Dr. David Cortopassi has been an orthodontist for over 30 years and has been a part of Associated Orthodontists since 1989. He dreamt of becoming an orthodontist ever since having braces himself in junior high . . . and knew that he wanted to be the person who helped create new smiles, build confidence in people and see their delight once that final brace was removed! Pursuing his dream, he graduated in 1983 from Loyola University Chicago and later obtained his dental degree from Loyola University School of Dentistry in 1987. He continued his education at the University of Illinois-Chicago where he completed his masters degree and orthodontic residency in 1989. Dr. Cortopassi is very knowledgeable and constantly stays up to date with the latest technological advances in orthodontics by being an active member of the American Dental Association, Will County Dental Society, American Association of Orthodontists, Midwestern Society of Orthodontists and Illinois Society of Orthodontists.
Dr. Cortopassi and his wife, Mary, have been happily married for over 30 years and have three children: Chris, Mia and Dena. Chris recently added to the family with his new wife Katelyn. A furry seventh member of the family is their loveable dog, Nella.
In addition to knowing how to straighten teeth, Dr. Dave is also conversant in both Italian and Spanish and is extremely proud of his Italian heritage. When he gets the chance, he loves to ride his bike, cook, read a good book or challenge someone in a fun board game. But what Dr. Cortopassi enjoys the most is knowing that when he leaves his family every day to go to work, he is coming to his other family at AO.
Dr. Scott Soderquist, better known as Dr. Scott, was born and raised in Bolingbrook, IL. These days, he and his wife, Angela, live in Naperville with their three kids Nathan, Ella, and Olivia and their dog, Daisy. Dr. Scott graduated from Bolingbrook High School in 1993, lettering in football, baseball and wrestling, with Academic All-American honors in the first. He then continued school and graduated in 1997 from Illinois Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. In 2001, he obtained his Doctorate with honors from the University of Illinois and graduated third in his class. While at UIC, Dr. Scott received multiple academic achievements, including Top Third Year Dental Student by the Illinois State Dental Society. He continued to the University of Illinois and completed a three-year orthodontic residency to obtain a masters in Oral Science. He then published his masters thesis in the American Journal of Orthodontics after graduating from UIC and has co-authored other articles as well. Do not let his baby face fool you . . . he is full of knowledge. In 2004, Dr. Scott joined Associated Orthodontists and still maintains an active membership at the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Will County Dental Society, American Association of Orthodontists, Chicago Dental Society and is a part of the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association. He is currently President-Elect of the Will County Dental Society, a delegate of the Illinois Dental Society and an editorial board member of the Orthodontic Practice US. Dr. Scott is a certified Damon System educator. He knows this system so well that he is president of the Midwest Damon Study Club. Yet, even with all this responsibility, he still manages to make time for his community by volunteering at the Will-Grundy Medical Center, Plainfield Central High School Career Day and the Give Kids a Smile program. When his busy life loosens up, Dr. Scott loves riding his ATVs and snowmobiling with his family. Watching Da Bears and Blackhawks is a must for him. You might even find him sneaking in a game of Rock Band or Guitar Hero here and there.
