Orthodontics is a combination of my true loves: education, construction/building, and health. I feel extremely fortunate to be able to work in an environment that allows me to combine all of my loves in one career. As a healthcare professional, I believe it is my responsibility to share the importance of oral health. Orthodontics means more than straight teeth; it means a healthy and functional mouth and jaw that will provide beauty and self-esteem for a lifetime.
Each and every day I have the chance to create a treatment plan for patients that will not only straighten their teeth but also complement their natural beauty. I have the luxury of preparing a treatment plan that incorporates all aspects of dentistry. In creating the treatment plan prior to initiating treatment, patients are provided with a road map that will guide them in helping achieve their treatment desires. It is amazing to watch the results as that road map is followed.
I truly appreciate the trust and cooperation my patients give me and my team. Each person I meet is such a unique, intelligent, caring individual. They are always willing to share their expertise, life experiences, and knowledge with me. I enjoy learning from them and I am thankful to have them in my life.
My undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate education occurred at some of the best educational institutions in the country, including Miami University, Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, the University of Iowa, and the University of Tennessee.
In an effort to provide the highest level of orthodontic care, I chose to complete an additional, rigorous residency called Advanced Education in Orthodontics. This two-year residency involved specialized training above and beyond the education required to become an orthodontist. My residency focused on achieving ideal orthodontic results by viewing the teeth, temporomandibular joints, and oral tissues as a whole.
I have an extremely strong love for and dedication to the Lansing area. Due to the fact that I was born and raised here, I have had the privilege of knowing generations of Lansing residents. They are a special breed of hard-working, down-to-earth, caring people, and all dedicated to providing the best to their families.
As I have lived here through the best of times and hopefully the most challenging times, I want to do my part to support the community because Lansing is a great place to live. To show this support, through the years Novak Orthodontics has sponsored Holt Community Kids Day, Holt Days, Holt and Lansing sports programs, theater and art programs, Girl Scouts and Boy Scout troops, as well as the local school districts through donations for academic needs. Go Lansing!
Outside of orthodontics, my first love is spending time with my family. The warm months bring endless hours of enjoyment out on the water. My husband and I met while waterskiing competitively, and our daughter has been waterskiing with us since she was three. We all hope that our son, Troy, will enjoy the water as much as the rest of us! The cooler months are filled with four-wheeling, cheering on the Spartans, and cooking new foods.
One of my life long goals is to live by the highest moral and ethical standards. I feel my personal and professional lives should be reflections of each other. I treat and care for my patients the same as I treat and care for my dearest friends and family.
Our front office team is here to help with all your scheduling, financial, and insurance needs. Most often, theyll be the first smiling faces you see when you come into the office. Theyre always available to answer any question you may have and want to make your time here as pleasant, comfortable, and stress-free as possible.
Our orthodontic assistants help to place braces, change wires, take any necessary x-rays and photographs. They also give instruction on the best ways to take care of your braces or appliance. They love meeting new patients and take the time to make sure your treatment is an easy, comfortable and all-around positive experience from the moment you enter the door.
Staying on top of technology is of great importance to our assistants, and they can be found taking numerous continuing education courses throughout the year in order to make your treatment as effective and efficient as possible. Our assistants look forward to helping you or your child gain the self-esteem and confidence that comes with a beautiful, straight smile.
Don't worry! Braces aren't nearly as scary as you 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.
Orthodontic braces are a big part of life for many people your age. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, today's braces make it easy to look good and feel good! Please contact our practice to schedule your next orthodontic checkup.
Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists states that 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. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too.
For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from receiving treatment. However, today's orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Types of braces include:
The main difference to remember when treating adults or children and teens, is that in younger patients the jawbones are still developing. For adults, these bones have stopped growing, which may mean the possibility of orthognathic surgery to align the jawbones. Other differences include:
Our practice also recognizes that adults and children 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 and respect from us.