Your family dentist might be the one who catches cavities and hands out stickers, but when it comes to straightening teeth and correcting bite issues, that’s a whole different ball game. Dr. Lauris Johnson and the team at MyFamily Orthodontics in Windermere and Orlando specialize in the kind of care that reshapes grins and guides growth with braces, clear aligners, and more! Both dentists and orthodontists play a role in your child’s oral health, but their training, tools, and treatment goals are miles apart. Let’s start by looking at what makes orthodontists like Dr. Johnson the go-to for all things movement.
Dr. Johnson’s Path to Becoming a Smile Strategist
Not all dental degrees lead to braces, bite adjustments, and 3D scan magic. That’s where orthodontists step in. After dental school, Dr. Lauris Johnson took it a step further by completing years of additional training in orthodontics, diving deep into the art and science of how teeth move and jaws grow. She trained to fine-tune the way your bite works, how your smile functions, and how everything fits together for the long haul.
Dr. Johnson has been shaping smiles in Windermere and Orlando since opening MyFamily Orthodontics in 2011, but her roots in healthcare go even deeper. With a background in physical therapy and experience teaching anatomy at UCF, she brings a big-picture perspective to orthodontic care that’s hard to find. She knows how the body works as a whole, and it shows in the way she crafts personalized treatment plans for kids, teens, and adults alike.
Now that you’ve met the smile strategist, let’s see how dentists play their part in the game plan.
What’s the Deal with Dentists?
Dentists are like your mouth’s general manager, keeping things organized, clean, and running on schedule. They’re the ones behind those “open wide” moments, checking for cavities, cleaning up plaque, and making sure your gums aren’t staging a rebellion. If something’s hurting or chipping, they’re usually the first ones on the scene.
Here’s the usual dental playbook:
- Regular cleanings and checkups
- Cavity control with fillings and sealants
- Crowns, bridges, and tooth repair
- Routine X-rays and screenings
- Cosmetic extras like whitening or bonding
Most families in the Windermere and Orlando area have a trusted dentist on speed dial. And when teeth start to crowd, shift, or bite a little funky, many of those dentists send patients right to Dr. Johnson at MyFamily Orthodontics.
So what happens when your dentist and orthodontist tag-team your care? Up next: how this duo works behind the scenes to keep things moving forward.
When Dentists and Orthodontists Team Up
Think of dentists and orthodontists as co-captains for your smile. Your dentist handles the routine maintenance (cleanings, fillings, and keeping gums happy) while your orthodontist focuses on how everything fits and functions together. It’s a behind-the-scenes collaboration that can make a big difference in your results.
Here’s how the tag team works:
- Early Referrals: Dentists often spot early signs of crowding, spacing, or bite issues during checkups and refer patients to MyFamily Orthodontics before things escalate.
- Coordinated Care: Dr. Johnson works with local dentists in Windermere, Winter Garden, and Orlando to make sure treatment doesn’t clash with cleanings or other dental work.
- Ongoing Updates: If anything changes, like a cavity near a bracket or a baby tooth refusing to budge, both doctors stay in the loop.
So what happens when your dentist starts offering clear aligners too? Let’s take a closer look at how orthodontists like Dr. Johnson bring something extra to the table.
Wait, My Dentist Offers Braces. So What’s the Difference?
Somewhere between a routine cleaning and picking a prize from the treasure box, you might spot a sign at your dentist’s office that says, “We do Invisalign!” That’s when the questions start. If your dentist can straighten teeth, do you even need an orthodontist?
Here’s where things get interesting.
Dr. Johnson isn’t just fitting trays and calling it a day. She’s trained to understand how facial structure, bite patterns, and growth phases all come together in a long-term plan that works with your (or your child’s) development. It’s like the difference between following a recipe and creating one from scratch.
So while some dentists offer orthodontic options, orthodontists like Dr. Johnson build treatment plans that are precise, personalized, and powered by deep experience in how mouths move.
Let’s keep it going by exploring how the setup of an orthodontic office, like MyFamily Orthodontics, helps deliver those results.
What Makes MyFamily Orthodontics Shine
Orthodontic treatment is a big change, but that doesn’t mean it should feel stuffy or stressful. When you head to MyFamily Orthodontics, it’s more like walking into a local favorite where everyone knows your name (and your bracket color preferences.) Dr. Lauris Johnson combines clinical precision with a warm, community-focused vibe that keeps kids (and parents) smiling from day one!
Patients can choose from flexible options, including:
- Traditional metal braces (built for durability and fast results)
- Clear ceramic braces (a low-profile favorite for teens and adults)
- 3M™ Clarity™ Aligners and Invisalign® clear aligners (virtually invisible and easy to manage)
The comfort continues in both the Windermere and Orlando offices. Instead of a sterile, cut-and-paste setup, you’ll find:
- Digital scanning
- Plenty of appointment slots that work around school and sports
- A fun, family-style atmosphere where every visit feels a little more relaxed
Dr. Johnson is also an active part of the Windermere and Orlando communities, supporting local schools, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, and organizations like the Roper and Dr. Phillips YMCAs. It’s no surprise that families and local dentists alike trust MyFamily Orthodontics when it comes to care that feels both personal and professional!
Your Smile Has a Dream Team
From routine cleanings to bite-tweaking brilliance, your dentist and orthodontist each play their parts. But when it’s time to move teeth, Dr. Johnson is the expert to call. MyFamily Orthodontics brings Windermere and Orlando families personalized experiences shaped by heart, humor, and high-tech care. If you’re nearby and curious, schedule your free consultation today to see where customized care really clicks!