Dr. Patrick G. Jones, more commonly known as Dr. Pat to patients (and occasionally, Dr. P-Diddy Jones to fellow staff), is a Chicagoland native and a graduate of St. Rita High School. It was there that he discovered his ability to kick field goals for his football team, while still maintaining his GPA for National Honor Society in between plays. Dr. Pat went on to graduate from University of Illinois in Urbana, with a bachelors degree in Biology in 1991. Four years later, he graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and received The United States Armys Health Professions Scholarship. Associated Orthodontists is proud to say that Dr. Pat served in the U.S. Army from 1995 to 2003! During his service, he opened his own dental practice and provided comprehensive dental care and orthodontics for nine years. He returned to school for orthodontic specialty training from Jacksonville University and was the president of his class. He is a natural leader and, as such, has received many honors in both college and dental school! Associated Orthodontists was happy to welcome Dr. Pat in 2010 as a part of our team. But being an orthodontist is only a small part of his very busy life! To this day, he is an active member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Midwest Society of Orthodontists, the Illinois Society of Orthodontists, the Illinois State Dental Society, the Will County Dental Society, and the Chicago Dental Society. You go, Dr. P-Diddy! Dr. Pats family life is just as active as his professional life. He and his wife Kathy settled in New Lenox in 1998 and have four sons: Nick, Tyler, Billy and Danny. There is never a dull moment in the Jones household. In his free time, he enjoys taking the family out for fishing trips. In fact, anything that has to do with water sports has them ready to dive in. Dr. Pats other passion is coaching little league baseball and basketball in the New Lenox community. But do not get him wrong . . . even with four sons, Dr. Jones still has a soft side. He likes to think his secret talent is being a dog whisperer, so we can only guess how often he is caught talking to his dogs, Hollie and Ginger (baby voice included).
Dr. Ramir is a native of Addison, Illinois, and has been dreaming about being an orthodontist since he was young. When hes not creating healthy and happy smiles, youll find him spending time in the great outdoors with hisfianc, Kelsey, and his family hunting, fishing, golfing, skiing and scuba diving, just to name a few! An avid traveler (15 countries and counting) his goal is to see each and every one. Dr. Ramirearned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana with a major in integrative biology and minors in chemistry and Spanish. Following graduation, he attended the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, receiving his Doctor of Dental Medicine. Hethen continued his education at UIC College of Dentistry and completed its Orthodontic Residency Program. He served as class president and earned his Master of Oral Sciences and Orthodontic Certificate.Dr. Ramir is a member of the Chicago Dental Society, Illinois State Dental Society, American Dental Association, Illinois Society of Orthodontists and American Association of Orthodontists.
The specialists at Associated Orthodontists take great care in selecting professional, warm and experienced team members in each of their offices. You will find friendly faces in Joliet, Morris, Plainfield, Frankfort, New Lenox and Bourbonnais ready to perfect your smile. We are equipped to bring you the most pleasant orthodontic experience you have ever had. We also believe great service goes beyond exceptional orthodontic treatment; it also includes maintaining a clean and welcoming office, staying up to date on the latest orthodontic treatments and answering our patients questions fully and honestly. We are happy to discuss any treatments or concerns with you. Feel free to call our office or stop by and say hello. The Associated Orthodontists team is excited to bring you the best orthodontics in Illinois.
Julia is the Director of Operations for Associated Orthodontists and has been with the team since March 2010. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, she loves the variety of her job, including working with patients, other departments and community involvement. Julias favorite thing about AO is the fun, positive atmosphere and helping to create beautiful and healthy smiles! In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering, including her role as a board member of the Miracle League of Joliet, plus enjoys golfing, cooking, shopping and going to concerts with her husband, Doug.
Evie joined the AO team is 2013, and is a Scheduling Coordinator at the Plainfield and Morris locations. Seeing a smiling patient walk through our doors is what she loves best about AO! When Evies not helping create smiles, she loves spending time with her family, especially on football Sundays. Evie also loves home decorating and, of course, shopping!
Kathie is a Scheduling Coordinator in our Plainfield and Morris offices and has been at Associated Orthodontists since 2015 . . . but, has been in the orthodontic field since 1989! Each day, she loves the atmosphere at AO, the friendships formed, hearing and seeing how our office and/or orthodontics has made a positive impact on our patients and families. When she is not watching sports with her husband and sons, she enjoys painting, drawing, anything crafty, going for walks, being out in the sun and watching HGTV or The Cooking Channel!
Cynthia has been working for Associated Orthodontists since September 1987. Previously, she coordinated insurance and financial tasks for all of our locations. Cynthia loves working with great coworkers who are also lifelong friends. Her hobbies include singing with Sweet Adelines and reading and spending time with her husband, children and dachshunds.
