Back to school is the perfect time to establish structured routines and healthy habits, and Craig & Streight Orthodontics can help. Dr. Ryan Streight says, “It is important to develop habits and routines. A nice, healthy smile can go a long way in giving kids confidence.”
Their new location, located at 12100 South Western Ave. in Oklahoma City, offers state-of-the-art technology in their modern facility. Like Dr. Streight, Drs. Robi Lynn Craig and Heather Kierl are dedicated to providing the best possible experience for their patients. This new facility contains a full orthodontics laboratory that includes scanners and 3D printers with the ability to make retainers, aligners and other orthodontic appliances “in-house.” State-of-the-art, for sure!
Their approach for patient treatment is a team approach, in which the three doctors consult one another to create the best plan of action. They share the same philosophies, so the patient benefits from a consensus of three professional opinions.
Streight explains the importance of a comfortable environment and emphasizes the need to build trust.
“One of my goals is to make it very relaxed and comfortable in our office. They [patients] will be listened to and respected,” he said. “With kids, many times this is their first experience. This will change everything for them. I want them to be comfortable. I want to be honest with them. I want them to overcome anxieties... I definitely spend time getting them comfortable.”
When should children consult an orthodontist?
Streight encourages a preventive, proactive approach. He says 7 is a good age to schedule a check-up because some children may need some form of early treatment. It is important to focus on preventive care and catch problems early; that way, it is possible to treat issues at the right time. There are treatments even before permanent teeth come in, so as early as second grade, growth modification plans can be discussed.
Middle school students and teens have treatment options. The doctors ensure that patients are aware of their options, which may include braces, retainers and aligners, and in fact, many teens qualify for aligners. Craig & Streight Orthodontics is the largest aligner provider in the state for teens.
About the Orthodontists
Dr. Craig grew up in Laverne and Moore. Following in her mother’s footsteps, who worked in the dental field, Craig entered the field when she was only 16. She has had many roles in dentistry, including beginning as an assistant and attending dental hygiene school. After dental school, she attended Louisiana State University and earned her Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics and Dental Facial Orthopedics. Craig is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a member of many professional organizations.
Dr. Streight grew up in Norman, and he remembers the experience of having braces at the age of 12. It was his own orthodontist, Dr. Mack L. Rose, who encouraged young Streight to grow up and be an orthodontist, and that’s exactly what he did. He completed dental school at the OU College of Dentistry and went on to earn his master’s of dental science degree in orthodontics with a Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a member of many professional organizations.
Dr. Kierl, who grew up in Sand Springs, knew she wanted to be an orthodontist at age 13. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in nutritional sciences/pre-med. She attended the University of Oklahoma for her doctorate in dental surgery and her master of dental science degree in orthodontics. She is a member of many professional organizations, as well, and she serves as an officer of the Oklahoma Association of Women Dentists.
Community
The orthodontists’ service to the community does not end at the office. Streight says, “As our business grows, it gives us an opportunity to help the community and make an impact.”
They look for ways to make a difference and have partnered with organizations such as Big Brothers/ Big Sisters and the United Way. Streight says they are always looking for ways to provide the community with a high quality of life.
Testimonials
“I love this place,” “kind and caring” and “organized and efficient” are just a few of the common reviews for Craig & Streight Orthodontics.
For more information or to read more testimonials, visit their website at craigandstreight.com. Call 405.433.7869 to schedule an appointment.
