Treatment

Icons representing dental health: one tooth with a cavity on a red starburst background, and one tooth with braces on a blue starburst background.

Dental and Ortho Under One Roof

At Heights Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics you get the convenience of having both dental and ortho in the same facility. This benefits families in many ways and saves parents time booking two different doctors for their child. The practice caters to kids, but also includes adults and people with special needs.

We look forward to perfecting your smile today!

Pedo Services

Close-up of a smiling toddler with bright eyes and a joyful expression
  • As recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should visit the dentist by his or her first birthday. This early visit is what we refer to as a WELL BABY VISIT. At this appointment parents receive valuable information on how to take care of their children’s teeth, how to keep them healthy and cavity free, and how to assess healthy dental development. Your child will have his or her first oral exam and the parents will learn proper tooth-brushing techniques.

A young boy brushing his teeth with a toothbrush, looking directly at the camera with a determined expression.
  • By age three, your child is ready for their New Patient Visit—a fun, positive, and stress-free introduction to dental care. We use a gentle “show and tell” approach so your child can explore tools and feel comfortable. During this visit, we’ll do a dental exam, take any needed x-rays, provide a gentle cleaning and fluoride treatment, and give home care and diet tips.

    Parents are encouraged to join and help prepare their child by avoiding scary words like “needle” or “drill.” No major treatments will be done unless it’s an emergency. This first visit focuses on building trust, assessing needs, and planning future care.

    We look forward to welcoming you and your child for a healthy, happy smile journey!

A young boy in a dental chair smiling while a dentist examines his teeth with dental instruments.
  • At Heights Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we’re committed to making every dental visit positive and stress-free for your child and family. We create a safe, familiar environment with consistent rooms, trained staff, and helpful tools like TVs, storyboards, and sensory aids to keep your child comfortable.

    Our process includes multiple short visits with personalized goals tailored to your child’s needs, allowing them to build confidence at their own pace. We encourage parent participation but may sometimes need focused one-on-one time with your child.

    Appointments often start with an initial assessment, and completing exams, cleanings, and x-rays may require several visits. We recommend morning visits during quieter times to help your child stay calm and focused. We only charge for completed procedures, not for visits, and work closely with you to ensure success. Contact us for more details.

A man in medical scrubs standing next to a woman in a black T-shirt, both smiling, in a dental office with framed certificates on the wall
  • Our office offers both conscious oral sedation and intravenous (IV) sedation for anxious patients needing dental treatment. All our doctors and staff are highly trained in sedation protocols and emergency care.

    Oral sedation, administered by Dr. Lindhorst, keeps patients awake but lightly relaxed during treatment. Patients remain awake afterward but should not attend school the same day, as the medication takes a few hours to fully clear.

    IV sedation, provided by our anesthesiologist Dr. Ballard, puts patients fully asleep during the procedure. They are alert when leaving the office but also should not return to school that day.

    Both sedation options are available to ensure your child’s comfort. Please discuss your child’s needs with our doctors to plan a comfortable dental visit.

Ortho Services

A young boy wearing a straw hat smiling at the camera outdoors on a sunny day.
  • Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses jaw and facial changes and tooth straightening. The major advantage of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic and comfortable result that will remain stable. In some cases interceptive treatment prevents adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

    Interceptive orthodontic care is one of the most rewarding treatment options that we offer to our patients. Interceptive care is exactly that, intercepting a problem before it gets out of hand. Treatment occurs at a younger age than conventional orthodontic care and is not typically as long. The idea is to shift teeth, manipulate growth, create space for unerupted teeth, break habits and prevent trauma before it is too late. Children between the ages of 7 and 10 are best suited for this sort of treatment. They are flexible, compliant and their growth potential is still at a maximum. Treatment usually lasts 4 to 12 months after which the child is monitored and the decision as to the need for a second phase is made. Most children will require a second, more comprehensive, phase of treatment in order to create a completely stable, functional and aesthetic occlusion.

    Second phase treatment begins once most of the adult teeth have erupted. This phase usually requires 12 months with braces on all of the teeth. After the second phase of treatment retainers will be worn in order to hold the teeth in the correct position.

Close-up of a person's teeth with a clear dental aligner or retainer.
  • Invisalign straightens your teeth without braces using a series of clear, removable aligners custom-made to fit your smile. These virtually invisible trays gently shift your teeth into place, giving you a confident, beautiful smile.

    Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign has no metal wires or brackets, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene and reducing the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.

    Why Choose Invisalign?

    • Clear and nearly invisible

    • Removable—won’t interfere with eating or activities

    • Easy to brush and floss

    • New aligners every two weeks for steady progress

    • Regular check-ins to monitor your smile

    Invisalign effectively treats many orthodontic issues, including crowded or spaced teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Dr. Darsey, a Premier Preferred Invisalign Provider, will design a personalized treatment plan tailored just for you.

    Not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Darsey and find out if Invisalign is the right choice for your smile.

A plastic container with multiple compartments filled with various types of O-rings.
  • We offer a variety of orthodontic options to fit your style and treatment goals—from classic Traditional Silver Braces with colorful elastics, to discreet Clear or Ceramic Braces, and nearly invisible Invisalign aligners. Our certified orthodontists provide expert care at two convenient Houston locations, including our Memorial and Heights offices. Whether you’re a new patient or returning, we’re here to help you achieve your best smile with personalized treatment and friendly support.

Close-up of a woman smiling while putting on braces on her teeth.
  • Orthodontic treatment is a positive change at any age, helping you achieve the confidence that comes with a healthy, beautiful smile.

    As we age, teeth often shift inward, causing crowding—a common issue for both teens and adults. This can make it harder to keep teeth clean and healthy. Straightening your teeth supports better dental health.

    Thanks to new technologies like Invisalign, adults who once thought orthodontics wasn’t an option now have discreet, convenient treatment that fits busy lifestyles. Our Clear Braces also provide an attractive, effective way to improve your smile.

    No matter your age, orthodontic treatment can make a real difference. If you’ve always wanted a beautiful, healthy smile, remember—it’s never too late to start!

“Our goal for Heights Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is to bring both of those together. It's mostly a convenience factor for parents and kids to have one place to come.”

— Dr. Drew Darsey, Orthodontist

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