Experience
Life Smiling
We provide expert orthodontic care for every age and stage. From early evaluations to advanced braces and clear aligners, our friendly team guides each smile to straight, healthy, confidence-boosting results, delivered comfortably and efficiently.
Celebrating 20 Years!
Early Treatment
We offer gentle orthodontic solutions tailored for young smiles and busy schedules.
Braces
Braces use gentle, consistent pressure to align teeth with precision and comfort.
Invisalign
Invisalign straightens teeth using clear, removable aligners for a nearly invisible look.
Adult Treatment
We offer discreet orthodontic solutions tailored for adult smiles and busy lives.
The Blacker Orthodontics Approach
Redefining the Orthodontic Experience
We believe orthodontics should be about more than just creating straight teeth. Dr. Blacker’s vision is to help every patient truly Experience Life Smiling, which means feeling confident, cared for, and proud of your smile.
This mindset shapes everything we do, from the way we treat our patients to the atmosphere we create in our office. Dr. Blacker is deeply committed to staying at the forefront of orthodontic care by regularly attending advanced courses and workshops.
His goal is to bring the latest techniques and most thoughtful care to the communities of Chandler and Tempe, creating not just beautiful smiles but a positive experience every step of the way.
Dr. Shane K Blacker
Board Certified Orthodontist
Dr. Shane K. Blacker earned his dental degree from Case Western Reserve University after completing his undergraduate education at Brigham Young University.
He furthered his training with a general practice residency at the University of Utah Hospital, then completed two additional years of specialized orthodontic education at the Eastman Dental Center, part of the University of Rochester.
Originally from Idaho, Dr. Blacker chose to make Arizona his home, drawn by the warm climate and a lifestyle ideal for raising a family. When he's not in the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their seven children—you’ll often find him at Little League games or dance recitals.
Dr. Blacker is also actively involved in the Chandler and Tempe communities, volunteering with the Boy Scouts and serving in his local church.
Celebrating 20 Years!
Just a few of our
Services Offered
Early Treatment
Starting orthodontic care at an early age can guide jaw growth, correct harmful habits, and prevent more serious issues down the line.
Early treatment helps create space for permanent teeth and sets the stage for a healthy smile.
Adult Treatment
It’s never too late to improve your smile.
We offer discreet, effective options like clear aligners, ceramic braces, and lingual systems designed to fit seamlessly into adult lifestyles and schedules.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into the right position.
They’re highly effective for treating a wide range of bite issues and remain one of the most reliable orthodontic options.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-fit aligners to straighten teeth without brackets or wires.
It's a comfortable and nearly invisible option that fits easily into everyday life
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Common Questions About Orthodontics for Children
01
Where did my child's orthodontic problems come from?
Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Some are "acquired," developing over time by sucking the thumb or fingers, mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents and poor nutrition.
02
Won't my child's teeth straighten out as they grow?
Unfortunately, your child's teeth will not straighten out as he or she grows. The space available for permanent front teeth will not increase as one grows.
03
Should I wait for our dentist to refer my child to an orthodontist?
No. Parents may be the first to realize that something is "off" about their child's teeth or jaws. If you have a concern, contact us to schedule a visit.
04
What if I don’t want my child or I to get a dental X-ray?
We understand that some patients may feel uneasy about radiation exposure from dental X-rays. Rest assured, dental X-rays are safe for children, as the radiation is minimal and the benefits in diagnosing and preventing serious oral health issues far outweigh the risks. While X-rays are an important part of starting orthodontic treatment at Blacker Orthodontics, we are always happy to answer your questions and discuss any concerns you may have.
Your Child's First Orthodontic Exam
The AAO recommends that children first visit an orthodontist no later than age 7. The mix of baby and permanent teeth present at this age allows the orthodontist to recognize orthodontic problems ("malocclusions") even in their earliest stages.
Five essential questions are generally covered during the first exam:
- Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
- What are the available treatment options?
- How long is the recommended treatment expected to take?
- How much will the recommended treatment cost?
Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Care
Early or Late Loss of Baby
Teeth
While some variation is normal, losing baby teeth too early or too late can create problems with the permanent teeth replacing them. An orthodontist is an expert in recognizing and treating adverse variations.
Difficulty Chewing or Biting
Eating should never hurt. Although discomfort is typical when "teething," painful chewing may indicate orthodontic problems that need to be addressed.
Mouth Breathing
Many orthodontic problems can develop as a result of mouth breathing. Your child's orthodontist can address and
correct these issues.
Jaws Shifting or Clicking
Shifting of the lower jaw due to a bite problem can lead to jaw pain and other dental consequences. Orthodontists are experts in evaluating how teeth come together and can ensure your child's jaws are aligned correctly.
Cheek Biting
With a normal bite, the outer cusps of the upper teeth hold the cheeks away from the lower chewing surfaces. If your child is constantly biting their cheeks, they may have a condition where the upper and lower teeth are not coming or fitting together properly when chewing.
Facial Imbalance
The underlying teeth and jaws may affect the appearance of the lips, chin, and other facial features. If your child’s jaw is misaligned, an imbalance can impact their face shape and appearance. An orthodontist can expertly align your child’s jaw to avoid this imbalance and prevent future health issues.
Testimonials
Hear it right from the patients
No Insurance?
No Problem!
No insurance? We've got you covered. We believe everyone deserves access to quality orthodontic care. That's why we offer flexible payment plans and affordable financing options to fit your budget. Getting the smile you want has never been easier.
- In House Interest-Free Payment Plans Available
- No Hidden Fees
- Automatic Payments for Simplicity
- Care Credit Zero Interest Plans Available
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of our most frequently asked questions. For any additional inquires please reach out to our amazing staff!
Am I a candidate for Invisalign?
Most people with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues are good candidates for Invisalign. The best way to know for sure is through a consultation with our orthodontist, who will evaluate your smile and goals to determine if Invisalign is the right fit for you.
Is Invisalign with a dentist the same as with an orthodontist?
Not exactly. Dentists can provide Invisalign, but orthodontists are specialists in straightening teeth and correcting bite problems. Choosing an orthodontist means your treatment plan is designed and monitored by a doctor who has years of advanced training in tooth movement and facial alignment.
Are braces quicker than Invisalign?
It depends on your case. In some situations, braces can move teeth more efficiently, while Invisalign may be faster for simpler alignments. During your consultation, we’ll recommend the option that gets you the best results in the shortest time possible.
Do you have payment plans?
Yes! We believe everyone deserves a confident smile. That’s why we offer flexible, interest-free payment plans tailored to your budget. Our team will work with you to make treatment affordable and stress-free.
Can I whiten during treatment?
Yes, but with some limits. With Invisalign, you can whiten between aligner trays. With braces, we usually recommend waiting until treatment is complete to ensure the whitening looks even across all teeth.
Do I need a referral from a dentist?
No referral is needed! You can book a consultation directly with us. We work with dentists all the time, but you don’t need their permission to start your smile journey.
Am I too old to get treatment?
Not at all. Orthodontic treatment works at any age as long as your teeth and gums are healthy. Many of our patients are adults who finally decided it’s their time to love their smile.
Should I have braces after all my dental work is done?
It depends on the type of dental work. Sometimes, orthodontics should be done before certain procedures (like crowns, implants, or veneers) to make sure your teeth are in the right place first. We’ll coordinate with your dentist to create the right sequence for your care.
Get The Best Orthodontic Care to help you Experience Life Smiling
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