Our Blog

Positive Aging with Orthodontics

December 24th, 2025

Crooked or crowded teeth aren’t always just a cosmetic issue; they also are more difficult to clean, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Likewise, if your teeth don’t align properly when you bite (known as malocclusion), this can cause chewing, swallowing, and speaking problems. You can put these risks to rest and…
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Why it’s Important to Leave Us Reviews

December 17th, 2025

At our office, Dr. Rugama and Dr. Afridi and our team do all that we can to make sure that your experience with us is the best it can possibly be. However, there’s an important role you play in this as well: leaving us reviews and feedback. Whether there is something you’d like us to…
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When should my child be seen for an orthodontic evaluation?

December 10th, 2025

Thanks for asking! It really depends on the dental age of the patient rather than their chronological age. Usually a good time to have your child evaluated by an orthodontist is after the front permanent teeth have erupted into the mouth or if there appears to be extreme crowding of the teeth. The American Association…
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Getting a Retainer? Make It Personal!

December 3rd, 2025

If Dr. Rugama and Dr. Afridi and our team recommend a Hawley retainer to complete your orthodontic treatment, you’re getting a classic. This retainer, invented by Dr. Charles Hawley, has been in use since the early decades of the twentieth century. But this isn’t your great grandmother’s pink plastic retainer! The look of today’s Hawley…
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