Meet Dr. Kristen Igualada-Heine and Dr. Penelope Reingowsky, your Sunrise Orthodontists
Dr. Kristen Igualada-Heine is a native of Miami, grew up in South Florida, and graduated from FAU. She attended dental school at NSU and earned her DMD while graduating in the top 1% of her class. Following dental school, Dr. Kristen was chosen for a Craniofacial fellowship, and then completed her orthodontic training at NSU. She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and is an Invisalign® specialist.
Dr. Kristen is committed to doing what is best for every patient’s unique needs, and has adopted a conservative treatment style. This allows her patients to receive exactly what they need during every visit, without recommending anything extra or unnecessary.
Dr. Penelope Reingowsky was born in Lima, Peru, and moved to South Florida when she was seven years old. After completing her undergraduate degree at UF, she earned her DMD from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, as well as an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) certificate from UF. Dr. Penny then completed her orthodontic training at NSU. She is currently a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and is an Invisalign® specialist.
Dr. Penny believes that orthodontic treatment should be tailor-made for each individual, and provides her patients with the most personalized orthodontic experience available. She speaks fluent Spanish.
Why an Orthodontist in Sunrise? Orthodontist vs. Dentist
An orthodontist is a dentist, but a dentist is not an Orthodontist.
Not every dentist is qualified to be an orthodontist, even though every orthodontist starts as a dentist. Dr. Kristen Iqualada-Heine and Dr. Penelope Reingowsky, like all orthodontists, continued their education for 2 or 3 additional years before receiving the necessary license and certification. Dr. Kristen Iqualada-Heine and Dr. Penelope Reingowsky, like all orthodontists, have spent years studying nothing but how and why to move teeth. This includes what to do, how to plan, and how to perform the treatment plan that you need.
Why does it matter if you see your Sunrise Orthodontist?
Dentists receive basic orthodontic training so they can perform root canals, extract wisdom teeth, and treat young children who don’t need to see an orthodontist yet. Specialists receive additional training to give them the skills needed to deal with more complex orthodontic issues.
Seeing a specialist like a Sunrise orthodontist may change your braces experience by:
- Providing more treatment options, with a variety of braces or therapies to choose from
- Having personal experience treating multiple cases that are similar to your unique concerns and anatomical characteristics.
- More efficient treatment and visits, because it’s the office’s main focus.
- Knowing that you’ll receive the best possible outcome on your treatment plan, especially if you have worse than usual bite discrepancies that need to be dealt with
- Being seen more quickly, as a family dentist will be focused on longer patient cases or emergencies throughout the day.
You may think it’s fine to have your orthodontic work done by your dentist, but convenience shouldn’t be a barrier to seeing a specialist. You’ll only need to stop by Sunrise orthodontic offices every six to eight weeks.
And don’t let price be a problem either! Sawgrass Orthodontics is proud to provide affordable treatment in the Sunrise area.
Testimonials from Sunrise orthodontist patients
"We have 3 Daughters going to Sawgrass Orthodontics and we cannot say enough about how wonderful Dr. Penny & Dr. Kristen are as well as the entire staff. Everyone is wonderful. They are honest, detailed and take the time to explain and review their recommendations. We are lucky to have been referred to this practice and would recommend them to everyone. Its not a common thing when your children love going to a Dr's appointment. Thank you for all that you do!" – Mike W.
"I have nothing but great things to say about our experience with Sawgrass Orthodontics, they are the best ever! I have my 3 kids in their care, and from the moment my kids come into the office, they are met with such care and attention. The staff truly cares for each person that walks thru their doors and really listens to the parents concerns. Sawgrass Ortho is the best there is!" – Jennifer M.
What Does a Sunrise Orthodontist Do? Specialized Care Beyond General Dentistry
A Sunrise orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats misaligned teeth, bite concerns, and jaw irregularities. Unlike general dentists, orthodontists complete an additional two to three years of specialized residency training after dental school. This advanced education focuses entirely on tooth movement, jaw development, and facial growth patterns.
Here's an easy way to think about it: your Sunrise dentist is like your family doctor, managing your overall oral health. Your Sunrise orthodontist is the specialist you see when you need expert care for alignment and bite issues. Both play important roles, but they serve different purposes.
Dr. Penelope Reingowsky and Dr. Kristen Igualada-Heine have dedicated their careers to orthodontic care. Their specialized residency training allows them to diagnose and treat many alignment concerns that general dentists typically refer out.
Conditions We Treat at Our Sunrise Practice
Our Sunrise orthodontist team addresses many common alignment and bite issues.
