
About Dr. John

Hi, I’m Dr. John Yurkovich! My own braces experience inspired me to become an orthodontist, and now I love helping my patients get the smile they’ve always dream of having.
I trained at the University of Detroit Mercy and learned from Dr. Keith Bever Sr., who inspired my passion for detail and patient care.
The best part of my job is seeing my patients smile transformation and watching them go from feeling insecure about their teeth to smiling with confidence!
I take pride in making treatment easy, comfortable, and fun! My team and I would love to help you or your child achieve a smile you’ll love.
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How long will I need to wear braces?Most of Dr. John’s patients wear braces for 12 to 36 months, depending on how much their teeth need to move and how well they follow his instructions, like wearing rubber bands and taking care of their braces.
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Do braces hurt?Braces might make your teeth feel sore for a few days after Dr. John puts them on or adjusts them. This is normal and means they’re working to move your teeth. Tip: Eat or drink something cold, like ice cream, a slurpee, or a smoothie, to help numb the soreness and feel better faster!
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Can I eat normally with braces?You can eat many foods, but avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods like gum, popcorn, and hard candy, as they can damage your braces.
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How do I clean my teeth with braces?Brush your teeth after every meal and floss daily using a floss threader or orthodontic floss picks to get between your braces. Dr. John also recommends investing in a water flosser to help remove food and plaque from hard-to-reach areas, making cleaning easier and more effective.
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Will I need to wear a retainer after braces?Yes, wearing a retainer after braces helps keep your teeth in their new positions.
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How much do braces cost?The cost of braces depends on your personalized treatment plan, including the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. Dr. John offers affordable payment plans, and you can get started with as little as $500 down. We also accept most insurance plans and will help you maximize your benefits. During your consultation, we’ll go over your options and find a plan that works with your budget!
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Are clear aligners better than braces?It depends! Clear aligners work great for many patients, especially those needing mild to moderate treatment. But for more complex cases, braces give Dr. John more control over tooth and jaw movement. He’ll help you choose the best option for your smile and treatment goals.
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What’s the difference between Spark aligners and Invisalign?Both work the same way to straighten teeth with clear, removable trays, but Spark aligners are clearer, stainless, and fit more comfortably compared to Invisalign. Dr. John offers Spark Aligners exclusively because they provide a more discreet and effective treatment experience for his patients.
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How much do clear aligners cost?The cost of clear aligners depends on your personalized treatment plan, including the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. Dr. John offers affordable payment plans, and you can get started with as little as $500 down. We also accept most insurance plans and will help you maximize your benefits. During your consultation, we’ll go over your options and find a plan that works with your budget!
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How long will I need to wear clear aligners?Most of Dr. John’s patients wear Spark Aligners for 12 to 24 months, depending on how much their teeth need to move and how well they follow his instructions, like wearing their aligners for 22 hours a day and switching their trays on time. For some patients, nighttime-only aligners may be an option, but they typically take longer to achieve results. Dr. John will determine the best plan for your smile!
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Do clear aligners hurt?You might feel some pressure or soreness when you start wearing aligners or switch to a new set. This is totally normal and just means your teeth are moving the way they should! Tip: Eat or drink something cold, like ice cream, a slurpee, or a smoothie, to help numb the soreness and feel better faster!
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Can I eat with clear aligners on?No, always remove aligners before eating or drinking anything except water.
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What is TMJ disorder?TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorder happens when this joint doesn’t work properly, causing jaw pain, clicking sounds, migraines, teeth grinding, and trouble chewing.
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How does Dr. John treat TMJ?Dr. John has certified training in TMJ treatment beyond his orthodontic schooling and offers personalized solutions to relieve pain. Treatments may include custom nightguards, clear aligners, Botox for muscle relaxation, and lifestyle changes to reduce jaw strain.
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How much does TMJ treatment cost?The cost of TMJ treatment depends on your personalized treatment plan, including the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. Dr. John offers affordable payment plans, and you can get started with as little as $500 down. We also accept most insurance plans and will help you maximize your benefits. During your consultation, we’ll go over your options and find a plan that works with your budget!
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Does TMJ go away on its own?Some mild cases may improve over time. However, chronic TMJ pain needs professional treatment to keep it from getting worse. If you're dealing with jaw pain, migraines, or popping sounds when chewing, it’s best to schedule a consultation with Dr. John as a TMJ specialist who will help you find the right treatment for long-term relief.
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What foods should I avoid with TMJ?Avoid hard, chewy, and sticky foods like nuts, gum, and tough meats to reduce strain.
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What is airway treatment and how does it work?Our airway treatment helps improve your breathing by creating more space for air to flow. You’ll wear a special device at night that gently guides your jaw and teeth to open the airway, making it easier for you to breathe and sleep better.
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How do I know if me or my child has an airway issue?Signs of an airway issue include frequent mouth breathing, snoring, trouble sleeping, and waking up tired. Kids may also have restless sleep or trouble focusing during the day.
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How does orthodontic treatment help with airway issues?Orthodontic treatments like HealthyStart, expanders, or braces help make more space in your mouth and line up your jaw. This can help open your airway so you can breathe easier and sleep better.
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Can improving my airway really reduce my jaw pain, headaches, or fatigue?Yes! When you breathe better, your body gets more oxygen. This can help reduce headaches, jaw pain, and feeling tired all the time. Better airflow means better sleep and less tension in your muscles.
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How much does airway treatment cost?The cost of Airway treatment depends on your personalized treatment plan, including the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. Dr. John offers affordable payment plans, and you can get started with as little as $500 down. We also accept most insurance plans and will help you maximize your benefits. During your consultation, we’ll go over your options and find a plan that works with your budget!
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How does professional teeth whitening work?Dr. John uses safe, powerful whitening treatments to remove deep stains.
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How much does whitening cost?The cost of whitening depends on your personalized treatment plan. Dr. John will help you choose between in-office or at-home whitening based on your needs. Our professional at home whitening treatment starts at only $140!
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How long do whitening results last?Results can last 6 months to 2 years, depending on diet and oral care.
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Can I only whiten my teeth if they are natural?Yes! Whitening only works on natural teeth. If you're unsure whether whitening is right for you, Dr. John can help you decide the best option for your smile!
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What foods and drinks stain teeth after whitening?Avoid coffee, tea, red wine, soda, and dark sauces to keep your smile bright.
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Is teeth whitening safe?Yes! Professional whitening is safer and more effective than store-bought options.
FAQ's
Office Hours
Monday: 9am-5pm
Tuesday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 9am-5pm
Thursday: 9am-5pm
Friday: 10am-2pm
(Phone Coverage Only)
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Call To Schedule Your Consultation!
Alma, MI
Mt. Pleasant, MI