Dr. Jennifer Jo Garza
Orthodontist
101 N. Industrial Rd #A Tupelo MS, 38801About
Dr. Jennifer Garza practices Orthodontics in Southaven, MS. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment includes metal wires that are inserted into orthodontic brackets, which can be made from stainless steel or a more aesthetic ceramic material. The wires interact with the brackets to move teeth into desired positions. Being advanced in the field, Dr. Garza may also use Invisalign or other aligner trays that have been designed to align a patients? smile. As an orthodontist, Dr. Garza must recognize various characteristics of a malocclusion or dentofacial deformity, define the nature of the problem, including the etiology if possible, and design a treatment strategy based on the specific needs and desires of the patient.
Education and Training
Texas A&M University, TX 1998
Provider Details
Dr. Jennifer Jo Garza's Expert Contributions
What happens if you get a cavity with braces?
Yes you can get a cavity filled with braces on. Have your orthodontist take out the wire before your appointment with your dentist and then replace the wire after you get your filling. I typically call this a "sandwich" appointment. Where once you make the appointment with your dentist (your first step), call your orthodontist and make an appointment to remove the wire(s). The "sandwich" part is where your orthodontist is the "bread" (they see you before your cavity filling appointment), then the dentist is the "meat" of the sandwich (the middle of the sandwich), and then your orthodontist is the top bread layer of the sandwich. So, you will need 3 appointments in the following series: Orthodontist, Dentist, Orthodontist. READ MORE
How do you floss with braces?
Check out YouTube. There are really good videos there. Waterpik's are also good, but don't replace flossing READ MORE
Are cavities common after braces?
It can be if you don't brush, floss or use fluoride appropriately READ MORE
What helps swollen gums after getting orthodontics?
Floss a bunch, massage your gums with a wet toothbrush, no toothpaste, while watching TV or reading a book. You can also use salt water rinses and/or a cap full of Peroxide in a Dixie cup size amount of water READ MORE
Is an X-ray required for braces?
Yes, we need to see the roots of all of the teeth, see if there are any extra teeth, or stuck teeth or something else going on READ MORE
Can I use normal toothbrush for braces?
You can. Check out some YouTube videos for technique, but basically, you want to brush at a 45 degree angle around each brace, brush in-between the braces with a "proxibrush". It kinda looks like a little Christmas Tree Pipe Cleaner with much softer bristles. The BEST kind of tooth brush though is one that is SONIC. Whether it's the Oral B Ortho Essentials kit or the Sonicare toothbrushes, the sonic waves really "jiggle" the plaque free all around the braces, and the teeth. You do not have to move the toothbrush around, like you do a manual/normal toothbrush. You simple put it on a tooth or two and let it jiggle there for a few seconds, then go to the next one or two teeth, and so on. The Water Pik is great for getting in-between the brackets. Although it doesn't replace flossing, it sure does a nice job. You can find coupons online for both I'm sure. I actually got coupons in the mail yesterday for my patients for the WaterPik. Good luck in your braces journey! READ MORE
How long do braces take to straighten front teeth?
It depends on the severity of the misalignment. It could be as little as a few months. Contact your local orthodontic specialist for a complimentary consultation for your individual needs. READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of MedicineTreatments
- Birth Defects
- Pain
- Hernia
- Cellulitis
- Umbilical Hernia
- Ventral Hernia
- Inguinal Hernia
- Vascular Disease
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Get to know Orthodontist Dr. Jennifer J. Garza, who serves patients in Southaven, Mississippi.
What happens when you are a teenager with braces who wants to undergo jaw surgery to correct a significant overbite and the outcome is far from ideal? You become an orthodontist to help others, as is the case with Dr. Garza. Driven by a need to determine why her own orthodontic treatment and surgery failed, Dr. Garza started her orthodontic career as an orthodontic assistant in 1989. She soon was thirsty for more knowledge and began her undergraduate studies at the University of Denver on her way to becoming an Orthodontist. Dr. Garza strives to give each patient the smile they have always wanted, in an affordable, patient centered practice.
Dr. Garza is currently serving patients’ orthodontic needs at Smile Straight Orthodontics in in Southaven and in Tupelo, MS. The team at Smile Straight Orthodontics is passionate about providing clinical excellence to create beautiful, confident smiles for all of their patients. As an orthodontic treatment center, they offer modern corrective treatments for children, teens, and adults which include Invisalign clear aligners and traditional braces.
Dr. Garza received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, with an Honors Thesis in Neurobiology, all within 3 years. She then went on to receive her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, followed by certification in orthodontics from the New York University College of Dentistry – where she was also appointed Chief Resident.
Due to her outstanding performance as Chief Resident at the New York University College of Dentistry, Dr. Garza was awarded the prestigious Theodore L. Jerrold Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence upon graduation. In her never-ending drive to ensure that what happened to her as a teenager would never happen to any of her patients, she furthered her education with a two-year course in Advanced Education in Orthodontics at the University of Detroit, while balancing residency and then private practice.
On a personal note, Dr. Garza was born and raised in Colorado. She is the oldest of three sisters and has been married to her high school sweetheart, Frank, for almost 29 years. They have four kitties, their four-legged fur babies. They both enjoy traveling, skiing, cycling, as well as spending time with good friends and family.
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Nearby Providers
- Dr. Danny Hugh Dickey DDS MS99 Park Gate Dr Tupelo MS 38801
- Dr. John Kevin Holman DMD MSD99 Park Gate Dr Tupelo MS 38801
- Jennifer J. Garza101 Industrial Rd N Tupelo MS 38801