We are always available to talk with you and address your concerns. Please feel free to contact us during the following hours through our office phone number or e-mail address. After hours, you may contact us through our answering service.
Dr. Steven G. Darling is a native of southern Florida and a graduate of Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale. He attended the University of Florida, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, and was then offered a merit-based scholarship to attend the Medical University of South Carolina, School of Dentistry, located in Charleston. Here he received his Doctor of Medical Dentistry, graduating with honors. Dr. Darling completed his postgraduate residency in orthodontics at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. He has done research involving reduced radiation doses with dental X-rays, as well as new bonding techniques for orthodontic brackets. Dr. Darling has been published in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics.
He is a board certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Darling is also a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists and the Florida Association of Orthodontists. He has his Coast Guard captain's license and his private pilot's license. Dr. Darling enjoys sailing, flying, fishing, scuba diving, tennis and basketball. He and his wife, Janis, have two children, Daniel and Nicholas.
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Fixed braces and removable appliance devices are used to make these corrections.
Just as we inherit eye color from our parents, mouth and jaw features are also inherited. For example, we might get moms jaw and dads teeth together they just dont line up properly. Local factors such as thumb sucking, high cavity rate, gum disease, trauma and premature loss of baby teeth can also contribute to a bad bite.
Poorly arranged teeth can break easily and can trap food particles that cause tooth decay and gum disease. They can also lead to poor chewing and digestion which can be bad for your overall health. Finally, poorly arranged teeth detract from your smile which is one of the more important features of your face.
Braces use steady, gentle pressure over time to move teeth into their proper positions. They dont look like theyre doing much just sitting there, but in fact, every moment of your orthodontic treatment, theres something happening in your mouth. The wire threads through the brackets and, as the wire tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure to actually move your teeth. Picture your tooth resting in your jaw bone. With pressure on one side from the arch wire, the bone on the other side gives way. The tooth moves. New bone grows in behind. It may look like nothing happenedbut a new smile is slowly forming. Thanks to new materials and procedures, all this happens much quicker than ever before. Its kind of an engineering feat.
That depends a lot on you and how bad your bite is to begin with. Every patient has different needs and are addressed on a individual basis. We have patients that have had braces on from 6 months up to 5 years of treatment. Most treatment last 18 to 24 months.
Youll have to give up extremely hard and sticky foods. These foods can get caught on the braces and pull the braces off. Soft foods are much better. Youll have to spend a few extra minutes cleaning your braces after meals. But, for the most part, youll find braces dont cramp your style. Youll still have fun. Youll still be able to sing, play your musical instruments, smile, play sports and of course, kiss. You can even make a fashion statement by having your orthodontist add color to your braces.
It is most important to examine your childs teeth as the permanent teeth grow in. Although children mature at different rates, there are some averages for permanent tooth arrival. Please refer to early treatment for some explanations of early warning signs.
Early diagnosis and treatment can guide erupting teeth into a more favorable position, preserve space for the permanent teeth and reduce the likelihood of fracturing protruded front teeth. Also, early treatment may shorten treatment time, make treatment easier and in some cases less expensive.
Appearance has been related to popularity, social behaviors, self-expectation, personality and self-esteem. Orthodontic therapy may lessen the likelihood that a child will be picked on by other children. It also helps avoid extraction of permanent teeth and jaw surgery in most cases.
Orthodontic care is the best value available. When can you buy a service or product and get a payment plan that has no interest. Plus unlike buying a car, your smile is a lifelong benefit. We have many payment options at our office:
Teeth are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment; therefore, it is very important that the treatment be done properly. A licensed orthodontic specialist is a expert at moving teeth, helping jaws develop properly and working with you to help make sure the teeth stay in their new positions. An orthodontic specialist has attended a full-time residency in orthodontics for a minimum of 2 years.
You dont need a referral from your family dentist unless you are in a managed care plan with a gatekeeper primary care dentist. Word of mouth recommendations from friends and families of existing patients is often the primary way orthodontists meet new patients. We welcome new patients at our office and will work as a team with your general dentist to make your smile beautiful!
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 45 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestAndre Taylor
2 years ago
Dr. Darling and the staff are amazing at what they do. Very knowledgeable, kind, and efficient! Never had an issue while I had my braces and the team always empowered me with the right info and tools to improve my teeth.
Colleen and Connor Brennan
2 years ago
We have had a long journey with Darling orthodontics and every step of the way for the past six years has been fantastic. My son had a lot of overcrowding, over bite and by all accounts was probably one of the harder cases but Dr Darling and his team guided him to a super smile. Today he got his braces off and has not been able to stop smiling! As his mother that makes my heart explode! The professionalism, the care and the all around positivity of the office made every visit so enjoyable. The office aesthetic is relaxing and inviting. The follow up and reminders are so helpful and we couldn't be more pleased. We highly recommend Darling orthodontics to anyone who is searching for great care and kindness!!
