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Dr. Christopher West has been part of the South Florida story for nearly five decades, growing up and building both his personal and professional life right here along the Atlantic coast. His journey from a local high school athlete to a respected orthodontist reflects the same determination and energy that define the vibrant community he serves.

Although he was born in Nassau, Bahamas, Dr. West has considered South Florida home since his family relocated here in 1979. He attended Palm Beach Gardens High School, where he discovered the importance of teamwork and discipline as a proud member of the Gardens Gators football program. Those early experiences on the field echoed a theme that would guide his life—commitment, leadership, and a drive to help others reach their potential.

With an early fascination for science and the natural world, he enrolled at Florida State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biological science. After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. West returned to the area that had shaped his youth, teaching science at Palm Beach Lakes High School. There, he brought energy and enthusiasm to the classroom while coaching soccer, swimming, and volleyball. His dual roles as educator and coach reflected a deep belief in balanced learning—combining intellectual discovery with physical fitness, teamwork, and character-building.

Eager to grow as both an educator and scientist, Dr. West continued his academic journey at Florida Atlantic University, where he received his Florida teaching certificate. However, even as he thrived in teaching, the idea of pursuing orthodontics remained a constant goal in the back of his mind. He saw dentistry as a perfect intersection of science, artistry, and human connection—a field where he could make a lasting impact on people’s confidence and self-esteem.

Before entering dental school, Dr. West advanced his education further by completing a master’s degree in environmental science. During this time, he combined his love of biology and the natural world with active fieldwork as head biologist for EnviroGlades, Inc. His role placed him at the center of South Florida’s environmental restoration efforts, working to preserve the region’s coral reefs, wetlands, and estuaries. The project instilled a deep appreciation for both the complexity and fragility of natural systems—lessons he continues to carry into his approach to patient care.

In 2001, Dr. West embarked on a new chapter, leaving South Florida for Philadelphia to attend Temple University’s School of Dentistry. His time at Temple marked a period of intense growth and accomplishment. He served as president of his dental class as well as president of the Temple University Society for the Study of Orthodontics, roles that reflected his natural ability to inspire collaboration and academic excellence. His dedication to both leadership and scholarship earned him the highest recognition—graduating summa cum laude with dual degrees: a Doctorate of Medical Dentistry (D.M.D.) and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.).

Dr. West remained at Temple University to specialize further, completing his orthodontic residency and earning a Master of Science degree for his research evaluating the attachment effectiveness of Invisalign® aligners. This research laid the groundwork for his continued expertise in modern orthodontic techniques, particularly clear aligner therapy. Today, Dr. West is widely recognized for his skill in crafting precise, customized Invisalign treatment plans for both teens and adults, combining advanced technology with a warm, patient-centered approach.

Professional Leadership and Affiliations

Throughout his career, Dr. West has remained deeply engaged with the broader dental and orthodontic community. He is board certified and maintains active membership in several leading professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, the Florida Association of Orthodontists, and the Florida Dental Association. His peers have also trusted him with leadership roles—he has served as a delegate for the Atlantic Coast District Dental Association and as a board member for the North Palm Beach Dental Society. These positions underscore his dedication to advancing both the science of orthodontics and the quality of patient care across the region.

Life Outside the Practice

Away from the office, Dr. West’s life is firmly rooted in the Jupiter community, where he lives with his wife, Shelley, and their two sons, Daxton and Porter. Family plays a central role in everything he does, from weekend adventures to everyday moments around their home. The Wests share a deep love for South Florida’s coastal lifestyle—surfing, boating, fishing, and scuba diving are regular parts of their lives. Whenever possible, the family also travels to enjoy snowboarding trips and outdoor exploration together, often accompanied by their beloved dog.

Balancing a busy professional life with family time and recreation is something Dr. West practices intentionally. Just as he encourages his patients to discover their best smiles, he strives to live out a philosophy of joy, connection, and health in his own life.

