Welcome to Smith Orthodontics 913-897-6950 Text 913-209-0191 Overland Park
Our Team
Dr. Smith
Dr. Smith
Dr. Smith graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Organismal Biology in 1992. He then entered the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1997. Dr. Smith knew his passions were in straightening teeth and creating beautiful smiles and soon he began Orthodontic
Dr. Smith graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Organismal Biology in 1992. He then entered the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1997. Dr. Smith knew his passions were in straightening teeth and creating beautiful smiles and soon he began Orthodontic Residency and earned a Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from UMKC in 2000. He practiced with Dr. Dyer for four years, then began solo practice as Dr. Dyer retired in 2004.
In 2010 Dr. Smith accepted a part time teaching position as an Adjunct Clinical Professor in the Graduate department of the UMKC Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopedics department, instructing two days a month.
Dr. Smith has been committed to creating fantastic smiles as well as growing long lasting relationships with his patients over the years.
Shannon
Dr. Smith
Shannon started working for Dr. Smith in August of 2020 and is the first person you will see when you enter the clinic. Shannon manages all scheduling and appointment reminders, but also assists Dr. Smith with patients. She was born and raised in Western Kansas and moved to the KC area in 1997 with her husband. Prior to working with Dr.
Shannon started working for Dr. Smith in August of 2020 and is the first person you will see when you enter the clinic. Shannon manages all scheduling and appointment reminders, but also assists Dr. Smith with patients. She was born and raised in Western Kansas and moved to the KC area in 1997 with her husband. Prior to working with Dr. Smith, Shannon ran an in-home daycare for 20 years and has experience working with young children. She is not only dedicated to our patients, but also to her husband and two boys. She enjoys being outside, crafting, and spending time with her family.
Dr. Smith Awards and Honors
Dr. Smith Awards and Honors
Honors and Awards:
- UMKC Orthodontist of the year 2025
- Dan Blackwell excellence in teaching
- First place award 2002 ADEA Educational Computing in Dentistry in the World Wide Web Category.
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon (Top ten % academic fraternity)
- Phi Kappa Phi (Academic fraternity)
- American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Award
- Ameri
Honors and Awards:
- UMKC Orthodontist of the year 2025
- Dan Blackwell excellence in teaching
- First place award 2002 ADEA Educational Computing in Dentistry in the World Wide Web Category.
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon (Top ten % academic fraternity)
- Phi Kappa Phi (Academic fraternity)
- American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Award
- American Dental Society of Anesthesiology's Horace Wells Student Award
- John C. and Ruberta Weaver Award for Excellence in Periodontics and Prosthodontics
- Graduated with Honors
Dean's List
- Dr. George Aden Esterly Scholarship
- UMKC shool of Denitsry Second Century Fund Scholarship
- Summer Dental scholar Research program
- Research: "A Multi Media Educational Program to Identify Orthodontic Bands." 2000-2002
- "Success and Failure of Endosseous Implants"1993
Organizations:
- President of the Tweed Study Club of the Midwest 2010-2011
- President of the UMKC Orthodontic Alumni 2007
- Pres. Of the Greater Kansas City Society of Orthodontists 2004
- Member of the Southwest Society of Orthodontists
- Member of the Kansas Society of Ortho
- Member Tweed study club of the Midwest
- Member of the American Dental Association
- Member of the Kansas Dental Association
- Member of the Fifth District Dental Society
- Kansas Dental Board Licensed
- Missouri Dental Board Licensed.
Community Service:
- Smiles Change Lives. Pro Bono orthodontic treatment to the under-served community
- Kansas Mission of Mercy. Donated dental care to the underprivileged
- American Cancer Society
- Cub Scout assistant Scout Master and Den leader
- Ronald McDonald House
- Kansas City Free Health Clinic
Hobbies:
- Fishing, Guitar playing, metal detecting, Author, a Mason
Orthodontics
Sometime after the invention of the mirror, but no later than 1,000 B.C., ancient Greeks began using base metals and cat gut in a determined effort to take the smile provided by nature and make it better.
Today, gifted orthodontic specialists shape dazzling smiles while creating optimal form and function.
Orthodontics has come a long way in just a few thousand years.
Children, teenagers, young adults, middle-aged men and women, seniors – all are taking advantage of the simplicity that distinguishes today’s orthodontics.
There are orthodontic solutions for every lifestyle and budget. Fees for orthodontic care vary with the complexity of the treatment and may vary according to geographic region. Ask your orthodontist about anticipated treatment fees, payment options and insurance benefits.