Elise Sirhal
2 years ago
Dr. Darling and his staff are always pleasant and a joy to see. Very pleased with how great my child's teeth have come out!
Annie Byers
2 years ago
This practice is absolutely amazing! Both our boys have had braces with Darling! Could not have been happier. We are beyond grateful to their entire team. Thank you Darling Orthodontist for the beautiful smiles you gave my boys!
Trisha McCarthy
2 years ago
Truly the best experience from start to finish! Dr.Darling and his team have outstanding customer service and always have you in and out like clock work! We are beyond thrilled with the results! Would highly recommend to anyone needing orthodontic work!
The Bashaw Family
2 years ago
I am so glad we found Dr Darling and his wonderful team! Throughout our five years of treatment, each visit has been a great experience. Everyone is kind, pleasant, and informative. The office is conveniently located near school as well.
Jenalee Hess
2 years ago
Our braces journey was a little over a year long. I have zero complaints. Every appointment was on time and the staff was so friendly. They really made this experience painless. I highly recommend to anyone needing orthodontic work.
Katrina
2 years ago
The staff and Dr. Darling are always so welcoming whenever I have my appointments. If you need an orthodontist 10/10 would recommend Dr. Darling!
Renee Sawyer
2 years ago
I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Darling and his staff. From the first consultation to the braces coming off today, it has been a pleasure being in his practice. Dr.Darling and his staff have been kind, accommodating to schedules, and just wonderful with my boys at every step of this process, through The pandemic especially . Kindness and compassion are huge with me and they exude it , I highly recommend Darling Orthodontics, my son has a beautiful smile and is very happy with results, THANK YOU
Mariana Mariel
2 years ago
Amazing team!
susan farinas
2 years ago
We love Darling Orthodontics and can't recommend them enough. Everyone is so friendly and accommodating. They are so helpful in trying to get you an appointment that works with your schedule. My daughter's teeth look beautiful!
Deirdre Halsey
2 years ago
We have been using Darling Orthodontics since 2014 and we love this office! Highly recommended! The office is beautiful, and has an amazing ocean theme look - which the kids and adults love. Most importantly is Dr Darling, and his staff, which are all so professional and knowledgeable, but also caring. The office works with you - guiding you through the process all the way. Appointments are quick and efficient... we never seem to wait... and our son's teeth look amazing now! Whenever someone asks me for a good orthodontist, it will always be Darling Orthodontics!
Tara Mercer
2 years ago
I can't say thank you enough for the great result that the Darling Orthodontics teams gave towards my daughters smile. She had a complicated case and started this process at the age of 9. We just finished with her last appt. this week and she looks great and is a confident 16 year old girl. Dr. Darling gives each of his patients his full attention and is a perfectionist in order to give you the best smile. Will see you soon for daughter number twos turn.
K W
2 years ago
Highly recommend!! Dr. Darling and his staff are amazing. They are very friendly and they make you feel comfortable right away. They take their time explaining things-which I appreciate. And, then of course my smile-- who knew it could look so good! :) I just wish I didn't wait so long to get braces. Thanks Dr. Darling!!
jennifer carranza
2 years ago
Best experience I've had! I actually enjoyed going to the orthodontist. Everyone at the office is so so nice and I love Dr. Darling. So happy with my straight teeth now! Highly recommend.
Lori Dyer
2 years ago
I've had a really good experience with Dr. Darling's entire staff, they are warm & friendly while maintaining a professional atmosphere, I would highly recommend them for your orthodontic needs. I'm older and I went to them for crooked bottom teeth, they were thorough in the assessment and fitting process, as well as all the follow up visits. Honestly, I can't say enough good things about them & I'm very happy with my results.
Allan Cabral
2 years ago
The Dental clinic is clean, beautiful and very well organized. Staff members are sweet and friendly. Once you enter the clinic, you will be greeted by the receptionist with a big smile and immediately you will feel at ease and comfortable. Dr. Darling has always been very professional and thorough with us during our visit to the clinic. My daughter also told me how much she liked the staff members as they made her feel like she was family. The work they have done on my daughter's teeth was excellent, and we will continue to visit the clinic for my daughter's dental needs in the future.
Larry Syllvvvainn
2 years ago
The whole process from beginning to end was such a smooth and efficient experience. Not just for me but for my son's as well. Wouldn't go anywhere else for my other kids as well. If you want the best for your child take them here!!
Jordan Doyle
2 years ago
Really nice atmosphere, the people are kind and good at what they do. I had braces for roughly 5 years and thanks to them my teeth look really nice and straight. Definitely would recommended to anyone in need of a good orthodontist.
Heather Veeravagu
3 years ago
My daughter just had her braces removed and the results are incredible! Dr. Darling did a fantastic job on her teeth! The office staff are all very welcoming and gentle. I recommend Darling Orthodontics to all my friends!
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