Consider These Important Points When Choosing Your Family’s Orthodontist

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Choosing an orthodontist in the Sioux Falls, SD area for your family is an important decision, and one that is not be made lightly. But it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. First, and foremost, you want to be certain that you and your child will be comfortable with your choice. Find an orthodontic specialist who is well-recommended, board certified, has successfully completed cases available for you to review, and is able to accommodate your busy schedule. Orthodontic treatment is a serious investment, so it should be treated as such.

Talk to your family dentist. Get feedback from the parents of your children’s friends. Word of mouth recommendations are typically the best place to start when looking for a new medical provider of any kind. Orthodontists know this, and good ones take care to foster good relationships with their patients and referring dentists.

Today, many general dentists have taken classes to offer braces or clear aligners (Invisalign®), but an orthodontist is still THE BEST CHOICE for orthodontic treatment. General dentists are experts in diagnosis of dental decay, preventative dentistry and restoring, replacing and repairing teeth, while an orthodontist is an expert in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Orthodontists should have two to three years of additional specialized orthodontics education accredited by the American Dental Association, and the best orthodontists are also board certified.

After finding a highly-recommended orthodontic practice, look at examples of their completed cases. Some practices have a gallery of smiles on their website, but the office will also have photos on display of patients who have completed treatment.

Call the office to get the basic information, find out if they are accepting new patients, discuss insurance and financing policies, and ask if they offer free consultations. Your initial consultation is the ideal time to discuss treatment goals, and to find out how much experience the orthodontist has in correcting specific problems.

Orthodontic treatment can be a lengthy process, and patients interact with the doctors and their staff on a nearly monthly basis, so make sure you are comfortable with and confident about the orthodontic practice you choose for your family.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow, and the entire staff are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every one of our patients. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Braces and Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day is almost here. In case you don’t know, it’s Tuesday, February 14! That means lots of sweet goodies will be making an appearance this weekend and in the coming week. It’s also time, once again, for us at Horner Barrow Orthodontics, to remind all of our orthodontic patients in the Sioux Falls, SD area to use extra caution when choosing those tempting delights.

Sweet, sour, gooey and sticky candies and chocolates taste great, but they are also known to damage teeth and orthodontic appliances. Sour candies can be harmful to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them. This can cause tooth staining, tooth decay, and cavities.

If you do indulge, Dr. Kevin Horner and Dr. Keri Barrow recommend choosing softer treats, such as soft chocolates, peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. After enjoying them, be sure to carefully brush and floss between your teeth, and thoroughly clean around your brackets and wires, as well as at the gum line.

Just for Fun…a little Valentine’s Day History

Valentine’s Day is known around the world as a celebration of love in all its forms. Red roses, cute little cherubs, pink hearts, and lovely greeting cards seem to be everywhere. But many people might not know that our modern Valentine’s Day celebration got its start from a religious holiday.

St. Valentine’s Day was originally celebrated as a religious feast day in honor of early Christian martyrs. Three martyrs were honored; all of them named Valentine…a priest in Rome, the persecuted bishop of a town in central Italy, and a saint martyred in Africa. This saint’s day was celebrated throughout Christendom, although in 1969 it was removed from the Roman Catholic Calendar of Saints.

Valentine’s Day as a holiday for lovers is credited to Geoffrey Chaucer’s 1382 poem “Parlement of Foules.” He penned, “For this was on Saint Valentine’s Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate,” and with those words the modern romantic holiday was born. William Shakespeare and other writers also mentioned Valentine’s Day as a day for love.

free-vintage-valentines-day-card-happy-couple-with-red-heart-and-pink-flowersFast forward to the early 19th century, which is when our modern-day Valentine’s Day came about. In Victorian England, printers began producing small numbers of cards with romantic verses, ribbons, lace, and other frilly adornments. Anonymous Valentine’s Day cards were a popular way for young lovers to exchange romantic sentiments in an otherwise conservative or “proper” era. As the 19th century progressed, printers began to mass-produce Valentine’s Day cards. Every year in the United States, we exchange an estimated 190 million valentines. In this age of technology, online Valentine’s Day cards have become very popular, with millions of e-cards sent each year.