Crowding is one of the most common reasons people visit our Sunrise practice. It happens when there isn't enough space in the jaw for all teeth to fit properly. Crowded teeth overlap, twist, or get pushed forward or backward. Beyond the cosmetic concerns, crowded teeth are harder to clean, which means a higher risk of cavities and gum disease.
Spacing issues are the opposite problem. Gaps between teeth can result from missing teeth, small teeth, or a jaw that's too large for the teeth present. Some people embrace their gaps, while others find that spacing affects their confidence or makes certain foods difficult to chew.
Overbites and underbites describe how your upper and lower teeth meet when you close your mouth. An overbite means the upper teeth extend too far over the lower teeth, and an underbite means the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. Both can cause uneven wear, jaw discomfort, and difficulty chewing.
Crossbites happen when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside. This misalignment can lead to uneven jaw growth in children and worn enamel in patients of all ages.
If your front teeth don't touch when your back teeth are closed, that's an open bite. This makes biting into foods like sandwiches or apples a real challenge, and it can also affect speech.
Jaw alignment concerns involve the position of the upper and lower jaws relative to each other. These issues can cause chronic jaw discomfort, headaches, and difficulty with everyday activities like eating and speaking.
Treatment Options Available at Sawgrass Orthodontics
Traditional metal braces remain one of the most effective orthodontic treatments available. Modern braces are smaller and more comfortable than the brackets you might remember from years past. They work by applying consistent, gentle pressure to move teeth into their ideal positions over time.
Ceramic braces function the same way but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with your smile.
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners to shift teeth gradually. The aligners are virtually invisible and removable, so you can eat whatever you want and maintain your normal brushing and flossing routine. We offer Invisalign for adults and Invisalign Teen for our younger patients.
Forsus appliances help correct significant overbites by encouraging lower jaw growth and upper molar movement. These spring-loaded devices work alongside braces to address bite issues that might otherwise require more involved treatment.
The right treatment for you depends on your specific alignment concerns, lifestyle preferences, and goals. During your free consultation at our Sunrise practice, we'll examine your teeth, discuss your options, and help you choose the approach that makes the most sense for your situation.
Benefits of Choosing Sawgrass Orthodontics as Your Sunrise Orthodontist
Orthodontic treatment at Sawgrass Orthodontics does more than create a beautiful smile. The benefits extend to your oral health, daily comfort, and overall confidence. Here's a quick look at what choosing Sawgrass Orthodontics in Sunrise means for you:
- Healthier teeth and gums that are easier to brush and floss
- Relief from jaw discomfort caused by bite misalignment
- A real confidence boost, whether you're 8 or 48
- Convenient Sunrise location with scheduling that respects your time
- Affordable options, including free consultations, flexible payment plans, and insurance coordination. (Seriously, we work hard to make this accessible.)
- A plan built for your smile, powered by modern digital technology
Let's break each of these down.
Improved Oral Health
Straight teeth are easier to clean. When teeth overlap or crowd together, your toothbrush and floss can't reach all the surfaces where plaque builds up. These hidden areas become breeding grounds for the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
After orthodontic treatment at Sawgrass Orthodontics, your teeth fit together properly. Fewer cavities. Healthier gums. Many of our Sunrise neighbors notice that their dental checkups go more smoothly once their teeth are aligned.
Properly aligned teeth also wear more evenly. When your bite is off, certain teeth absorb more force than they should during chewing. Over time, this uneven pressure can crack enamel, wear down tooth surfaces, and even damage fillings and crowns.
That kind of damage adds up, and it's preventable with the right orthodontic care.
Relief from Jaw Discomfort
Bite misalignment puts stress on your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), the hinges that connect your jaw to your skull. This stress can cause:
- Chronic jaw soreness or tenderness
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide
- Discomfort while chewing
Correcting your bite through orthodontic treatment at Sawgrass Orthodontics often relieves these symptoms. When your teeth meet properly, your jaw muscles and joints can function without strain. The difference can be dramatic.
Enhanced Confidence at Every Age
A smile is often the first thing people notice about you. If you're self-conscious about crooked teeth, gaps, or a misaligned bite, you might find yourself smiling with your mouth closed or covering your teeth when you laugh.
Our Sawgrass Orthodontics family tells us that finishing treatment changes how they feel about themselves. Kids become more outgoing. We see teens finally smiling freely in photos instead of hiding their teeth. And adults? They tell us they feel more confident at work and in social settings. That confidence boost is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do, and it's something we never get tired of seeing.
Convenient Care for Sunrise Families
Our Sunrise practice makes it easy for people throughout the area to reach us. We've designed our scheduling with busy lives in mind, offering visit times that work around school, work, and activities.
Your time is valuable. Our team works efficiently to keep visits on track while still giving you the attention you deserve. You won't spend your afternoon in our waiting room. We know you have places to be.
