Born and raised in Berea, Ohio, Dr. Mark Hans is proud to be able to serve his community with the highest quality of orthodontic care available. He is dedicated to creating a patient-centered practice focused on each individuals goals and needs.
Dr. Hans education gave him a solid foundation in knowledge and training upon which he built his practice. He attended Yale University in New Haven, CT, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1975. Following graduation, Dr. Hans continued on to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1979 and his Master of Science in dentistry and orthodontics in 1981.
As one of the youngest doctors ever certified by the American Board of Orthodontics in 1989, Dr. Hans continues to maintain his board certification and was one of only a handful of doctors who volunteered to be re-examined by the board again in 2003.
Dr. Hans currently teaches in the Seminar Approach to General Education (SAGEs) program at Case Western Reserve in a course entitled Face First, a study of the human face in society. He has also been named as one of Clevelands Top Dentists by Northern Ohio Live.
Dr. Hans met his future wife, Susan, who was a student at Brown University during undergraduate school. Following their graduation from Case Western Reserve University in 1981, they moved to Berea. They have three children, Sarah, Jack, and Thomas.
On this site, you can learn about orthodontic specialists in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The correction of tooth and jaw alignment results in a healthy, attractive smile thats good for life.
A graduate of Chagrin Falls High School, Dr. Katharine (Kat) Powers is a longtime Clevelander and very proud of this city. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree from Kenyon College, Dr. Powers earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. She completed her orthodontic residency at CWRU where she earned her Masters in Science of Dentistry (MSD) and received the prestigious Neuger Award for Clinical Excellence.
This June, Dr. Powers joined Dr. Hans in practice at University Orthodontics. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontics, and the Ohio Dental Association. Dr. Powers has also lectured on her research in Cleft Palates and Facial Asymmetries at the national meetings of the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Cleft Lip and Palate Association.
When not practicing orthodontics, she officiates both high school and NCAA college basketball - she believes this offers a genuine connection to the community and, in some cases, creates a special bond with patients. An accomplished athlete in her own right, Dr. Powers enjoys sports, travel, and reading, and is active in the development of the historic Gordon Square Arts District where she lives with her family.
As the Business Manager, I'm responsible for all of the accounts receivable as well as insurance and patient billing. I take care of the paperwork to keep the business running smoothly. I have been working in the dental field since the year 2000 and joined University Orthodontists in January of 2014. I love seeing the change in confidence in each patient as their treatment progresses and they gain beautiful smiles. I find that working with Dr. Hans is such a great experience becausehe isso friendly and witty. He treats our patients as if they were family. In my spare time I love spending time with my husband and my two sons. I also enjoy yoga, walking, making jewelry for friends, & quality time with my kittens.
I love working hands-on with patients as Dr. Hans orthodontic assistant. We have such a dynamic age range of patients and theyre all so interesting to get to know. Every day in this office is different and I enjoy the many opportunities Dr. Hans gives us for growth. Our office is really like a family, and we look forward to welcoming all our patients into it.
My husband and I live in Olmsted Falls. We have five grown children and twelve grandchildren. My hobbies include playing the guitar, sewing, quilting, and crocheting. I also enjoy the outdoors and enjoy walking and riding my bike.
Our practice includes children, teens and tweens and all 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.
While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven. Early treatment allows your orthodontist to correct and guide your childs jaw, create more space for crowded teeth, avoid the need for extractions later in life, and correct thumb sucking and minor speech problems. There are a few things to watch for that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist, such as crowded or misplaced teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or popping jaws.
Braces are no longer as scary as many teens may think. In fact, braces today come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors, making life with braces much easier, more comfortable, and even more stylish than in the past. There are several treatment options to choose from, including traditional metal, ceramic, and invisible braces. Treatment times can vary depending on how quickly your body responds and how much work is needed to give you the show-stopping smile you expect. Regardless of the type of braces you choose, it is important to avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods, as these may damage your braces and prolong your treatment time.
Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens! In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, 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. Todays orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs, such as clear braces, self-ligating braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners. Remember, a straight smile isnt just beautiful; it will help you maintain the health of your teeth for life!