>> View Our Office Policies

Our Objective
Our objective is to create a smile that is attractive, healthy and stable. Each patient is evaluated individually and a treatment plan developed that addresses his or her specific condition. The quality of the end result is the decisive factor. (The proof is in the pudding.) The scope of treatment in our office ranges from a simple removable retainer for one or two months, to full braces combined with corrective jaw surgery requiring up to three years.

Treatment Age
Our patients range in age from 4 to 74. We believe in treating problems as early as necessary to allow proper development of the teeth and jaws. If we can get treatment started before jaw growth is finished, we can usually avoid removing teeth and jaw surgery. If patients have stopped growing, we then have fewer options. Jaw growth usually slows in girls by age 13 and boys by age 15. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children be screened at age 7.

Surgical Options
We treat most of our patients without removing teeth (over 80%). If a smile would look better, healthier, or more stable by removing teeth, however, we will present that option. We recommend surgical options to patients who are looking for big cosmetic changes or whose jaw relationship prevents the correction of the bite with braces alone.

New Treatment Modalities
We continually evaluate new treatment modalities and implement those that are proven effective. We use the newest technology (the most advanced wires and brackets). We never recycle brackets.

Orthodontic Devices
We believe in using whatever orthodontic device is necessary to achieve the best result. If the problems are dental in nature, we move the teeth. If they are skeletal, we try to influence jaw growth. Our office uses elastomers (rubber bands and chains), functional appliances (fixed and removable), springs, and yes, even headgear (because it is still the best treatment in some situations). The decision on what will be prescribed for each patient is based upon the individual diagnosis…everyone is unique.