You can find Jeannine greeting patients at our New Lenox, Frankfort and Bourbonnais offices. She joined the AO team in 2017 bringing five years of orthodontic experience with her. She loves talking to the patients and getting to know them. On the weekends, shes busy with her four daughters taking them to gymnastics practice and meets!
Shirley is the Treatment Coordinator for our Joliet office. She came to Associated Orthodontists in 2013 with over 27 years of experience in the orthodontic/dental field. One of her favorite things about working for AO is meeting new patients and their families. She enjoys going out to dinner and vacationing with family and friends. Her favorite pastime is spending time with her husband, two kids and her golden retriever, Kobe.
Kari is the Treatment Coordinator for our Frankfort and Bourbonnais offices and joined Associated Orthodontists in 2011, bringing over a decade of orthodontic experience. Her favorite thing about being a treatment coordinator is meeting the new patients and their families. Kari loves taking trips to the beach and enjoys relaxing with family and friends with a movie or dinner.
After 16 years of hands-on orthodontic experience in the clinic, we are excited to have Jenn as AOs Treatment Coordinator. She loves working with new patients and getting to know them on a personal level. Most importantly, she loves to see their smiles after treatment. Outside of the office, Jenn loves gardening (especially making homemade pickles), cooking, traveling, doing yoga and decorating.
Alicia is the Clinical Coordinator for our Joliet and Plainfield offices. She joined the AO team in 2009, brings her smile and infectious laugh to the office each and every day! Alicia loves taking care of and educating her patients, making sure they leave with a happy and healthy smile. Her hobbies include having a good time and spending time with her family and friends.
Erin is the Clinical Manager for Associated Orthodontists and joined the team 2005. She loves getting to know her patients, educating them and watching their progress from beginning to end. According to Erin The smile at the end of treatment is the best! Outside of AO, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, plus staying active with paddle boarding, yoga and working on her new blog that focuses on healthy and positive living. Additional, Erin is involved in the local Toys for Tots and Operation Firm Handshake for Veterans organizations.
Erin is a New Patient Coordinator and joined AO in 2011, but started in orthodontic field in 2004. During her years in the field, she has held many positions including clinical assistant, lab assistant and scheduling coordinator, in addition to her current role. Erin wore braces for 2 years and knows first hand the positive impact braces can have and this motivated her to enter orthodontics. Watching patients grow, mature and become confident in their smiles are some of the many reasons she loves her job! In her spare time, she enjoys running, home decorating and spending time with her husband, two sons and her beloved yellow lab, Turner.
April is one of our Clinical Managers and joined Associated Orthodontists in 2009. She enjoys educating her patients and watching their smiles transform from beginning to end. When shes not creating smiles, April enjoys yoga, watching movies, reading books and bonfires with friends and family.
Nichole is a Clinical Coordinator in Frankfort and New Lenox, and joined the AO team in 2013. She loves creating relationships with her patients and seeing the impact of their new smile. This White Sox fan loves playing softball and enjoys doing crafts in her spare time. However, spending time with her husband and son is her all-time favorite thing to do.
Aime has been part of the AO team in 2010. Previously one of ourClinical Coordinators, youll now hear and see her smile at our front desk assisting patients! She loves seeing her patients each day and looks forward to helping them transform their smiles. In her spare time, Aime looks forward to spending time with her children and hanging our with her friends.
Lea is a Clinical Manager and has been part of the AO team since 2015. She loves meeting new patients every day and working with them to help create a healthy and happy smile! If you listen closely, you can hear her contagious laugh when shes working with patients! In her leisure time, Lea is busy playing with her cats, spending time with family and friends and visiting her twin sister in Denver.
Jessica is one of our Clinical Assistants and joined the AO team in 2017. She loves working as a team and interacting with her patients during their treatment. When shes not in the clinic, Jessica is a movie buff and enjoys going to summer country concerts.
