KEEP THIS IN MIND: Orthodontic treatment is EITHER tooth alignment, OR it is both tooth alignment and bite correction. There is a distinct difference. Tooth alignment is cosmetic only; bite correction brings health care into the picture.

While attractive smiles are certainly important, the smile will probably not last without a functional bite. Many long term problems of decline and degeneration in the chewing system can be avoided if the bite relationship is corrected during orthodontic treatment.

The Core of the Roth/Williams Philosophy is to achieve dental and facial aesthetics with functional occlusion bite, that is in harmony with the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) position and muscle function of the chewing system.

Our goal is to create a beautiful smile and obtain a functional bite for each of our patients that will not only last, but also benefit them for their long term dental health and well being.

An orthodontist who corrects the bite will nearly always need to mount molds of the teeth on an instrument called an Articulator (artificial jaw simulator, photo on the left). The articulator is indispensable in studying the relationship between the teeth and jaw joints.

Dr. Ma has completed the Roth/Williams two year course in Contemporary Orthodontics and Functional Occlusion at the AEO Institute at the University of Detroit/Mercy, and has gained an in depth understanding of functional occlusion, and incorporated her knowledge into her daily orthodontic practice. It is a common practice to mount models on Articulator at our office.