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7 MYTHS ABOUT ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT: BUSTED!

more than smiles

Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics
July 24, 2019

We are setting the record straight on seven common myths about orthodontic treatment.

Myth #1. Anyone who provides braces or aligners is an orthodontist.

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False. While some general dentists or online companies offer braces or aligners, only an orthodontist who has taken the additional years of advanced training at an accredited residency can call themselves an orthodontic specialist. It’s not worth the risk of permanent damage to your face and smile to allow anyone who isn’t an orthodontist to attempt to move your teeth. By selecting Sherman & Balhoff, you are choosing a specialist who possesses the skills and experience to give you your best smile.

Myth #2. Orthodontists are so expensive.

Here at Sherman & Balhoff we are unique health care providers who carefully customize our patients’ treatment plans and as a result, our fees directly reflect the complexity of each case. From simple cases which only take months to treat, to very difficult ones which may take a couple of years, the benefits of having an expert provide your orthodontic care will be well worth it. We offer free consultations and flexible payment plans, and are willing to work with our patients in order to help them achieve a beautiful smile.

Myth #3. Office visits are not necessary to get straight teeth.

No Visits = No Monitoring = No Good

The reality is that the health of your gums, teeth and jaws cannot be monitored during treatment if you are never seen by a qualified orthodontist. Even the most carefully planned treatments need to be closely monitored to ensure that your treatment stays on course. These visits must be completed by a trained orthodontist should a problem arise or a mid-course treatment correction be needed. The good news is that today’s technology has allowed patients to extend intervals between appointments to as long as 8 to 10 weeks.

Myth #4. Orthodontic treatment takes several years.

Orthodontic treatment requires careful, controlled movements of the teeth to ensure they are moving into proper positions. From simple cases (which may only take a few months to treat) to the most complex cases (which could take longer), our orthodontists have the training, experience, and skill to deliver an excellent result in the shortest amount of time. It’s not worth the risk to have someone who attempts to do orthodontics as a side business because of the possible irreversible damage that could occur.

Myth #5. Orthodontic treatment is purely cosmetic.

There’s much more to orthodontic treatment than meets the eye. An improved appearance is the most obvious result. But when teeth and jaws are in alignment, it means function (biting, chewing, speaking) is improved, too – a dual treatment benefit!

That beautiful smile is the outward sign of good oral health, and sets the stage for the patient’s overall well-being. Orthodontists play a larger role in healthcare than is generally realized.

Myth #6. Orthodontists only offer metal braces.

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Orthodontists spend years studying and training in how teeth move. It makes them expertly qualified to use all the tools available to provide the best care possible for their patients. That includes metal braces, as well as a full range of other appliances (devices designed to move teeth) that can be fixed or removable, with clear options available. Rather than pressuring a patient into using a particular product or service offered by individual companies, orthodontists are craftsmen with a variety of tools at their fingertips. At Sherman & Balhoff our orthodontists have the expertise to provide the best appliance (at the right time) to achieve the best result in the most timely manner.

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Learn about our Invisalign treatments!


Learn more

Myth #7. Orthodontic treatment is just for kids.

False. Patients of all ages, young and old, can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Age is not a concern when it comes to getting a healthy, beautiful smile. In 2014, close to 1.5 million adults were treated by AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) orthodontists! Because adults may have more complicated cases from prior dental work or gum disease, it is imperative that their treatment be provided by a specialist in orthodontics who has the training, expertise and experiences to deliver the best results…thats us 😉

The only doctors who can call themselves “orthodontists” have graduated from dental school and then successfully completed the additional two-to-three years of education in an accredited orthodontic residency program.

When you choose Sherman & Balhoff for orthodontic treatment, you can be assured that you have selected a specialist orthodontist, an expert in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics who possesses the skills and experience to give you your best smile.


