Ask Dr. Zoka: What do you love about being an orthodontist?

Let’s face it, people expect a lot from their orthodontist. Obviously they want their doctor to create for them a great smile, but they also look for someone who will have great chair-side manner and make them feel like they personally matter.

To quote Tom Cruise "help me to help you." I expect my patients to listen to our instructions and follow them, and do not follow what some of their peers tell them. All my patients brighten up my day when I see them, and I wish they would allow me to do the same by getting their braces off on time or at an earlier date by following our instructions about how to wear their elastics, how to keep their teeth clean and what food to stay away from. I love being an orthodontist and I love sharing the most impressionable time of teenager's life with them.