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Is Your Child Having Problems Like...
❌ Falling or Staying Asleep?
❌ Tired After a Full Night’s Sleep?
❌ Tossing and Turning All Night?
❌ Sleeping with Their Mouth Open?
❌ Snoring at Night?
Airway Treatment Benefits
✅ Opens Airway
✅ Deeper Sleep
✅ Less Snoring
✅ Improved Focus
✅ Better Brain Growth
Why Do Kids Love HealthyStart?
❤️ Sleep Better at Night
❤️ Makes It Easier to Breathe
❤️ Custom Fit
❤️ Fits Comfortable
❤️ Clear Design
Parents & Kids Are Loving
The Difference
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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 do I know if I or my child needs braces?If you or your child have crowded teeth, gaps, or a bite that doesn’t line up quite right, braces will change your life. At your free consultation, Dr. John will check everything and let you know if treatment is needed during your free consultation.
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What’s the best age to start braces?Dr. John starts braces as early as age 5. Every smile is different, so the sooner we check, the better chance we have to guide the teeth and jaws as they grow. Early treatment can help prevent bigger problems later. Braces are perfect for teens and adults, but getting started at a younger age can make treatment easier and faster.
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Are metal or clear braces better?Both options work well, but metal braces are a little stronger and allow Dr. John to move your teeth more efficiently. Clear braces are more natural-looking and blend in with your smile, but they can have a little more friction, which may make treatment take a bit longer. At your visit, Dr. John will help you choose the option that fits your smile goals and lifestyle best.
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How long will I need to wear braces?Most people wear braces for about 18 to 24 months, but your time could be shorter or longer depending on your smile. At your consultation, Dr. John will give you a custom plan so you know exactly what to expect.
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Will I need to wear a retainer after braces?Yes. After your braces come off, a retainer keeps your teeth from moving back. Don’t worry, we’ll show you exactly how to wear it, when to wear it, and how to keep your smile looking great for years to come!
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Are clear aligners better than braces?Clear aligners work really well for many people, especially if you're looking for something that's almost invisible and easy to remove when eating or brushing. Braces are usually a better choice for more complex cases since they give Dr. John more control over tooth movement. At your free consultation, we’ll help you figure out which one fits your smile best.
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What’s the difference between Spark and Invisalign?Spark and Invisalign are both clear aligner systems, but Spark is what we use at our office. Spark is more effective, and patients say it stays clearer and feels more comfortable than Invisalign. Our trays are custom-made just for you and create amazing results.
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What’s the best age to start clear aligners?Most people start clear aligners in their teens or adulthood, but we can evaluate younger kids too. It really depends on how the teeth are growing and what needs to be corrected. Dr. John will help you decide if aligners are a good fit and when to start for the best results during your free consultation.
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How often and how long will I need to wear them?You’ll need to wear your aligners for 24 hours a day. Most people take them out only to eat, drink, or brush. Treatment time depends on your smile, but most cases take 6 to 24 months. Dr. John will give you a personalized plan at your consultation.
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Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment?Yes. After you finish your clear aligner treatment, a retainer keeps your teeth from moving back. Don’t worry, we’ll show you exactly how to wear it, when to wear it, and how to keep your smile looking great for years to come!
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What are the signs I might need TMJ treatment?If you’re dealing with jaw pain, clicking or popping, headaches, earaches, or tightness when opening your mouth, it could be a TMJ issue. You might also notice your jaw feels tired or stiff when chewing. Dr. John can check your jaw and bite to see what’s going on and if treatment can help during your free consultation!
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What is TMJ disorder?TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorder happens when this joint isn’t working the way it should. It can cause pain, tightness, popping sounds, and other symptoms that affect your daily life. The good news is there are gentle ways to treat it.
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How does Dr. John treat TMJ?Dr. John uses custom-made appliances that help relax your jaw and improve how it functions. These appliances are easy to wear, and some patients start feeling better quickly. Every treatment is designed to match your symptoms and what your jaw needs to heal.
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How fast can I get relief from TMJ pain?Some people start feeling better within a few days of wearing their appliance, while others take a few weeks. It depends on your symptoms and how long the issue has been going on. Dr. John will check in with you and adjust your plan as needed to help you feel better as fast as possible.
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Is TMJ treatment safe for kids or teens?Yes. TMJ treatment is safe for kids and teens. In fact, early care can help prevent bigger issues later on. If your child has clicking, jaw pain, or trouble chewing, it’s a good idea to have Dr. John take a look.
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How do I know if my child has an airway issue?If your child snores, breathes through their mouth, grinds their teeth at night, wakes up tired, or has trouble focusing during the day, it could be related to an airway issue. Dr. John can check how their jaws and airway are developing during your free consultation to see if treatment can help improve their breathing and sleep.
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How does airway treatment work?Airway treatment focuses on helping your child breathe better by guiding their jaw and facial growth. We use custom-made appliances to gently expand the mouth and open the airway. This can improve sleep, behavior, and overall health. It’s comfortable and designed to work with natural growth.
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What is HealthyStart?HealthyStart is the appliance we use for all airway treatments at our office. It’s soft, comfortable, and custom-made for your child. It helps guide jaw growth, open the airway, and support healthy sleep. Most kids wear it at night, and it can also help with snoring, mouth breathing, and teeth grinding.
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What’s the best age to start airway treatment?Most kids start airway treatment between ages 5 - 10, but the sooner we check, the better. Every child is different, and starting early gives Dr. John the best chance to guide growth before bigger problems show up in their teens!
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How often does my child need to wear their appliance?Most kids wear their appliance while they sleep and sometimes for a short time during the day. Dr. John will give you a simple plan that fits into your child’s routine. It’s easy to wear, and we’ll walk you through everything step by step.
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How does professional teeth whitening work?We use special whitening gel and a powerful light to safely lift stains from your teeth in just one visit. It brightens your smile fast and is much stronger than anything you can buy at the store! You’ll see results right away.
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Is teeth whitening safe?Yes, it’s completely safe when done by a professional. Dr. John makes sure your gums are protected and that your teeth are healthy before starting. You may feel a little sensitivity, but it goes away quickly.
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Does whitening work for everyone?Whitening works great for most people, especially if your teeth are yellow from food, drinks, or aging. Some deep stains or spots may need other treatments. At your free consultation, we’ll check your teeth, and if advanced treatment is recommended, we’ll guide you through the next steps.
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How long do whitening results last?Most people enjoy their brighter smile for several months or longer. It depends on your eating and drinking habits. Avoiding dark drinks like coffee, tea, and soda helps your results last even longer. We’ll also give you tips to keep your smile bright.
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Is Zoom whitening better than DIY whitening?Absolutely. Zoom whitening is the strongest and most effective option we offer. It gives faster, brighter, and longer-lasting results than store-bought kits or our take-home DIY option. DIY whitening still works great and can be a good budget-friendly choice or helpful for touch-ups, but Zoom is the best choice if you want the biggest change in the shortest time.
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
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