Florida Today wrote an article about our own Dr. McNeight and the life-changing confidence a new smile can give!
Click here to check on the article on their website, or read on below.
Q: Why did you go into this career?
A: My mother was a dental hygienist and always instilled in me the importance of optimal dental health (which meant not many sodas and not much candy!). During dental school, I learned how to do dentures, root canals, fillings, and implants… but nothing really got me excited until I entered the orthodontic clinic. I love witnessing the life-changing effect giving someone a beautiful, healthy smile can have. Seeing the changes in a patient’s self-esteem is amazing and knowing that I have given them a gift that will last them a lifetime is very humbling.
Q: What services do you provide?
A: We use metal and ceramic (clear) braces as well as Invisalign clear aligners to create beautiful smiles and healthy bites. We use a variety of appliances to move teeth into the correct positions and use retainers and nightguards to keep them in place after treatment is finished. We pride ourselves on providing the latest and most efficient orthodontic technology with the highest level of personalized service. We treat all ages, children, teens, and adults. We specialize in functional esthetic orthodontics meaning we strive to keep you looking great while your teeth move. Most notably, we are the only orthodontic practice in Brevard County with the Invisalign Top 1% and Invisalign Teen provider designation, an award limited to Invisalign providers with the highest level of expertise in the nation. We also use digital scanners and 3D printing to create appliances and retainers which means no more of that ooey-gooey impression material… pretty neat!
Q: When did you realize this was the right medical career path for you?
A: When I was in high school and college, I shadowed lots of different types of doctors because I knew I wanted to go into a profession centered around patient health and well-being. But when I shadowed dentists, I was attracted to the individual interaction and immediate satisfaction the patients received. More so, I loved that I could become a part of the patient’s family, gaining their trust and treating them over a lifetime. Orthodontics is unique in that receiving a new smile and a healthier, more functional bite is truly a life-changing experience and a gift that lasts a lifetime.
Q: What’s the latest advancement in your field that will benefit patients?
A: Invisalign is the most technically advanced clear aligner system on the market, and treating patients with Invisalign efficiently and effectively is the way of the future. Invisalign not only provides a more esthetic way to straighten teeth, but it also is more hygienic allowing patients to brush and floss their teeth much easier than with traditional braces. In addition, there are no eating restrictions and less emergency appointments with the Invisalign trays, which patients love. AcceleDent (a vibrating mouthpiece) and Propel (micro-osteoperforations) are also adjuncts we use to increase the speed of tooth movement thus decreasing treatment times.
Q: Best advice for current and potential patients.
A: We love treating all ages of patients, from age 6 to age 86. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first orthodontic evaluation be around age 7 when the child’s permanent first molars erupt. Many problems that are seen in older individuals could have been alleviated if the patient would have been seen earlier in life. Our initial visits are always complimentary and include photographs, x-rays, a digital scan and an exam by the doctor. Then we give our recommendations. My advice is to take advantage of these free exam visits. If you are curious about what treatment would entail for you or if you are questioning if your child will need braces, we would love to spend time with you and answer any questions you may have.
