Orthodontic and Smile Care Beyond Straight Teeth in Glendale
Straightening teeth is only part of what an orthodontist can do. Jaw pain, a gummy smile, and teeth that have yellowed over time can all affect how your smile looks and feels. At Garlock Orthodontics, Dr. David Garlock treats these concerns alongside braces and Invisalign, so patients can address more than one goal with the same team.
Our office is at 6240 S. Main St., Suite 220, in Aurora, and consultations are free.
TMJ and Jaw Pain Treatment
Your temporomandibular joints are the hinges on either side of your jaw, and they work every time you talk, chew, or yawn. Problems with them, called temporomandibular disorder (TMD), can cause:
- Pain in the jaw, or ringing or stuffiness in the ears
- Frequent headaches or neck aches
- Clicking or popping when the jaw moves
- A change in how the top and bottom teeth meet
- A locked jaw or limited opening
Dr. Garlock builds customized plans to relieve TMJ-related pain. Not all jaw pain is TMD, so a proper exam comes first. Learn more about our TMJ treatment.
Laser Gum Contouring for a Gummy Smile
A gummy smile, where more gum tissue shows than you’d like, is common and can have several causes. Dr. Garlock uses a dental laser for laser gingivectomy, removing extra gum tissue precisely to even out the gum line. Patients usually tolerate it well and return to normal activities within a few days. The laser can also expose a slowly erupting tooth so a bracket can be placed. In some cases, braces combined with temporary anchorage devices (TADs) can reduce gum display instead.
Zoom Teeth Whitening
Coffee, tea, red wine, and time all dull tooth color. Zoom teeth whitening uses a hydrogen peroxide gel activated by blue LED light, applied in three or four 15-minute sessions, to lift stains from the enamel. The whole visit takes about an hour, and a desensitizing gel is applied afterward. Many patients whiten once their braces or aligners are finished.
Braces and Invisalign to Complete Your Smile
Most patients who come to us for jaw or cosmetic concerns also want straighter teeth. We offer Invisalign clear aligners and several types of braces, including tooth-colored ceramic and custom LightForce brackets. When we plan orthodontic treatment, we take your bite, jaw comfort, and gum line into account together.
Dr. Garlock has also served on the advisory board of a Seattle Study Club chapter, where dentists and specialists meet monthly to review cases, so we’re used to coordinating with your general dentist when your care calls for it.
Questions From Glendale Patients
Can braces help with jaw pain?
Sometimes. When a bite problem contributes to jaw strain, correcting it can help. Dr. Garlock will evaluate your jaw before recommending treatment.
Is laser gum contouring painful?
Most patients tolerate it well. Laser treatment reduces bleeding and tissue damage, and recovery is usually quick.
Can I whiten my teeth while wearing braces?
It’s usually best to whiten after brackets come off, so your tooth color is even.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We offer in-house 0% financing and work with all insurance plans.
Book a Free Consultation
Whether it’s jaw pain, your gum line, or straighter teeth, schedule your free consultation with Garlock Orthodontics and we’ll build a plan around your goals.