Other items closely associated with Valentine’s Day are chocolate and flowers. The tradition of giving chocolates has been around for decades. Almost 150 years ago, Richard Cadbury created the first box of Valentine’s Day chocolates. Today, consumers purchase over $1 billion in chocolates in the United States alone, with 35 million heart-shaped boxes sold each year. Loved ones also give flowers; often red roses, associated with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. On Valentine’s Day alone, florists sell nearly 200 million stems of roses.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Horner Barrow Orthodontics!

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every one of our patients. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Breakfast Foods That Are Braces-Friendly!

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At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, Dr. Kevin Horner and Dr. Keri Barrow understand how hard it can be to get your child to eat the recommended daily allowance of healthy grains, fruits and vegetables. As many parents already know, kids can be finicky eaters. How many times has your child hid their serving of broccoli under a dollop of mashed potatoes, or tried to sneak their green beans to the family dog?

The task of providing fun, nutritious meals becomes even more challenging when your child is wearing braces. It’s a well-known fact that breakfast is the most important meal of the day for all of us. A healthy breakfast provides our bodies with the necessary fuel to start our day off on a positive note. The following braces-friendly breakfast food suggestions are not only nutritious, but also delicious.

• A healthy breakfast provides energy to start the day and it also revs up the body’s metabolism. A smoothie can be a good source of fruit, protein and fiber, and it’s also gentle on braces. Plus, smoothies are fun to make. You can toss anything in the blender (plain, low-fat Greek yogurt, bananas, strawberries, and spinach to name a few) and create a drink that’s loaded with protein,  vitamins and antioxidants.

• Scrambled eggs. Scrambled eggs are soft, and therefore, easy to eat if you have braces. If covered in ketchup (which many kids like to do), eggs become even softer. Minimal chewing is needed, and that’s the key to a braces-friendly recipe.

• Hard, crunchy cereals or granola for breakfast is not a good choice if you wear braces. Bite down on a hard chunk, and you could loosen a bracket, or break a wire. You can, however, get a serving of whole grains by replacing that crunchy cereal with cooked oatmeal. This soft, easy-to-chew breakfast treat has plenty of health benefits. The best option is quick-cook oats that you can add your choice of nuts and berries to, rather than those presweetened packets of instant oats. A time-saver for your busy mornings is to make the oatmeal ahead of time, in the evening. Do an online search for overnight oats; you’ll be pleasantly surprised at all of the tasty suggestions that come up for easy-to-assemble recipes that will be ready to eat the next morning!

• Pancakes may NOT be the most healthy option for breakfast. However, this weekend breakfast favorite IS braces-friendly. Strive to make your pancakes healthier by adding blueberries in the pancake batter.

• All-bran, whole-grain (or multi-grain) pumpkin, banana, blueberry or apple muffins are another good way to start the day. Pull out your favorite recipe and bake a batch of homemade muffins on the weekend, and you’ll have a quick, handy breakfast for several weekday mornings. Just remember to omit the nuts!

• Toast (lightly-browned) is an acceptable option, but start by using healthy, whole-wheat or whole-grain bread. Up the protein factor by spreading your toast with a little bit of creamy (not chunky) peanut or almond butter, and just say no to that overly-sweet jelly. Instead, add a bit of a natural, all-fruit jam to cut down on the sugar. When wearing braces, the best course of action is to avoid foods that are hard or chewy. These types of foods can break wires. Some kids might think that toast isn’t the most exciting breakfast food, but it IS braces-friendly.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient in the Sioux Falls, SD area. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Braces-Friendly Slow-Cooker Beef Stroganoff

It’s mid-January here in Sioux Falls, SD. That means cold, snowy weather. Maybe you like to go skiing, cross-country or downhill, snowboarding, tubing, sledding or ice skating. Any of these winter activities can work up a good appetite. Time to pull out your slow-cooker and make some hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food for you and your hungry family! This recipe for Beef Stroganoff (once a weekend or special-occasion dinner) is just the thing to warm everyone up, and can now be served on a weeknight, thanks to this easy slow-cooker recipe.  And, since it’s slow-cooked and tender, it’s a braces-friendly recipe that your favorite orthodontic patient can enjoy, as well!

BC BeefStroganoff

Bon appétit from Horner Barrow Orthodontics!

