Whether you're an adult, teen, pre-teen or child, braces can offer health, esthetic and psychological benefits. Straight teeth and an attractive smile can be a strong social asset and even affect the way strangers, friends and acquaintances think about you. But more importantly, a perfect smile can affect the way you feel about yourself. It can help build self-esteem, bolster your confidence and self-image and give you a more positive outlook – on everything! Perfect Smiles is dedicated to creating healthy, attractive, 'feel-good-about-yourself' smiles for every age group.

CHILDREN – Early Screening

Although the average age to get braces is around 11 years old, there are
some orthodontic problems that need early evaluation and/or
intervention. The American Board of Orthodontics recommends that
all children be examined by age 7. Most of these problems can be
"followed," but some genetic and behavioral defects call for
immediate attention to save years of orthodontic therapy and
thousands of dollars later on.
   Common conditions that benefit from early treatment include
correction of the anterior cross bite (when the lower front teeth
overlap the upper front teeth) and eliminating finger-sucking or tongue-
thrusting with habit-breaking orthodontic appliances. In addition, children
who grind their teeth at night may be at risk of damaging their temporomandibular
joint and can benefit from wearing a night guard.

TEENS & PRE-TEENS – Prime Time for Excellent Results

There are no age restrictions when it comes to having orthodontic treatment, but if you could pick a best case scenario for beginning care, it would be the pre-teen and teen years. At this time, most people have shed their baby teeth and have their adult teeth in place, including the 12-year molars that should be included in orthodontic treatment. Also, tweens and teens are still growing, which is a prime factor in achieving the fastest orthodontic corrections and best-possible results. more

ADULTS – Never Too Late

There is no one who's "too old" for orthodontic treatment. In fact, today, 1 out of every 5 patients is over 21. As an adult, you can readily appreciate the social and career boosting benefits that derive from a "perfect smile." Knowing you look more attractive can build your self-esteem, enhance your confidence and give you a more positive attitude – for life. more

Mark Stein DDS, MD: Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr. Stein is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. As a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry and New Jersey Medical School, he is one of a handful of oral and facial surgeons in the New York area to possess both a DDS as well as an MD degree. While attending NYU Dental School, Dr. Stein won 1st Place in the American Dental Association National Basic Science Competition, as well as the prestigious American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Outstanding Achievement Award. Dr. Stein completed his training in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey during a 6 year residency program, and has had special training in cosmetic facial surgery.

Dr. Stein is an Assistant Professor of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at New York University and an Attending at Staten Island University Hospital in the Department of Dentistry and Surgery and is actively involved in resident training and education. Dr. Stein belongs to numerous national and local medical and dental associations as well as the OKU Honor Society. He is the Past President of the Richmond County Dental Society and lectures regularly on topics of implant dentistry, bone grafting techniques and facial reconstruction.

Working with PSO to enhance continuity and excellence of care, Dr. Stein provides the following procedures:

• Placement of Dental Implants Using Computer Guidance Techniques
• Wisdom Tooth Extraction
• Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift Procedures
• Orthagnathic Jaw Reconstructive Surgery
• Dentoalveolar Surgery