Youll find Tiffany behind the scenes in the AO Lab working with our 3D printers and helping to make retainers. She joined AO in 2016, bringing experience in the oral surgery and orthodontic fields. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys reading books, drawing, sewing and video games. Tiffany is also active in her church, and is a movie buff especially black and white movies from the 30s to 60s. Her greatest loves are family, friends, dogs and everything Disney.
Linda is known around our practice as the lab goddess . . . but do not let that title fool you, as she has a wide spectrum of other talents as well. Not only does she consistently garden and supply us with a banana bread and fried green tomatoes, she also adores sewing and decorating. In fact, many of our chairs were upholstered in a variety of wildly fun patterns by Linda! When she is not busy with planting and designing, she enjoys bumbling around her home with her husband, Marc, and their cats, Cecelia, Petie and Robere Bob Cat.
Back in the day, Joy was part of our team as a clinical assistant. After taking a break from AO for a marriage and 5 children shes back and working in our lab. And, we are thrilled!Joy brings with her years of experience working with general dentists, periodontists and orthodontists plus a big smile each and every day! When shes not making a retainer or processing an Invisalign order, you can find Joy spending time with her family and friends, reading or being crafty.
Sandy is our Financial Manager and has been part of the AO family since 2008. Prior to joining the team, she had 15 years of hands-on orthodontic experience and 20 years experience in the banking industry. Each day, Sandy loves to see patients smiles and help families navigate through their orthodontic journey. Outside of AO, Sandy is a mom of three AND a grandmother of two. Shes been married to her high school sweetheart for 34 years and loves spending time with her family in Lake Geneva.
Our Insurance Coordinator at AO has 15 years experience working with dental and orthodontic insurance, and is here to help answer any questions about your insurance coverage. She is happy to work with you and your insurance company to receive the maximum benefit possible and will offer guidance throughout your treatment with us.
Our AO Financial Coordinator loves working with our patients, assisting with orthodontic contract questions after the start of treatment, plus any and all financial questions, including: patient account information, monthly installment payments, automatic payments, online patient accounts and online payments.
Our AO Financial Coordinator loves working with our patients, assisting with orthodontic contract questions after the start of treatment, plus any and all financial questions, including: patient account information, monthly installment payments and automatic payments.
Tracy joined Associated Orthodontists in 2012 and has been a New Patient Coordinator in our Frankfort location since 2013. She brings with her 16 years of dental experience. She enjoys making make new patients feel welcome and at ease. In the summer (her favorite season) you can find her at the beach, camping or playing volleyball with her husband and two sons.
Kari is the Marketing Coordinator and has been with Associated Orthodontists since December 2004. She wears many hats around the office, including coordinating both internal and external marketing initiatives. Not only does she have the magic touch in marketing, but she is also a licensed massage therapist! So whenever the ladies at the office need a little TLC, the first person they look for is Kari. Besides having her hands full with massages and a career, she still manages to find time to be a full-time mother and wife as well.
Julie is our Director of Practice Development and joined the team in 2016. A patient of AOs in the 1980s, she is excited bring her smile back! Julie oversees internal and external marketing efforts, patient and public relations and business development initiatives. Together with her husband (and four dogs), she loves spending time with her two children at hockey games, waterski competitions and hanging out at the lake.
Kelly is a scheduling Coordinator in the Frankfort, New Lenox & Bourbonnais offices and has been with AO since 2017. Being a part of an amazing team and interacting with all the patients is something she loves about AO. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching sports, shopping, country music and lounging in her pool.
Anne joined AO in May of 2018 and loves being a part of a team of co-workers that are more like family, and with doctors who sincerely care about their patients and employees. She spends time outside of work with family and friends. Her favorite thing to do is dog agility training with her miniature schnauzer Abby, plus she enjoys reading, sewing, traveling, and cheering on the Cubs and Blackhawks!
