"Most people are familiar with orthodontics as a specialty within dentistry that serves to enhance patients' dental and facial esthetics and consequently their self-image. To be able to make such a constructive change in people's lives is, in my opinion, the most rewarding and certainly one of the most enjoyable aspects of being an orthodontist.

Equally important, however, is the impact - positive or negative - that orthodontic therapy can have on

• Masticatory (chewing) function
• Health of the jaw joints
• Health of the gums
• Development of the teeth and the facial skeleton.

My goal in treating each patient is not only to improve his/her dental and facial esthetics, but also to promote the health of the gums and the jaw joints while obtaining long-term stability.

Because of the enormous variation in dental and facial relationships and the large number of available treatment options, the treatment planning process in orthodontics is at times quite challenging. Oftentimes obtaining ideal results requires a combination of growth modification and tooth movement or a combination of jaw surgery and tooth movement. It is this challenge that makes the field of orthodontics so dynamic and enjoyable. By and large, what I enjoy the most about being an orthodontist is meeting new people and establishing long-term relationships with patients and parents."