We took questions from existing- and soon-to-be- patients on our Orthodontic Specialists of Florida Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions, and the answers from our founder, Alan Shoopak, D.M.D.
Q: What new technology are you using that has changed the industry in recent years?
A: Our offices are constantly integrating new technology to our treatment plans, but the two that come immediately to mind are:
Q: How is working with children different than working with adults?
A: Besides the obvious differences in dental hygiene knowledge, treating children allows us to use the childs growth pattern to enhance the result of our treatment.
Q: Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
A: Some treatment can be provided while a child still presents with baby teeth. This treatment
is mostly limited to attack a specific problem or habit. Full Orthodontic treatment requires that all the baby teeth are out.
Don’t see your question answered here? Give us a call or connect with us on social media! Our dental specialists are always willing and waiting to answer your questions.
Dr. Shoopak is the founder of Orthodontic Specialists of Florida and Dental Specialists of Florida, a statewide group of Dentistry and Orthodontic centers treating children, adults and seniors. He attended the University of Tampa, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree. He graduated from Tufts School of Dental Medicine in Boston in 1982, and earned his Orthodontic Certificate in 1984. Dr. Shoopak is a member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists and the Florida Association of Orthodontists, as well as other local, regional and national Dental Associations. He is also the creator of Shoo Goo™ Soothing Gel for Teeth & Gums.
SIMON ORTHODONTIC CENTERS MERGES WITH ORTHODONTIC AND DENTAL SPECIALISTS OF FLORIDA
Kendall and Coral Way Locations’ will add General and Specialty Dental services to 30-year Orthodontic practices
Miami — November 15, 2016 – Simon Orthodontic Centers with locations in Kendall and Coral Way will now be
Orthodontic Specialists of Florida (OSOF), and Dental Specialists of Florida (DSOF), and continue providing State-of-the-Art Orthodontic care, while adding General and Specialty Dental services, emergency care and the convenience of comprehensive family care, to each location.
“Dr. Simon was an industry pioneer who focused on patient care, so adding the most qualified Dentists and Dental professionals to join the Orthodontic care teams is a great benefit to new and existing patients who want both services under one roof,” said Alan Shoopak, D.M.D., OSOF and DSOF’s founder and practitioner.
Simon Orthodontics was founded by Dr. Simon in 1978, and for six years operated alongside OSOF’s 30-year old statewide group. OSOF recently launched DSOF in order to add Dentistry to its 33 Orthodontic offices throughout the State. The launch of DSOF will make OSOF and DSOF the largest privately held Orthodontic and Dental practice in the Southeastern United States.
Alan Shoopak, D.M.D., graduated from Tufts School of Dental Medicine in Boston in 1982. After earning his Orthodontic Certificate and founding OSOF in 1984, he became the first Orthodontist to advertise “Affordable Braces” listing the exact prices for braces, something the group still does today. He is also the creator of Shoo Goo™ Dental Relief Gel — a powerful, safe, all-natural, preservative-free, easily absorbed, plant and essential oil-based gel that works fast to fight oral aches, discomfort and inflammation, made in the USA.
Orthodontic Specialists of Florida is a group of offices throughout the state of Florida providing state-of-the-art orthodontic care for children and adults. Founded and owned by Dr. Alan D. Shoopak, a member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists and the Florida Association of Orthodontists, the practices are dedicated to making orthodontic care affordable for everyone.
Dental Specialists of Florida is a statewide group of neighborhood dental offices staffed by the best local dentists, hygienists and technicians in the area. We treat adults and children, accept most major insurance policies, and provide a wide array of dental services, from cleanings and Invisalign® to extractions, bondings, crowns and implants.
By Alan D. Shoopak, D.M.D.
For over 30 years, Orthodontic Specialists of Florida and has prided itself on establishing trust with every patient by being honest and professional when it comes to cost and care. Now with the addition of Dental Specialists of Florida you should expect no less from our Total Specialty Smile Care Group. Treating and maintaining your smile should not break the bank if you are dealing with the right group of licensed and certified doctors. The biggest complaint we hear when inheriting a disgruntled patient from another practice is overpaying for care and being hit with hidden service fees upon checkout. These two issues can and should be avoided, but you have to know the right questions to ask your Dentist or Orthodontist. Here are some tips and important points to bear in mind before agreeing to undergo treatment:
Excessive treatment and billing. We only treat what is medically necessary, safe, effective and, most importantly, only what the patient has given consent to treat. Remember, as the patient you have the power to approve or deny any and all treatment. Although many Dentists and Orthodontists are ethical, the most common and widely reported Dental and Orthodontic scam is to inflate insurance claims by delivering worthless or unnecessary treatment, which increases patient out-of-pocket costs. If you feel like your Dentist or Orthodontist is treating you like an ATM, get another opinion. You are always welcome to call, email or visit our websites to make an appointment for our trusted, expert insight. There’s nothing we cannot ‘straighten’ out for you.
