Why Is Our Practice Unique!

We appreciate your desire to seek the best possible orthodontic care for you or your child. We pride ourselves on our honesty and patient respect, and assure you the best possible treatment. Here are a few reasons to choose our office and Dr. Awbrey for your orthodontic needs:

• Is the doctor an orthodontic specialist?
  Dr. Awbrey has completed an additional two year residency beyond the four years of attending dental school.  He is an orthodontic specialist registered as a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and limits his practice specifically to orthodontics.
  
  
  

• Dr. Awbrey is board certified!
  Dr. Awbrey has completed the rigorous additional study and examinations required to become certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. He is among the small percentage of orthodontists in the United States to earn this degree of recognized excellence in his specialty.
  
  
  
  
• Do you explain all options of treatment required to treat a particular case?
  Dr. Awbrey is always interested in presenting all options of treatment so you can make the most informed choice.
  
  
  
  

• Is treatment tailored to each patient’s individual needs?
   Care and consideration is taken by Dr. Awbrey and our staff to treat each patient as an individual, not a “cookie cutter” treatment approach where every patient receives the same treatment.
  
  
• Do you speak with the parents at each appointment?
  Dr. Awbrey makes a conscious effort at every appointment to discuss current treatment and if it is progressing according to schedule.  He is committed to keeping you informed and he will always make time to answer your questions.
  
  
  
  
• Do you use brackets that have previously been used on another patient?
  Although a common and legal practice, we never recycle bands or brackets. Braces are precision devices, which are manufactured and intended for single use only.
  
  
  
  
  
• Do you get your patients in and out of braces during the estimated treatment time?
  The most frequently asked question in any orthodontic practice is, “When am I getting my braces off?” We have a very high success rate of completing treatment during the estimated treatment time. Dr. Awbrey pays particular attention to dental age and does not start a child too early. Our treatment mechanics, self-ligating brackets, precise bracket placement, and efficient systems to monitor treatment progress all combine to complete treatment during the estimated time with the best possible final results.
  
  
• Does the doctor place all of the braces himself?
  This is the single most important aspect of treatment. The placement of the braces is a technically detailed procedure. When done properly, the final orthodontic result is achieved easier and faster. Assistants do not have the training or license to position the braces on the teeth, therefore Dr. Awbrey does position all brackets himself.
  
  
  
• Do you routinely put bands or brackets on the second molars (twelve-year molars)?
  Once the molars have fully erupted, brackets are placed. Aligning the second molars is a time consuming procedure and will increase the cost of materials. Aligning the twelve year molars is imperative to achieving a healthy, properly functioning bite.
  
  
• How often are radiographs taken?
  During treatment there are changes that may occur and go unnoticed without a radiograph. A panorex is a detailed x-ray that is taken to visualize these changes. At our practice we routinely take these pictures every 8- 12 months to check for signs of root resorption, monitor root positioning, and evaluate the supporting bone around the teeth.
  
  
• How much is the treatment fee?
  Orthodontic fees and philosophies may vary widely amongst offices, and it is important for you to be comfortable with both. It is vital that you look beyond fees and be satisfied with the quality of care you will receive. Many times a treatment fee is quoted at an orthodontic office for the treatment only, and may not include records or retainers. This gives an incorrect perception of your fee. Beware of additional fees that may be charged for time over and above the estimated treatment period. We feel very strongly about honesty with our patients. We want you to know, up front, what your entire fee includes so there are no surprises at the end. Our fee is all-inclusive which consists of records, appliances for the estimated treatment time, retainers, and the retention period.

There is truly a difference in orthodontics!