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Cavanaugh Orthodontics
800 Wall Street, Suite A
Valparaiso, IN 46363 Tel: (219) 476-4110 Fax: (219) 476-9042 www.CavanaughOrtho.com
Robert K. Cavanaugh, D.D.S.
Matthew A. Nondorf, D.D.S., D.H.Sc Specializing in Orthodontics for Children and AdultsWelcome to Cavanaugh Orthodontics. Dr. Cavanaugh and his staff are dedicated to providing excellent orthodontic treatment in a professional, personalized, and friendly environment. We specialize in orthodontics for children and adults. Dr. Cavanaugh is a Certified Invisalign Provider, member of American Association of Orthodontists, and Diplomate of American Board of Orthodontics. Parents are welcome to watch the treatment process and ask questions whenever they like. We offer early morning, evening and Saturday appointments for your convenience.
LOCATION AND ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Interview with Dr. Cavanaugh
What made you interested in orthodontics? Growing up with a father as an orthodontist (Thomas P. Cavanaugh Jr., D.D.S., M.S.) and a grandfather as a general dentist (Thomas P. Cavanaugh, D.D.S.) is what initially sparked my interest in dentistry. In high school and college, I had the opportunity to work in my father's orthodontic office; assisting him work on patients, sterilizing instruments and making retainers. I also worked in an orthodontic lab for a summer during college making orthodontic appliances. Having family friends who were dentists also allowed me to learn more about a career in dentistry by visiting their offices, and learning how they ran their dental practices. These experiences gave me the desire to pursue a career in dentistry and ultimately orthodontics. What is the most gratifying part of what you do for your patients? We all know that orthodontic treatment can improve a patients dental health, overall health and facial appearance, but the most gratifying part of what I do for my patients is improve their self esteem and self confidence. It is so rewarding to have a patient or parent tell you how much you have changed their life. The psychological changes that can occur from orthodontic treatment are incredible. Seeing an introverted, self conscious patient become extroverted, sit straight up and no longer slouch in the chair and become self-confident is so exciting and rewarding. Prior to orthodontic treatment, many patients are reluctant to smile out of fear for how their teeth will be perceived. For many patients, the before-and-after photos tell a dramatic story. Often times, patients are embarrassed to look back at the pre-treatment photos and many times ask me not to show anyone their pre-treatment photos. Orthodontics is much more than creating beautiful smiles, it can changes people's lives. What do you like about living and working in a community like Valparaiso? Valparaiso was a great place to grow up. So many people in the community influenced my life in so many ways. As a high school and college basketball player in Valparaiso, I was able to meet so many wonderful people. The community is very supportive of the high school, the university and its students. Playing basketball at Valparaiso University allowed me to travel around the country and meet many people and see many other communities. I also had the opportunity to live in Indianapolis, IN. for five years and Fort Lauderdale, FL. for two years. But when it came time to begin my orthodontic career and raise my family, I was ready to move back to Valparaiso. Being close to family and friends was very important to me and my wife, Heather. Valpo is a great place to raise your children. It has a small town feel, great schools and recreational activities for our children, a great university (that my wife and I both graduated from) and is only a short drive from Chicago. We have really enjoyed being back in Valparaiso. Any interesting stories you have about working with patients? Having a father who practiced orthodontics in Northwest Indiana for over 40 years has put me in a unique situation. I get to hear wonderful stories about my father and the treatment he provided his patients from the parents and grandparents of many of my current patients. Orthodontics is such an enjoyable profession because of the relationships you can build with your patients and their families. Because you get to see the patients on a regular basis, they tell me about their activities, events and vacations. Often times, with multiple family members in treatment we get to see a family come into our office for many years. This makes the work day very enjoyable and interesting for me and my staff on a day to day basis. Initial Exam and ConsultationThe purpose of your first visit is to meet with Dr. Cavanaugh to evaluate and discuss your treatment needs. Dr. Cavanaugh will review your medical and dental history and perform a clinical exam. This important visit will address the orthodontic needs of you or your child and is free of charge. If treatment is indicated, Dr. Cavanaugh will discuss the treatment plan with you and work together with your general dentist to provide you with the highest level of oral health. The purpose of the initial exam is to answer:
