Episode #38
Kansas City Orthodontist Dr. Jay Joshi on Smiles, Braces, Mouth Tape & Airway Health
Why should every 7-year-old get an orthodontic screening, and is mouth tape actually a good idea? Dr. Jay Joshi of Stay Smiling Orthodontics in Overland Park and Lenexa makes orthodontics fun and clears up the myths. Mindy sits down with the orthodontist her own daughter goes to, and they get into all the things you'd never think to ask. Dr. Joshi grew up in St. Louis, went through braces, headgear, and an expander himself, studied psychology, picked UMKC over the Ivy League, and then (with a big push from his wife) chose Kansas City over St. Louis. Now he's on a mission to make the orthodontist's office warm, welcoming, and anything but stuffy. From the airway warning signs parents miss to the truth about veneers, looksmaxxing, and mewing, this episode is packed with info for parents with little ones and for adults thinking about braces again (his oldest patient is 81!). Plus, you'll hear what's on Dr. Joshi's personal Kansas City bucket list, from local beer to a James Beard-nominated Overland Park chef. In this episode: The difference between a dentist and an orthodontist (and why you don't need a referral) Why every kid should be screened around age 7, and why screening doesn't mean treatment Phase 1 vs. Phase 2: why some kids get braces twice Metal, ceramic, gold braces, and clear aligners, plus how TikTok brought metal braces back Thumb sucking, mouth breathing, snoring, grinding, bedwetting, and the link between airway and ADHD Is mouth tape OK for kids? Dr. Joshi's take Palate expanders: when they help and when to see an ENT first GLP-1s like Ozempic, medications, and your gums and saliva Mouthwash, fluoride vs. hydroxyapatite, and whether to floss or brush first Myofunctional therapy explained Adult orthodontics, veneers vs. "natural veneers," and what makes a great smile Social media myths: lower jaw expansion, looksmaxxing, mewing, and MARPEs Dr. Joshi's Kansas City bucket list Whether you're a Kansas City parent, an adult who skipped your retainer for a couple decades, or just love learning from local experts, this one's for you. LINKS & MENTIONS Dr. Jay Joshi / Stay Smiling Orthodontics Stay Smiling Orthodontics on Instagram Kansas City Bucket List on Instagram Kansas City Bucket List Love the show? Follow Kansas City Bucket List on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode, leave us a 5-star rating and review, and share this episode with a KC parent who needs it. It helps more Kansas City voices reach more listeners! CHAPTERS 0:00 – Intro and what's ahead 1:58 – Meet Dr. Jay Joshi: St. Louis roots and growing up around medicine 6:31 – His own braces, headgear, and expander story 9:08 – From psychology major to dental school 12:24 – Choosing UMKC over the Ivy League 15:04 – Why orthodontics, and building a warmer office experience 18:18 – Las Vegas residency, an MBA, and choosing KC over St. Louis 20:28 – KC art tangent: Riff Raff painting live at his wedding 22:10 – Dentist vs. orthodontist: what's the difference? 25:24 – The physics of moving teeth 26:59 – Why every kid should be screened at age 7 29:25 – Smiles, confidence, and making kids feel at ease 33:33 – Types of braces: metal, ceramic, gold, and aligners 36:04 – How long braces take 36:39 – Phase 1 vs. Phase 2: why some kids get braces twice 39:53 – Free screenings and consultations 40:37 – Adult orthodontics (his oldest patient is 81!) 42:24 – Veneers vs. "natural veneers" 44:43 – Two offices: Overland Park and Lenexa 49:41 – Thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and airway 52:38 – Warning signs: ADHD, bedwetting, grinding 55:42 – Long-term effects: TMJ and grinding in adults 57:15 – Mouth tape: yes or no? 59:41 – Airway, ENTs, and why not everyone needs an expander 1:04:44 – GLP-1s, Ozempic, medications, and your gums 1:08:56 – Mouthwash, fluoride, and floss-or-brush first 1:11:43 – Myofunctional therapy explained 1:14:23 – Expander history and new 3D tech 1:16:04 – Is a consultation worth it? 1:17:41 – Myth busting: lower expansion, looksmaxxing, mewing, and MARPEs 1:21:34 – What makes a great smile 1:22:27 – Adult habits and teeth grinding 1:23:39 – Rapid fire: teeth-falling-out dreams 1:24:14 – Dr. Joshi's Kansas City bucket list 1:25:18 – His ideal day off 1:26:32 – Where to find Stay Smiling, plus a brave patient story 1:29:16 – Outro Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!
