How to Choose an Orthodontist

Q. What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist who does braces or Invisalign?
A. An orthodontist is a dentist, who after graduating from dental school, completes a 3 year full-time university based education in an accredited orthodontic residency program. By learning about tooth movement (orthodontics) and guidance of facial development (dentofacial orthopedics), orthodontists are the specifically educated experts in dentistry to straighten teeth and align jaws. Orthodontists limit their practices to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. This means that orthodontic treatment is what they do, and all they do. Many dentists can do Invisalign after taking a one day course or braces after a weekend course. They do not have the knowledge or ability to offer you all of the treatment options that may be available to you. By using an orthodontist you can be assured that you have chosen someone with the experience and comprehensive orthodontic training to ensure favorable results. Dr. Maro is a graduate of the University of Maryland Orthodontic program.

Q. Are you an independent orthodontist or an associate in a general or pediatric dental practice?
A. Orthodontics is a long-term commitment with a possibility of a patient starting at age 7 or 8 and being followed until they graduate high school. Orthodontic associates in a general or pediatric practice may change their location before your orthodontic treatment is completed. This may result in an increase in treatment time, an undesirable orthodontic result, additional costs, and or the need to find another orthodontist to finish treatment. By choosing an independent orthodontist, you can be assured of a consistent result due to continuity of care. Blue Wave Orthodontics maintains an independent full time orthodontic practice since 1998.

Q. Are you a board-certified orthodontist?
A. Yes. Dr. Maro is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. By choosing an orthodontist who is board-certified or a "diplomate" of the American Board of Orthodontics you will be choosing someone who has "gone a step beyond." Board-certification is a voluntary effort in continuing education that applies earlier classroom work and conventional continuing education to the real world of patient care, culminating in a presentation of treatment results for critical review by a panel of nationally-respected peers. The significance of board-certification, however, goes far beyond achieving the approval of a small panel of experts. The greatest benefit comes from the in-depth self-evaluation that is required by years of preparation and continued maintenance of board-certification, spanning a career's quest for excellence. Less than 50% of all orthodontists are board-certified. Dr. Maro is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. To check if an orthodontist is ABO certified go to www.americanboardortho.com

Q. Do you have office hours to work with my family's busy schedule?
A. Dr. Maro is located in both Rye, NY and Darien, CT. The office is open 6 days per week with evening and weekend appointments available. Blue Wave Orthodontics understands the busy schedules of the working families and therefore has office hours that enable parents and kids with busy schedules to have treatment times which work for them.

Q. At what age should my child be evaluated by an orthodontist?
A. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends all children have their first orthodontic visit at the age of seven. By age seven, enough permanent teeth have come in and enough jaw growth has occurred that the orthodontist can identify current problems, anticipate future problems and alleviate parents' concerns if all seems normal. An orthodontic evaluation at age 7 enables the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems, advise if treatment will be necessary, and determine the best time for that patient to be treated. Blue Wave Orthodontics specializes in early interceptive orthodontic care. If your child is not ready for orthodontic treatment, The doctor prefers to put them on orthodontic observation and wait until the appropriate time to start.

Q. Do I need to be referred by my dentist before I come to an orthodontist?
A. To seek treatment from an orthodontic specialist, you do not need to be referred by a general dentist. In fact, 50% of patients that are treated by Blue Wave Orthodontics were not referred by a general dentist but rather sought out his treatment based on his reputation for dedicated personal care and or were recommended by other satisfied patients.

Q. Are braces just for kids? Can adults have orthodontics as well?
A. Many advances in orthodontics as well as changes in public perception have made adult orthodontics very common. Tooth colored braces (ceramic brackets), braces behind the teeth (lingual braces), and Invisalign (clear plastic trays that move teeth) are all options for today's aesthetic adults. Only an experienced orthodontist can tell you which option is right for your situation. Currently, 35% of Blue Wave Orthodontics orthodontic practice is adult patients. A healthy attractive smile can enhance your career as well as your self-esteem and happiness!

Q. Are you using digital x-rays and self-ligating brackets?
A. Digital x-rays reduce radiation exposure by as much as 90% when compared to traditional x-ray technology. Self-ligating brackets, (braces that have a built in wire holding mechanism) reduce treatment time, the number of treatment visits and the incidence of white spots on removal of the braces, (decalcifications). These advanced technologies help orthodontists to achieve the optimal results in the shortest possible time all while in a manner that is extremely safe for the patient. Blue Wave Orthodontics has a completely digital and self – ligation practice.

Call our office in Rye, New York at (914) 967-2277, or Darien, Connecticut at (203) 202-7610, or request an appointment online.