Before settling in Virginia, Dr. Monica Woodard lived in numerous cities across the country and overseas with her military family. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Virginia. She then earned her dental degree from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, graduating with honors. Her orthodontic training was completed at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her Orthodontic Certificate and Master of Dental Science Degree.

Dr. Monica Woodard is a board certified orthodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Board certification is a voluntary credential which demonstrates Dr. Woodards commitment to clinical excellence. She is also a member of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists.

Our staff is specially trained in order to provide outstanding orthodontic services to our patients. Our commitment to excellent service includes not only great orthodontic treatment, but also a warm, friendly office atmosphere. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment, please do not hesitate to ask one of our knowledgeable team members.

Orthodontics is the area of dentistry concerned with the supervision, guidance and correction of the dentofacial structures. Orthodontic treatment uses braces, retainers and other appliances to correct any dentofacial abnormalities. Regular dental check-ups and orthodontic treatment are proven to be effective tools in helping establish and maintain good oral health for people of all ages.

An orthodontist is a specially trained dentist who has attended an advanced education program for a continual training period of 2 to 3 years. All members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have received the appropriate training.

Its never too late to have a beautiful smile! Adults should visit an orthodontist to improve the appearance of their smile and their overall dental health at any time. Some orthodontic corrections need to be made as early as 3 to 5 years of age, but ordinarily children should visit an orthodontist at the time permanent teeth begin to erupt in order to detect any deficiencies in the childs teeth formation. This is usually between 7 and 10 years of age. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist no later than age 7.

Your initial visit will give you an opportunity to meet Dr. Woodard and our knowledgeable staff, who will answer any questions you may have. You will receive a complimentary clinical examination and x-rays todetermine whether orthodontic treatment is necessary. If treatment is required,the doctorwill go over a treatment plan as well as an estimate of the treatment duration. Your treatmentcoordinator will go over our flexible payment options, discuss your insurance (if applicable)and answer any additional questionsthat you may have. In most cases our patients are given the option to start treatment the same day as the initial examination.

Braces may be worn by both children and adults, not only to improve the attractiveness of their smile, but also because braces correct improper alignment of teeth that can lead to gum disease and early tooth loss. Left untreated, crooked teeth with irregular spacing make cleaning harder and allow cavities to more easily develop. Properly aligned teeth also make it easier to chew all types of food, and eliminate the headaches and pain caused by uneven chewing. Uneven teeth may result in weak enamel, gum problems and jaw misalignment.

Braces are lighter, more comfortable and more technologically advanced today than ever before. They come in clear and a variety of color and material choices. Ask the office staff about what options are available. Other appliances include colorful bands, elastics and retainers.

Braces exert a gentle pressure on teeth over time to straighten them. The two main components include the braces placed on the teeth and the arch wire that connects them. The brace is a specially-shaped metal or ceramic affixed to each tooth and the arch wire is bent to reflect the bite that the patient should have after treatment. The wire threads through the braces and as the wire tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure to move the teeth.

There have been some fantastic advances in modern orthodontics to make treatment more comfortable and quicker for patients. There are now smaller, smoother braces and gentler wires which provide a continuous small force over a long period of time rather than a strong force for only a short period. Typically there is some discomfort after the braces are first put on. Over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft foods diet will help alleviate this temporary discomfort.

Orthodontic fees depend on the complexity of the orthodontic problem, the age of the patient and the estimated length of treatment. Since each patient is different, a visit to the office for a complimentary examination will allow you to get a better idea of the fee.