Ever wonder what it really takes to turn a passion for smiles into a full-blown orthodontic career? Spoiler alert: it’s a little more involved than just handing out braces and waiting for the selfies. Dr. Loew and Dr. Patel didn’t just wake up one day ready to open Loew and Patel Orthodontics. They put in the years, the effort, and the deep dives into everything from dental anatomy to digital scanning. Up next, let’s break down the steps that turn an eager student into the go-to orthodontist in places like Flemington, Annandale, and Bridgewater.
Step One: It All Starts With Dental School
Before they could fine-tune bites and design custom treatment plans, orthodontists like Dr. Loew and Dr. Patel had to dive into the deep end of dental school. That meant four years of intense training, back-to-back exams, and more late-night anatomy flashcards than they’d like to admit. It’s where they mastered everything from filling cavities to understanding how the jaw works, and learned how to keep calm while holding a tiny mirror in someone’s mouth.
By the end, they walked out with dental degrees and a rock-solid foundation in oral health. But for these two, that was just the warmup.
Up next, let’s see what happens when a dentist decides to level up and specialize in orthodontics.
Step Two: Braces, Bites, and the Big League
Dental school might teach the basics, but becoming an orthodontist means stepping into the major leagues. After earning their dental degree, orthodontists take on an additional two to three years of advanced training through a residency program. It’s like boot camp for brackets, where they go from knowing teeth to mastering how they move.
During residency, they dive into:
- Diagnosing bite issues before they become problems
- Using digital scans and 3D imaging to create personalized treatment plans
- Learning how to work with braces, clear aligners, and growth guidance tools
- Managing everything from early interceptive care to complex surgical cases
Dr. Loew and Dr. Patel took everything they learned and brought it back to Loew and Patel Orthodontics to offer top-tier care close to home. But their training didn’t stop there.
Next up, let’s see how board certification and hands-on experience raise the bar even higher.
Step Three: Going the Extra Mile with Board-Certification
Not all orthodontists are board-certified, but those who are have taken things a step further. It’s a voluntary credential that shows a serious commitment to the craft and to patients.
What It Means to Be Board-Certified
Dr. Loew and Dr. Patel didn’t stop after residency. They took on written exams, presented real patient cases, and went through rigorous peer reviews to earn board certification. It’s a mark of clinical excellence, ongoing learning, and a passion for doing things right the first time.
Why It Matters to You
Board certification means your orthodontist is held to the highest standards in the field. For families around Branchburg, White House Station, and Clinton, it adds confidence that they’re in the hands of orthodontists who keep learning and stay sharp no matter how long they’ve been practicing.
Next up, let’s see what a day in the life of an orthodontist actually looks like (it might be more fast-paced than you think!)
Welcome to the Wired Side
Think orthodontists just tighten wires and say, “See you in six weeks”? Not quite. A typical day for Dr. Loew and Dr. Patel is part science, part art, and a whole lot of multitasking.
Morning Huddle & Game Plan
Before patients even walk through the door, the team meets to review the day’s schedule. From retainer checks to complex Invisalign cases, they map out who’s coming in and what kind of care they’ll need.
Making Smiles Happen
Throughout the day, you’ll find Dr. Loew and Dr. Patel:
- Evaluating growth in kids from Clinton to Lebanon
- Creating treatment plans with digital scans and 3D imaging
- Checking in with teens mid-treatment
- High-fiving patients who just got their clear braces off
Behind the Scenes
In between appointments, they’re reviewing X-rays, consulting with dentists, and keeping up with continuing education. And yes, probably sneaking a snack between the post-appointment treats their team keeps stocked.
So what keeps someone going through years of training and busy clinic days? Let’s take a look at the heart of the profession.
For the Love of Smiles
Ask any orthodontist, and you won’t hear “elastics” or “impression trays” as the reason they chose this path. For Dr. Loew and Dr. Patel, it comes down to something much bigger: the people. Every scan, bracket, and retainer is part of a larger goal—helping someone feel proud when they look in the mirror.
It’s all about the joy of connecting with kids from Clinton, cheering on teens in Branchburg, and building trust with families in Bridgewater. The relationships built over months (or years) of treatment are what make the long days and early starts worth it.
And let’s not forget the best part: the big reveal. Seeing a patient light up the first time they see their new smile never gets old.
Next up, let’s bring it all together with a quick look at what makes the Loew and Patel Orthodontics experience stand out in Hunterdon and Somerset counties.
Rooted in the Community, Built for Your Family
From the moment you walk into one of the Loew and Patel Orthodontics locations, whether it’s next to Shammy Shine in Flemington, across from Bridgewater Commons, or right off Route 31 in Annandale, it’s clear this isn’t your average orthodontic office.
Here’s what stands out:
- A warm welcome from a team that remembers your name
- Contests, giveaways, and snack stations that make appointments feel fun
- Flexible scheduling and digital reminders that keep things moving smoothly
- A sense of community, with staff who cheer for the same school teams you do
It’s the little things that turn visits into something kids don’t dread and parents trust. That’s the Loew and Patel Orthodontics difference!
Let’s Get You A Smile You’ll Love
From early checkups in Flemington and Annandale, to adult Invisalign in Bridgewater, Loew and Patel Orthodontics is where smiles of all ages get the care they deserve. Dr. Loew and Dr. Patel bring skill, heart, and a whole lot of energy to every appointment. If it’s time for a fresh start (or a little fine-tuning), our team is ready to help make your next move a great one. Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step with a team that knows how to make every smile count!