I love helping patients achieve their unique smile that they feel GREAT about! I believe that your smile is so much more than what we see on the surface, its effects ones self image, self-esteem, and is a vital form of human expression! The appearance of your smile and the health of your oral structures have a tremendous impact on your overall health and your confidence and effectiveness in social interactions. Feeling self conscious about your smile can be a great hindrance, disability, or handicap to your effective interaction with other people. An attractive confident smile provides a tremendous advantage in nearly every aspect of your life.
Throughout my childhood, teen and young-adult years, I was a less than ideal dental patient when it came eating refined foods and sodas, as well as not keeping my teeth and gums clean. Looking back at photos of me as a child, I realized that EVERY one of them showed me breathing through my mouth. This dried out my teeth and gums and resulted in less than ideal facial/jaw growth. In hindsight, this contributed to my requiring orthodontics as well as the sore, bleedy, gums and decayed teeth that followed resulting in multiple cavities and fillings in all my back teeth (my baby teeth and my permanent teeth), three root canals, two gum surgeries, and eventually 19 crowns before I was 45 years old!
I can see clearly now were also symptoms of my poor dental health and facial development. I developed a mouth breathing habit from birth, and can see it perfectly now just looking at photos of myself as a child: the visible symptoms of poor oral rest posture are right there in all the faded photos my mom saved all those years. I snored prolifically, and I even wet the bed until I was age 12. Again, common symptoms of teeth and jaw mis-development that could have been corrected with the non-surgical, non-invasive orthodontic treatments we use every day in our office here in Houghton.
If I had someone to help me with my breathing, help me develop proper rest oral posture habits, and help manage my jaw development at an early age, I may not have needed all the invasive dental and orthodontic procedures I endured throughout my lifetime. I prefer an ounce of prevention over a pound of cure anytime!
Orthodontics is not just about straightening teeth; its about helping individuals maximize growth and development and improve overall health. I also believe that early intervention is critical and can help eliminate the need for invasive (and expensive) treatments, pain and chronic illness later in life.
My family and I are so happy to have made our home here in Houghton! My wife is originally from the U.P., and the smaller, tight-knit community and world-class outdoor activities are the perfect fit for our family. Im proud to share my decades of experience with our community:
Today, were elated to focus on our new community and enjoy the U.P.-life! I am an avid rower, cyclist (mountain and road), and telemark skier, and look forward to everything the Keweenaw Peninsula has to offer when it comes to all things outdoors. I also enjoy playing harmonica and guitar, roasting coffee beans, and have recently gotten into wood-working.
I firmly believe that UPWard Ortho can give back to the community in many ways. My practices have supported sports teams, various organizations for kids and animals, and sponsored multiple events to foster better dental health and education. Reach out to us if youre interested in a community partnership.
Dr. Darin and his team provide a highly specialized approach to orthodontics that is focused on preventing invasive procedures, such as extractions, headgear or surgery. The UPWard Ortho approach combines different techniques and types of orthodonture to help patients achieve beautiful smiles, and also to address critical life-long health issues with a holistic view of proper facial growth and development and proper oral rest posture.
At UPWard Ortho, we know from experience that every patient is different, and you can be sure that Dr. Ward will provide you with a specialized treatment plan that fits your specific needs, symptoms, and goals.
Whether treating Kids, Teens, or Adults, Dr. Ward draws upon a range of treatments and the experience of treating THOUSANDS of patients to develop your specialized treatment plan. UPWard Ortho Services can include:
At UPWard Ortho, we respect patient autonomy and strive to help folks make a decision in light of ALL their treatment options, including no treatment! Developing relationships with the human beings attached to the teeth, including the patients, families, and referring doctors, is what we love most!
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 17 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestTimothy Scullion
2 years ago
Dr Ward is awesome! My whole family loves him. He's goofy, but in a good way that keeps the kids relaxed.
Alexis Onkalo
2 years ago
I cannot thank Dr. Darin and his team enough for everything that they do! Everyone at the office is so easy going and very friendly that I look forward to each and every appointment. My experience with braces has been great and cannot wait to see the final result!! 10/10 recommend!!
Jeff K
2 years ago
Excellent experience. I would recommend.
Jed Larsen
2 years ago
Going into my first ortho visit at 26, I wasn't sure what to expect. Dr. Darin and his team did an amazing job evaluating and informing me of my situation; giving me the time and attention that is rare in most healthcare settings. His transparency, holistic approach, and attention to detail are beyond impressive. I'm very excited to work with the U.P.Ward team toward a better smile and better health.
Sopranon
2 years ago
Worth it
Crystal Francois
2 years ago
The staff is amazing, answered all my questions and made me feel comfortable the whole time.
Morgan Impola
2 years ago
Dr. Ward and his staff were friendly and engaging and you can tell they care about sharing their knowledge and helping you take the best care of yourself for the long term. They were also quick to fix the immediate orthodontic issue I was having and did a great job explaining costs and options for future care. I appreciate the responsiveness and quality of the work that was completed and am grateful their services are available in the Copper Country and recommend this business to anyone in need of orthodontic care.
Tanya Turino
2 years ago
I HIGHLY recommend UPward Orthodontics! They are an amazing group and they make sure you are taken care of! Dr Darin goes above and beyond & takes the extra step to discuss what you want out of your smile. I'm extremely happy that I chose UPward for my orthodontic needs. They are a welcome addition to the community!
Mike P
2 years ago
Dr. Ward took care of me quickly and professionally! Thank you so much! Highly recommend!
Amanda Ulbrich
2 years ago
Friendly atmosphere. Dr Ward is great! His staff is amazing. They really care about their patients and their patients comfort. I'm so glad dr Ward and his crew came to Houghton. He is very knowledgeable and does most procedures in his office. No 2 hr drive. And my daughter actually gets excited to go see her orthodontist! That's not normal. 10/10 would recommend.
Crystal Francois
3 years ago
The staff is amazing, answered all my questions and made me feel comfortable the whole time.
Morgan Impola
3 years ago
Dr. Ward and his staff were friendly and engaging and you can tell they care about sharing their knowledge and helping you take the best care of yourself for the long term. They were also quick to fix the immediate orthodontic issue I was having and did a great job explaining costs and options for future care. I appreciate the responsiveness and quality of the work that was completed and am grateful their services are available in the Copper Country and recommend this business to anyone in need of orthodontic care.
Tanya Turino
3 years ago
I HIGHLY recommend UPward Orthodontics! They are an amazing group and they make sure you are taken care of! Dr Darin goes above and beyond & takes the extra step to discuss what you want out of your smile. I'm extremely happy that I chose UPward for my orthodontic needs. They are a welcome addition to the community!
Mike P
3 years ago
Dr. Ward took care of me quickly and professionally! Thank you so much! Highly recommend!
Amanda Ulbrich
3 years ago
Friendly atmosphere. Dr Ward is great! His staff is amazing. They really care about their patients and their patients comfort. I'm so glad dr Ward and his crew came to Houghton. He is very knowledgeable and does most procedures in his office. No 2 hr drive. And my daughter actually gets excited to go see her orthodontist! That's not normal. 10/10 would recommend.
Load more