Orthodontic and tongue-tie care that begins with how your child breathes
A beautiful smile is one part of a healthy one. At WholeSmile, we look at how your child breathes, sleeps, and grows, and how the tongue and lips move and rest, whether we are planning orthodontic care or evaluating a tongue- or lip-tie. Visits take place in private suites, on a schedule that leaves time for your questions, and you will always know what we see and why we recommend it.
WholeSmile is an orthodontic and airway practice, so we do not provide cleanings or routine checkups. If your child needs a pediatric or general dentist for those, we are glad to recommend one.
We treat function, breathing, and the airway.
Straight teeth are the beautiful side effect.
Function
How the tongue rests, how your child swallows, chews, and speaks.
Breathing
Quiet, comfortable breathing through the nose, awake and asleep.
Airway
Room for the tongue and the airway as the jaws grow.
One plan, built around your child's growth
Dr. Chay, board certified in both orthodontics and pediatric dentistry, and Dr. Bracy, a board-certified pediatric dentist, plan every case around where your child is in their development, not only where their teeth are today.
Airway-Focused Orthodontics
In a growing child, the shape of the jaws, the position of the tongue, and the size of the airway are closely linked. Each treatment plan considers breathing and sleep alongside alignment.
Laser Tongue- & Lip-Tie Release
How the tongue moves and rests shapes feeding, speech, breathing, and how the jaws grow, so we evaluate it with the same airway lens. Releases are performed by Dr. Bracy, a board-certified pediatric dentist and certified lactation counselor, using techniques chosen to limit scar tissue and support healing. Aftercare instructions and follow-up are part of every release.
Expanders
A narrow upper jaw can crowd the teeth and limit room for the tongue. Gradual expansion creates that space. We offer approaches for young children who are still growing and for older patients.
Damon Braces & Clear Aligners
Both are effective, and the better choice depends on your child's goals, age, and routine. We explain the trade-offs clearly and give you a recommendation.
Sedation Dentistry for Referred Children
For children who need extensive dental treatment and cannot complete it comfortably while awake. Dr. Bracy performs the dentistry while an experienced dental anesthesiologist manages sedation. Afterward, your child returns to their own dentist for ongoing care.
When to have your child evaluated
These are some of the most common reasons parents come to see us. None of them is a diagnosis on its own, but each one is worth a closer look.
Breathes through the mouth, awake or asleep
Snores or sleeps restlessly
Grinds their teeth at night
Wets the bed beyond the expected age
Had trouble latching or feeding as a baby
Has trouble lifting or moving the tongue, or with certain speech sounds
Has crowded or crooked teeth
Was told to wait until all the baby teeth are out
Is your child breathing well?
Our six-page guide explains how breathing shapes a child's growth, what to watch for at every age, simple habits that help at home, and the questions worth asking any orthodontist you consult.
Designed around your family
Private treatment suites
Every child is seen in a private room rather than an open bay, with space for a parent to stay close.
Time with your doctor
Appointments are scheduled so your doctor has time to examine, explain, and answer your questions.
Nitrous oxide
Available in every suite for children who feel anxious.
3D airway imaging
Three-dimensional imaging shows the airway and jaw development, not only the teeth.
Digital scans
Most impressions are taken with a digital scanner. It is quick and accurate, with no impression putty.
Clear communication
After each visit, you will know what we found, what comes next, and how to reach us.
Your doctors
Two board-certified specialists who work together, so your child's orthodontic, airway, and tongue-tie care is coordinated under one roof.
Dr. Cindy Chay
Dual board certified — Orthodontics & Pediatric DentistryDr. Chay is board certified in both orthodontics and pediatric dentistry, which lets her plan treatment around the full course of a child's growth. Her continuing education extends well beyond residency, with a focus on growth and development, bone biology, and the airway.
Dr. Katherine Bracy
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist · Certified Lactation CounselorDr. Bracy is a board-certified pediatric dentist and a certified lactation counselor. She performs laser tongue- and lip-tie releases using techniques selected to limit scar tissue and support healing, provides early airway-focused orthodontic treatment for young children, and leads our sedation dentistry program.
What families say
Reviews shared by WholeSmile families on Google.
For referring providers
We welcome referrals through two dedicated pathways and keep your office informed at each step.
Airway, orthodontic & frenectomy referrals
For children with signs of airway concerns, narrow jaws, crowding, or tongue- and lip-ties. We work with pediatricians, dentists, ENTs, sleep physicians, lactation consultants, myofunctional therapists, and speech-language pathologists.
Send a ReferralSedation dentistry referrals
For children who need full-mouth restorative treatment under sedation. Dr. Bracy completes the dentistry with our partner dental anesthesiologist, and your patient returns to your practice for all routine care.
Learn More & Request InformationNeed a dentist for checkups and cleanings?
We do not provide cleanings or routine checkups. Whether your child would be best served by a pediatric dentist or your family prefers a general dentist, ask us and we will gladly recommend one nearby.