Our Specialties

Lingual braces, also known as Concealed and/or Invisible braces, are the best, and only, non-visble form of fixed orthodontic therapy. Concealed braces are placed behind the teeth where they are not seen. Various combinations of these appliances can be employed to achieve the desired correction and the patient enjoys an unobstructed smile during treatment. These appliances are custom-made to each patient and the techniques used require special instrumentation, equipment, doctor and staff training.

The office of Dr. Mario E. Paz proudly offers unique cosmetic orthondontic treatment modalities. We enjoy the reputation of being one of the largest Lingual orthodontic practices and the only practice that offeres the combination of Invisalign with Lingual braces. A non-extraction treatment approach is most frequently favored for achieving a broadened smile line.

Invisalign is a series of computerized, custom-made, transparent removable aligners. Patients wear the aligners 22 hours per day and change to a new set every two weeks.  Each set will move the teeth 25mm.  Treatment can range from 3 to 18 months.

Straight teeth and a beautiful smile can enhance self-esteem and self-confidence at any age, plus improve overall oral health. Popular options among patients desiring cosmetic orthodontics are clear braces for both upper and lower arches (Fig 1) or Damon clear braces with metal self-ligating mechanisms (Fig 2). 

Phase 1 Treatment: Why should I see my orthodontist? Considerable debate exists among orthodontic professionals between early orthodontic treatment (ages 7 to 9) and conventional orthodontic intervention (11+ years of age).  The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children should be evaluated by an orthodontist at the age of seven. 

Adult Orthodontics and Orthognathic Surgery
Certain cases present to the orthodontist with discrepancy of the jaw relationship (i.e., prominent lower jaw = underbite; receded lower jaw = overbite).  With new technologies in the field of orthognathic jaw surgery and adult orthodontics, we are now able to improve these conditions.  A dramatic functional and esthetic improvement can be successfully achieved on these patients.