The Art & Science of a Smile: Dr. Chris Henry

​National Orthodontic Health Month

www.henryadvancedorthodontics.com

​Dr. Chris Henry, Owner of Henry Advanced Orthodontics shares why National Orthodontic Health Month is important with some surprising insights about care for our community.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, a reminder that orthodontics is about more than perfecting appearances. “A straight smile is beautiful, of course,” says Dr. Christopher Henry of Henry Advanced Orthodontics, “but it also makes a big difference in overall health. Teeth that fit together the right way are easier to clean, which helps prevent gum disease and cavities. They also function better—making it easier to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. When we talk about creating a healthy smile, we’re really talking about supporting a healthier, happier life.”

That perspective reflects how much the field has evolved. For decades, orthodontics carried the stereotype of being “just for kids.” Today, Dr. Henry sees a different story. “In our office, about 30 to 40 percent of patients are adults, and that number keeps growing,” he explains. Some adults had braces years ago and want to restore their smile after shifting, while others never had the opportunity as children. Now, with discreet treatments like clear aligners, it’s easier than ever for adults to get results without the stigma of “teenage braces.”

Behind every transformation is a careful balance of technology and artistry. Digital tools now allow orthodontists to study each case in extraordinary detail before treatment begins, ensuring tooth movement is both precise and efficient. But for Dr. Henry, science alone isn’t enough. “Every smile is unique—almost like a trademark for that person. Our job is to make sure it looks natural, fits their personality, and gives them the confidence to shine.”

"Every smile is unique—almost like a trademark for that person. Our job is to make sure it looks natural, fits their personality, and gives them the confidence to shine.”


—Dr. Chris Henry

​That philosophy extends to the practice itself, where the team plays a central role. “This is never a one-person job,” Dr. Henry emphasizes. “It takes our whole team—each with their own role—to create a smooth, positive experience for patients from start to finish.” Patients often describe the office as a place where skill and technology meet warmth and encouragement, making the journey feel personal rather than clinical.

Families in St. Johns, especially during the back-to-school season, are often concerned about timing. Dr. Henry recommends scheduling a child’s first orthodontic checkup around age seven. At that stage, orthodontists can monitor how teeth and jaws are developing and intervene early if needed, often preventing more complex treatment later. “The start of the school year is actually a great time to schedule an evaluation,” he notes, since children are already adapting to new routines. His office also works to accommodate busy schedules, offering flexible appointment times and quick visits to minimize disruption.

And while October may be Orthodontic Health Month, it’s also Halloween season—a tricky time for kids with braces. Dr. Henry and his team prepare families with guidance and alternatives so children can still enjoy the holiday without risking broken brackets. “Halloween can be tricky when you have braces, but it doesn’t mean kids can’t enjoy it,” he says.

Still, for Dr. Henry, the heart of orthodontics is transformation. “This is the best part of what we do,” he reflects. “For some patients, the change is gradual and they don’t realize just how much they’ve grown until the braces come off. The look on their face when they see their new smile—it’s priceless. Others celebrate every little step along the way. No matter how it happens, watching someone’s confidence grow as their smile transforms never gets old. It’s why we love what we do.”
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In a community like St. Johns, where families juggle busy lives, orthodontics is less about vanity and more about investing in long-term health and confidence. At Henry Advanced Orthodontics, it’s a process of precision, care, and artistry—building not just straighter smiles, but brighter lives.

“It takes our whole team—each with their own role—to create a smooth, positive experience for patients from start to finish.”