Karen has been in the orthodontic field for 11 years, and joined the AO team in 2018. She loves how welcoming and friendly the atmosphere is at AO and looks forward to making sure her patients feel right at home. A native of Newfoundland, Canada, Karen has been in the states for 14 years. When shes not creating smiles, she spends time with her family, which includes three children and one grandchild, plus she loves to read and watch reality TV.
Trudi has been part of our team since 2009. Prior to joining AO, she spent a combined 7 years in the dentistry and orthodontic fields. In addition to being a treatment coordinator (in person) at our New Lenox office, Trudi also manages our Virtual Treatment Center so you may get to see her via your phone or computer.At AO, she loves meeting wonderful families and working with the outstanding team. Outside of AO, Trudi is busy traveling, gardening, biking, kayaking and walking her two rescue dogs.
Vanessa has been creating smiles with the AO family since March of 2018 and loves the connection she and her teammates make with their patients and communities. Outside of AO, you can find her spending time with her daughter, listening to music, shopping, running or baking goodies!
Raylnn joined AO in August 2019 as a veteran in the orthodontic field. She enjoys learning about her patients and seeing their transformations. When shes not working on smiles, she loves shopping, basking in the sun and spending time with her son.
Jaide joined the AO team in 2019, bringing several years of orthodontic experience with her. As one of our Clinical Coordinators, she enjoys working with our patients each day and Loves her AO teammates. When shes not creating new smiles, Jaides hobbies include the artistry of makeup for her and her friends.In her spare time, she looks forward to spending time with her family, friends and her FOUR furry babies who she Loves so much!
Emalee joined Associated Orthodontists in 2019 and LOVES putting smiles on her patients faces (literally) and getting to know them. Her favorite part of being an AO team member is the family atmosphere Everyone is welcoming and I feel like I work for the best team I could ask for.In her free time, she enjoys working out, catching up on Netflix shows, hanging out with friends and trying new restaurants. Emalee has three younger brothers, and enjoys swimming in their pool in the summer and hanging out together.
Abby is part of our clinical assistant team and joined AO in 2019. She loves putting braces on patients and creating new smiles . . . AND also loves her amazing coworkers and working with all four doctors.When shes not creating new smiles, Abby enjoys shopping (almost every weekend), decorating her home, traveling and spending time with her fianc, family and friends especially in Chicago at sporting events, concerts and dinners.
If you call our Joliet or Plainfield offices, youll probably be greeted by Jills smiling voice! A member of the AO team since 2018, she makes sure our patients receive a warm welcome as soon as they enter. In her spare time, Jill loves to exercise and makes some amazing cookies and other goodies which she always shares with our team!
Toni joined the AO team in 2020 bringing experience in both the orthodontic and dental fields. She loves forming relationships with her patients and always wants to learn! Her ultimate goal is to make sure her patients are happy with their treatment and the care she provides. Outside of AO, Toni spends time with her fianc, Donnell, and likes to travel, dance, go to the movies and try different restaurants.
Marlin has been part of the AO team since 2016, with a combined 9 years of experience in the dental and orthodontic fields.In addition to taking care of her patients, she loves to see the transformation of their smiles and life. When shes not working on new smiles, her hobbies includejogging outdoors, shopping, trying new restaurants and traveling. She alsoloves to go on walks with my husband and their two dogs Cookie and Oreo.
Youll find Kristen at our Joliet office, helping patients with their insurance benefits. She joined the AO team in 2020 after 22 years working in Cardiology.Her spare time is spent following her kids around! Her daughter (and former patient) is a dancer and her son, and AO patient, is baseball player. A few of her favorite things include bike riding, shopping, travel and trying new restaurants.
Jacky joined the AO family in 2020 after working in the dentistry field. She loves seeing the transformations of our patients smiles andeducating them about the importance of oral health Because straight teeth are great, but healthy teeth are the most important! When shes not with patients, youll find Jacky at thegym, trying new restaurants, going out with friends, watching movies and cooking. She also loves cuddling with her adorable Tabby cat name Lola.
