Welcome…

to Dr. Byrd’s web home. Our goal is to provide the highest quality orthodontic care in a family-based, high-technology practice. Using proven state-of-the-art technology to enhance your experience, we maintain the most advanced procedures and equipment available to ensure that every patient achieves a healthy and beautiful smile. We hope that you will find that our website is helpful not only for general information, but also to check your next appointment or account status.

We offer a refreshing orthodontic experience that is relaxing, fun, interactive and effective. Combining the right mix of personal care, high technology and continuing education, we maintain a commitment to our patients in every facet of our practice. If you have questions or concerns, please let us know.

ABOUT THE STAFF

Darlene Byrd, DMD, MSD, PC

Dr. Byrd has been providing comprehensive orthodontics to children and adults since 1986. Her experience and expertise offers patients quality care with optimal results. A GRADUATE OF Smith College, SHE received her dental degree and specialty training from Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Byrd has received numerous awards including the American Association of Orthodontists award for Excellence in Patient Care. She holds a faculty position at Children’s National Medical Center and is a member of many professional organizations INCLUDING THE District of Columbia Dental Society, the Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists and the Greater Washington Academy of Women Dentists. Washingtonian Magazine has named her one of the area’s best dentists in every issue since 1986. Dr. Byrd is dedicated to providing her patients with exceptional orthodontic care.

 

Dr. Byrd and her family are active in community and church activities.  She is married with two sons. In her spare time, she enjoys relaxing at the beach, cooking, gardening, and traveling with her family.

 STAFF
Our staff is our greatest asset and what really distinguishes our practice.  Everyone on staff is certified in Orthodontic Care, Radiology, CPR and Infection Control.  Our combined experience equals more than 100 years of patient care.  We know we have done our job well when you leave our office feeling better than when you arrived.  We pride ourselves in safety, cleanliness, and patient/parent education. We aim to exceed your expectations and welcome your questions and suggestions.

 MISSION
Our team is committed to exceeding your expectations as we guide you through treatment, enhancing your well being and confidence through a healthy and attractive smile.

UNIQUE OFFICE
Our beach cottage theme reflects Dr. Byrds love of the ocean and summers on Cape Cod. We feature the work of cape cod artists. Please view pictures.

PAYMENT OPTIONS
It is our mission to provide you with affordable, high-quality treatment. We offer a variety of payment options to meet your needs. Please ask us about financing options, credit card payments and bank drafts. We thoroughly explain your options, so that we can accommodate your needs.


Financing Through OrthoBanc.

Welcome to OrthoBanc!

Through Orthobanc our office has chosen to provide you with the most beneficial and convenient payment method available – automatic draft of your monthly payment. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the important benefits OrthoBanc offers to you.

Benefits

Convenience
Since payments are due monthly and treatment is often scheduled less frequently, you do not have to remember to mail in your payment.

Savings
No envelopes or postage stamps ever have to be located or purchased.

On-time Payments
With today’s busy schedules, it’s easier to forget your payment. OrthoBanc makes sure your payment is on time, every time.

Online Account Monitoring
With OrthoBanc, you are able to view your payment history and account details on the Internet through OrthoBanc’s secure Web site. Your online statement may be submitted to your Account Administrator for reimbursement through your Medical Flexible Spending Account.

Customer Service
You may contact our office with any questions regarding your account at 888-758-0585.


Frequently Asked Questions about OrthoBanc

How does OrthoBanc work?
OrthoBanc automatically drafts your monthly payment and remits the payment to your orthodontist. You do not have to remember to make the payment, write the checks, prepare an envelope or use postage.

When will my payments begin?
Your payments begin on the start date indicated on the completed OrthoBanc Payment Plan agreement that will be provided to you by your orthodontist. OrthoBanc will start processing your payments on that date and will continue until each payment has been processed.

Can I make additional payments?
Yes. At times, you may want to make an extra payment on your account because you have received a bonus or, perhaps, a tax refund. You can make additional payments to your orthodontist’s office. If you plan to pay your account in full, please check with your orthodontist’s office to be certain of your balance. OrthoBanc needs seven days notice from your orthodontist to stop a scheduled payment.

What happens if a payment is missed for some reason?
OrthoBanc will contact you if a payment is missed. There is a $20 charge each time a payment must be reprocessed. If a secondary payment method is available, we will attempt to process the payment through that method. We will reprocess your payment, plus the $20 charge, within two weeks of the missed payment. If you miss two consecutive payments, OrthoBanc will cease to process payments and handle the account according to your orthodontist’s instructions.

What if my account numbers change?
If you change your bank account or credit card account, you should notify OrthoBanc as soon as possible.

May I obtain a statement of my OrthoBanc account activity?
Yes. Your statement may be obtained online at www.orthobanc.com. OrthoBanc will mail instructions on how to access your account online.

May I contact OrthoBanc directly?
Yes. Call (888) 758-0585. If you have questions regarding your orthodontic treatment, please contact your orthodontist’s office.