Beef Stroganoff 

 (15 minutes prep time • 5 hours, 15 minutes total time
 • Serves 8)

Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
2 lb boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into 3×1/2×1/4-inch strips
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed golden mushroom soup
1 package (8 ounces) sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed (from 8-ounce package)
1 container (8 ounces) sour cream
6 cups hot cooked noodles or rice

Directions:
1. In 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add beef strips, onion and garlic; cook 7 to 9 minutes or until beef is browned.
2. In 3 1/2- to 4 1/2-quart slow cooker, mix beef mixture, soup, mushrooms, salt and pepper.
3. Cover; cook on low heat setting 5 to 6 hours or until beef is tender.
4. Stir cream cheese into beef mixture until melted. Stir in sour cream until well blended. Serve over noodles.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow, and the entire staff are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every one of our patients. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Source (recipe and photo)

Here’s to a great 2016, and an even better 2017!

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Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow and the entire staff at Horner Barrow Orthodontics would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!

As 2016 comes to a close, we reflect and look back, and we offer our heart-felt thanks to all of our patients. You have put your trust in us to help you with improving your smile and dental health. We don’t take that lightly. We know there are many options to choose for orthodontic treatment here in Sioux Falls, SD, and it means so much to all of us that you have chosen Horner Barrow Orthodontics! We look forward to seeing you in our office in 2017.

A new year usually holds the promise of better things to come. If you or a family member is thinking about improving their smile in the coming year, or considering orthodontic treatment, please feel free to recommend our office to them.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Have a happy and healthy 2017!

 

Braces or Orthodontic Treatment For Your Child. Yes or No?

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It’s a question many parents struggle with. Dr. Keri Barrow, of Horner Barrow Orthodontics, in Sioux Falls, SD, has the answer to this common question.

More often than many parents realize, getting braces isn’t always a necessity, and orthodontic treatment isn’t always for the sole purpose of straightening your child’s teeth. There are other dental issues or potential problems that could cause the need for braces to minimize or eliminate these situations completely. And, when braces are deemed a possibility, some research suggests that it may be better to wait until your child is in their early teens to begin treatment options.

Overcrowded Teeth
Braces can help with straightening and separating overcrowded teeth, which makes cleaning them easier. In some cases, this type of malocclusion can also be painful, so correcting it can additionally ease your child’s pain or discomfort.

Open Bite
This dental condition occurs when the top and bottom front teeth do not completely come together when your child bites down.  Both rows of teeth will continue to grow toward each other as your child gets older, so you would want to wait until all your child’s baby teeth have been replaced with their permanent teeth before taking a look at correction options for this condition.

Overbite
According to many renowned orthodontists, approximately 25 to 30 percent of children have this type of dental malocclusion. This issue cannot be corrected with braces. It is an abnormality of the skull and is treated with external options that realign your child’s jaw. Many orthodontists have determined that treating this issue at a very young age (under 8 years old) produces an positive outcome that is identical to the results when your child is treated in their teens or older.

Debilitating Issues
Some dental issues cause serious problems, such as preventing your child from being able to easily or properly eat their food, or causing a lot of pain and discomfort. In these situations, you would want to consider treatment options promptly.

Cosmetic Treatment
Many times, the most common reason for getting braces for your child is simply cosmetic; he or she feels self-conscious about the way their teeth look. Correcting that issue can greatly improve your child’s self-esteem. Crooked or disfiguring dental issues can have a big impact on your child’s future, causing problems and difficulties for them in school, in relationships, and in finding jobs later in life. Self-esteem is a really big deal, especially in younger people. If your child does have this type of dental issue, you should give serious consideration to orthodontic treatment options to give your child peace of mind, improve their sense of self-worth, and ensure that they have the best possible opportunity for success in their academic, professional, and personal lives.

If you are considering braces for your child and are concerned about the cost, ask about payment plans or financing options. There are also dental plans available outside what may be offered by your family’s health insurance that can help alleviate some of the costs associated with having orthodontic work performed on your child.

