Welcome to our practice! I am so very fortunate to participate in the care of so many smiles and improved bites that have and will change lives. Most of all, I am grateful for the chance to develop long-lasting relationships with all of our kind families. From start to finish, I am thrilled to watch the smile develop and to witness the effect it has on an individual. That is a thing of beauty!
I received my dental degree (D.D.S.) (graduating Magna Cum Laude) at the University of Maryland Dental School in Baltimore, Maryland. Prior to beginning my dental training, I conducted research at the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center.
In addition, I achieved a Masters of Science (M.S.), (graduating Summa Cum Laude) in oral biology concomitantly with my orthodontic specialty residency, also at the University of Maryland Dental School.
To provide my patients with the highest quality treatments available, I attend many conventions and seminars in continuing education. I am committed to furthering my education and contributing to organized dentistry via my membership in the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists (MASO), the Maryland State Society of Orthodontists (MSSO), the American Dental Association (ADA), the Southern Maryland Dental Association (SMDA), and the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO). I was delighted to serve as MSSO President (2015-2016) and on the MASO Communications Committee for three years; I am now fortunate to serve on the AAO National Council of Orthodontic Practices (2017-present).
Although born in Madison, Wisconsin, I spent most of my childhood on the east coast and abroad. My first language is French. I currently live in Brookeville, Maryland with my dear husband of nearly 25 years and my two loving daughters, now young adults! In addition to spending precious time with my family, I enjoy travel, dance, cooking, hiking, tennis, and the theatre.
What can you eat? Lets talk about what you shouldnt eat! For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Before long, youll be able to bite a cucumber again. But youll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as youre wearing braces.
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for 3 5 days. Take Ibuprofen or whatever you normally take for a headache or discomfort. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the braces. We will supply wax to put on the braces in irritated areas to lessen discomfort.
Without a doubt, successful orthodontic treatment requires a team approach; you are an incredibly important part of your treatment progress. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands or other appliances as prescribed. Lack of cooperation following instructions and damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time so, please follow instructions.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 33 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestLili Mae Alvarez
2 years ago
Absolutely transformed my smile!! They are the sweetest and most professional people to meet.
Kristy Davies
2 years ago
We're so happy we picked Minahan Orthodontics. Dr. Minahan and Rhonda are so pleasant to work with and the whole process was very easy and even enjoyable! My daughter looks forward to her appointments and she loves the results. With an affordable and manageable payment schedule, it was even easy on our wallet!! I recommend Dr. Minahan to everyone and you will too
Dana Kelly
2 years ago
Dr. Minihan is an amazing orthodontist. Extremely knowledgeable, she explains things thoroughly so patients can make the best informed decision regarding their care. She truly puts her patients first and it shows. She has been remarkable through orthodontics for not one, but two children. They're so sad to have signed her wall (IYKYK) and I'm really nervous that one of them will "lose" their retainer just to come back. I never thought I'd say that going through orthodontics was a positive experience, but she helped one of my kids get over their fear of dentists - she's that incredible. Almost like Mary Poppins without the sugar because, well, that would be bad for their teeth.
Kiran B
2 years ago
If I can give Dr. Minihan and Ronda six stars, I would. What a fantastic team and practice. This isn't hyperbole when I say this, not only can I credit Dr. Minihan for this amazing life changing smile I have as of today, I can also credit her for significantly improving my quality of life and health. Dr. Minihan suspected I have undiagnosed sleep apnea based on our initial consultation 2 years ago and insisted I visit a sleep specialist prior to any treatment. In fact, she refused to treat me with braces until I was evaluated by a sleep specialist. I visited 4 other orthodontic practices prior to Dr. Minihan. Every single practice was more focused on getting my business and making a sale, rather than my long term health and well being. Outside of saving lives, she is a fantastic orthodontist. :) She is incredibly detail oriented and was always focused on getting optimal results for my case. I was so impressed with her clinical ability and judgement that I had both my son and wife start treatment with her. On a personal level, she is incredibly friendly, personable, passionate about her work and great to chat with. My family and I are so fortunate to have found this practice. I have a daughter I cant stop from sucking her thumb so I expect Dr. Minihan will probably be treating another family member soon. If you're in the market for a new orthodontics practice, don't look anywhere else. Just visit once and you'll be sold.
Eugene Pearson
2 years ago
If you or your child/children need an incredible orthodonist, please see Dr. Lara Minahan. She is truly the best!! My daughter (12 yrs. old) and myself (49 yrs. old) are in braces together. Dr. Minahan is so caring and compassionate for those of us who have anxieties about the dentist. I can truly say, had it not been for Dr. Minahan's spirit of excellence in her professionalism as well as the very caring heart she has for her patients, I would never have gone through with my life long dream to have my teeth straightend. Furthermore, there is such a peace and joy in the office and Ms. Ronda at the front desk makes you feel right at home! Thanks to Dr. Minahan I'm no longer embarassed to laugh or smile and I have a confidence in myself that I never had before. My daugther and I are very similar and both of us feel the same way about Dr. Minahan. She's not just our orthodonist, she's family!
Oksana Bellas
2 years ago
We cannot recommend Minahan Orthodontics enough. Two of my daughters and my husband were very blessed to be cared for by Dr. Minahan. All three have gorgeous straight teeth and smiles. Dr. Minahan is a real gem. She is not only thorough and an expert in her field, she is kind, warm, and caring. Dr. Minahan is a true professional and her office go out of their way to provide a wonderful environment for the care of their patients.
