Dr. Domenic Mazzocco graduated from Harvard University in 1984 with a bachelor of arts degree. He then graduated magna cum laude from Tufts Dental School in 1989 with a DMD degree. He was inducted into the National Dental Honor Society, O.K.U., at graduation. His specialist training was completed at Tufts in 1991, where he received his certificate in orthodontics, allowing him to specialize and limit his practice to orthodontics.
After completing his orthodontic specialist training, Dr. Mazzocco came to work with Dr. David Barnes here in Hanover. Dr. Barnes had been practicing here for about 25 years. After working together for 3 years Dr. Barnes retired, leaving Dr. Mazzocco to continue the tradition of excellence in orthodontics that had been established many years before.
Every member of the staff has been working in orthodontics for many years and they are very knowledgeable and well-trained. If you ever have any questions about your braces feel free to ask anyone on the staff. We will be glad to answer any questions so that you will understand everything that we are doing and feel comfortable in our office. We want you to enjoy your visits.
Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Wear rubber bands as instructed and remember that the rubber bands work far more efficiently if theyre worn as prescribed.
Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an overbite, with the upper jaw forward of the lower jaw, or an underbite with the lower jaw forward of the upper jaw. Headgear gently pulls on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw.
The Herbst appliance reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is used mostly for younger, growing children and is worn for about 12-15 months.
The palatal expander expands (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Your orthodontist will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.
Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Your orthodontist will instruct you on how to care for your retainer and about the duration of the wear. Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent regression of your treatment.