As an orthodontist, I spend my days helping remarkable people change their lives. A persons smile says so much about them and is often the first thing noticed. When someone is ashamed of their crooked teeth, they hide their smile and are often afraid to make eye contact. But when they have a beautiful smile, that person is confident and secure in social situations. They actively engage with others, talking and laughing, and yes, smiling, with nary a thought to how their teeth appear. They know their smile looks incredible.

Being an orthodontist means helping people live healthier, happier lives. Straightening an individuals teeth creates a great smile. It also improves their dental health, as its easier for the person to properly brush and floss. Correcting malocclusions also means the persons bite is good, which relieves stress on their jaw and facial muscles.

My father was an orthodontist who practiced in this area for more than 40 years. I loved visiting him and working in his practice during high school, being drawn to the science and art required to create smiles. But I was mostly attracted by his ability to truly change peoples lives, for the better. I cannot imagine a more rewarding profession.

My Doctorate of Dental Surgery was awarded by the Dental School at the University of Minnesota. I then completed a Fellowship in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ) before studying Orthodontics at the Eastman Dental Center at the University of Rochester.

When not caring for patients, Im usually spending time with my wife and two children. I love keeping active, whether thats water-skiing, boating, snow skiing, or playing tennis and hockey. We have a lot of weekend bonfires, too. I love to travel and am someone who loves to try and do everything.

You are unique and so is your smile. You deserve a unique orthodontic care plan thats right for you. Dr. Nicholas Rafaill and the team at Straight Smiles Orthodontics deliver efficient, timely, and affordable care that will change your life.

Having straight teeth and a beautiful smile will transform all parts of your world. No longer will you be ashamed of crooked teeth, afraid to smile for fear of what others might think. Once youve completed treatment, youll have an incredible, radiant smile that will last a lifetime.

Every day we witness positive changes in our patients. People who were once reluctant to smile begin to do so openly and with confidence. Their self-esteem grows by leaps and bounds, as they see their new smile emerge. By the time we remove their braces, our patients are outgoing and confident in social situations; happily engaging with others, smiling and laughing with ease.

Many people think that orthodontic treatment is only appropriate for children and teens. Nothing could be further from the truth. While you most often see metal braces on younger orthodontic patients, todays techniques include virtually invisible options.

Straight Smiles Orthodontics is pleased to offer Invisalign clear aligners and ClearCorrect clear brackets. These allow us to shift your teeth into proper alignment, with no one knowing youre doing so! What your neighbors, friends, and coworkers will notice is that youre smiling a lot more often, with confidence.

Orthodontic treatment involves trust and partnership: you need to know we have your best interests at heart, and you need to be actively involved in your home care. We cant create a new smile without you.

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.