Dr. Burns earned her degree in Dental Medicine with honors from the University of Pittsburgh in 1983. After doing a general practice residency at the VA Hospital in Pittsburgh, and a public health service residency in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Burns became a part of the faculty at Temple Universitys Restorative Department.
She then received a certificate in Orthodontics and Masters of Education and Science from the Ohio State University. She also received a certificate from the Roth Institute of TMJ centered on orthodontic treatment and serves on the faculty of the OBI Foundation for Bioesthetic Dentistry.
In orthodontic practice for over 35 years, Dr. Burns lectures internationally on the topics of Biologic Orthodontics and the role of the orthodontist in the treatment of patients with sleep disordered breathing. She is also on the faculty at Harvard University and Boston University. In addition, Dr. Burns serves as a research mentor for orthodontic residents at West Virginia University, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and the University of Pennsylvania. She was the previous Associate Program Director for Einstein Medical Center-Orthodontic Program. In her free time Dr. Burns enjoys spending time with her family, staying fit and reading.
We are especially interested in making all our patients feel right at home! We put your needs first to achieve efficient and comprehensive treatment. Our staff is caring, friendly and eager to assist in all aspects of your treatment. Our treatment team is X-ray certified, CPR and First Aid certified and Invisalign trained. We strive to stay abreast of the very latest in technology and advances by regularly attending continuing education courses and seminars offered through the American Association of Orthodontists, Orobioesthetics Institute and Invisalign.
Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and treat problems with the position, alignment or spacing of the teeth, and related irregularities in the face and the jaw. We use a number of special treatments, including braces and other oral appliances, to correct these problems.
There are two good reasons: aesthetics and function. Having an attractive smile not only changes the way people see you it enhances your own self-image as well. Orthodontic treatment also allows your teeth to function better and makes it easier to keep them clean, which can improve your overall health.
You're never too old to begin orthodontic treatment but if you start at an earlier age, your problems may be easier to treat. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child who may need orthodontic treatment should come in for a first visit around age 7.
Teeth that are protruding, crowded together or erupting out of position are clear indications that treatment is needed (View Examples). Less obvious signs are mouth breathing, frequent biting of the cheek or palate, speech difficulties, and thumb sucking that goes past 3-4 years of age. If teeth don't meet properly when the mouth closes, or if jaws make sounds or shift as they move, this may also indicate an orthodontic problem.
Having braces put on is generally painless. Some people experience minor aches and pains in the first couple of days or so, as they adjust to wearing their appliances; periodic adjustments may sometimes cause soreness as well, though it typically lasts only a short time. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to alleviate any discomfort, but are usually unnecessary.
If your teeth are severely crowded (because your mouth is too small to properly accommodate all of them) or if you have impacted teeth (teeth that are trapped beneath the gum line by other teeth) then extraction may be necessary. In the case of younger patients, early treatment may make extraction unnecessary.
Yes you should pass up the types of foods that could damage or become trapped in your braces. Some of these include raw vegetables, hard candy, caramel, taffy and ice cubes (fortunately, ice cream is OK). We will give you a list of foods to avoid.
In a word: Yes. Of course, whether you wear braces or not, we recommend you wear a mouthguard when playing most sports. Musicians are generally able to play their instruments just as they did before, but they may need a short adjustment period after getting braces.
You do in fact, it's more important than ever! Keeping teeth free of plaque (and potentially, decay) can be challenging when you're wearing braces. Your dentist can help you avoid these problems with frequent cleanings and exams.
Almost always, the answer is yes: If you don't wear a retainer, your teeth can rapidly shift out of position and then all the effort put into your treatment is lost! Your retainer helps you maintain that good-looking smile for a lifetime.
Orthodontic care is a long-term investment in your health and well-being. Yet its cost hasn't increased as fast as many other consumer prices, and many financing options are available that make orthodontic care affordable. Weighed against the true cost of living with problem teeth, orthodontic treatment can be a wise investment indeed.