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patient testimonials

Every Smile Tells a Story

We love it when our patients smile, and we love it even more when want they want to tell the world! Check out what our patients have to say about their 5-star experience with us.
Jennifer T.
We love all the doctors and staff here. Experienced and friendly staff. They are always accommodating also.
Kaitlyn M.
After my 13 year old retainer snapped in half, I needed a quick solution. However, my original orthodontist retired which caused a huge problem. Who was going to fix it? I called around my hometown… no one would take outside patients. My sweet dentist did his best to glue the retainer back on temporarily, but considering this wasn’t his specialty, he failed to do it properly. My wire was now one wrong move away from slicing my lip open. As a last resort, I called Sherman and Balhoff panicking that no one would fix my retainer, and explained it was causing me pain. They booked me for the next day. Not even 24 hrs after giving them the call, my retainer was fixed. Shoutout to Roxanne who fixed it perfectly and made sure my bite wasn’t off and nothing was sticking me. This team is truly amazing. I would’ve still been panicking had it not been for them. 10/10 all around!!
darrione C.
I brought my daughter here for a consult for braces; he definitely earned our trust as a patient. He’s trustworthy, caring, and a man of God. He shows so much compassion, even for my son, who wasn’t there to see him. I am very pleased and definitely recommend this orthodontist.May God continue to bless your business! Dr.Balhoff thank you!
Heather E.
Ashley Mannino has been a huge help to our family throughout the years!!! Blessed to have her!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Heather! We're thrilled to hear that Ashley has made such a positive impact on your family. Your support means a lot to us!
Kaitlyn S.
My son just got his braces at the Prairieville location. Very friendly staff, Rachel did a great job explaining the financial aspects of the treatment. Roxanne and Dr. Sherman did a great job at making him feel comfortable while getting his braces put on. Thank you.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Kaitlyn! We're thrilled to hear that your son felt comfortable during his treatment. Our team is dedicated to providing excellent care and support. We appreciate your trust in us!
Adelyn F.
When I came in for my consultation, I was greeted by Ashley! She was super sweet and already had all of my info up and ready! I was checked in within a minute! Absolutely amazing!!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Adelyn! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Ashley. Our team strives to provide efficient and friendly service, and your feedback is greatly appreciated. Looking forward to seeing you again!
Michelle C.
Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics has taken care of our family for years! There is no other orthodontic team that I would recommend! The staff is so friendly, especially Ashley M at the front desk. She always has a smile on her face.!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Michelle! We're thrilled to have cared for your family over the years. Ashley and the entire team appreciate your kind words and look forward to continuing to serve you!
Dillon D.
We’ve had such a great experience here with my daughters braces! The whole team is amazing, and they’ve made the process so smooth and stress-free. Taylor Davis has been especially wonderful, she’s so kind and patient, and always puts my child at ease. You can tell she really cares. Highly recommend this office for any parent looking for quality orthodontic care!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with our team, especially Taylor. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to support your daughter's orthodontic journey!
Baelyn T.
Love this place! Everyone is super friendly and makes you feel right at home. Taylor Davis is the absolute best, she’s so sweet and always makes sure you’re comfortable. Couldn’t ask for a better experience!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you felt at home with us. Taylor truly embodies our commitment to comfort and care. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Brinleigh M.
Amazing experience every time I visit! The whole team is professional and friendly, and the care is top-notch. Special shoutout to Taylor Davis, she’s the best! So kind, patient, and always makes me feel comfortable. Highly recommend this office!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experiences with our team, especially Taylor. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Jessica D.
I can’t say enough good things about this orthodontist office! From the moment you walk in, the entire team makes you feel welcomed and cared for. The environment is clean, professional, and genuinely friendly.

I have to give a special shoutout to Taylor Davis, she is truly AMAZING. Taylor is kind, gentle, and incredibly knowledgeable. She goes out of her way to make sure you’re comfortable and fully understand what’s happening during every visit. Her positive energy and warm personality always put me at ease, and I can tell she genuinely cares about her patients.

The whole office works like a well-oiled machine, and the results speak for themselves. I’m beyond happy with my treatment, and I recommend them to anyone looking for top-notch orthodontic care. If you get the chance to have Taylor as your assistant, you’re in the best hands!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Jessica! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience and appreciate your kind words about Taylor and our team. Your satisfaction is our top priority!
Alicia C.
My daughter just got braces at Sherman and Balhoff Prairieville's office. We are very pleased with the way the entire process. The staff are excellent! Very friendly, caring, and professional. They took great care of us by explaining every part of the process, and that put all our concerns to rest. I will always highly recommend Sherman and Balhoff. They're the best!!!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your daughter had a positive experience with our team. Your recommendations mean a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again!
MDU U.
From the very first time you walk though the door, it is a wonderful experience. The staff are all friendly, kind and knowledgeable. We have a wonderful experience every time and cannot recommend this practice highly enough.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review. Having wonderful people like you in our office makes our days spectacular!
Carly D.
After having my braces off for only 7 months from a previous orthodontist, I switched to S&B after not being happy with my results and incomplete treatment. One of the best decisions I've made. Great with time management, quick and easy appointments, friendly staff. Definitely recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your positive experience, Carly! We're thrilled to hear that switching to Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics has made such a difference for you. Our team is dedicated to providing efficient and friendly service, and your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to support your orthodontic journey!
Allison K.
They are amazing with everyone. My daughter just had braces put on in May and they have been wonderful with questions, etc.
Response from the owner:Allison thank you for your kind words about us and our staff. We work diligently day in and day out to provide the best patient experience possible, so it’s wonderful to hear when we meet our goals!

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You don’t need an excuse to smile more, but we would like to give you a few extra reasons! We have four locations for your convenience, and each of them have friendly doctors and teams ready to serve you. We can’t wait to meet you!

Prairieville

Central

Baton Rouge

Addis

Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge

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Prairieville

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Central

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Locations

  • BATON ROUGE8311 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70810
  • ADDIS6715 LA Highway 1 S.Addis, LA 70710
  • PRAIRIEVILLE14154 LA Hwy. 73Prairieville, LA 70769
  • CENTRAL14465 Wax Rd.Central, LA 70818

Phone

  • (225) 769-1276

Office Hours

Monday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:10am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:10am – 4:00pm
Thursday 7:30am – 3:30pm
Friday 8:00am – 12:00pm (Admin Only)
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