Dr. West and his family are proud to be active members of the Jupiter community, contributing not only through his orthodontic practice but also by participating in local activities and events that celebrate the area’s unique coastal culture. Through Family Orthodontics of Jupiter, Dr. West welcomes children, teens, and adults alike, inviting them to experience a supportive environment where clinical excellence meets genuine care—and where every smile begins with trust.

Caring for your braces is one of the most important parts of your orthodontic journey, no matter which type of treatment you choose. Thoughtful daily hygiene protects your teeth and gums, keeps your breath fresh, and helps your treatment stay on track. The better you care for your braces, the more confident you will feel when they come off and your new smile is revealed.

At Family Orthodontics of Jupiter, patients can choose from traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligners. Each option needs a slightly different approach to daily care. Below are practical, easy-to-follow tips for keeping every type of braces clean and comfortable.

Why hygiene matters with braces

Braces and aligners create small spaces where food and plaque can hide. If they are not cleaned away, bacteria can build up and cause cavities, white spots on the enamel, gum irritation, and bad breath. Brushing and flossing carefully during treatment protects the teeth underneath your braces so your smile is as healthy as it is straight.

Good hygiene also supports efficient tooth movement. Clean teeth and healthy gums respond better to gentle orthodontic forces, which can help your treatment progress as planned and reduce the chance of delays.

Metal braces daily hygiene habits

Traditional metal braces remain a trusted choice for children, teens, and adults. Because the brackets and wires stay on your teeth all the time, staying on top of your routine is essential.

Key daily steps for metal braces:

• Brush after every meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Angle the bristles above and below the brackets so you can clean along the gumline and under the wire.
• Use an interdental or “proxy” brush to reach under the wire and around each bracket where a regular brush may miss.
• Floss at least once per day using a floss threader or orthodontic floss so you can slide the floss under the wire and between each tooth.

Smart habits around food and comfort:

• Avoid sticky, chewy, or very hard foods that can bend wires, loosen brackets, or cling tightly around your braces. Examples include caramel, taffy, hard nuts, ice, and chewy candies.
• Rinse thoroughly with water or a gentle fluoride mouthwash after brushing to remove loosened debris.
• Check your smile in the mirror after meals to make sure there is no food stuck around your brackets or between teeth.

Clear ceramic braces protecting your appearance

Clear or ceramic braces work like metal braces but use brackets made from tooth-colored or clear materials. They are popular with teens and adults who want a more discreet look. Because they are more aesthetic, it is especially important to prevent staining and plaque buildup around the brackets.

Daily hygiene for clear braces:

• Brush after meals with a soft brush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Pay close attention to the edges of the brackets and along the gumline, where plaque can become visible more quickly.
• Floss once a day using a floss threader or orthodontic floss. Clean gently under the wire and between each tooth to keep gums healthy and prevent white spots.
• Use an interdental brush to reach tight areas around brackets and under the wire.

Stain-prevention tips:

• Limit foods and drinks that can discolor the clear elastic ties, such as dark teas, coffee, red wine, tomato-based sauces, and certain spices. If you do enjoy them, rinse with water soon afterward.
• Avoid tobacco products, which are especially likely to stain clear ties and the areas of enamel around your brackets.
• Keep up with regular professional cleanings so your dental and orthodontic teams can remove hardened plaque and watch for early staining.

Invisalign clear aligners caring for teeth and trays

Invisalign clear aligners are a popular, removable option for many adults, teens, and some children. Because the trays fit closely over your teeth for most of the day, your teeth must be clean before you put the aligners back in your mouth. Aligners themselves also need daily care so they stay clear and comfortable.

Caring for your teeth with Invisalign:

• Brush thoroughly after every meal and snack before you reinsert your aligners. This keeps food particles and sugar from being trapped against your enamel.
• Floss at least once per day to remove plaque between teeth, where your toothbrush and aligners cannot reach.
• Consider using a fluoride mouth rinse once a day to help strengthen enamel during treatment.

