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  • Our Practice
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      • Types Of Braces
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    • Clear Aligners
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      • Clear Aligners For Kids
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    • Orthodontic Resources
      • When Should My Child First See An Orthodontist?
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment
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Can Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking Affect My Child’s Teeth?

more than smiles

In short, yes. While thumb sucking or pacifier use is one of an infant’s natural reflexes, prolonged sucking can exert force on the teeth and jaws.  If your child sucks a thumb, finger, pacifier, or lips, their teeth or jaw growth may be affected (some bone changes can actually occur as early as 18 months).

Common orthodontic problems caused by prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can include:


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  • Protruding front teeth: front teeth that stick out (“buck” teeth). Protrusive front teeth may make it hard to comfortably close the mouth and lips, cause speech problems, and make them more susceptible to trauma.

  • Open bite: when the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap, which can create swallowing or speech problems.

  • Crossbite: upper teeth that fit inside the lower teeth. If not corrected, the jaw can shift to one side causing lopsided jaw growth.


What to do if you notice prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use

Consult your orthodontist. They will be able to identify any orthodontic related issues caused by the oral habit and can offer early treatment options to help your child break the habit and correct any problems that may have occurred. Orthodontists have been specifically trained in dentofacial orthopedics. In other words, they can help jaws grow and develop in better positions.

Seeing an orthodontist at a young age will allow them to help your child:

  • Correct harmful oral habits

  • Guide jaw growth

  • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth

  • Guide permanent teeth into better positions

Sherman & Balhoff

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You can work with our team of doctors here at Sherman & Balhoff to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile at any age. Our Orthodontists are experts in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – properly aligned teeth and jaws – and possess the skills and experience to give you your best smile. All of our consultations are free, and you can even get a consultation from home or work by clicking here.


FREE CONSULTATION NOW

 

A Healthy Smile Leads To A Healthy Body

Chances are you’ve been learning about the benefits of good oral hygiene since you were first introduced to a toothbrush as a child. We all know brushing our teeth should be a part of our daily routine, but the benefits of good oral hygiene go far beyond fresh breath. Good oral hygiene is the number one way to prevent gum disease, a condition afflicting nearly half of American adults according to a study by the American Academy of Periodontology.

This statistic alone is alarming, but it gets worse as more and more studies are linking the inflammation of gum disease with other conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease and cancer – all epidemics in our country.

We’d like to combat periodontal disease, as well as improve your overall health by explaining the benefits of good oral hygiene. It’s up to you to make the change, and we are here to help!

The Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene

  • Reduce the chance of tooth decay

  • Reduce tooth sensitivity

  • Reduce the likelihood of cavities, and the resulting fillings

  • Preventative care is always less expensive than emergency care

  • Keeping your teeth (rather than needing dentures or crowns) is more likely

  • Fresher breath

  • Reduced chance of root canals and oral surgery

  • Better gum health

  • Lowered risk of cancer

  • Lowered risk of stroke

  • Lowered risk of heart disease and heart attack

  • Healthier pregnancy and stronger fertility

  • Lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes

  • Lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease

Overall, good oral care results in a healthier mouth and a healthier body!

Recommendations for Good Oral Hygiene

The basis of good oral hygiene starts with good home care. The American Dental Association recommends:

  • Brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

  • Flossing at least once a day

  • Drinking water between meals

  • And of course, seeing your dentist on a regular basis


7 Facts About Orthodontics (that will surprise you)

 

7 Facts About Orthodontics (that will surprise you)


Healthy You in 2022

 

Healthy You in 2022

Remember orthodontic treatment is suitable for patients of all ages. Treatment can be accomplished with minimal discomfort and in a reasonable time period that can have lasting results. Now that you know the truth about braces, feel comfortable to go and enjoy life.