A key thing to keep in mind when braces are recommended for your child: ask the dentist why they are recommending braces and remember, it is just a recommendation, in most cases, (excluding those where your child is experiencing eating difficulties or pain/discomfort). Braces aren’t exclusively for younger kids these days, and a decision to wait until your child is older (when possible) does not mean you’re being an irresponsible parent; just a cautious, concerned, well-informed one.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow, and the entire staff are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every one of our patients. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Could Braces Be Causing My Sensitivity To Cold?

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An orthodontic patient in our Sioux Falls, SD office asked us this question:
“I have braces, and for the past several weeks, I’ve noticed that one of my upper right molars has become quite sensitive to cold things, such as food, drinks, and even the cold air. I’ve heard that for some people, braces can make teeth more sensitive. Is this what’s causing my sensitivity issues? Maybe I have a cavity? I brush and floss my teeth faithfully every night, and I’ve never had any cavities before, so I’m really concerned about what is going on with my tooth.”

Here’s our answer:
When you have braces, some tooth sensitivity CAN be normal, but an extreme amount is NOT normal. There are several different things that could be causing the problem. The only way it can be diagnosed is to see your general dentist. Some of the issues that may be causing the cold sensitivity are:

Demineralization. Demineralization is a condition that can occur when orthodontic patients don’t take proper care of their teeth while they are wearing their braces. Food that is left on the teeth can turn to acid, which eats into the teeth, leading to a weakened area or even a cavity. When this happens, your teeth can become very sensitive.

Gingivitis. Gingivitis is a condition where the gum tissue around your teeth becomes inflamed. This should not be ignored because it can lead to serious gum and teeth problems.

Recession. Recession is also a gum-related condition that can lead to tooth sensitivity. Gum recession is when the gum tissue has pulled away from the crown portion of the tooth, which often leads to exposure of tooth surfaces (tooth roots) that are normally covered, and therefore protected, by the gum tissue. This can be caused by brushing too hard, or by a bacterial infection in the gums. When this happens, your affected tooth or teeth may become sensitive to cold.

Overall Sensitivity. Some people have sensitive teeth because their tooth enamel is thinner. Since this patient has just developed the problem, and it is only affecting one tooth, this is probably not the cause of their sensitivity.

The best way to protect your teeth from sensitivity is to take proper care of them. Brushing your teeth once a day is not enough. You need to be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, use mouthwash, and floss thoroughly every day. This is very important when you have braces because it is much easier for food to get trapped on the brackets, and therefore, on your teeth and gums.

If you have consulted with your general dentist, practice good oral hygiene daily and are still experiencing serious sensitivity in just one tooth, it is a good idea to make an appointment with Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow. We will make very effort to determine the source of the sensitivity and get the issue fixed before it causes you more discomfort and problems.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Why Do YOU Want To Have Straight Teeth?

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There are three major reasons people in Sioux Falls, SD, and elsewhere, seek orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth. The first, and probably the most important reason is an improperly functioning bite. Sometimes teeth emerge in the wrong positions, and this can cause an interference to the way the teeth and jaws work. Sometimes teeth become impacted, or stuck, inside the jawbone. These impactions can (in simple cases) make teeth hard to clean, which can lead to decay and gum problems. In more serious cases, the impaction can lead to damage to the adjacent teeth.

Other functional problems include crossbites, where the tooth position is reversed from its correct location. This can lead to abnormal wear or chipped teeth. Sometimes poor bite relationships can make chewing uncomfortable, and in some case predispose a person to jaw joint problems. Any of these issues can be detected and assessed by your general dentist. If there are functional problems with your bite your general dentist will be able to identify them and will most likely advise you to seek treatment with a specialist, such as an orthodontist.

The second reason people often seek orthodontic treatment is for an improvement in their smile. Appearance is a personal thing. If you don’t like the way your teeth look, many times having them straighter will make them look nicer. In this case, the benefit of orthodontic treatment then really depends on whether you like your teeth the way they are or not. If you really don’t like the way your teeth look, then orthodontics may be for you.

The third reason people want to straighten their teeth is for self-esteem. Many people say they feel more confident in social settings, or in the business world if they have a beautiful, straight smile. Some people even claim that this self-confidence helps them to succeed in life or that they have become a happier, more smiling person. To back up that claim, studies have shown that a confident smile can improve people’s career opportunities.