Affordable Treatment Options
Cost concerns shouldn't prevent you from getting the orthodontic care you need. Everyone deserves a healthy, confident smile. Our team works to make treatment accessible for Sunrise families through:
Free consultations that include a thorough exam, digital imaging, and a full treatment overview. You'll know exactly what to expect before committing to anything.
Flexible payment plans that spread the cost of treatment over manageable monthly installments. We'll work with you to find a payment structure that fits your budget. No one should have to choose between financial comfort and a healthy smile.
Insurance coordination to maximize your benefits. Our team handles the paperwork and helps you understand exactly what your plan covers.
Your Customized Treatment Plan, Powered by Modern Technology
Every smile is unique, and your customized treatment plan should reflect that. We use the iTero Digital Impression System to create precise 3D models of your teeth without the gooey, uncomfortable impression materials of the past. These digital scans help us plan your treatment with accuracy and show you a preview of your expected dream smile.
Dr. Penny and Dr. Kristen take the time to understand your specific concerns and goals. We treat each of our patients as individuals - we want to know you! Your customized treatment plan reflects your individual needs, timeline, and preferences.
What to Expect During Treatment at Sawgrass Orthodontics
The orthodontic treatment process at Sawgrass Orthodontics in Sunrise involves five steps: a free consultation, customized treatment planning, appliance placement, regular progress visits, and retention. Starting treatment might feel like a big step, but we've made the process straightforward and easy to follow. Here's what to expect when you choose Sawgrass Orthodontics as your Sunrise orthodontist.
Step 1: Your Free Consultation
Everything begins with a complimentary visit to our Sunrise practice. During this visit, we'll:
Examine your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment thoroughly. Dr. Penny or Dr. Kristen will check for crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and any other concerns.
Capture digital scans and X-rays using our advanced imaging technology. The iTero scanner creates detailed 3D models of your teeth in minutes, with no uncomfortable impression trays. X-rays help us see what's happening beneath the surface, including tooth roots and developing teeth in younger patients.
Listen to your concerns and goals. What bothers you about your smile? What results are you hoping for? This conversation shapes everything that follows.
Walk you through your treatment options. Based on our findings, we'll explain which approaches could work for your situation. We'll discuss the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision.
Break down costs and payment options. You'll receive a clear overview of treatment fees along with information about insurance coverage and payment plans. No surprises, no hidden costs.
This free consultation comes with no obligation. We want you to have all the information you need to make the right choice for your family.
Step 2: Creating Your Plan
Once you decide to move forward, Sawgrass Orthodontics develops a detailed plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan includes:
- Your chosen treatment method (traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign)
- Estimated treatment timeline
- Visit schedule
- Specific goals for each phase of treatment
- Any additional appliances that might be needed
For Invisalign patients, we use your digital scans to design your complete aligner sequence. You'll see a virtual preview of how your teeth will move from start to finish.
For braces patients, we plan the bracket placement and wire progression that will move your teeth into position over time.
Step 3: Appliance Placement or Aligner Fitting
Your next visit is when treatment officially begins.
For braces patients: We'll bond brackets to your teeth and connect them with an archwire. This visit typically takes about an hour. You'll leave with detailed instructions for caring for your braces and managing any initial soreness.
For Invisalign patients: We'll make sure your first set of aligners fits properly and show you how to insert and remove them. You'll receive your first several sets of aligners to change at home according to your schedule.
Both options may feel a bit strange at first. That's completely normal. Most people adjust within a few days.
Step 4: Regular Progress Visits
Orthodontic treatment requires periodic check-ins to monitor progress and make adjustments. These visits are quick, and our team keeps things moving so you're not stuck in the office all afternoon.
Braces patients visit our Sawgrass Orthodontics Sunrise practice every four to eight weeks. During these visits, we'll check how your teeth are responding, adjust your wires, and possibly change your rubber bands. Most of these visits take just 15 to 20 minutes.
Invisalign patients typically visit every six to eight weeks. We'll assess your progress, provide your next sets of aligners, and make any necessary refinements to your treatment plan.
These regular visits are essential. They allow us to catch any issues early and keep your treatment on track.
Step 5: The Retention Phase
When your teeth reach their final positions, active treatment ends. But orthodontic care doesn't stop there.
Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions. This happens because the bone and ligaments around your teeth need time to stabilize in their new arrangement.
Retainers prevent this shifting. We'll fit you with custom retainers and give you specific instructions for wearing them. Most people wear retainers full-time initially, then transition to nighttime wear.
Wearing your retainers as directed protects your investment and keeps your smile even brighter for years to come. Many of our Sunrise patients tell us that retainer wear quickly becomes second nature.