A member of the AO family since February 2020, youll find Kathleen greeting patients on the phone or as they enter the office. She brings over 30 years of experience in the dental field, including her time as a Dental Hygienist. Kathleen Loves working with her coworkers and wonderful patients! Away from work, she enjoys raising her three boys and spending time with her friends and two cute dogs Macy and Mischief.
At Associated Orthodontists, we bring our patients the most beneficial, timely and affordable orthodontic treatment in northeastern Illinois. We want patients to have fun and feel relaxed in our offices, and we work hard to create welcoming spaces that are truly family-friendly. Our team makes personal connections with our patients, and because of that, we feel like we have extended family in our offices every single day. Your health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we are always open to feedback to improve your orthodontic care.
As soon as you arrive at our office, we want it to feel as comfortable as your own home. The cozy reception area has Wi-Fi, so you can easily use your smart phones and tablets while you wait. Get a drink from our beverage station and enjoy our quiet space for parents. Younger patients and their siblings will enjoy the fun games available in the reception area. The Associated Orthodontists team believes your orthodontic care should be pleasant and free of hassle. We understand your childs smile is much more than aligned teeth, and we care about making your familys experience the best it can be. Our orthodontists and support staff are happy to answer any questions you may have or to explain our treatments in detail. You are the most important part of your oral health, and we want to empower you to make your own decisions about your smile.
Drs. David Cortopassi, Scott Soderquist, Patrick Jones and Tyler Ramir are the backbone of the Associated Orthodontists team. They are thoroughly experienced orthodontists who are committed to bringing you the most innovative and effective orthodontic care available. We value your time, and we pride ourselves on creating a speedy yet comprehensive orthodontic experience. Our doctors also create the best smiles possible, while keeping your comfort in mind. We use state-of-the-art alignment techniques, including the revolutionaryDamon Systembraces andInvisaligninvisible braces. We also use the i-Cat 3-D Imaging System. This award-winning system uses extremely low radiation and produces very high-resolution images in just seconds, so we can get a comprehensive picture of your oral health. This helps us understand the best orthodontic options for your individual alignment needs.
We know there are certain foods you will miss eating during your orthodontic treatment, but we promise you will be eating them again soon! While your braces are on, however, you should steer clear of certain items that can damage your braces or oral appliances. If your braces are impaired, your treatment could be lengthened as a result, and we know you will want to have your braces off as soon as possible!
Never chew on ice, as it can harm your braces and teeth. As a rule, anything especially chewy, sticky, tough or crunchy should be avoided. Do not worry; there are still plenty of delicious foods that are totally safe to eat with braces!
It is completely normal to feel some slight soreness or discomfort when you first have your braces put on. Do not worry the soreness will fade away soon. You can alleviate your discomfort by mixing a teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water. Use the solution just as you would use a mouthwash; rinse it for a minute or two and then spit it out.
Some patients may experience more intense pain that is not alleviated by the saltwater solution. It is OK to use a pain reliever to help reduce your discomfort. You may also feel tenderness in your mouth, on your tongue or on the insides of your lips and cheeks as you adjust to your new braces. We are glad to supply you with some orthodontic wax that can cover any irritated spots and protect your mouth. Call our practice and we will give you some soothing wax.
Some patients worry when they feel their teeth grow a little looser. This is expected, and it means your braces are doing their job. For your teeth to move to their desired places, the braces first need to loosen them slightly. Your teeth are strong, and they will strengthen quickly once they are moved to their correct positions.
For the time being, you can put the loose wire back in its place. Slowly and carefully guide the wire back into its position with a pencil eraser or the back of a spoon. Place dental wax or a damp cotton ball over the area if it is causing you pain or discomfort. We still want to see you and check out your braces even if you have temporarily corrected the issue. Call our office and we will try and see you as soon as possible.