Vince Pino
2 years ago
Our third child is preparing for his orthodontic experience and we wouldn't trust anyone other than Dr. Lara Minahan. Dr. Minahan was recommended to us by our family members with rave reviews! We have had such a great experience with our older two children with amazing results. Their smiles have never been brighter. Dr. Minahan is amazing at what she does and has a real passion for making anyone feel better about themselves. Besides being the nicest person we have ever met she delivers the highest quality of care for our children and is extremely professional and thorough. Our family recommends Dr. Minahan hands down!
Mary Louise Gierula
2 years ago
A great experience! Dr Minahan and Rhonda really take the time to get to know their patients. Dr Minahan listened to all my concerns and questions and made the orthodontic procedure easy. I recommend her highly and I love my smile at 66 years old!
Debra Grossman
2 years ago
Knowledgable and caring orthodontist; lovely staff. I highly recommend this office.
Ashley Vargas
2 years ago
Fabulous experience with Dr. M and her staff. Dr. M took the time to explain all my options, actually encouraged me to look for non-orthodonics at this point. She made me feel very comfortable and heard. Would highly recommend.
Helena Yan
2 years ago
Highly, HIGHLY recommend Minahan Orthodontics! I have had a great experience on getting my braces, and expander, and ALL those kind of appliances. I don't think I could have a better orthodontist than Dr. Minahan! Dr. Minahan and Rhonda are a great team to give everyone the best service and teeth! They're really kind to your teeth and you! They are SOOOO thoughtful! Love them so much and what they have done to my teeth! If you're every trying to find an orthodontist, don't hesitate and come to Minahan Orthodontics! :)
Francis Godwin
2 years ago
From the moment you come in and are greeted by Rhonda who runs the office, and sit in the beautiful spa-like waiting room, that is calm and reassuring, to when you first meet Dr. M, you'll realize you are in the right place and will be taken care of in the best way. My very anxious and scared little boys has come such a long way under dr Lara Minahan's care! She is patient, caring, very thorough and extremely professional and will take as much time as needed and then some to make sure you get the best care for your particular case! You will never be rushed, and you will never have to wait past your appointment time, everything in that office is seamless, calm and just amazing. I wish I had such an experience as a child going through orthodontic treatment ! A doctor that cares every step of the way.
Debra Grossman
3 years ago
Knowledgable and caring orthodontist; lovely staff. I highly recommend this office.
Helena Yan
3 years ago
Highly, HIGHLY recommend Minahan Orthodontics! I have had a great experience on getting my braces, and expander, and ALL those kind of appliances. I don't think I could have a better orthodontist than Dr. Minahan! Dr. Minahan and Rhonda are a great team to give everyone the best service and teeth! They're really kind to your teeth and you! They are SOOOO thoughtful! Love them so much and what they have done to my teeth! If you're every trying to find an orthodontist, don't hesitate and come to Minahan Orthodontics! :)
Ashley Vargas
3 years ago
Fabulous experience with Dr. M and her staff. Dr. M took the time to explain all my options, actually encouraged me to look for non-orthodonics at this point. She made me feel very comfortable and heard. Would highly recommend.
Gerald Boateng
3 years ago
Dr. Minahan and Rhonda are truly the most amazing and personable duo! My journey started about two years ago and although complicated, Dr. Minahan was always positive, kind, caring, and ensured that I was always comfortable. Her patience, attention to detail, and willingness to go above and beyond made my journey all the more pleasant and made me feel at home. I am soo thankful and honored to have had this dynamic duo and to be part of such a beautiful family. I couldn't be happier with my new smile!
Maryana Dumenko
3 years ago
Dr. Minahan and her staff are wonderful and kind people who really love what they do! I had an awesome experience and am so comfortable and happy with my new smile! They really take caring for their patients above and beyond and never disappoint. They are the best orthodontics in the area, and I highly recommend!
Gerald Boateng
4 years ago
Dr. Minahan and Rhonda are truly the most amazing and personable duo! My journey started about two years ago and although complicated, Dr. Minahan was always positive, kind, caring, and ensured that I was always comfortable. Her patience, attention to detail, and willingness to go above and beyond made my journey all the more pleasant and made me feel at home. I am soo thankful and honored to have had this dynamic duo and to be part of such a beautiful family. I couldn't be happier with my new smile!
Maryana Dumenko
4 years ago
Dr. Minahan and her staff are wonderful and kind people who really love what they do! I had an awesome experience and am so comfortable and happy with my new smile! They really take caring for their patients above and beyond and never disappoint. They are the best orthodontics in the area, and I highly recommend!
Michelle Kolberg
4 years ago
I am thrilled with the results of my invisalign treatment with Dr. Minahan. The process was extremely simple and enjoyable thanks to Dr. Minahan's expertise, attention to detail, generosity, patience, and calm and kind disposition. Dr. Minahan takes the time to sit down with you, discuss your options, and truly cares about what treatment is the best fit for you. She and her staff are extremely organized, accommodating, timely, and courteous. The level of care I have received at Minahan Orthodontics is unmatched and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Your smile will be in the best hands possible with Dr. Minahan!
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