About Our Orthodontic Practice

Dr. Lazzara has completed an additional 30 month residency beyond his four years of dental school. He is an orthodontic specialist registered as a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and limits his practice specifically to orthodontics.

Dr. Lazzara is committed to presenting the ‘best’ treatment option, along with appropriate alternatives, so you can make the most informed decision.

Dr. Lazzara prefers treatment without the removal of permanent teeth whenever possible, and his contemporary treatment techniques allow non-extraction therapy in the vast majority of cases. In cases where extractions would prove beneficial, the decision to remove teeth will be made only after a thorough consultation and discussion of the benefits of extraction vs. non-extraction treatment.

Dr. Lazzara feels that the ideal time for most patients to begin orthodontic treatment is around age 12, as the last baby teeth are being lost, and this philosophy is supported by quality research studies. While the American Association of Orthodontists does recommend an initial orthodontic evaluation for all patients no later than age 7, most patients DO NOT need treatment at this age. However, it is still important for all young patients to undergo an orthodontic evaluation between ages 7 and 8 to identify the relatively small group of patients who will benefit from early treatment.

While headgear wear can be of benefit to some orthodontic patients, experience has shown Dr. Lazzara that it is impractical to expect today’s busy families to fit 12-14 hours per day of headgear wear into their already hectic schedules. Dr. Lazzara’s treatment philosophy has evolved to achieve excellent results without headgear by substituting bite correctors, temporary anchorage devices (TADS), intrusion arches, and other fixed (non-removable) appliances.

Dr. Lazzara makes a conscious effort at every appointment to discuss current treatment and if it is progressing according to schedule. He is committed to keeping you informed and he will always make time to answer your questions.

Although it is a common and legal practice, we never recycle bands or brackets. Braces are precision devices, which are manufactured and intended for single use only.

The most frequently asked question in any orthodontic practice is, “When am I getting my braces off?” We have a very high success rate of completing treatment within the estimated treatment time. Dr. Lazzara pays particular attention to dental age and is committed to starting children at the appropriate time to minimize overall time in braces. Our efficient treatment mechanics, state-of-the art braces and wires, precise bracket placement, and efficient systems to monitor treatment progress all combine to allow us to complete treatment during the estimated time with the best possible results.

This is the single most important aspect of orthodontic treatment. The placement of braces is a technically detailed procedure. When done properly, the final orthodontic result is achieved faster and more predictably. Assistants do not have the training or license to position the braces on the teeth; therefore Dr. Lazzara places and positions all brackets himself.

Dr. Lazzara Routinely Puts Brackets On The Second Molars (12-Year Molars)
Once the second molars have fully erupted, brackets are placed on these teeth for all our patients. While aligning the second molars is a time consuming procedure that increases the cost of materials, it is necessary to achieve a healthy, properly functioning bite. When selecting an orthodontist, you should make certain to select one who aligns second molars on all patients.

During treatment there are changes that may occur and go unnoticed without an x-ray. A panorex is a detailed x-ray that is taken to visualize these changes. At our practice we routinely take these pictures every 8- 12 months to check for signs of root resorption, monitor root positioning, and evaluate the supporting bone around the teeth. Dr. Lazzara uses a state of the art digital x-ray system that produces outstanding images with very low radiation emission vs. traditional film-based x-rays.

Orthodontic fees and philosophies may vary widely amongst offices, and it is important for you to be comfortable with both. While our fees are among the lowest in the area, it is vital that you look beyond fees and be confident about the quality of service and care you will receive. Many times a treatment fee is quoted at an orthodontic office for the treatment only, and may not include records or retainers. This gives an incorrect perception of your fee. Beware of additional fees that may be charged for time over and above the estimated treatment period. We feel very strongly about honesty with our patients. We want you to know, up front, what your entire fee includes so there are no surprises at the end. Our fee is all-inclusive which consists of records, appliances for the estimates treatment time, retainers, and the retention period.