Our team at Comfort Dental Care & Orthodontics in Mary Esther is here to help you smile with confidence again. Take the quiz to see if you are a candidate for braces or clear aligners.
Dr. Michelle Ward was born and raised in Memphis, TN. She received her B.S. in biochemistry from Rhodes College in 1994 and her D.D.S. from the University of Tennessee Dental School in 1998. She worked in Memphis as a dentist for over 15 years before moving to Florida and obtaining her Florida dental license.
Dr. Ward lives in the Panhandle area of Florida with her husband and 11-year-old son. She enjoys bike riding, playing soccer and tennis with her family, and just relaxing at the beach. As a family, they enjoy attending and supporting the University of Memphis football and basketball teams. She especially loves watching her son play both soccer and tennis.
"Dentistry is not just my job – it's my passion. I decided at age 10 to become a dentist and have enjoyed every minute of my career. I love getting to know my patients, listening to their concerns, and helping them to decide on the best dental treatment for them and their families. I am here not only as your dentist but also as your dental educator – to explain treatment, treatment options, ways to prevent tooth decay and loss, and how to maintain a healthy smile. I strive to provide high-quality dental care in a comfortable and relaxed setting."
Dr. Angel Vasquez was born and raised in Ecuador, South America, and moved to Naples, Florida, in 2000. He completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Liberal Arts, with a minor in Biology, Chemistry, and Interdisciplinary Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University.
He advanced his studies and obtained his Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) at the University of Florida. After graduation in 2014, he furthered his education in dental implant placement and conscious IV sedation. Dr. Vasquez is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. His kind personality, love for dentistry, and ability to communicate with patients in English and Spanish have made him well-liked as a doctor and a person by our patients at Comfort Dental Care and Orthodontics.
Welcome to Comfort Dental Care & Orthodontics, where your search for a premier dental care provider in Mary Esther comes to a delightful end! We are dedicated to delivering exceptional dental services in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our top priority is your comfort, and we strive to create a positive and enjoyable patient experience every step of the way. With our team of skilled professionals and state-of-the-art facilities, each visit is designed to be hassle-free and truly satisfying.
We are located in between El Paso Restaurant and McDonald's.
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for orthodontic treatment, but the extent of coverage varies. It is recommended to review your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider to understand the specific coverage details for orthodontic care. Our team at Comfort Dental Care & Orthodontics can also assist you in navigating insurance options and exploring flexible payment plans.
While it may take a short adjustment period, orthodontic treatment should not significantly affect your speech. Initially, you may experience a slight change in speech patterns as your tongue adapts to the presence of braces or aligners. However, most people adapt quickly, and any speech changes are temporary.
Yes, orthodontic treatment can often help alleviate jaw pain and symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorders. By correcting the alignment of the teeth and jaws, orthodontic care can improve the overall function of the jaw joint and reduce discomfort.
Yes, wearing retainers after orthodontic treatment is essential to maintain the results achieved. Retainers help prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions on how often to wear your retainers and for how long to ensure the long-term stability of your smile.
The frequency of visits to the orthodontist will depend on your individual treatment plan. Generally, visits occur every 4 to 8 weeks to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. These visits ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned and allow the orthodontist to address any concerns or questions you may have.
Yes, you can participate in sports and play musical instruments while undergoing orthodontic treatment. With braces, it is recommended to wear a mouthguard during sports activities to protect your teeth and braces from potential impact. Clear aligners are removable, allowing you to temporarily take them out when playing musical instruments or engaging in contact sports.
During orthodontic treatment, you may experience some temporary discomfort or soreness when adjustments are made or when you switch to a new set of aligners. This discomfort is typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Your orthodontist will provide guidance on how to alleviate any discomfort you may experience.
No, braces are not the only option for orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign®, have gained popularity as a more discreet alternative. However, the best treatment option for you will depend on your specific dental needs. Consulting with an orthodontist will help determine the most suitable treatment method.
No, orthodontic treatment is suitable for people of all ages. While it is common for children and teenagers to undergo orthodontic care, adults can also benefit from it. Advancements in orthodontic technology, such as clear aligners, have made treatment options more discreet and appealing to adults seeking to improve their smiles.
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case, the age of the patient, and the chosen treatment method. On average, treatment with braces or clear aligners can range from several months to a few years. Your orthodontist will provide you with a personalized treatment plan and an estimated timeline during your initial consultation.
We take insurance and work with most major PPO plans, including Delta Dental, Humana, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, GEHA, Guardian, MetLife, Principal, United Healthcare, and United Concordia. Not sure if we take your insurance? Let us check for you! It only takes a few moments, and a member of our team will reach out with more information.