Welcome to our practice! I am so very fortunate to participate in the care of so many smiles and improved bites that have and will change lives. Most of all, I am grateful for the chance to develop long-lasting relationships with all of our kind families. From start to finish, I am thrilled to watch the smile develop and to witness the effect it has on an individual. That is a thing of beauty!
I received my dental degree (D.D.S.) (graduating Magna Cum Laude) at the University of Maryland Dental School in Baltimore, Maryland. Prior to beginning my dental training, I conducted research at the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center.
In addition, I achieved a Masters of Science (M.S.), (graduating Summa Cum Laude) in oral biology concomitantly with my orthodontic specialty residency, also at the University of Maryland Dental School.
To provide my patients with the highest quality treatments available, I attend many conventions and seminars in continuing education. I am committed to furthering my education and contributing to organized dentistry via my membership in the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists (MASO), the Maryland State Society of Orthodontists (MSSO), the American Dental Association (ADA), the Southern Maryland Dental Association (SMDA), and the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO). I was delighted to serve as MSSO President (2015-2016) and on the MASO Communications Committee for three years; I am now fortunate to serve on the AAO National Council of Orthodontic Practices (2017-present).
Although born in Madison, Wisconsin, I spent most of my childhood on the east coast and abroad. My first language is French. I currently live in Brookeville, Maryland with my dear husband of nearly 25 years and my two loving daughters, now young adults! In addition to spending precious time with my family, I enjoy travel, dance, cooking, hiking, tennis, and the theatre.
What can you eat? Lets talk about what you shouldnt eat! For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Before long, youll be able to bite a cucumber again. But youll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as youre wearing braces.
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for 3 5 days. Take Ibuprofen or whatever you normally take for a headache or discomfort. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the braces. We will supply wax to put on the braces in irritated areas to lessen discomfort.
Without a doubt, successful orthodontic treatment requires a team approach; you are an incredibly important part of your treatment progress. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands or other appliances as prescribed. Lack of cooperation following instructions and damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time so, please follow instructions.