Orthodontics is devoted to building beautiful smiles by bringing teeth, lips, and jaws into proper alignment. Straight teeth function better, are easier to clean, and are more likely to last your lifetime.
Your orthodontist can improve most tooth and jaw alignment problems at any age. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist no later than age seven.
© American Association of Orthodontists and Braces.org, 01/17/2012
Smile Specalists
You can’t get a healthy, beautiful smile from just anyone. You need an Orthodontic expert. You need an orthodontist providing the best orthodontic specialist care in Overland Park. Finding the best orthodontist near your home is sometimes hard, but Dr. Smith is one of the best orthodontic specialist for children and adults in Overland Park.
Orthodontists are highly trained specialists whose expertise is tooth alignment for children, teens and adults. But what exactly makes them the experts? Only orthodontists receive an extra 2-3 years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth.
That means to become an orthodontist, qualified dentists need even more training after graduating dental school. In fact, they need an additional full-time education at an accredited orthodontic residency program supervised by orthodontists. This education lasts at least two years, often more.
During this time, orthodontists learn about tooth movement (orthodontics) and the guidance of facial development (dentofacial orthopedics). It’s this education and training in straightening teeth and aligning jaws that make orthodontists the straight-smile experts.
Whether it is clear aligners, Iconix brackets, traditional brackets or clear brackets, our clinic's focus on personalized treatment plans ensures that each patient receives care tailored to their unique needs, contributing to better outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Why Straighten Teeth
While you may only be thinking about the attractiveness of a beautiful smile, there are actually many other benefits to straight teeth. In fact, there are enough to make you think that a gorgeous smile is nothing more than a pleasant side effect of the best orthodontic treatment.
With straight teeth, you can bite, chew and speak more effectively. Properly aligned teeth and jaws not only contribute to healthier teeth and gums, they may even alleviate or prevent physical health problems. And let’s face it; teeth that work better tend to look better. An attractive smile is a wonderful asset to display. Better Functionality: Orthodontics can significantly improved the function of your bite, making it easier to chew, speak, and maintain proper jaw alignment. This will enhanced your overall quality of life. It contributes to your self-confidence and your self-image, which are important qualities at any age.
With the health benefits, a pleasing appearance and more self-confidence, orthodontic treatment gives people a lot to be happy about. Let our expertise make you smile.
What is the difference between an Orthodontist and Dentist?
An orthodontist is a specialized dentist focusing on aligning teeth and jaws, often using braces or aligners, while a dentist provides general dental care, including treatments for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Essentially, all orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists.
When to see the Orthodontist
Recognize any of these early warning signs? It might be time to schedule an orthodontic exam.
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Finger sucking or other oral habits
- Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or are recessed
- Speech difficulty
- Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
- Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
- Facial imbalance or asymmetry
- Grinding or clinching of teeth
Orthodontic Treatment
Today’s orthodontic treatment is unlike that of the past. Perceptions and attitudes about braces have changed over the years, but the goal remains the same – to help each patient, child teen or adult achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Due to orthodontic innovations, we have multiple treatment options. Such as invisible braces, different aesthetics brace options and the ability to change colors during treatment, there are now exciting ways for young patients to customize the appearance of their orthodontic work. Additionally, computer software that predicts a patient’s potential post-treatment appearance helps keep patients motivated to achieve a straight smile.
But don’t just take our word for it. It’s moms that know best. A majority of mothers surveyed on behalf of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) said that today’s orthodontic options and new technologies made their children’s orthodontic experience more enjoyable. That’s not all, 86 percent of mothers think braces are cooler today than when they were children, and 69 percent also said wearing braces made their children feel cool. In fact, an overwhelming 81 percent said their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment was either positive or extremely positive.
That enthusiasm about today’s orthodontic treatment doesn’t stop with just braces. It also translates straight to the orthodontist’s office. Today’s patient-friendly offices provide video games, music and reading materials to help many young patients enjoy their visit. Mothers described the experience of visiting the orthodontist’s office as fun, and 81 percent rated their child’s office experience as positive or extremely positive.
Furthermore, 78 percent of mothers who had braces as a child believe braces are one of the best investments their parents made for them. So, why not make that investment in your child, or even yourself? We offer braces for adults and children.
Our clinic's commitment to staying at the forefront of orthodontic technology ensures that patients benefit from the latest advancements in the field.
Source: AAO Perception of Orthodontic Treatment Study 2003, Pragmatic Research, Inc.
© American Association of Orthodontists and Braces.org, 01/17/2012