Day: October 12, 2022

Braces used to be a somewhat embarrassing, somewhat uncomfortable rite of passage for pre-teens, but it doesn’t have to be that way anymore.

The field of orthodontics continues to evolve and grow, with simpler ways to solve complex problems that relate to the straightening of the teeth and jaw — and not just for those in middle school.

While technology now offers many improvements, Dr. Sam Jureyda says he won’t allow it to replace his favorite thing about practicing orthodontics — developing relationships with people and working closely with them to achieve their perfect smile.

“Dr. J,” as his patients call him, opened his Radiance Orthodontics more than six years ago in the Tampa Palms Professional Center off of Commerce Park Blvd., near the New Tampa Rec Center.

His patients say they appreciate his warm, friendly demeanor, paired with his expertise and attention to detail. 

Radiance Orthodontics is not a corporate practice where patients are shuffled through as quickly as possible. Instead, all aspects of the practice are marked with Dr. J’s generous style, where he personally ensures that each patient gets the treatment they need, along with the respect and kindness he feels everyone deserves.

“The staff is friendly, the prices are reasonable, and I love that they all pay close attention to details,” says Rawan, a Wesley Chapel mom whose 16-year-old twins just got their braces off.

In fact, the girls were beyond thrilled with the results. They love how straight their teeth are, but Dr. J told Rawan he wasn’t quite satisfied.

“He’s a perfectionist,” Rawan says. “He’s amazing. He likes to make sure everything is perfect to their liking — and to his — so he decided to use Invisalign® for little finishing touches.”

Rawan says that once her girls started their treatment with Dr. Jureyda, she decided to get Invisalign for herself, as well.

“I never had a problem with my teeth, but over time, I started to get overcrowding,” Rawan explains. “My teeth weren’t terrible, but it was starting to bother me.”

Rawan says that when compared with other orthodontists in the area, the prices at Radiance were the most reasonable, which made it affordable for her to start treatment, too.

Affordability is one reason Karyn Kraf, a West Meadows mom, chose Radiance Orthodontics for her teenage daughters, Karis and Lydia, too.

“He’s got great payment plans and options, which is a big concern with two kids,” Karyn says. “Having flexibility in setting up payments was very helpful.”

She says she also chose the practice because, as treasurer of the Freedom High PTSA, she sees how invested Dr. Jureyda is in the community.

“He supports the local schools,” she says. “It means a lot to the community that he gives back in that way, and I want to make sure he knows he’s appreciated.”

Not only is the practice a business partner at all of New Tampa’s public schools, but for the past four years, Radiance Orthodontics has awarded a scholarship each spring to a Wharton High senior who has demonstrated a commitment to serve the community through volunteering. This year, he also will offer a scholarship to a senior at Freedom.

More Options Than Ever Before

“Orthodontics is a rapidly-changing, dynamic specialty that offers more options than ever before,” Dr. Jureyda explains. “But, that also makes it confusing for patients.”

He offers a unique, personalized treatment plan to every patient, taking into consideration medical needs, budget, and lifestyle. The office staff works with patients to determine orthodontic benefits through dental insurance and provide affordable payment options.

Dr. Jureyda has practiced orthodontics for more than 25 years. Before moving into private practice in 2006 — and subsequently opening Radiance in 2016 — he taught graduate-level students at the University of Buffalo, NY.

He offers a completely free, no-obligation consultation, whether or not you’ve been referred to him by your dentist. Dr. J provides a thorough examination and makes recommendations as to whether or not treatment would be beneficial. Radiance Orthodontics offers both traditional braces and Invisalign®, and Dr. J will help you understand the pros and cons of each type of treatment. 

Even traditional braces continue to evolve and use better technologies, and are typically available in either metal or clear ceramic.

Dr. J says that Invisalign®, which uses a series of invisible, removable, comfortable aligners to straighten teeth, is a constantly improving method that is now so effective, it often works more quickly than traditional braces.

Fancy television commercials may say that “do-it-yourself” options can work just as well, but Dr. J emphasizes that having treatment in person with an orthodontist allows you access to an expert who will check your progress every step of the way to keep you on track and watch to ensure no problems develop or worsen.

When it’s time to start treatment, Radiance Orthodontics uses a compact, hand-held wand and optical digital technology to create 3D images of a patient’s mouth. This technology is much easier and more comfortable than taking impressions by hand with a goopy material. It also streamlines the process of moving from diagnosis to treatment. Patients can view their “before” images immediately on the screen during the appointment, and a proposed “after” image comes via email shortly thereafter.

In between, Dr. J takes time to carefully review exactly how the technology recommends the teeth be moved in to position, using his decades of experience to be sure that each of his patients receives a treatment plan that is perfect for them. While the technology adds some degree of automation, he says it doesn’t replace his careful eye and expertise throughout the process.

That’s exactly why Karyn says she’s glad she chose Radiance Orthodontics.

“We’ve had such a great experience,” she says. “He’s so attentive and personable and very professional.”

And, while she says she never feels rushed, her time is respected and she’s able to get in and out much faster than when her son was in braces in another office, and she was often kept waiting for more than an hour before appointments.

“When we first met Dr. J, we immediately felt comfortable with him and his staff,” Karyn says. “He spends so much time with the girls, he pays attention to details, and makes every patient feel special.”

To schedule a free consultation, text or call Radiance Orthodontics at (813) 972-1100. For more information about the practice, located at 17427 Bridge Hill Ct., Suite A, in the Tampa Palms Professional Center, search for Radiance Orthodontics on Facebook or visit MyRadianceBraces.com.