Take good care of your orthodontic appliances. If you impair your appliances, it could result in an extended treatment period. Listen to your doctors and wear your rubber bands, retainers, headgear and other appliances as often as you are supposed to. Appropriate wear will ensure that your teeth and jaw progress as predicted during your treatment.
Orthodontic treatment would not keep you from the field, court or swimming pool! You can throw a football, shoot a basketball or hit a baseball with braces. To keep your smile intact, you should wear a mouthguard. A custom mouthguard will help reduce injuries on the field.
If you do sustain an injury during a game or practice, inspect your mouth and braces for any harm. Call our practice immediately if you find any loose teeth or any impaired appliances in your mouth. To alleviate pain in the interim, use dental wax or swish with saltwater.
Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on identifying, preventing and correcting irregular dental and facial issues. Orthodontics is sometimes called dentofacial orthopedics, and those terms imply involvement of the teeth, face and musculoskeletal system.
Orthodontists complete dental school and then receive an extra two to three years of instruction and practice in orthodontics. Orthodontists align teeth, correct poorly aligned jaw structures and refine the appearance of your smile.
Use toothpaste that is fortified with fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen teeth and reduces your risk of cavities and decay. Ask your dentist or orthodontist to recommend a good fluoride mouthwash for extra protection.
Lightly brush your retainer with a toothbrush and a small amount of liquid hand soap. You can also use a denture cleaner recommended by your orthodontists. Never boil your retainer or run it through the dishwasher. This can warp it and render it useless.
Stay away from foods with high amounts of processed sugar. Sugar raises your levels of oral bacteria and encourages acid production. This can increase your plaque buildup and contribute to dental cavities.
Stay away from foods that are sticky, hard or chewy. Foods that cause problems for patients include chewing gum, hard candy, corn on the cob, caramel, ribs, nuts and taffy. Do not chew on ice; this can damage your braces.
Orthodontists use braces to align teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. Aligned teeth are also easier to keep clean than crooked or crowded teeth, so they also improve your oral health. There are a variety of options for tooth alignment, including invisible braces, lingual braces, ceramic braces, traditional metal braces, gold braces, clear braces and self-ligating braces. You and your orthodontist can decide which orthodontic option is best for you.
It is best to brush at least three times per day with braces. These frequent brushings will help your teeth, gums and mouth stay as healthy as possible during your orthodontic treatment. Brushing your teeth helps eradicate food particles that become lodged between your braces. Flossing also helps remove food particles from between the teeth in places the brush cannot access. Our team will gladly show you the most effective brushing and flossing techniques to help keep your braces clean and your teeth healthy.
Absolutely. Routine dental care is important throughout your life, and it is even more essential during your orthodontic treatment. Braces can make it harder for you to clean your teeth, and sometimes food gets stuck in crevices created by your braces. Trapped food can increase your oral bacteria and eventually cause dental caries, gingivitis and even periodontal disease. Visiting your dentist and orthodontist regularly ensures that your oral health is closely monitored from all angles. The cleaner your teeth are, the better they will look when your braces are removed.
Braces would not stop you from playing the clarinet or hitting the basketball court. With instruments, you may need to practice some to get the feel of playing with braces. This adjustment period will be well worth it, because you are on your way to a straighter, more attractive smile. To protect your braces, lips and gums on the field, we can give you a mouthguard to wear during your favorite contact sport.
Each patients orthodontic treatment will differ, and likewise treatment cost will also differ. Our orthodontists will evaluate your specific alignment needs, and our team will create a cost analysis and present several payment options specifically for you, including zero-perfect financing. We want you to make the most beneficial choice for you wallet and your smile. We fully explain all costs before your orthodontic treatment, so you would not be surprised later. There will be no hidden costs, and you will have all the payment information before your braces are put on.
Some patients have insurance plans that cover all or part of their orthodontic treatment. We will be happy to assist you in filing insurance claims or finalizing paperwork. We can also answer specific questions about what your insurance covers.