At Ortho Smiles, we strive to help patients maintain a straight and uniform smile that also benefits their oral health. Straight teeth in the proper alignment are easier to clean and less likely to trap bits of food or plaque in difficult-to-reach places. We understand that patients, especially children, may be nervous about visiting the orthodontist. This is where Dr. Gina Cozzarelli and our team strives to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.

Dr. Gina Cozzarelli obtained her first dental degree from Francisco Marroquin University in Guatemala City. She then completed a one year residency program in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Nova Southeastern University, College of Dental Medicine. At the same educational institution, she then completed a 3 year international dental student program, obtaining her doctor in dental medicine degree, at the same time serving as Teaching Assistant in the Community Dentistry Department. She was then accepted in the Orthodontic Specialty Program at the same institution, obtaining her specialty degree in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics in 2009, serving also as Teaching Assistant of the Orthodontic Department.

Teenagers and adults choose Invisalign because it straightens teeth without anyone noticing that they are correcting their smile. People living in the Pembroke Pines FL area, trust Dr. Cozzarelli to help them achieve their smile goals in a way that is comfortable and convenient.

How does Invisalign work?As an Invisalign Orthodontist, Dr. Cozzarelli straightens teeth using a series of aligners. First, we make an impression of the patient's teeth and create a series of aligners in a dental lab. The aligners are made out of a thermoplastic material that is both strong and flexible, to help the patient feel comfortable while wearing the aligners for long periods of time. The material is nearly invisible.

The aligners should be worn for 22 hours a day and switched out with the next one in the series every two weeks. Over a period of several months, the aligners will slowly move the teeth into place and make one minor adjustment at a time. Each of these adjustments is targeted to specific teeth. Thanks to the speed of the process, a patient's teeth will remain comfortable as they are moved into position. Once the patient is done wearing the aligners, he or she will have straight teeth.

Attachments Some patients may need to wear attachments or ridges in order to ensure that their teeth move into place. An attachment is a clear bump, made out of an enamel-colored composite that is secured to the teeth. There are bumps on the aligner, which grips the aligner and holds it in place. Ridges work in a similar way, except that an indent is created instead of a raised bump. This can be necessary for more complicated cases to ensure that a particular tooth, or several teeth, move into the proper place as they should.

How will Invisalign impact my life?Unlike wearing traditional braces, Invisalign will not make a major impact on your quality of life. Since the aligners are clear, it will not drastically change your appearance. Additionally, since they only need to be worn for 22 hours a day, they will not interfere with eating. This is a huge advantage because you can eat your favorite plate of ribs, go out for a romantic date or eat a caramel apple without worrying about a wire being pulled out of place. This time also allows you to take the aligner out when having an important conversation or making a presentation at work. It is important to note that you need to brush your teeth and clean out any food in your mouth before you place your aligners back in. Overall, this is a convenient way to straighten your teeth and provides the maximum level of flexibility.

Some people are concerned about whether or not wearing an aligner will impact their speech. Most of our Pembroke Pines patients tell us that they have to get used to wearing aligners after the first couple of days. Patients may have a slight lisp that goes away once they adjust to speaking while wearing the aligners. This is standard with any orthodontic procedure. Fortunately, most people can speak normally within a couple of days.

A modern type of orthodontic appliance, clear aligners apply gentle pressure to the teeth to create a straighter, better-aligned smile. These aligners are considered by most to be more aesthetically pleasing than traditional braces and can be more hygienic as well. Although they are relatively simple to use, patients often have questions about what to

If you are in the market for a new smile, you may be faced with the dilemma of which to choose Invisalign or the traditional metal braces.Traditional braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment for all ages. While they may be effective in straightening the teeth, some may consider them an unattractive

All too many patients avoid visiting the orthodontist because they do not know what to expect during the process or even if they are a good candidate. It is helpful to have a complete understanding of exactly what Invisalign is to make an informed decision as to whether this treatment is right for you.The following

Invisalign is an orthodontic system made up of a series of clear plastic shells that fit tightly around the teeth. This treatment is a process of wearing these clear and removable aligners, which gradually straighten your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, there are no brackets and wires. These are made of flexible plastic, specifically, a patented