By JAIME ANTON

The Post staff writer

Dr. Jeffrey Weil loves to see patients' smiles. In fact, that's what his practice is all about.

His slogan is, "If your smile is not becoming to you, you should be coming to us."

For 32 years, this orthodontist has dedicated his career to giving his patients a smile they can show off confidently.

Dr. Weil and his staff achieve this in a fun atmosphere designed to make their patients feel at home.

And, at the Orthodontic Brace Place patients aren't a dollar sign. The staff takes the time to get to know each and every patient. Dr. Weil even shows his appreciation every year with a movie night for all his patients and their families.

"We have a very experienced, fun staff," Dr. Weil said. "After their second or third visit they are usually laughing and joking with our staff.

Wired for success

Dr. Weil opened his practice back in 1978. His mission was to improve young people's smiles as much as he could.

And that's just what he's done.

Dr. Weil first knew he wanted to be an orthodontist shortly after entering dental school.

"I realized I didn't like things like making dentures. I liked working with younger people and liked learning what they are all about because it's constantly evolving," he said.

Plus, he gets to be the good guy because he doesn't use needles or drills.

"So, no one comes in afraid. At that first initial visit, they may be nervous because they think, 'dentist.' But we convert them quickly and show them that it will be easy. Just come in and have a good time," he said.

Dr. Weil graduated from Shaker Heights High School and then went on to Indiana University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in biology. He later attended the Ohio State University Dental School and earned his orthodontics certification from Case Western Reserve University Dental School.

Since then he's helped both children and adults love their smiles.

"Sometimes we treat kids and their moms and dads as a whole family. It's nice because they see the positive benefits," he said.

Orthodontics goes beyond straightening teeth. Its results have lasting effects.

"It makes a huge difference in their lives. People size you up immediately based on how your teeth look," Dr. Weil said. "In fact, I wrote my master's thesis on how people are evaluated based on how their teeth look."

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Metal bands and brackets are applied to teeth, and these appliances hold the wire that's used to gently pull teeth into alignment over time. Dr Weil is also certified in the use of the new Invisalign, which uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth without metal brackets and wires.

Braces correct overbites, underbites, wide spaces and crowding.

A large portion of Dr. Weil's patients are children and teens, but it's never too late to correct a smile. Adults are definitely welcome.

"We recommend children have their first orthodontic exam by the age of 7. This is a preventative measure to allow us the opportunity to detect potential problems early on," he said. "This could prevent more costly treatment down the road and even cut down on treatment time. We happily accommodate children, teens and adults. We strive to create the type of environment where all are comfortable and welcome."

Once the braces come off, Dr. Weil also has the capabilities to whiten teeth.

The result? A perfect smile.

Bracing for the economy

The Orthodontic Brace Place is aware of its clients' tight budgets.

"Our patients have several choices when choosing an orthodontist," Dr. Weil said. "So when a patient entrusts us with their treatment, we value their decision and constantly strive to do our best to serve them."

It may seem like a luxury, but it's definitely affordable to practically anyone. The practice has flexible payment plans and multiple payment arrangements available to work with clients' budgets.

"We work hard to eliminate any barriers that may keep you from starting treatment," he said. We have lots of different options and payment plans. If someone wants it, there's a way to get it done."

Dr. Weil and his staff want patients' teeth to look their best. The practice offers a professional grade, at-home whitening kit that's not available in stores.

When customers mention the Orthodontic Brace Place ad, they receive $25 off the $100 kit. They also receive free whitening rinse, toothpaste, floss and a toothbrush.

The practice also offers customer appreciation events, monthly contests and a very rewarding referral program. For every friend patients refer, they receive a $50 gift card once their referral starts treatment.

The most popular patient appreciation event is movie night.

Once a year, the staff treats its patients to a night out at the movies. Each patient can bring their family and one friend to enjoy pizza, soda and a family-friendly movie.

"Last year we filled three movie theaters to see the Disney movie 'Up'," the doctor said. "Family nights out are so hard to come by. We feel the best way to say 'thank you' to our patients is to offer them a night out to laugh, relax and just hang out as a family."

The best part of the evening is, of course, the smiles.

"The best part is always after the movie. They always clap and cheer. Everyone is so thankful and smiling, which is ultimately what we are always striving for," he said.

Patients really are family at Orthodontic Brace Place. This, coupled with things like movie night and the monthly contests, really set this practice apart.

"We take pride in our fun, light-hearted environment," Dr. Weil said. "And patients do become part of our family during the course of their treatment and beyond. We still have patients stop in to visit."

And, it's not uncommon for former patients to send in their own children for orthodontic work.

As with anything, good things must come to an end.

For the patient, there's nothing better than feeling their straightened teeth for the first time and just staring in the mirror at their new smile.

It's a proud day for the staff too, who have the honor of sharing in this moment.

"We celebrate the occasion with gift, usually a Frisbee or a water bottle filled with all the candy they weren't supposed to have eaten during treatment. They take a picture with me, and we hang it up so everyone can see that they got their braces off because it is a big deal. When you're 13 or 14, having braces on for two years is a long time. To adults, two years is a blink," he said.

Many may not be aware, but treatment can go even faster if students opt for the self-locking braces as opposed to the traditional braces, where the wire is tied in with colorful bands.

"It really expedites treatment, and patients have fewer appointments. It can cut their treatment by 30 to 40 percent, maybe more," he said.

But, unfortunately many young patients want to be "cool" and opt for the braces with color.

Now matter what they get, the end result is the same.

"They smile more, have better self esteem, are more confident, and it can open doors. Maybe they can get a better job in the future," Dr. Weil said.

This doctor enjoys his career because he knows each day he is making a lasting impression in the lives of his patients.

"I'm lucky, because I get to impact young people in a real, positive way every day, and it stays with them forever."

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Orthodontic Brace Place is at 13022 Pearl Road in Strongsville. For more information, call 440-238-0770 or visit strongsvilleorthodontics.com.