- Dental ExaminationSince its founding in 1929, the process has changed many times. Today, the process involves a thorough Written Examination covering all areas of information on which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful passage allows the orthodontist to then present detailed case reports, which demonstrate a history of excellence in patient care. These cases are evaluated by expert examiners of the Board during a Clinical Examination. An Oral Examination is then given, and the applicant is tested on a wide variety of academic and clinical topics. Certification is then awarded for a time-limited period and the orthodontist must re-examine on a periodic basis to maintain the board certified status.
- X-rays
- Teeth Cleaning
- Fluoride Treatment
- Space MaintainersAn appliance that is used when a primary tooth is lost prematurely in order to prevent the closure of the space before the eruption of the permanent successor; also used to maintain leeway space.
- VeneersStraight teeth are easier to clean. Additionally, many of the problems associated with aging teeth (enamel wear, loss of some gums, etc.) can be best addressed with orthodontics alongside regular dentistry. Whereas veneers can provide a straight-appearing cover for crooked teeth, veneers don’t address any crooked tooth roots. Orthodontics, however, straightens the tooth and the root. A set of veneers are also very expensive. In many cases they are nearly double the cost of adult orthodontic treatment.
- Dental Bonding
- Root Canal TreatmentDuring dental school, Dr. Shapiro met her husband, Michael, who is a local endodontist (root canal specialist). They were married in Calgary, Alberta in 2000 and currently make their home in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Dr. Shapiro and her husband are the proud parents of two children and an overly friendly cocker spaniel.
- DenturesRetainers should be cleaned daily with a toothbrush, just like teeth! Toothpaste is mildly abrasive, so we recommend liquid soap be used instead. Please remember to brush your retainers after you take them out, or at least once daily if you are currently wearing them full-time. A denture cleaning agent, such as Efferdent, will aid in the removal of tartar. Be sure to rinse the retainers thoroughly after cleaning to remove any cleaning residue.
- Dental ImplantsIt is ideal for patients who might require surgery for tooth removal, gingival recession, implant placement or those who wish to be treated as quickly as possible!
- Oral Surgery
- Jaw SurgeryIf you could benefit from corrective jaw surgery, we will use the latest in digital imaging technology to demonstrate the overall functional and esthetic advantages of orthognathic surgery. Many patients have found that computerized treatment planning helps in understanding the potential benefits of the surgery. Today, the overall efficacy of surgery is also maximized by the use of computerized treatment planning and the 3-D imaging our office is equipped for. State-of-the-art materials and many advances in technology, procedures, and equipment reduce post-surgical recovery time, thus allowing patients to return to their normal routines very soon after any surgery.
- Tooth Extractions
- OrthodonticsOrthodontics, the oldest of the dental specialties, focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of dental and associated facial irregularities. Orthodontic treatment allows us to bring the teeth and jaws into harmony three-dimensionally. The results of orthodontic treatment can be dramatic–beautiful smiles, improved dental health, and an enhanced quality of life for people of ALL ages. Drs. Berkman and Shapiro follow the recommendation of the American Association of Orthodontics, which recommends an orthodontic screening for each child at age seven or about the time of the eruption of the upper permanent front teeth. This permits the identification of any developing problems as well as the initiation of any indicated interceptive treatment. In the majority of cases, treatment will not begin until much later. However, because of the instances in which a child would benefit from treatment at a younger age, it is important that everyone be at least evaluated at an early age. Knowledge of developing problems combined with right-on-time treatment brings peace of mind to the parent and the child.
- Invisalign OrthodonticsOnce Dr. Berkman or Dr. Shapiro has determined that Invisalign® is the proper treatment for you, precise treatment instructions are sent to Invisalign® along with molds of your teeth. Invisalign® uses advanced computer technology to translate these instructions into a sequence of finely calibrated aligners. The number of aligners you will need to wear varies. You’ll usually wear each aligner for about two weeks and only take it out for eating, brushing and flossing. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will move – gradually–week by week, until they move into the final alignment prescribed by Dr. Berkman or Dr. Shapiro. Then you’ll have the beautiful smile you have always dreamed of!
- BracesAdults can be treated at any age. It is never too late to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile. Some adults have missing teeth which may cause abnormal movement of the remaining teeth. Some may have had braces earlier in life, but teeth have shifted out of their original position. Many adults never had orthodontic treatment, and could benefit greatly from a beautiful, healthy smile.