Page 51 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2025

BILOXI
408 Bertucci Blvd., Biloxi
OCEAN SPRINGS
3700 North 8th St., Ocean Springs 228.388.5954 • www.mcmurphysmiles.com
We’re grateful to be part of that journey, helping you achieve the smile that gives you the confidence to take on anything.”
McMurphy, who grew up in Biloxi, was inspired by his uncle, Dr. Buddy Brice, who was a pediatric dentist on the Gulf Coast for more than 40 years. “He made going to the dentist fun and comfortable growing up, and was a large influence
on my desire to become a dentist,” he says. “I was drawn to the thought of creating smiles. Being an orthodontist always seemed like an awesome job – helping people achieve their perfect smile.”
After graduation from Biloxi High School, McMurphy graduated from Louisiana State University and the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry in Jackson. That was followed with a two-year general dentistry residency in Baton Rouge and three years of orthodontics at the George School of Orthodontics in Atlanta. He purchased the practice’s two locations in Biloxi and Ocean Springs from Dr. Dean Wakham in 2019.
Being a very active Gulf Coast orthodontist treating younger patients, McMurphy explains his theories of a first round
of treatment, the benefits, and his thought process. “I think educating parents about often-asked questions is important, such as what age should a child see an orthodontist,” he says. “The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation at age seven.”
By this age, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth – typically their four front permanent teeth and six-year molars. This stage, called mixed dentition, is
a critical time for assessing spacing, crowding, and skeletal growth. “Early evaluation allows the orthodontist to identify potential issues, such as jaw discrepancies or lack of space, and intervene if needed to create the best conditions for permanent teeth to come in properly during adolescence,” he adds.
The doctor poses additional questions. Why do kids need a first phase of treatment? Don’t they have to get another set of braces later anyway? Don’t I have to pay twice? “While there will typically be two phases, and the second phase is discounted, there is a large variety of reasons for a first phase of treatment prior to full treatment with all adult teeth,” he says. “Phase 1 treatment can address a range of concerns, including skeletal discrepancies like cross bites or underbites, airway and sleep issues requiring upper arch expansion, and severe crowding to reduce the need for future extractions.”
Furthermore, it can also be an option for children who feel self-conscious about their teeth and don’t want to wait years for correction. “In these cases, we use a short round of braces – typically eight to 12 months—followed by a retainer. We then monitor the patient yearly to ensure proper development and guide any necessary next steps as their adult teeth erupt,”
McMurphy Orthodontics has offices in Ocean Springs and Biloxi.
he says. “What sets me apart is my approach to crowded cases. I believe baby teeth play a crucial role in preserving bone and guiding proper eruption.
“Rather than extracting baby canines to create space, which can lead to future crowding, I focus on maintaining them, developing the arch, and ensuring there’s sufficient room for adult teeth to erupt naturally. A key advantage is my use of 3D imaging (CBCT), which allows me to see exactly where baby and adult teeth are positioned. This technology helps me make more precise, informed decisions throughout treatment and verify that after Phase 1, teeth will erupt as planned.
This level of accuracy ensures long-term stability and better outcomes for my patients.
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