Orthodontics
Orthodontics
Orthodontics in Tea can feel overwhelming, but our team at Top Gum Dental helps families in Tea, SD, find clear, manageable options. We listen to your concerns, walk you through real choices, and tailor plans that fit busy lives. Dr. Clark Hunstad and Dr. Eric Hunstad meet patients with warmth and clear explanations, and our amenities—blankets, pillows, TVs, music, water, and friendly conversations—make visits more comfortable. If you worry about school schedules, work hours, or a teen’s first appliance, we’ll design a plan that makes sense for your household.
- Orthodontics
- Personalized Care
- Two locations and growing
- Sioux Falls coming soon
Orthodontics in Tea: What We Offer
We treat orthodontic needs for kids, teens, and adults with treatments that respect your time and preferences. You can choose from discreet clear aligners or traditional braces when they fit the case. Our approach focuses on function and appearance: aligning teeth to improve chewing, speech, and confidence. We use digital tools to plan efficient treatment steps and show realistic outcomes, so you know what to expect. Our office schedules follow-up visits with flexibility for families who balance school and work.
How Treatment Works
We start with a clear exam and digital records to map your bite. That helps us create a step-by-step plan and share it in plain language. Typical steps include:
- A digital scan and X-ray to evaluate tooth and jaw relationships
- A treatment plan that outlines timing, appliance type, and monitoring
- Regular check-ins to keep progress on track
We use our 3D Imaging, Digital Scanner, and Digital X-ray to guide decisions. The goal: efficient movement of teeth with careful attention to detail and fewer surprises along the way.
Who Benefits From Orthodontic Care
Orthodontic treatment helps more than crooked teeth. People often gain:
- Improved bite function and easier chewing
- Less wear on certain teeth that face extra stress
- A boost in confidence when smiling
Young children may benefit from early guidance to avoid future problems. Teens gain social and health benefits. Adults find modern options that fit professional life, including lower-profile brackets and clear aligners that blend with daily routines.
What To Expect At Your Visit
Your first visit focuses on understanding your goals. We perform a focused exam, take a digital scan, and discuss options and timelines. Expect a calm check-in, a friendly talk with our team, and clear next steps. We also explain follow-up scheduling and what daily care looks like, so you leave feeling confident rather than overwhelmed.
Caring For Braces And Aligners
Caring for orthodontic appliances keeps treatment smooth and reduces unplanned visits. Patients should:
- Brush after meals and use a soft interdental brush for brackets
- Wear aligners as instructed and clean them daily
- Avoid sticky or very hard foods that can bend wires or damage attachments
We teach these habits at visits and demonstrate tools you can use at home. You’ll also learn how to handle a loose bracket or a lost aligner with steps to minimize disruption.
Tracking Progress And Finishing Strong
Regular progress checks keep your plan on schedule. We monitor tooth movement and jaw changes using scans and occasional X-rays. Near the end of active treatment, we discuss retention—the phase that preserves your results. Retainers protect the time and money you invested and help your smile settle into its new position. Our 3D Printer and digital tools let us make precise retainers and replacement appliances quickly when needed, so you move from active care to long-term stability without long waits.
Ready To Get Started?
We know orthodontic treatment feels like a big step. At Top Gum Dental, Dr. Clark Hunstad and Dr. Eric Hunstad guide families through clear choices and practical scheduling. Call today to schedule your visit. We offer quality orthodontics in Tea, SD, and we look forward to meeting your family and answering questions in a relaxed, welcoming setting.