Be a proactive patient. We were the first Orthodontic practice in Florida to post the price for braces, and we continue to uphold our group-wide commitment to share treatment prices, discounts and care plans with every Dental and Orthodontic patient. You deserve the whole truth, and should feel empowered to ask for a pre-estimate of costs before any treatment is performed. This should include what your Dental Insurance Plan and/or Policy will and will not cover, as well as what the total out-of-pocket costs that we can control in-house will be. Our Total Specialty Smile Care Group provides a detailed treatment summary for both Dental and Orthodontic care. It is always outlined, discussed and planned with our patients.
We enjoy making people feel better and, most of all, giving them the confidence to smile more. We believe that starts with creating the best treatment experience possible, and honoring our 100-percent commitment to caring for you and your family. We know you work hard for your money and that you’re placing a great deal of trust in our hands when you choose Orthodontic Specialists of Florida and Dental Specialists of Florida. Be assured that we are a Statewide Group that exhibits consistent and documented Professional conduct on a daily basis.
Dr. Shoopak is the founder of Orthodontic Specialists of Florida and Dental Specialists of Florida, a statewide group of Dentistry and Orthodontic centers treating children, adults and seniors. He attended the University of Tampa, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree. He graduated from Tufts School of Dental Medicine in Boston in 1982, and earned his Orthodontic Certificate in 1984. Dr. Shoopak is a member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists and the Florida Association of Orthodontists, as well as other local, regional and national Dental Associations. He is also the creator of Shoo Goo™ Dental & Braces Relief Gel — a potent, safe, natural, preservative-free, gluten-free, easily absorbed, plant and essential oil-based gel that works fast to fight oral aches, discomfort and inflammation, made in the USA.
Orthodontic Specialists of Florida Launches Dental Specialists of Florida, Creating General Dentistry, Dental Specialty and Orthodontic Care Centers Throughout the State
St. Petersburg, FL — October 13, 2016 — Orthodontic Specialists of Florida (OSOF) will be adding General and Specialty Dentistry services to most of their 33 offices that make up the 30-year-old orthodontic business. The launch of Dental Specialists of Florida (DSOF) will create comprehensive oral healthcare centers throughout the State, the group announced today.
“By affiliating with the most qualified Dentists and Dental professionals to join our Orthodontic care teams throughout Florida, and providing complete care under one roof, we will create an unparalleled convergence of technical experience, quality care and patient convenience,” said Alan Shoopak, D.M.D., the statewide group’s founder and practitioner.
Orthodontic Specialists of Florida and Dental Specialists of Florida will continue to add new offices over the next five years, and are currently hiring highly qualified Dentists and Dental professionals. This launch will make OSOF and DSOF the largest privately held orthodontic and dental practice in the Southeastern United States. The group is seeking investment partners to continue expanding into other states throughout the U.S.
Alan Shoopak, D.M.D., graduated from Tufts School of Dental Medicine in Boston in 1982. After earning his Orthodontic Certificate and founding OSOF in 1984, he became the first orthodontist to advertise “Affordable Braces” listing the exact prices for braces, something the group still does today. He is also the creator of Shoo Goo™ Dental & Braces Relief Gel — a powerful, safe, all-natural, preservative-free, easily absorbed, plant and essential oil-based gel that works fast to fight oral aches, discomfort and inflammation, made in the USA.
Orthodontic Specialists of Florida is a group of offices throughout the state of Florida providing state-of-the-art orthodontic care for children and adults. Founded and owned by Dr. Alan D. Shoopak, a member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists and the Florida Association of Orthodontists, the practices are dedicated to making orthodontic care affordable for everyone.
Dental Specialists of Florida is a statewide group of neighborhood dental offices staffed by the best local dentists, hygienists and technicians in the area. We treat adults and children, accept most major insurance policies, and provide a wide array of dental services, from cleanings and Invisalign® to extractions, bondings, crowns and implants.
By Alan D. Shoopak, D.M.D.
Many parents ask me when they should bring their son or daughter in for their first orthodontic evaluation. But it’s not just concerned parents—dentists and dental professionals are reaching out to our statewide group, requesting guidance and shareable information for their patients before referring them to orthodontic specialists.
Although most people equate braces with teenagers, for the 30-plus years I’ve been in practice, the American Association of Orthodontists guidelines have recommended an orthodontic checkup no later than age 7. At this early stage, orthodontic specialists can screen patients for several treatable issues.
An orthodontic screening can check for proper “bite,” and determine if there is misalignment in the jaw or emerging teeth that requires treatment. If an issue with misaligned teeth or jawbones is discovered, orthodontic specialists can immediately treat and guide them into a more ideal position.
While improving appearance always seems to rank at the top of the list of reasons to seek orthodontic care, correcting any teeth or jaw issues early on could save patients unnecessary visits to the orthodontist, as well as a lot of time, pain and money. Remember: Orthodontic health is a quality-of-life concern, not just a cosmetic one.
