2103 Laurel Bush Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015
Start Your Smile Journey
What to Expect During Your First Visit
At Dr. Joseph LaPonzina Orthodontics in Bel Air, MD, we want your first visit — and every one to follow — to be as relaxing and seamless as possible.
During your first visit, our team will:
- Review your dental and medical history forms.
- Fully examine your teeth and gums.
- Take orthodontic records and take Itero digital scans of your mouth.
- Check for cavities or early signs of tooth decay.
- Create a customized treatment plan and answer your questions.
- Meet with a patient coordinator to discuss insurance coverage and financial options. Same day starts avaliable.
Patient Forms
Please complete the new patient form before your first appointment and remember to bring along your insurance card, if applicable.
Financial Information
We accept most major credit cards and insurance plans. And, to help you make the most informed decisions, we’ll discuss the cost of treatment before you begin. We offer zero interest payment options and accept care credit. Contact our patient coordinators directly financial@drjoesortho.com to inquire about your insurance, treatment questions, or payments for treatment.
We Proudly Accept the Following Insurance Companies
Common Problems
When a person’s teeth or jaws do not fit together properly, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct the problem. If left untreated, these orthodontic problems, often referred to as malocclusions, can cause speech difficulty, premature wear of the teeth and protective enamel, and even increase the chance of injury to the teeth and jaw joints.
Underbite
An underbite is characterized by the lower jaw extending too far out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.
Crossbite
This malocclusion occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth. In order to close the mouth, patients usually move their lower jaw forward or to the side when closing. This incorrect bite results in an improper use of the lower jaws and sometimes brings about facial asymmetry.
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
The appearance and function of your teeth are impacted by this type of bite. It is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough forward.
Overbite
The upper front teeth extend too far out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth. Problems often associated with an overbite include a “gummy” smile, protruding lips and excessive incisor wear.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gums. It is the most common reason for braces. Not only is crowding unattractive, but it has also been linked to periodontal problems and dental decay because it is harder to clean overlapping teeth’s surfaces.
Spacing
Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth, or they may only be a cosmetic or aesthetic issue. Spacing is another popular reason for braces. The opposite of crowding, spacing is most commonly caused by excessive jaw room for the size of the erupting teeth.
Openbite
Proper chewing is impacted by this type of bite, in which the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. Openbite may cause a number of unwanted habits, such as tongue thrusting or thumb sucking. An early evaluation and intervention is essential in correcting an openbite.
Dental Midlines Not Matched
Dental midlines that do not match are evident when the back bite does not fit and match appropriately. This may negatively impact jaw function and proper dental function.