Caring for your aligners:

• Rinse aligners with lukewarm water each time you remove them to wash away saliva and debris.
• Clean your trays at least once a day with a clear, unscented antibacterial soap or a recommended aligner-cleaning solution, using a soft toothbrush set aside just for this purpose.
• Avoid hot water, colored mouthwashes, and abrasive toothpaste on your aligners, because these can warp, stain, or scratch the plastic.

Wear-time and storage habits:

• Keep aligners in their case whenever they are not in your mouth to protect them from damage and bacteria.
• Follow your prescribed wear time, usually 20–22 hours per day, and remove aligners only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and cleaning.

Partnering with your orthodontic team

Regular visits to Family Orthodontics of Jupiter give your orthodontist the chance to monitor both tooth movement and oral health. At each appointment, the team can check your brushing and flossing, make recommendations, and answer questions about caring for your specific type of braces.

If you ever notice sore, puffy gums, new staining, or difficulty cleaning around a particular spot, bring it up at your next visit or call the office for guidance. A few extra minutes a day invested in good hygiene during treatment can mean a smoother experience, a healthier mouth, and a beautifully confident smile when your braces or aligners come off.

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a planned, step-by-step process that guides jaw growth first and then fine‑tunes the teeth, giving children a healthier, more stable smile that can last well into adulthood. For many kids, this early, proactive approach can reduce the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery later and support better function, confidence, and long-term oral health.

Two-phase orthodontic treatment in Jupiter, FL is especially valuable for growing children who show early signs of crowding, jaw imbalance, or bite problems. Instead of waiting until all permanent teeth are in and trying to fix everything at once, Dr. Christopher West at Family Orthodontics of Jupiter designs a timeline that matches each child’s unique growth pattern. This is not “more treatment” for the sake of it; it is smarter, more targeted timing that helps your child’s smile develop correctly from the ground up.

What Two-Phase Treatment Means

Two-phase orthodontic treatment combines early orthopedic guidance of the jaws with later comprehensive orthodontic treatment for the teeth. In Phase One, the focus is on how the jaws grow, how the upper and lower arches relate to each other, and whether there is enough space for the permanent teeth. In Phase Two, the attention shifts to precise alignment of every permanent tooth and fine‑tuning the bite.

Clinically, this approach recognizes that jaw growth and tooth eruption do not happen at the same time. By intervening during key growth windows, an experienced Jupiter orthodontist like Dr. West can influence the way the upper and lower jaws develop, which is something that is much harder—sometimes impossible—to correct once growth is complete. This allows the second phase of braces or clear aligners to be more efficient, more stable, and often more comfortable for your child.

Phase One: Building A Healthy Foundation

Phase One, sometimes called “early interceptive treatment,” usually starts around ages six to eight, when a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth are present. At this stage, signs such as significant crowding of the front teeth, crossbites, underbites, overbites, or an obviously narrow upper jaw indicate that two-phase orthodontic treatment may be beneficial. A child who habitually mouth-breathes, has difficulty chewing, or has a visibly asymmetrical jaw may also be an ideal candidate.

During Phase One, Dr. West may use appliances such as palatal expanders, space maintainers, limited braces on selected teeth, or functional orthopedic devices to guide jaw growth and create space. The goal is to:

• Correct jaw width problems (for example, a narrow upper jaw)
• Improve how the upper and lower jaws fit together
• Create sufficient room for erupting permanent teeth
• Reduce the risk of impacted teeth that get “stuck” in the bone
• Improve airway and oral function where possible

By resolving major structural and spacing issues early, Phase One sets a healthy foundation that makes later orthodontic treatment more predictable. Parents often see practical benefits quickly, such as improved chewing, clearer speech, and less trauma to protruding front teeth.

Resting Period: Growth With Guidance

After Phase One finishes, there is a planned “resting” period. During this time, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt naturally while the orthodontist monitors their progress. In many cases, no active appliances are worn so that tooth eruption is not restricted. Periodic check-ups with Dr. West allow him to:

• Track jaw growth and tooth eruption
• Decide if and when baby teeth should be removed to guide eruption
• Plan the ideal timing for Phase Two treatment

This resting period is a critical part of two-phase orthodontic treatment because it respects the body’s natural growth while keeping a professional eye on any developing issues. Parents gain peace of mind knowing that a specialist is regularly checking their child’s bite and facial development—not just reacting once a big problem appears.