Diagnostic Records Appointment If treatment is indicated, diagnostic records will be taken prior to beginning orthodontic treatment. This typically includes two radiographs (x-rays), facial and dental photographs, and impressions which are used to fabricate plaster study models. Dr. Cavanaugh uses these records to create your customized treatment plan and to track progress as your teeth move during the course of treatment. Treatment Time and Regular Appointments Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on growth and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and, consequently, respond to orthodontic treatment differently. Cooperation in wearing rubber bands (also called "elastics"), keeping your teeth clean and taking care of your braces as prescribed will also influence the length of time you're in treatment. The appointment to get your appliances placed usually takes one to two hours. Once you are wearing braces, we will see you every 4 to 8 weeks for an adjustment, which usually takes 20-30 minutes. At each regular visit you will receive a grade for oral hygiene and elastic wear so you can keep track of your progress. Dr. Cavanaugh and his staff will carefully explain everything. If you have any questions, be sure to ask!
Confirm Your Appointment by Text Message!
You asked for it -- we've done it. Now you can confirm your appointments via text message!
*Please note our practice offers the text message reminder feature free of charge. However, your cell phone company may charge a minimal fee for receiving text messages. About Invisalign
Drs. Cavanaugh & Nondorf are Invisalign Preferred Providers. Consider Invisalign to get the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted -- without braces. A complimentary consultation with Drs. Cavanaugh or Nondorf can determine if Invisalign is right for you. What is it? Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology, and has been proven effective. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign. Why would I want it? Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your doctor's office getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete. How does it work? You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move -- little by little, week by week -- until they have straightened to the final position Drs. Cavanaugh or Nondorf has prescribed. You'll visit Drs. Cavanaugh or Nondorf about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case. Now Offering ClearCorrect!
ClearCorrect invisible braces are the clear and simple way to straighten your teeth so you can show off your smile!
To learn more about how ClearCorrect works, click here!
ARTICLES, EVENTS, OFFERS, and AWARDS
COMPANY RECOGNITION
Dear Dr. Cavanaugh, Thank you very much for being a wonderful orthodontist. You have been so kind to me, always interested when I visit your office. Your congeniality made every trip to the orthodontist something to be looked forrwrd to, not dreaded. Your staff is also so sweet. They are calm and reassuring and always gave me a warm welcome. I'm glad we are done with the work onm my teeth, But I will miss visiting your office. I would like to thank you again for your wonderful work. I'm so confident about my smile, and I wouldn't have it if it wasn't for you. I'm awed by the work done and the patience you have displayed. I was so upset when my teeth came in wrong that I would hardly ever smile, but you've all given me something to smile about! Thanks Again, Lani Rush Dear Dr. Cavanaugh, Thank you for straightening my teeth. Just a snap shot showing off some of your work. Your Dad did April's, my daughter, and Christopher, my husbands, braces years ago. Blake, my son will be a future patient! The Pieroni Family Dr. Cavanaugh's practice is so accessible. I got an appointment easily and even got my braces put on the same day since I was experiencing considerable discomfort. He listened to my concerns, was open minded about treatment options, and is clearly very up to date on the latest technology. His staff is also awesome!!! Stephanie Shanks-melie Very friendly and put my daughter at ease right away, she was very nervous. Sandy Coslet
Not only is the staff warm, friendly, and helpful, but Dr. Cavanaugh is open and honest with all information. I feel I am well informed as to options, and feel he is not trying to push expensive options when not necessary. Phillip Bernier
Everyone is very friendly and patient. Colin was very nervous about his braces and you all made him feel at ease and comfortable. Sincerely, Linda Murkve |
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