Orthodontics continues to increase in popularity
Over the years, we at Horner Barrow Orthodontics have seen the demand for orthodontics greatly increase, as it has across the country, and this is probably due to several reasons. One reason is the desire to have a more perfect appearance in the face than in other areas of the body. Like it or not, this desire has become part of our culture. Even though we should not become obsessed with perfection, a happy, healthy, confident smile is truly a benefit for one’s entire life. Research has also shown indications that a confident smile can improve people’s career opportunities.

The second reason orthodontics has become more popular is that availability has greatly improved over the last 20 or more years. The cost of orthodontic treatment, while still not inexpensive, is relatively less expensive than it was many years ago.

The third reason orthodontics has become more popular is that the treatment procedures themselves are definitely more comfortable than they were in the past. Many cases can be treated without the dreaded extraction of teeth. The appliances (brackets) are smaller and smoother than they used to be. The days of the old “tin grin” or “railroad tracks” are pretty much a thing of the past.

In addition, other forms of orthodontic treatment, such as sequential plastic aligners, like Invisalign®, are available and are becoming more sophisticated and successful in the final result.
For these three major reasons, orthodontics has become a happy and healthy experience. To discover more about our range of orthodontic treatments, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow, please contact us.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

A Tasty, Braces-Friendly Autumn Recipe

The autumn season is in full swing here in Sioux Falls, SD. That time when we all seem to crave a delicious, hot, home-cooked meal. This recipe from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is a yummy, braces-friendly autumn meal that will surely satisfy your hungry family.

PastaPomodorini

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pasta Pomodorini

Ingredients:
3/4 pound spaghetti, fettucine or penne pasta
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1/4 cup sliced garlic
1/2 teaspoon finely minced Calabrian chilies, or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 pint small cherry tomatoes, stems removed, crushed between your thumb and forefinger
Sea salt, preferably gray salt
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, each torn into 2 or 3 pieces
Wedge of Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta. While the pasta cooks, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook until golden brown and crisp, then add the chilies and cook for about 30 seconds. Raise the heat to high and add the tomatoes. Simmer briskly to soften the tomatoes and thicken the juices, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. When the pasta is al dente, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the warm pot off the heat. Add the sauce and the basil and mix well. Add some of the reserved cooking water if the pasta seems dry. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and grate Parmesan over the top to taste. Drizzle with a little more olive oil. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Serve with a healthy tossed salad, and some warm garlic bread.

We  hope you enjoy this easy-to-prepare, tasty autumn meal. Be sure to let Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow know how you liked this recipe at your next appointment with us!

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Yes, Braces and Instruments Do Play Well Together

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Quite a few of our patients here at Horner Barrow Orthodontics play musical instruments. Many times, we are asked by parents about the effect braces or orthodontic treatment will have on their childrens’ ability to play their wind instruments. This article will answer some of the common questions we hear in our Sioux Falls, SD office regarding this topic.

Braces and Wind Instruments

When you first get braces you may find that it affects your ability to play your instrument. No worries! With motivation and practice, you should be back to playing in no time.

Before you start orthodontic treatment, talk to Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow about what type of braces you will be getting, and the kind of wind instrument you play. Try to schedule your first appointment during a time when you don’t have any important performances to allow your mouth time to adjust.

Treatment with fixed braces can affect your ability to play a wind instrument, but it is very unlikely that this will last for more than a few months.

If you play a woodwind instrument, you will probably adjust to playing with your braces on very quickly. Your playing is likely to return to normal within a few weeks.

If you play a brass instrument, you may have problems playing high notes when your braces are placed. Your playing is likely to return to normal within a few months.

Some players may develop sores inside their mouth while playing. Check with your music teacher to see if your mouthpiece can be changed for a larger one. This may help to evenly spread the load over your lips. Some musicians use brace wax when playing to protect their lips and cheeks. Placing wax over your brackets when you first start playing your instrument may help you avoid pressure sores or possible discomfort.

Musicians often get a dry mouth when practicing or performing. If your mouth is feeling dry, it is best to drink water. Remember, sodas and sugary drinks can damage your teeth during your orthodontic treatment.

Once your braces are removed and treatment is complete, it will only be a short time until you are used to playing without your braces.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.