Phase Two: Finishing The Smile For Life

Phase Two usually begins once all or nearly all permanent teeth have erupted, typically in early adolescence. This phase looks more like what most parents picture when they think of orthodontic treatment: full upper and lower braces or clear aligners to align the teeth and perfect the bite. Because Phase One already addressed jaw discrepancies and major crowding, Phase Two can focus on fine detail:

• Aligning each tooth into an ideal, functional position
• Coordinating the upper and lower arches for a stable bite
• Enhancing smile aesthetics, lip support, and facial balance
• Optimizing the way teeth meet for efficient chewing and long-term joint health

The objective is a bite where teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue all work harmoniously. Once active treatment is complete, retainers maintain the results and protect your child’s new smile into adulthood.

Long-Term Benefits For Your Child

From a long-term standpoint, two-phase orthodontic treatment for children offers several important advantages:

• Reduced likelihood of permanent tooth extractions or jaw surgery later in life
• Lower risk of severe crowding, impacted canine teeth, or complex orthodontic problems in the teens
• Better development of facial balance and profile, which supports both function and appearance
• Improved chewing efficiency, speech, and oral comfort over decades—not just during childhood
• A more stable bite that is less likely to relapse, minimizing future retreatment needs

There is also a powerful emotional benefit. Children who grow up with a comfortable, attractive smile often feel more confident at school, in sports, in photos, and in social situations. Instead of worrying about protruding teeth, open bites, or crowded, crooked smiles, they can focus on being kids—learning, laughing, and engaging with the world.

Why Parents In Jupiter Choose Dr. Christopher West

For parents in Jupiter, FL searching for “two-phase orthodontic treatment,” “early orthodontic treatment for kids,” or “children’s braces in Jupiter,” the choice of provider matters just as much as the timing. Dr. Christopher West at Family Orthodontics of Jupiter combines advanced clinical training with a calm, kid‑friendly approach that helps children feel safe and understood.

Every child receives a thorough evaluation that may include digital X‑rays, photos, and models of the teeth to determine whether one-phase or two-phase orthodontic treatment is truly indicated. Dr. West does not recommend early treatment unless there is a clear clinical benefit; when two-phase care is advised, he explains the reasons in plain language so parents can make informed decisions. Families appreciate that they are guided, not pressured, and that each plan is tailored to the child rather than a cookie‑cutter protocol.

If you are a parent in Jupiter or the surrounding communities and you are wondering whether your child should start braces now or wait, a consultation for two-phase orthodontic treatment with Dr. West is the best next step. You will learn whether early treatment is necessary, what appliances might be used, how long each phase is likely to last, and how this investment can protect your child’s long-term oral health. Taking the time to evaluate two-phase orthodontic treatment today may spare your son or daughter from more invasive, complicated treatment tomorrow—and give them the confident, healthy smile they deserve for life.

Choosing the right orthodontist can be a pivotal decision for your family’s health and happiness, especially when it comes to lasting confidence in your smile. In Jupiter, Florida, patients have many options for braces, aligners and orthodontic care. Yet time and again, local families choose Dr. Christopher West and Family Orthodontics of Jupiter as their top destination. So, what truly sets this practice apart from other orthodontists in the region?

This article dives into the distinctive qualities that make Family Orthodontics of Jupiter an exceptional choice for anyone seeking world-class orthodontic treatment, a welcoming atmosphere, and genuine long-term support.

A Patient-First Philosophy Centered on Relationships

At the heart of Dr. West’s approach is a commitment to personalized care. Unlike high-volume practices where patients can feel like just another number, Dr. West and his team make it a point to truly get to know you and your family. Visits never feel rushed; every question gets thoughtful attention. Parents appreciate being updated and included in treatment plans, while children feel relaxed and supported—a rare combination that builds trust and confidence from the very first consultation.

