Q.Tell us about yourself and your practice.
A.I attended college at UNC-Chapel Hill dental school at the Medical University of South Carolina and recieved a masters in orthodontics from UNC-Chapel Hill. I completed 4 years of service in the US Navy, where I was one of only 14 Navy orthodontists. I was stationed at the Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia where I helped train Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residents and had the opportunity to work on complex cases involving all dental specialties. I am in private practice in Durham NC. My interests are using the latest in orthodontic technology to provide the best possible patient experience. My wife Stacey and I have three children Peyton 6, Sarah-Morgan 4 and Jack 10months.
Q.Please explain the main services you offer.
A.We offer the latest in orthodontic technology, including Damon self-ligating bracket, lingual braces on the inside of the teeth (also known as hidden braces) and invisalign.
Q.Do you accept insurance?
A. We are happy to assist in filing our patients insurance.
Q.What is the minimum age you take patients?
A.It depends, please see below.
Q.At what age should a parent take their child to an Orthodontist?
A.The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child's first orthodontic evaluation at age 7. While most children will not need treatment at that time there are some conditions for which treatment at an early age is critical. If one of these conditions, such as anterior crossbite are not present the orthodontist will likely monitor eruption and growth on a yearly basis in order to begin treatment at the ideal time. In our office all consultations and yearly evaluations are complimentary.
Q.What is the best time for Orthodontic Treatment?
A.In general the ideal time to receive orthodontic treatment is when most permanent teeth have erupted, but while skeletal growth still remains. This can occur as early as age 10 or as late as age 14, depending on the individual. However, in certain situations early interceptive treatment is indicated.
Q.What is an invisalign and how does it work and what are the benefits of it?
A.Invisalign is a system of clear aligners which incrementally move the teeth into alignment. Each aligner is worn for a period of two weeks. Invisalign has the advantage of being invisible and removeable for cleaning. It is best suited for mild to moderate cases. An orthodontist can examine your teeth and bite and advise you, if you are a candidate for invisalign rather than more traditional braces.
Q.Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
A.Yes. While it is generally more efficient to receive treatment when most permanent teeth are present, early interceptive treatment when baby teeth are still present may be indicated to correct growth problems or to create space for erupting teeth.
Q.Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A.As long as the teeth and supporting bone and gums are healthy, one is never too old to receive orthodontic treatment. Approximately 30% of patients nationally are adults. We routinely treat patients in their 60's and even older.
Q.Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
A.Yes. Braces can be worn with crowns and missing teeth. Braces can often provide the ideal spacing and tooth position for crown and bridge restorations and can sometimes eliminate the need for such options by closing the spaces left by missing teeth.
Q.Is the Damon System safe?
A.The Damon system is safe. It provides the latest in orthodontic technology. Its use of passive self ligation ( a fancy way of saying low friction) can often provide treatment in fewer visits, often results in fewer extractions of permanent teeth, fewer extra appliances and sometimes faster treatment overall. It appears that treatment is more comfortable than traditional braces and the design lends itself to easier cleaning than more traditional braces.
Q.Are Damon braces big?
A.Damon braces are comparable in size, if not smaller than most other types of braces. The latest version the Q is the smallest Damon bracket to date in both its footprint on the tooth and how far it extends from the tooth surface. It has rounded edges to make treatment more comfortable. In addition there is a Damon bracket for the upper teeth that is partially clear, resulting in the appearance of an even smaller bracket. |
