years and have been pleased…
Sylvia was very respectful and treated me well.
I’ve been to three different dental places in the last year and a half trying…
Always have a great experience at Brodhagen/Bay Park Smiles Dental!
Stacy does a great job in answering all my questions and making suggestions to improve…
When screening flags an orthopedic jaw or bite challenge that benefits from active Phase 1 intervention while bone frameworks are actively growing.
Comprehensive pediatric dental cleanings and wellness checkups, providing the ideal framework for regular developmental tracking.
Clear aligner orthodontic treatment pathways designed for adolescents, teenagers, and adults once full permanent dentition is established.
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