FIRST APPT
We are always excited about meeting new patients during their first visit to our office. Your initial appointment will consist of a thorough examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. This important 60-minute visit will give us insight into your orthodontic needs. We know your time is valuable, so to expedite treatment, we may also reserve time following the exam for diagnostic records. The images, photos and impressions for study models are necessary for developing the appropriate treatment plan.

During the initial examination we will address the following questions and cover the basics of orthodontic treatment. We encourage you to ask questions as well.

While we can often answer these general questions about treatment during the initial examination, we will address specific areas after careful analysis of the diagnostic records. We feel it is important to analyze each patient's specific needs, because in-depth planning leads to superior results and higher patient satisfaction.

At the time of your first visit, please assist us by providing any panoramic X-ray taken within the past year.

EMERGENCY INFO
What to do in case of an emergency….
Call our office within 24 hours. We carry pagers to respond to concerns that cannot wait until the next business day. Please do not come directly to the office – by calling us, you will allow us to create a time to see you. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call us immediately to notify us if you need an appliance repaired.

Loose brackets or bands.
You may have a situation that requires cutting a wire or sliding a bracket off a wire at night or over the weekend. If you need to cut a wire in case of emergency, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our office the next business day, so that we may schedule an appointment for you.

Wire irritations
Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our office for an appointment.

Lost separators
Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.

Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment
During the first week after your braces are in place and routine adjustments are complete, you will likely feel some pain, soreness or discomfort. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. A warm wash cloth or heating pad may reduce the soreness in your jaws.
NEW PATIENTS
Please download the following forms if you are a new patient and bring them to your first appointment.

Privacy Policy

Adult New Patient Form

Child New Patient Form


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PATIENT SURVEY
We appreciate the trust you have placed in us and want you to be satisfied with every aspect of your treatment. Realizing that we do so much with our mouth (speaking, smiling, eating, etc.), we recognize that our success in your orthodontic treatment can be a significant factor in your overall satisfaction in life.

Our highest priority, every day, is to provide our patients with consistently superior service. If we have failed to serve you in any way or simply have not measured up to your expectations, we would like to know. Our mission is to deliver more than you expect.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.

TREATMENT BENEFITS


Today, orthodontic treatment is simple, convenient and affordable for patients of all ages. And an attractive smile is just one of the benefits. Orthodontic treatment results in correctly aligned teeth that provide ideal jaw function and a great smile! Additionally, your teeth are easier to clean and more resistant to gum disease. Perhaps most importantly, orthodontic treatment almost always provides improved self-confidence.

EARLY TX
When is the best time to begin orthodontics?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, in some circumstances there may be an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant monitoring can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening allows for more treatment options and optimal results.

What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:

Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.

Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile—it contributes to your overall wellness.
ADULT TX
Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups – including adults. A new smile can begin today.

Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.

Good news! The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options. Your options may include metal braces, translucent braces or transparent aligners that can be worn to improve mild cases of misaligned teeth.

During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs. During this initial examination, we can outline the treatment plan, time of treatment expected and the approximate cost.

A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it’s never too late to improve their greatest asset - their smile.

RETENTION
We will monitor your teeth for 12 months following the removal of your braces.  After that time, your general dentist will check you periodically and refer you back to us if needed.  Wisdom teeth are usually evaluated at your last visit.

Retainer wear is so important that we supply you with 2 sets of removable retainers or 2 upper and a bonded lower retainer.  Additional retainers needed due to a breakage are charged to the patient at our lab cost.

TECHNOLOGY
Orthodontics is more popular than ever. This popularity is due to the overwhelming success of improved treatments and technology. New technology produces better results with fewer visits and shortened treatment times. In some cases, we can eliminate months of treatment time for individuals. One example of recent improvements is nickel-titanium-alloy archwires. These have replaced the traditional stainless steel wires used in braces. This new technology provides our patients with a temperature-sensitive wire that allows for gentle continuous movement of the teeth over longer periods of time. For our patients, this means enhanced comfort, decreased treatment time and fewer trips to the orthodontist.

Cosmetic improvements are also on the forefront of advances in orthodontics. Popular choices of our patients are ceramic braces, a translucent material that camouflages the brackets on your teeth. Today, brackets are smaller, more comfortable and more durable than older-style braces. The smaller brackets bond directly to the teeth. If you are looking for braces without the “metal-mouth” appearance, you may want to consider clear ceramic braces.

Our office is certified to treat patients with the latest in invisible braces. The Invisalign process uses clear, plastic aligners created from sophisticated 3-D computer imaging technology. They are comfortable, removable and invisible! Invisalign is a popular choice for adults who are ultimately concerned about the appearance of braces during normal daily activities. Invisalign can offer the flexibility of choosing to wear your braces at more convenient times of the day. It is an ideal choice for students away from home or adults who travel frequently.