Leander Orthodontics • Leander

Leander Orthodontics • Leander

Written by Katherine Kennedy Friday, 07 September 2007

Air Force doctor now straightens civilian teeth

As a teenager, Dr. Robert H. Judy began wondering about his future. He interviewed his orthodontist, who told him he loved his work. Judy decided he wanted to work at something he could enjoy and could also influence the quality of people’s lives.

He perfected his profession while serving in the Air Force for eight years. From this work, he gained integrity, which he holds as his core value when doing business. “I am very honest with my patients. I will tell them when they do or don’t need braces,” Judy said. “I spend a lot of one-on-one time with my patients. Most orthodontists don’t see their patients, but here, patients are in a family-like, relaxed atmosphere.”

Leander Orthodontics opened in March after Judy realized the need for an orthodontist in the area. “Leander is a growing area, but was underserved in the medical and dental fields,” Judy said. “Customers were driving to Austin, but now they don’t have to drive so far. It is nice to be a part of this corridor: the medical corridor. We now have four dentists and a chiropractor.”

Judy believes that he is providing an important service to the community. “Everyone wants straight teeth. I enjoy seeing how happy people are when they finish their treatment,” Judy said. “Because I can work directly with local dentists, which is harder for Austin orthodontists, it is easier on the patients. I prevent them from having to drive so far for treatment.”

Sterilization processes and computerized procedures set Leander Orthodontics apart from other orthodontists, according to Judy. He uses individually wrapped brackets and all X-rays are digital.

Judy plans on staying in Leander rather than expanding. He will also extend his hours to stay open an extra day each week.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Braces use steady, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main components. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

Possible benefits of orthodontics

• A more attractive smile
• Reduced appearance consciousness during critical development years
• Better function of the teeth
• Increased ability to clean the teeth
• Improved force distribution and wear patterns
• Better long-term health of teeth and gums
• Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
• Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
• Aid in optimizing other dental treatment

What are some signs that braces may be needed?

• Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth
• Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)

• Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
• The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
• Crowded or overlapped teeth
• The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
• Finger or thumb sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old
• Difficulty chewing
• Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
• The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
• Spaces between the teeth

Source: www.leanderorthodontics.com

Leander Orthodontics, 505 Crystal Falls Parkway, 260-5300 • www.leanderorthodontics.com

Monday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.