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If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment with Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow. Preparing for treatment is an important part of getting the smile you want.

Basic exams

The first step of preparation is the examination. An oral exam and X-rays taken at our office are necessary to identify potential problems and ensure the right steps are taken to prepare for orthodontic treatment at Donald P. Connolly, DDS.

Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow will first examine your teeth and take X-rays to determine if it is necessary to extract any teeth or additional work is necessary before braces are possible. You will be prepared for the next step of treatment after your exam is complete and potential problems are identified.

Model for bite

The next step in preparing for orthodontic is taking a plaster model of the mouth. With the model, Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow will be able to determine how the jaw is aligned so that appropriate adjustments can be made to the mouth and jaw with braces.

Depending on the situation, the model may be used to help evaluate your jaw and make decisions about appropriate treatment for your specific needs. Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow can create a model of your mouth with the bite indentation that is taken during preparation.

Extracting teeth

If it is determined that a tooth extraction is necessary, then the final step of preparing for orthodontic treatment is the removal of teeth. Only Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow can determine if it is necessary to remove any teeth before moving forward with the procedure to put on braces.

When your teeth are crooked, have a gap, or otherwise make you unhappy, orthodontic treatment at Donald P. Connolly, DDS may be an appropriate solution. Although it may take time to prepare for the actual procedure, making the decision to seek treatment can provide the opportunity to show the world a beautiful smile.

For more information about orthodontic treatment and its benefits, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow, please give us a call at our convenient Santa Cruz, Aptos, or Watsonville, CA office!

Orthognathic surgery is surgery to correct a wide variety of abnormalities of our patients' jaw and teeth. The surgery is often done in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. While the patient’s appearance may be significantly improved as a result, the primary purpose of the surgery is to correct functional problems including but not limited to:

• Unbalanced facial appearance
• Protruding jaw
• Open bite (upper and lower teeth don’t overlap properly
• Excessive wearing down of the teeth
• Difficulty with chewing or biting
• Chronic mouth breathing
• Sleeping problems such as sleep apnea
• TMJ pain (jaw joint pain)
• Restoring facial injuries

Knowing when to start the orthodontic treatment in preparation for orthognathic surgery can also be tricky if our team at Donald P. Connolly, DDS is treating a teenager. It is important to know when to get started. If orthodontic treatment is initiated too soon and the teenager is still growing, the patient will either need to hold in braces until his or her growth is complete and they are ready for surgery or the braces will have to be removed and then placed again when growth is complete. Neither of these options is attractive since it requires longer time in treatment, which is something all our patients want to avoid. Our team at Donald P. Connolly, DDS strives to get all patients finished with treatment as quickly as possible because it is healthier for the teeth and gums and gives them a beautiful smile to enjoy for a lifetime.

If you are considering orthognathic surgery or you have been told that you need jaw surgery, give us a call to schedule your initial consultation today. Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow and our team at Donald P. Connolly, DDS will explain our treatment plan in a way you will understand and we will keep you informed every step of the way.

Have you seen the Don P Connolly Inc Christmas tree in the office?

We are really in the holiday spirit... holiday decorations are all around!

It really brightens up our day!

Happy Holidays!

When it comes to straightening your smile, our team at Donald P. Connolly, DDS knows that having a mouth full of metal braces may not be your idea of fun. Luckily for you, Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow can offer a cosmetic alternative: Invisalign!

Using a series of clear, comfortable, and completely customized aligners, you can get the smile you’ve always wanted without traditional braces.

Since Invisalign aligners are discreet, they’re hardly noticeable when you speak and smile, and because they’re removable, you can eat and drink whatever you want. Just remember to brush and floss before putting your aligners back in! Treatment with Invisalign is just as effective as with metal braces, and the results are just as amazing!

If you want to know more about Invisalign, contact our Santa Cruz, Aptos, or Watsonville, CA office to schedule an appointment.