

Dr. Sunrise Mtn. Dental and Orthodontics
Orthodontist
1502 N. Zaragoza Road Suite B El Paso TX, 79936About
Keith M. Packer, DDS, MSD, is an orthodontist who diagnoses and treats patients at Smile Straight Orthodontics, with three office locations in El Paso, Texas, which he joined in 2011. “So many people start treatment feeling embarrassed by their teeth; they do not smile much, or they cover their mouth when they do. But when they finish … the change in each person’s confidence and the bright, happy smile says it all. I love being part of the team that transforms lives!” says Dr. Packer. As an orthodontist, he specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws. Dr. Packer’s impressive professional journey spans nine years. Outside work, he runs the Boy Scouts of America program with the young men’s organization at his church. He has been a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America for over a decade and has been working mainly with 12-13-year-old boys. For more information about Keith M. Packer, DDS, please visit https://www.epsmiles.com/meet-dr-keith-packer.
Education and Training
University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree 0
Provider Details

Dr. Sunrise Mtn. Dental and Orthodontics's Expert Contributions
Teeth still moving post having worn retainer for a year (not consistently)
Some need consistent nightly wear for years or they will have movement. Usually, if the retainers fit properly, you can increase wear for a time to regain proper tooth position once again. Meaning, full time wear for a number of weeks. Ask your orthodontist READ MORE
Dental bridge vs. implant?
There are pros and cons to both and many factors which go into making for a good long term prognosis. Typically now, if both adjacent teeth are healthy and don't need crowns, than a single tooth implant is better. But you definitely need to speak with you dentist regarding these options. READ MORE
What should my child know before getting braces?
I recommend going to the AAO website for info about the braces experience. READ MORE
How long will braces hurt for?
A week or two is common to feel sore. Taking pain meds, like ibuprofen, early and often works READ MORE
How to recover from getting braces?
Time and regular dosing or some pain meds. I recommend something like Ibuprofen. READ MORE
How long do your teeth feel sore after getting braces?
A few days to a week or so is pretty typical. Some do tell me that it went on for a couple weeks. READ MORE
How long will my teeth be sore after having braces put on?
It really varies for patients. Some are a day or two, others tell me a couple weeks. Key is to start taking something the day braces go on and keep taking it for several days. READ MORE
How long does it take to get braces?
An hour to 1.5 hours is normal for the whole process that includes records, instructions, and placement of the equipment. READ MORE
Do braces affect your face shape?
Short answer; it depends. People with thin tissue genetics can see more of a change than people with thick tissue genetics. And I'm not talking about body type or weight. Usually the changes are not perceptible because we're talking about a couple millimeters. READ MORE
I am due for an extraction tomorrow and I am worried. Please help.
I wouldn't extract until after seeing an Orthodontist. Extractions are done routinely for various reasons in orthodontics, but to know what is needed and what are the consequences I'd go there first READ MORE
Professional Memberships
- American Dental Association
- Texas Dental Association
- El Paso District Dental Society
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Texas Association of Orthodontists
Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors
- Boy Scouts of America program
Professional Society Memberships
- American Association of Orthodontists, the Texas Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the El Paso District Dental Society
Dr. Sunrise Mtn. Dental and Orthodontics's Practice location
Smile Straight Orthodontics - Zaragoza
1502 N. Zaragoza Road Suite B -El Paso, TX 79936Get Direction
Smile Straight Orthodontics - Dyer
9813 Dyer Road Suite 100 -El Paso, TX 79924Get Direction
Smile Straight Orthodontics - Mesa Street
5867 N. Mesa Street Suite B -El Paso, TX 79912Get Direction
Dr. Sunrise Mtn. Dental and Orthodontics's reviews
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Get to know Orthodontist Dr. Keith Packer, who serves patients in El Paso, Texas.
Dr. Packer is an orthodontist who is currently serving patients’ dental needs at Smile Straight Orthodontics in El Paso, Texas. “So many people start treatment feeling embarrassed by their teeth; they don’t smile much or they cover their mouth when they do. But when they finish … the change in each person’s confidence and the bright, happy smile says it all. I love being part of the team that transforms lives!” he said.
With a passion for his profession, Dr. Packer sees each patient as a puzzle. There are many individual pieces that he needs to put together in order to create a treatment plan that works for the patient’s clinical situation, along with aesthetic concerns and other issues. He loves how each patient challenges him to find the right approach because he knows that there is no “one treatment fits all” plan.
Each year, he completes many continuing education courses to study new clinical and technical techniques, Invisalign®, practice management, implant planning, and oral health. He earned his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, before going on to pursue his Master of Science degree and his residency in orthodontics at the University of Colorado.
Currently, Dr. Packer is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Texas Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the El Paso District Dental Society.
Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, formerly referred to as orthodontia, is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws. As an orthodontist, Dr. Packer is responsible for locating problems with the positioning of patients’ teeth and with their oral development. He utilizes the most advanced procedures and equipment available to ensure that every patient achieves a healthy and beautiful smile. To him, the excitement and never-ending smiles is the biggest reward.
Born and raised in the deserts of the southwest in Mesa, AZ, Dr. Packer ended up settling down in El Paso. He and his wife, Tristin, have 6 children: 5 boys and 1 girl. They joke that their house is pretty much always loud and messy, with some type of sport being played in the backyard.
Outside of work, Dr. Packer is a garage mechanic, outdoorsman, and “aging” athlete. Usually, he can be found camping, mountain biking, skiing, running, reading a book about mountain climbing, wrenching on something or attending one of his childrens’ games or events. He does, however, enjoy working with the young men’s organization at his church and running the Boy Scouts of America program with them. He has been volunteering in the scouting program for more than ten years, mainly working with 12- and 13-year-old boys.
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