Dr. Gerry Ahrens grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and graduated from Louisville Male High School where he succeeded in academics and lettered in three athletic programs. He was the schools starting quarterback, and his football team won the state tournament during his Senior Year when he was named an All-American by USA Today. Dr. Gerry earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Louisville, while also lettering in football. From there, he went on to earn his DMD Degree from the University of Kentucky, and he completed his orthodontic residency at New York University's School of Dentistry. Dr. Gerry is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, and the Louisville and Kentucky Dental Associations. He has specialized training in surgical treatments, standard edgewise brackets, lingual braces, and mini-implants for orthodontic anchorage (TADS). He is currently lecturing for Forestadent, an international bracket provider. Additionally, Dr. Gerry is an Invisalign preferred provider and is Laser certified. His knowledge of the latest developments in orthodontic procedures has been a tremendous asset to the practice. In his free time, Dr Gerry enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is a sports enthusiast and helps coach local middle and high school football and basketball teams.

A native Louisvillian, Dr. Doug Ahrens graduated from Westport High School and acquired his BA degree in business and his pre-dental training at Georgetown College. He received his DMD degree at the University of Louisville in 1976 and completed his orthodontics residency in 1978. Dr. Ahrens is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, the Kentucky Assocation of Orthodontists, the Louisville and Kentucky Association of Dentists, and is a certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and has been a qualified examiner for the Kentucky State Orthodontics Board. Dr. Ahrens received his board certificate in 1987. Only 25% or practicing orthodontists in the United States are board certified. This examination process takes years to complete and demonstrates his ability to solve a wide range of orthodontic problems.

For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason for choosing to receive orthodontic care. If youre self-conscious about your smile, having braces will greatly improve the way you look and feel. When your treatment is complete, you will have the smile youve always dreamed of and the confidence to show it off! We also want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire orthodontic experience and our practice is dedicated to making sure that you receive the quality care you deserve.

You can now choose from brackets that are clear or metallic, and in some cases, the color of your appliance. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort. Today, any age is a great age to wear braces!

Treatment time varies, and can last between one and three years, depending on several factors including age, treatment method, and how minor or severe your case is. A big factor in a successful treatment is you the patient! The more involved and diligent you are, the quicker and more efficient your treatment will be. For children, receiving interceptive, or early treatment, can also help provide a quicker treatment time.

While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist by age seven. At this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to determine the most appropriate timing for treatment.

For some children, early treatment will allow the doctor to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner. Others will be placed on pre-orthodontic observation programs, and will be monitored until treatment is warranted. This allows Dr. Ahrens to monitor their dental and facial development and start treatment at the most ideal age to achieve the maximum benefit in the shortest time possible.

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens; in fact, the American Association of Orthodontists sites that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21! Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too.

For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from receiving treatment. Today's orthodontic treatment options however, offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Types of braces include:

There are actually not many differences between adult and child orthodontics; however, in children and teens the jawbones are still developing. For adults, these bones have stopped growing, which may mean the possibility of orthognathic surgery, in which the jawbones are surgically aligned. Other differences include:

Our practice also recognizes that adults and children have different needs, and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatments, and that your needs are met with understanding, respect, and full commitment from us.