New Patient Center

WHY BRACES?

Orthodontic treatment is commonly called “Braces”. A patient can select to undergo orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons. The main reason that the patient comes into the office can vary. Many people are interested in their appearance, and can we improve it. In most instances, depending on their condition, skeletal values, There are a variety of treatments available for use including regular braces, clear braces, and in some instances clear aligners.

WHAT IS AN ORTHODONTIST?

An orthodontist is a dentist who completed dental school, and was licensed as a general dentist. Now very importantly ALL DENTISTS ARE NOT ORTHODONTISTS. A real Orthodontist has been selected and accepted by an accredited Orthodontic program recognized by the American Dental Association. There are many General Dentists who have taken some form of “Motel Orthodontic” training given by questionable sources. These General Dentists are just that, General Dentists. They may have some limited experience, but they are not Orthodontists. As a matter of fact in many areas of the country, legislation is being enacted that will protect the consumer from being hoodwinked into thinking they are seeing a real Orthodontist, when indeed they are not. A REAL ORTHODONTIST has taken specialized training for at least 2-3 years after General Dental Training, and they have been certified by that program to declare themselves ORTHODONTISTS. They have extensive training in the treatment of malocclusions, and the growth and development of jaw structure, and associated oral structures. A REAL ORTHODONTIST, limits their practice to orthodontics, and will be identified by being a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). The American Association of Orthodontists accepts only THE REAL ORTHODONTIST. It is your assurance that the person you have selected to treat members of your family is the real deal. Also fortunately, in the State of New Jersey, you must have a specialty license number, if your practitioner is not certified by the state as a specialist, then they are very likely not a specialist.

IS MY DENTIST AN ORTHODONTIST?

If you select Dr. James C. Arnold at SurfOrtho.com, you are seeing a real orthodontist, with MORE THAN THIRTY YEARS of experience. And Dr. Arnold has PERSONALLY treated more than one generation of many families, and their relatives!!

LICENSED SPECIALIST?

Dr. James C. Arnold is a licensed specialist in Orthodontics, with more than THIRTY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AT THE SAME LOCATION!!!  There are some Orthodontists working in General Dentistry Practices temporarily, but chances are by the time you are part way into your treatment, that Dr. X will be replaced by Dr. Y, who you might not like at all. They move around, because they are just hired temporarily by that practice, and if circumstances change, they are gone like the wind.

WHY AN ORTHODONTIST?

You want the very best treatment possible for the members of your family. A REAL ORTHODONTIST has a better chance of delivering what you are looking for. A good experience and result can only be obtained by someone who is trained and experienced  in the art and science of Orthodontics. A REAL ORTHODONTIST, in most cases was at or near the top of their class in Dental School, in other words they were selected for advanced training due to their excellence. They have the experience and knowledge to give you your best overall result. And by the way, even after more than 30 years of experience, there are some really challenging cases that come to see us!

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

Traditional Braces: Most people think of the metal brackets and wires as the traditional braces. And as a point of reference they are the backbone of the traditional treatment. I am always amazed at the “Flavor of the Month Gimmick”. As a matter of fact, good orthodontics takes work, skill of the Orthodontist, and cooperation from the patient. There are no magic solutions, its just good old fashioned work. You will get out of your treatment what you put into it. It’s the same principle of success, that applies in every area of endeavour. There is a period of active treatment that the patient undergoes, and depending on their cooperation level, skeletal pattern, and other variables, this determines their success level. There is also a period of retention, which varies from patient to patient, also depending on the individual case. We have a variety of appliances that we use, depending upon which will help the patient the most.

Clear Aligners: In the last few years there have been multiple companies marketing clear aligners. There is Invisalign, Clear Correct Aligners, and Simpli 5 aligners. They are all variations on the same theme. In some cases they will accomplish what the patient and the Dr. are after. But they are not the answer for all cases, and must be used with discretion. However, we have had some success with this form of treatment, but case selection and patient cooperation is critical to the result.

Child and Adolescent Orthodontics: The growing patient presents many challenges for the Orthodontist. Depending upon the patients age, skeletal pattern, cooperation, and starting point, there are a variety of treatment options. Dr. Arnold is very experienced with this type of treatment, and has treated many thousands of patients.

Adult Orthodontics: The typical adult case is much different that the growing patient, and in many cases they need the combined care of a team of dentists. We are very experienced in this field.

Orthodontic Appliances: There are a variety of appliances for many different situations. We have over 30 years of experience with a variety of appliances. We are up to date, adaptable, with a friendly staff, who can discuss your options, and help you understand the different treatment modalities that are available to you.

Laser Technology: In the last few years, the Laser has become a valuable tool in tissue management. We have this capability at our office, and it is handy for some of the treatments we use.