Many people think that braces are strictly cosmetic. Nothing could be further from the truth. As we are creating a persons beautiful smile, we are also not only raising their self-esteem, but making them healthier. Teeth that are straight and balanced tend not to wear. They self-cleanse, too, which leads to fewer cavities and other issues.

The best thing about what I do for a living is getting to know all the patients with whom I work, and their families, and learning from them. Over the course of their treatment, I see their confidence, sense of self, and optimism begin to grow. I begin to hear it from their families and friends. The metamorphosis is remarkable.

As a practicing orthodontist, Dr. Gililland believes he has a duty to provide the highest level of care and that includes continuing his education to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and treatments.

Dr. Gililland has had the honor of being a certified speaker for Invisalign and has been able to travel around the country to attend educational meetings and seminars. At these meetings, Dr. Gililland learns the latest technological advances, newest treatments, and best practices, which enables him to provide the highest quality of care for his patients.

He has been a proud supporter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life, Awana, and Campus Crusade for many years. Dr. Gililland also volunteers with the youth, coaching soccer, T-ball, and baseball teams.

The benefits I experienced following orthodontic treatment as a youngster have gone far beyond just straighter teeth. I now have the same opportunity to see those changes in the patients I care for every day. My own positive experience as a child led me to pursue a career in dentistry and orthodontics.

As an orthodontist, I am entrusted with building smiles and making lasting impressions. I am so very blessed to love what I do and do what I love. Creating beautiful smiles makes a real and lasting difference in a patients self-esteem. It builds self-confidence. It changes the way we behave in the face of endless changes life throws at us.

Whether our team and I are working with the young, or those who are young in spirit, our goal is always to develop the smile of their dreams. We get to build meaningful long-term relationships with patients. When we see them in our community, leading their lives with their loved ones, we get to see them happy and smiling with confidence!

Coming into contact with so many unique people has increased my understanding of what relationships mean. It is a blessing that I never take for granted. I cannot wait to meet you and your family and help you achieve the smile that will transform the rest of your life.

Since 2005, Dr. OBannon has been an orthodontist in private practice. Prior to that, he served our country in the United States Navy for a total of 18 years as a dental assistant, a general dentist, and then as an orthodontist.

Dr. OBannon regularly attends continuing education seminars at the national, regional, and local levels. He is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and treatments, learning the newest medical and scientific knowledge, and incorporating these advancements into his treatments.

As part of the professional orthodontic community, Dr. OBannon has also been published in the Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, and the official journal of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Active involvement with other practitioners, researchers, and educators in my professional community is invaluable. It affords me exposure to technological advances, best practices, and the widest collective understanding within the discipline.

Smiles have a phenomenal impact on the self-esteem of patients, and I am honored to be able to provide to them the beautiful smile they want and deserve. I love working with people and I love the principles behind orthodontics, so the balance of artistry and mechanics in changing smiles is a perfect fit.

Dr. Gililland has participated in the Seattle Study Club for years. In this club, leading local dental and orthodontic professionals meet once a month to challenge each other in the service of improving one anothers knowledge and skills.

As a member of numerous professional associations, Dr. Pongetti is dedicated to staying up-to-date with orthodontic technologies, and integrating the newest techniques and advancements into her treatment.

My husband and my family are my rocks. I grew up in Starkville with my parents and two brothers. My husband, Frazier Williams, is also a Mississippi native from Caledonia. He is an oral-maxillofacial surgeon.

As a Mississippi State alumnus, Dr. Pongetti loves meeting with family and friends on Saturdays for tailgating in Starkville. Now with the great doctors and staff at GO Orthodontics, she has some new friends to say hi to in the Grove as well.

After moving around for the past few years, Dr. Pongetti looks forward to being able to settle into her new area in Tupelo and discover all the potential it has to offer, and all that she can offer to her community. She is excited to get to know her new community, find a church home, and discover the charity and service opportunities that await!

Whether its a child getting the treatment their parents wished they would have had as a kid, or an adult finally getting the smile they have dreamed of for years, the changes ripple throughout their lives.

I truly enjoy getting to know people and hearing their life stories. As patients move through treatment, I love to watch their personalities grow and hear about their successes and even the challenges they endure in life.

Dr. Gonder completed his orthodontics residency in Colorado, where he acquired a love for skiing. He also enjoys reading, hunting, fishing, backpacking, wakeboarding, and pretty much anything else outdoors. Following residency Dr. Gonder and his wife moved back home to Memphis and have welcomed a baby girl and boy that keep them on the move.