Provider
Our Values
Our practice is guided by four core values that shape how we care for our patients and our community.
Integrity
We aim to do what’s right for every patient, every time. Practicing with integrity means treating each person as if they were part of our own family and prioritizing relationships above all else.
Excellence
We strive to deliver high-quality orthodontic results and attentive care from start to finish, ensuring every patient feels supported throughout their treatment journey.
Service Before Self
Our team is dedicated to serving both our patients and one another. We want every visit to feel welcoming and every experience to reflect genuine care and respect.
Community
We are a long-standing member of our community. It is not only our purpose, but also our duty, to give back and help members of our community.
Our Community Service
We are proud to be a longstanding part of the Delaware County community. Giving back and supporting local organizations is a meaningful part of who we are and how we put our values into action every day.
Our Approach to Orthodontics
There's no question that orthodontic treatment can create beautiful smiles, but it is about so much more than aesthetics. It's about helping patients establish good oral health and improve their daily lives.
Early Assessments for Children
One of the best ways to ensure healthy oral development in children is an early evaluation by an orthodontist. This allows us to identify and treat any emerging orthodontic issues promptly. We do this using a two-phase orthodontic approach.
Phase 1 includes orthodontic treatments, such as braces and Invisalign First, as well as other procedures. Phase 2 continues after all permanent teeth erupt, involving final smile and bite adjustments with braces or Invisalign Teen.
Better Oral Function
Improving the alignment of teeth and jaws can help enhance their functions, including biting, chewing, and speaking. Issues with these basic functions can be debilitating for many patients, and we take great pride in helping our patients resolve them.
Long-Term Damage Prevention
Misaligned teeth can experience significant wear and tear over time as they grind against each other in uneven patterns during talking and chewing, or due to compensatory movements that occur when the teeth are not aligned properly. Straightening your teeth can help reduce this wear and tear, as well as lower the likelihood of needing restorative dental treatments later.
Knowledge is Power for Patients
We believe that well-informed patients are more likely to be successful with their orthodontic treatment. For this reason, our team prioritizes patient communication.
We're always available to answer questions, and we make sure our patients understand each element of their treatment plans at each stage of treatment.
Here are our answers to some questions we are frequently asked by new patients about orthodontics.
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What are the benefits of orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatments are designed to align the teeth and jaws, which can have a number of aesthetic benefits. However, this is only part of the story. Orthodontic treatment also has a number of positive health implications.
First of all, misaligned teeth are simply more difficult to clean than straight, even teeth are. This means that people with misalignments are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, misalignments in the teeth and jaws can cause difficulties with chewing, leading to digestive issues. These misalignments can also result in chronic neck pain and facial pain as well.
By improving the alignment of the teeth and jaws, orthodontic treatment can help resolve all of these issues.
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What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist in the diagnosis, prevention, management, and correction of misaligned teeth, jaws, and bite patterns.
To become an orthodontist, candidates must first complete a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of dental school. After dental school, a two-to-three-year orthodontic residency program is required.
Training for orthodontists focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws.
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At what age should someone seek orthodontic treatment?
We typically recommend that children visit the orthodontist for the first time by the age of 7.
These early evaluations give us an opportunity to identify and treat emerging, isolated orthodontic issues and treat them promptly. In some cases, we can work with a child's developing upper jaw to guide healthy growth. This type of early intervention can help prepare for orthodontic treatment in the teen or adult years.
As far as adults go, there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. As long as their teeth and gums are healthy, adults in their 30s, 40s, and beyond can benefit from orthodontics too!
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How can I tell if I need orthodontic treatment?
The best way to know for sure if you could benefit from orthodontic treatment is to be evaluated by any orthodontist. You can request an appointment with us at any time (no referral needed!).
That being said, some signs that you should book a consultation include:
- Visibly misaligned teeth or bite
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Chronic facial or jaw pain
- Difficulty brushing and flossing
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What are my orthodontic treatment options at CDF Family Orthodontics?
The two primary modes of orthodontic treatment we offer are traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Both treatment modalities can be customized for each patient's specific needs at any age.
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How much does orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign cost?
Orthodontic treatment costs vary depending on a number of factors, including the severity and complexity of your orthodontic issue, the amount of time it takes to correct it, and the type of treatment you choose.
Our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that takes your budget into consideration. We're also happy to help you with submitting insurance claims and to work with you on a financing plan to help take some of the stress out of paying for treatment.