Ceramic Braces vs. Metal Braces

 

Ceramic Braces vs. Metal Braces

Ceramic braces and metal braces use a similar design to achieve straight teeth and a healthy smile, but the major difference is the material the brackets are made from. Ceramic braces are often preferred over metal braces by older teens and working professional adults who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of metal braces


Broken Brackets Don’t Know it’s a Holiday Break

 

Broken Brackets Don’t Know it’s a Holiday Break


Celebrate Halloween with the Right Kind of Candy

 

Celebrate Halloween with the Right Kind of Candy
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Your first 60-minute initial consultation is complimentary and will consist of an extensive examination and diagnosis for potential treatment.
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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.
Cassandra C.
I transferred my care to this location after moving and I’m impressed ! They’re very kind and professional. The office is so cute. I definitely recommend !
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Cassandra! We're thrilled to hear you feel welcomed and impressed by our team. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again!
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!
Rebecca
Five of our children have received treatment from Dr. Balhoff. We wouldn’t go anywhere else. The entire staff at Sherman and Balhoff Orthodontics has been wonderful.
Response from the owner:Thank you for trusting us with your family! We love having all of you here.
Gannon B.
It was easy to make an appointment and I was seen quickly by their professional and knowledgeable staff.
I had a great experience and would highly recommend them to any family or friends.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review Gannon!! Patients like you make our day brighter!
Jenn G.
Really great, honest people who are fantastic at what they do. The whole staff is so kind, personable and friendly.
Response from the owner:Thank you Jenn. We love what we do and people like you make our day even better!
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!
Jimbo T.
My daughter loved going to Sherman & Balhhoff. The office staff / Ashley Mannino were Awesome!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Jimbo! We're thrilled to hear that your daughter enjoyed her visits and that our staff, especially Ashley, made a positive impression. Your support means a lot to us!
Sunset C.
Everything went very smooth. The atmosphere is very relaxing and welcoming! I just them 100% with daughter!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a smooth experience and found our atmosphere relaxing. It's great to know you and your daughter felt welcome. We look forward to seeing you both again!
Chadwick C.
We have had the best experience. Their team has made my daughter very comfortable which is so important to us.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Chadwick! We're thrilled to hear that your daughter felt comfortable with our team. Providing a positive experience for our patients is our top priority. We appreciate your support!
Gabriella R.
I went in for Invisalign and the process was great. We started to notice one tooth wasn’t shifting as well so they ended up trying to refit the Invisalign. When that didn’t work they offered braces to help correct what wasn’t working even though it wasn’t their fault. Start to finish was awesome. If you’re debating between orthodontics- Sherman and balhoff is the place to go because they are on your team and will do what it takes to get the results you want !!!
Although I am not a patient there anymore due to moving states, I still think about this process often and how their entire time really put the patient first even when it probably wasn’t as profitable for them.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Gabriella! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with us and that you felt supported throughout the process. Your kind words about our commitment to patients mean a lot to our team. We wish you all the best in your new state, and thank you for recommending us!
Davia W.
The absolute best! We were recommended by my children’s dentist and the office was directly next door (Prairieville location). The entire office staff is amazing and very personable which had me sold from the consultation. My son started treatment in Aug 2024 and so did I Dec 2024. The reviews definitely match the experience and I’d recommend over and over again!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Davia! We're thrilled to hear that you and your son have had such positive experiences with us. Our team strives to provide exceptional service, and your recommendation means the world to us. We look forward to continuing to support you both throughout your treatment!
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!
Scott D.
I recently completed my second go-round with braces (my first was many years ago as a teenager), as a 60 year old patient of S&B.
I want to express my most sincere appreciation for the results I see when I look in the mirror...the results have exceeded my expectations.
Additionally, I was very impressed with the way I was treated (as a patient) each and every time I had an appointment.
Yet, I believe one of the most impactful (and unexpected) memories of this journey was the way I felt each time I left the building (at the end of each appointment.) With no exception, each time I was there, I felt a genuine teamwork atmosphere. To the person, they not only expressed care for me (the patient) but they expressed care for each other (the employee.)
Thank you, S&B, for not only leaving me with a visual example of success but, moreover, an emotional example of success.
Response from the owner: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!
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!
Dana G.
I used Sherman and Balhoff myself as an adult and now my daughter is a patient there. They are the best and go above and beyond for their patients. Dr. Sherman even came back after closing because my daughter was having an issue with her bite after getting her braces put on. He was so very nice and professional. I would recommend them to anyone.
Response from the owner:Dana thank you for your kind words! Your vote of confidence in our practice is why we do what we do!

smile stories

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four convenient locations

come visit us

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

Addis

Addis

Prairieville

Prairieville

Central

Central
see you soon

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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