Since he was a fifth-grader with braces, Dr. Jonathan Nicozisis has been interested in orthodontics.
Now, Nicozisis and partner Dr. Louis Russo both continue to “save the world from crooked teeth” at their practice, Princeton Orthodontics. Russo, who is trained not only as an orthodontist, but also as a pediatric dentist, has been practicing in the Princeton community for more than 35 years. Nicozisis joined Princeton Orthodontics 12 years ago an associate in 1999 and became a partner there in 2002.
Princeton Orthodontics utilizes both traditional and new technology in straightening crooked teeth. Russo and Nicozisis use several treatment options to make necessary changes in the most efficient and time-effective ways, with methods that include anything from standard metal braces to Invisalign transparent retainers to computer-aided, custom-made designs.
A new technique is the placement of mini implants, or bone pins, that function as anchors to help in moving the teeth.
“When we push and pull teeth, we used to only be able to push and pull on teeth themselves as anchors…there’s an equal and opposite reaction whenever you push and pull on something,” Nicozisis said.
The anchors are temporary, and are screwed through the gums in between the teeth. Nicozisis said in the few years he has been using anchors, patients have not complained of pain or discomfort, and the use of anchors often speeds up the treatment by about 25 percent.
Another treatment is Insignia, where Nicozisis would use computer-aided design and manufacturing technology to make custom brackets for each individual tooth as well as a customized wire.
Invisalign are sets of clear aligners that are replaced every two weeks, based on progress. The aligners should be worn 20-22 hours a day, and must be removed for eating and drinking everything but water. Treatment time is usually the same as using standard wire or clear braces, and in same cases, even faster.
Nicozisis is a member of the Invisalign National Speakers Bureau and Clinical Research Network and has given more than 50 lectures nationally and internationally about Invisalign. Russo and Nicozisis were also awarded the Premier Provider designation by Align Technologies, which means their office ranks in the top five percent of offices in the country, based on training and experience with the Invisalign appliance.
Russo was also named one of the top orthodontists in the state in the New Jersey Monthly magazine. The honor was based on a statewide poll of dental professionals by Woodward White, a medical information firm.
Nicozisis said the time spent interacting with patients is also an important and enjoyable part of his work.
“With all the patients we see every day, we’re just interacting with them,” Nicozisis said. “and we see them so frequently over the course of the treatment, you get to know what’s going on—what trips they took, kids going to college—its just very rewarding.”
One of his especially memorable patients was a single mother with noticeably protruding teeth. Before her treatment was even finished, Nicozisis said he noticed her demeanor had changed: she was standing up straighter, acting more confident, and simply happier.
Patients will find both long-term experience and new practices and technology at Princeton Orthodontics.
“People get the experience of someone who’s been in for so long, and you also have the younger generation with somebody who’s … applying new technology to the practice and the patients,” Nicozisis said.
Princeton Orthodontics is located at 601 Ewing St., Suite B-12, in Princeton. For more information, call (609) 924-3271. On the Web: princetonorthodontics.net.
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