Board-Certified Expertise and Leadership

While many orthodontists are licensed, Dr. Christopher West stands out as a board-certified orthodontist. This achievement signifies advanced training, adherence to rigorous ethical standards, and a passion for staying ahead of emerging research. Board certification is a mark of quality that signals a deep commitment to best practices, evidence-based treatment, and continuous learning. Dr. West also shares his knowledge through professional leadership, demonstrating his standing in the orthodontic community.

Advanced Technology with a Personal Touch

The field of orthodontics continues to evolve, and Family Orthodontics of Jupiter remains at the forefront of these advancements. From digital scanning to computer-aided treatment planning, the practice leverages the latest technology to make procedures more efficient, comfortable, and precise. For patients, this means more reliable outcomes, quicker appointments, and less invasive techniques. Clear aligners, traditional braces, and emerging alternatives are all available, ensuring tailored solutions for every patient’s needs.

Locally Owned, Family-Focused Practice

Family Orthodontics of Jupiter is a locally owned practice—serving the Jupiter community and beyond, not answering to a corporate parent from another state. This independence allows Dr. West and his team the freedom to prioritize what truly matters: patient care, lasting results, and personal relationships. Decisions can be made nimbly, policies can be adjusted to meet families’ real-life needs, and giving back to local schools and organizations is a true priority.

One Doctor, One Office: Consistent, Reliable Care

A hidden frustration with some larger multi-location practices is the rotating cast of doctors—patients may see a different face at every appointment. At Family Orthodontics of Jupiter, Dr. West personally oversees every phase of care. This consistent presence builds strong relationships and ensures seamless communication. Patients have direct access to their provider, questions never go unanswered, and families always know who is directing their treatment.

Results Without Compromising Comfort

Kids, teens, and adults alike appreciate the extra steps Dr. West takes to maximize comfort and minimize the inconvenience of orthodontic treatment. Advanced wires and brackets, when appropriate, can mean less discomfort and shorter treatment times. Clear aligner systems provide a discreet option for those looking for flexibility and convenience. Every detail—from ease of initial consultations to follow-up care—is designed to reduce stress and make the orthodontic process as smooth as possible.

Community Engagement and Lasting Support

Being part of the Jupiter community is more than a slogan—it’s a fundamental value at Family Orthodontics. The office supports local schools, youth sports, and charity events, reflecting a genuine investment in bringing out the best in local families. After braces come off or the last aligner is worn, the relationship doesn’t end. The practice provides thorough retention plans and ongoing support, ensuring beautiful smiles last a lifetime.

Transparent, Flexible Financing

Understanding that orthodontic care is an investment, Dr. West’s office offers clear and flexible financing without hidden fees or high-pressure sales tactics. The team works directly with families to maximize insurance benefits and create customized payment plans that respect different budgets, easing the path to a straight, healthy smile.

Welcoming and Comfortable Space

Patients rave about the friendly, welcoming atmosphere from the moment they step in the door. The office is designed to put children at ease while respecting parents’ time and needs. A bright, inviting environment helps lower anxiety, while state-of-the-art hygiene and safety protocols maintain health as the highest priority.

A Reputation Built on Trust

Word-of-mouth referrals, glowing online reviews, and generations of returning patients all speak volumes about Family Orthodontics of Jupiter’s place in the community. Dr. Christopher West has built a reputation on trust, reliability, and genuine enthusiasm for creating confident, healthy smiles.

Experience the Difference Yourself

Whether you’re a parent searching for the best orthodontic experience for your child or an adult considering upgrading your own smile, one visit to Family Orthodontics of Jupiter will make it clear why so many families become lifelong patients. Discover firsthand what makes Dr. Christopher West and his dedicated team the leading choice for orthodontic excellence in Jupiter and beyond—where your family’s smiles are always in experienced, compassionate hands.