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Parent FAQs
Clear Answers for Your Child’s Dental & Orthodontic Care
What families often ask—and what you deserve to know
Choosing dental and orthodontic care for your child comes with real questions—and thoughtful parents deserve clear, honest answers. This page addresses the topics families most commonly ask about pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, from first visits and preventive care to growth monitoring, braces, and what to expect as your child’s needs change. Our goal is to explain the why behind recommendations, outline how decisions are made, and help you feel confident about each step of your child’s care at Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.
Frequently asked questions
Children & TeensBaby & ToddlersOrthodonticsDr Jessica CrewsDr Kelsey WahlDr Natalie SmithDr Lindsay MaplesGeneral
Is Dr. Crews a board-certified orthodontist? Why does this matter?
Yes. Dr. Crews is a board-certified orthodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)—a distinction that goes beyond standard licensure and is voluntary, meaning not all orthodontists pursue or achieve it.
Board certification matters because it reflects a commitment to the highest standards of orthodontic care. To become board certified, orthodontists must complete a rigorous process that includes written and clinical examinations, detailed case presentations, and ongoing evaluation of treatment outcomes. This ensures they are not only technically skilled, but also consistently delivering high-quality, evidence-based care.
For parents, this means your child is being treated by an orthodontist who has demonstrated advanced knowledge, precise clinical judgment, and a long-term focus on bite health, function, and stability—not just straight teeth. Board certification signals accountability, continued learning, and a dedication to excellence you can trust.
What makes Dr. Crews’ orthodontic approach different?
Dr. Crews takes an individualized, prevention-based approach to orthodontic care, meaning treatment is never rushed or one-size-fits-all. She carefully evaluates each child’s growth, jaw development, and bite before recommending treatment, focusing on the right care at the right time.
By monitoring development early, Dr. Crews can often guide growth, reduce the severity of future orthodontic problems, and help minimize the need for extractions or more invasive procedures later. Her goal is not just short-term results, but a healthy foundation that supports a stable, confident smile as your child grows.
How does Dr. Crews focus on long-term bite stability, not just straight teeth?
Straight teeth are only part of a healthy smile. Dr. Crews places a strong emphasis on occlusion—how the teeth, jaws, and bite function together—to ensure results that are comfortable, functional, and built to last.
By correcting bite issues such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites, and aligning the jaws properly, she helps protect teeth from uneven wear, jaw discomfort, and future orthodontic relapse. This comprehensive approach supports better chewing, speech, and overall oral health, giving patients a smile that looks great and functions well long term.
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