Dr. Shoopak is the founder of Orthodontic Specialists of Florida and Dental Specialists of Florida, a statewide group of total specialty smile care centers treating children, adults and seniors. He attended the University of Tampa, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree. He graduated from Tufts School of Dental Medicine in Boston in 1982, and earned his Orthodontic Certificate in 1984. Dr. Shoopak is a member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists and the Florida Association of Orthodontists, as well as other local, regional and national dental associations.
St. Petersburg, FL — June 27, 2016 — Orthodontic Specialists of Florida (OSOF) supports PARC, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities, and did so by donating teeth whitening packages that were part of PARC’s Top Chefs event sponsorship bags, the statewide group announced today.
“Supporting PARC’s mission means somewhere in our community a person with special needs is living more independently, and that should make everyone smile,”” said Alan Shoopak, DMD, the statewide group’s Founder and St. Petersburg location practitioner for over 30-years.
PARC depends on the involvement and contributions from the community to serve the children and adults in a multitude of services offered each day. PARC is a 501(c) 3 organization and your donation is tax deductible. There are many ways you can support PARC.
Tampa — June 22, 2016 — Orthodontic Specialists of Florida (OSOF) founded almost 30-years ago in St. Petersburg by Alan D. Shoopak, DMD welcomes son Aaron Shoopak, DMD to the complete smile care practice July 1, the state-wide group announced today.
“I am very proud of Aaron’s accomplishments, and excited for him to join the practice. I can’t wait for him to experience the thrill as well as the professional satisfaction from a patient seeing their new smile for the first time,” said Alan Shoopak, DMD. “This will happen every day,” he exclaimed.
Dr. Alan Shoopak graduated from Tufts School of Dental Medicine in Boston in 1982 and earned his Orthodontic Certificate there in 1984. Dr. Aaron Shoopak will graduate from Tufts June 24th, and is a 2010 graduate of St. Petersburg High School.
“I am really looking forward to joining the Tampa Bay area OSOF team, and to meet and treat our patients,” commented Aaron Shoopak, DMD from Boston. “Along with a talented team of doctors and technicians, I am fully-dedicated to creating a perfect smile one person at a time,” he added.
Orthodontic Specialists of Florida are a group of offices throughout the state of Florida providing state-of-the-art orthodontic care for children and adults. Founded and owned by Dr. Alan D. Shoopak, a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists and the Florida Association of Orthodontists, the practices are dedicated to making orthodontic care affordable for everyone.
Spreading awareness throughout the State, Orthodontic Specialists of Florida (OSOF) donned red noses, and actively encouraged colleagues, neighbors, patients and friends to become involved with Red Nose Day, thereby championing everyone to fight kids’ poverty. This official start of a nine-week charitable campaign had every office posting pics of their staff and friends striking silliness with every kickoff pose.
“Helping people in our communities to live a more happy and healthy life is our passion, so participating in Red Nose Day keeps the needs of those who need it most at the forefront: kids living in poverty.”
Orthodontic Specialists of Florida (OSOF) randomly selected new patient Amy Mountcastle of Vero Beach to receive the grand prize orthodontic treatment package valued at over $5,000 during the May 21 grand opening of the new Vero Beach office, the statewide group announced today.
“I am excited and grateful to be the grand prize treatment package winner, and look forward to getting the smile I have always wanted with Dr. Chisari,” said Amy Mountcastle.
The new office was the site of the event, located at 1956 41st Avenue, Suite A, Vero Beach, FL 32960, conveniently located and modernly appointed.
“We enjoy being part of the Vero Beach community, and we look forward to many more years of service at this new location,” said OSOF owner and Founder Dr. Alan Shoopak, DMD.
Dr. Shoopak, Dr. Chisari and friends thank all attendees, and the many local sponsors for joining in celebrating the grand opening.
By Alan D. Shoopak, D.M.D.
You read that correctly. There are companies out there that are selling products and services that enable unsuspecting patients to “Do it Yourself” or “DIY” braces at home. As a medical professional with over 30-year years of practice experience, let me be very specific as to WHY this DIY is a very, very bad idea. In a day when apps seem to fix everything with a touch of a smartphone, straightening teeth is not something you want take lightly. There is a reason the average Orthodontist has over 10 years of education and training, in addition to multiple years of real-patient practice. Straightening teeth safely, correctly and effectively takes a special professional—your neighborhood Orthodontist.
Dr. Shoopak’s Reasons Why DIY Braces is a bad idea:
This is a DIY Braces case that was presented by the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (Warning: Graphic Images)
Dr. Shoopak is the founder of Orthodontic Specialists of Florida, with more than 34 offices throughout Florida. Dr. Shoopak attended the University of Tampa where he received his Bachelor of Science degree. He graduated from Tufts School of Dental Medicine in Boston in 1982, and earned his Orthodontic Certificate in 1984. Dr. Shoopak is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists and the Florida Association of Orthodontists as well as other local, regional and national Dental Association.
