Helping Children Breathe, Sleep, and Grow Better

Early orthodontic treatment systems allow patients to begin on their path to being the best version of themselves. Typically recommended for children between the ages of 3 and 15, the systems we provide are by themselves or used in combination with traditional orthodontics. These innovative orthodontic systems promote natural jaw and airway development and move crowded and crooked teeth into proper alignment while addressing sleep-disordered breathing, snoring, teeth grinding, and mouth breathing. Our philosophy in early orthodontics is based on non-extraction orthodontics, and our orthodontic treatments are designed using a functional method that does not involve tooth extractions. We focus on the entire oral facial system, concentrating on facial growth and development-guided therapy.

At Dr. Kellye Rice’s office, we take sleep apnea and airway health seriously. We provide a comprehensive assessment and a customized treatment plan before recommending any orthodontic appliances or procedures.

Phase 1 Orthodontics is the first step in the orthodontic process towards a child’s healthiest smile, this process is recommended when a child still has some of their baby teeth and before all their permanent teeth have erupted. Phase 1 orthodontics uses expanders, aligners, and braces specifically designed for oral, jaw, and airway correction, as well as guidance, leading to proper growth and development. Orthodontics will ultimately achieve a great aesthetic outcome; however, the goal in Phase 1 orthodontics is to develop a solid foundation to move forward into Phase 2.

Phase 2 treatment systems are provided after the jaws have been developed, early treatment has been completed, and all or most of a child’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase 2 addresses esthetics, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, overall misalignment, function, and stability. At this time, metal braces or Invisalign would be recommended.

When the frenum (band of tissue under the tongue or lip) is too short, thick, or tight, movement is restricted. This can affect feeding, speech, growth, and airway health. Dr. Rice provides gentle frenectomies using the Fotona LightWalker laser.

Oral Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) addresses disorders that interfere with the function of the muscles of the face and mouth. It has been described as physical therapy for your mouth. OMT helps improve tongue placement, swallowing, chewing, breathing, and speech. Dr. Rice often recommends OMT before and after orthodontic treatments or frenectomies to ensure the best outcomes for children.

At Dr. Kellye Rice’s office we prioritize our patients’ dental and overall health. Our Vatech Green2 CBCT technology allows us to conduct comprehensive scans for a thorough analysis, enabling us to provide the best possible care. This equipment is safe enough for children due to its extremely low radiation.

Since opening her practice in 1986, Dr. Kellye Rice has loved helping patients sleep better in the Brentwood area. She utilizes advanced technology such as laser dentistry combined with a holistic approach to your oral and overall health to address your sleep problems.

Located conveniently near CoolSprings Galleria, Dr. Kellye Rice has been in practice since 1986. She is passionate about staying on top of the latest patient treatment techniques and technology. As a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), she has access to educational resources and practice management tools to better serve her patients. In addition, the AADSM has recognized her as part of a qualified category of dentists with above-average education and experience to treat certain sleep apnea conditions. Her use of laser dentistry and oral appliance treatment has produced great results for her patients.