“It is very rewarding to see the changes that occur in a patient’s self-image and confidence during and after orthodontic treatment. I am fortunate to be able to positively influence their lives by creating beautiful, balanced smiles. After 30 years in the profession, I still find it exciting to come to work each day with full commitment to provide each patient with the best possible care.” — Dr. Rykovich

A native of Northwest Indiana, Dr. Tom Rykovich attended Andrean High School before commencing his undergraduate education at Butler University. There, he majored in zoology while playing football for four years on an academic and athletic scholarship.

Dr. Rykovich received his dental training at Indiana University School of Dentistry, where he was awarded a Doctorate of Dental Surgery. He continued on to the University of Illinois, where he received his Certificate in Orthodontics.

As an orthodontist dedicated to providing care that is not only effective, but efficient, Dr. Rykovich continues his education to stay current with new clinical procedures and techniques. He is an Invisalign Preferred Provider, having completed many hours of training in this technology.

Dr. Rykovich currently resides in Mishawaka with his lovely wife of 34 years, Debbie. Theyve been blessed with four children: Aubrey, Mark, Brian, and Stephen. Dr. Rykovich is an avid golfer, frequenting many of the fine courses in the area. He also enjoys Canadian wilderness fishing, and has taken more than 50 fly-in trips to remote destinations.

Dr. Rykovich participates in the state Donated Dental Services program, through which he provides orthodontic care to those who could not otherwise afford treatment. In addition, he works with various community organizations, giving needed orthodontic care to disadvantaged children. On a global scale, Dr. Rykovich is involved with his wife and daughter in supporting their missionary work in Central America and with The Rafiki Foundation in Africa.

Dr. Rykovich was recommended by my dentist when I wanted my orthodontic work done. I was very pleased with the outcome and later trusted him with my childrens teeth. My son has a beautiful smile today and he loves to show it!! Thank you so much.

Your profession isnt merely a job, rather it is something that changes the lives of others. Our daughter was painfully shy and the orthodontic work boosted her self confidence. I now know the benefit which a beautiful smile has on people socially. Secondly the diagnosis of airway obstruction and surgery not only enhanced her routine breathing but helped her sports performance in track. I hope you feel ownership and also pride in the outcome of you work.

I am responsible for all the things that make our office run smoothly from day to day, including assisting with new patient exams, coordinating treatment, and verifying and filling insurance. After 26+ years here at Dr. Rykovichs office, this has become my second home, and my fellow employees have become my second family. It is such a privilege to witness a patient undergo treatment and end up with not only a beautiful smile but a sense of fulfillment and improved self-confidence. My husband and I have three daughters, one son, and two sons-in-law and a grandchild on the way! We enjoy any and all time that we get to spend with our family! When not busy helping create beautiful smiles, I keep busy at the salon and spa my husband and I own.

I graduated from Indiana University Purdue University at Ft. Wayne with an Associates Degree in Dental Technology and began my career with Dr. Rykovich. I have worked for Dr. Tom for over 29 years and he has further trained me in fabricating all the orthodontic appliances that create and maintain our patients new smiles. I love seeing the end results of orthodontic treatment and making the retainers that will keep our patients smiles beautiful! When Im not in the office, I enjoy volunteering my time at our local Ronald McDonald house.

I have been working for Dr. Rykovich since 1994. My husband, Brian, and I have three children. Twin daughters, Gabrielle and Gianna, and a grown son, Anthony. In my free time I love being with family and friends and watching my daughters in their many sporting events. The best part of my job is seeing the finished result of a patients treatment when their braces or Invisalign are removed.

Since graduating from IUSB with my Dental Assisting degree Ive been working in the Orthodontic field for 27 years. One of the greatest joys of my job is changing peoples smiles, which then changes their life. The relationships that i have made with the patients and their families are what i cherish the most as well as the friendships ive built with my coworkers. My husband Jay and i have a daughter Chloe and a dog, Izzy. When were not having a blast watching our daughter in her activities i enjoy reading and being outdoors.

I have been an assistant to Dr Rykovich, helping with patient care and coordinating treatment conferences, since 1994. Working here and seeing the individualized care our patients receive has been a great experience. The best part about of my day is seeing patients excitement when their braces are removed and they see how beautiful their smile has become.

My husband and I have two sons. I spend most of my spare time with my children and their sports and activities but I also enjoy volunteering at my church teaching Sunday school, helping with the youth group and with the Goshen marching band.

My name is Danise I have been a dental assistant almost 13 years. I started out of high school. I have worked in a general office 8 years as a chairside assistant as well as an expanded assistant! I have worked for Dr Rykovich over four years. I love changing the way people smile as well as watching their confidence grow! I have four children and when Im not working Im at ball games, dance classes, anything and everything they do!

Emergency Ortho Care Emergency Care True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they occur, we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call our office when you experience severe pain or have a painful appliance problem you can't take care of [...]

Palatal Expander The palatal expander 'expands' (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. The animation below will show you when and how to adjust your expander. When you achieve the desired expansion, [...]

Orthodontic Retention Youve worked hard for your beautiful smile keep it that way! Finally, your braces have been removed and your smile is beautiful, straight, and best of all metal-free! However, your orthodontic journey isnt quite completed. To keep your smile looking [...]

Two-Phase Treatment What is the advantage of Two-Phase orthodontic treatment? Two-Phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines tooth straightening and physical facial changes. The purpose of Two-Phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish an ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that [...]

Types of Braces Traditional metal braces Traditional metal braces are the most common type, and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of [...]

Life with Braces Oral hygiene with braces When you have braces, its very important to brush and floss after every meal in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your treatment. If you need help choosing the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, [...]

Braces for All Ages Our practice recognizes that adults and children have different needs and require different levels of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatments and your needs are met with understanding, respect, and full [...]

FAQs What is orthodontics? Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. What is an orthodontist? An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced education program following dental school to learn the [...]