It can be hard to know who to trust with your smile. Thats why, at our family orthodontics office, our mission is to provide you with the best orthodontic treatment available at prices that you can afford.
As the trusted orthodontist of choice for over 30 local dentists, Dr. LaPonzina will make sure you receive the most accurate, ideal treatment plan. A variety of options for braces ensures youll feel confident and thrilled with your smile.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.
Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be seen by the staff and doctor who will acclimate you to our office and prepare for the initial exam. We will take the necessary photographs and X-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. The doctor will then complete a brief, but thorough, exam.
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.
Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patients growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.
Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.
Treatment time obviously depends on each patients specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The average time frame a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.
It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.
Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.
Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment lasts about 12-21 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.
It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the resting period, during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is too old to wear braces!
Generally, braces do not hurt. After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, It does not have to hurt to work!
Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.
Dr. Joseph LaPonzina graduated from John Carroll High School, and went on to complete an advanced three-year pre-med program at Villanova University. He then attended the University of Maryland Dental School, where he was the recipient of the American Association of Orthodontists Award. Dr. LaPonzina completed an advanced three-year post-doctoral certificate to specialize in orthodontics from The Albert Einstein Medical Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. LaPonzina is a member and past president of the Harford-Cecil Dental Society, as well as a member of the American Dental Association, World Federation of Orthodontists, American Association of Orthodontists, and the Maryland State Dental Association. He is also board certified by the National Board of Orthodontics. He shares his knowledge at national and international dental conferences.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 147 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestHarmony Evans
a year ago
Excellent! Caring and very helpful - the best!
Suzanne Taylor
a year ago
Great office staff! Very convenient and quick!
Jennifer Schulze
a year ago
What a great office! Loved how seamless the tour and diagnostic visit was - clearly explaining all the details to my tween and answering all questions!
Calvin Barnes
a year ago
Very informative and nice office. Would definitely recommend.
Gina Crites
a year ago
Very friendly & welcoming. Gave honest evaluation, even tho that meant we would not start orthodontist work yet. Will revisit in 6 mos.
Anastasia O'Brien
a year ago
Great practice, very friendly and amazing performance on children care. As mother of three I would absolutely recommend this practice to everyone. Thank you Dr. Joe and all staff!
Kelsey Adesanya
a year ago
I am so glad we chose to go with Dr. LaPonzina's practice for my daughter's orthodontic journey. The facility is immaculate, with a gorgeous lobby and a fun game area for kids to play while they wait. The staff was beyond friendly and accommodating. I had my 16 month old with us and the staff provided stickers, coloring supplies and a safe space for him to run around being the crazy toddler that he is! I cannot yet comment on care and results as we only had a consultation so far, but I'm expect the rest of our experience to be just as amazing as today was. High recommend!
Selena Lang
a year ago
Very friendly office staff doctor was terrific explained and walked me through everything I thought very comfortable when we were done
John Battaglia
a year ago
Dr Joe and his staff are just the very best! They have done all the children and adults in my family. Dr Joe is very knowledgeable and talented and will tell you how to achieve the best results for a beautiful smile! Everyone at his office is so friendly and nice, it makes every visit a pleasure!
hamel patel
a year ago
Dr. Laponzina and his office were amazing. The office had a welcoming feel and the staff were delightful. Dr. Laponzina, took his time to explain everything we needed to know and didn't feel rushed. Highly recommended this office.
Melissa M
2 years ago
Super quick appt for my son today. He was getting bottom spacers put on today. We love going here. Always quick and staff is always friendly.
Deanna Windle
2 years ago
I love how Dr La Ponzina is so practical and treats each individual situation with patience and timing for to begin the right treatment. Clearly he is looking out for each client and advising in their best interest. I appreciate that a ton!
Kalli Ehrhardt
2 years ago
Dr. Joe is great to work with, he's not quick to spend your money and explained everything well. Taking time to specifically speak to my child and be sure that she felt good about everything
Jaime Simmering
2 years ago
We absolutely love Dr. joe. My son's braces experience was really awesome. His teethed are beautiful. The office staff are truly so nice, one nicer than the other. We would recommend Dr. Joe to anyone!!
Kirk Steffes
2 years ago
Dr Joe is the best Ortho in town!!
suzanne Devine
2 years ago
Dr. Joe was wonderful at explaining each step in detail to myself, but more importantly made sure he explained everything to my son. The staff is very friendly and informative.
Traci Miller
2 years ago
We could not be more pleased with our daughter's results! Dr. Joe and his staff made the entire process quite easy! We highly recommend!
Elaine Calderon
2 years ago
We went to Dr. Joe for a second opinion. We were immediately impressed with the staff and his own manner. Dr. Joe explained his consultation in a way that was immediately understandable and the staff is very helpful and friendly.
Tiffany Mendoza
2 years ago
Dr Joe and his staff are the best!
Carol Spencer
2 years ago
Dr. Joe LaPonzina is amazing. He is skilled, honest, and caring. He has treated my children with kindness and respect. His office staff is wonderful too. They are so helpful with insurance or HSA/ FSA issues. I highly recommend.
Load more