Miller Kendall DDS MS PA

Information may not be reliable

Dr. Kendall Miller has lived in the Annapolis area off and on since early childhood. His father was a career Navy pilot and member of the class of 1945 at the Naval Academy, and Dr. Miller had a successful Naval career as well, both as a general dentist and as an orthodontist. His duty stations included the Naval Academy, Portsmouth, VA, onboard the USS Simon Lake, Okinawa, Japan, Parris Island, then returning to the Naval Academy in 1995.

He completed college and dental school at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and after several years of practicing general dentistry he received his orthodontic training at the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Miller and his family have been residents of Millersville since 1995, when he returned to serve as the orthodontist for the US Naval Academy. After completing his Navy career, Dr. Miller bought his orthodontic practice in Severna Park in 1998.

He is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Anne Arundel County Dental Society, Mid-Atlantic Society of Orthodontists, and American Dental Association. He constantly attends courses to stay abreast of the newest orthodontic breakthroughs and advancements. His office is state of the art, with digital radiology and photography as well as advanced treatment planning.

His staff regularly participates in continuing education courses, such as infection control, radiology, and courses relating to the advancement of orthodontics. Unparalleled orthodontic treatment, with a strong commitment to patient comfort and customer service, is their number one goal.

Dr. Ken Millers wife has a Masters degree in Counseling as well as in Elementary Education. She is a former elementary school teacher, and currently works as a parent educator.

His daughter is a former associate for a busy law firm in Jacksonville, Florida. She has thoughtfully provided Dr. Miller and his wife with a son in law who is a very talented computer software engineer and a beautiful granddaughter.

Dr. Kendall Miller is committed to providing his patients with a high level of service and quality care.

Our mission is to provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment and service in a compassionate, friendly, and clean environment that uses state of the art materials, equipment, and techniques.

Our staff believes that healthy teeth and a beautiful smile are important assets that should be enjoyed by everyone throughout their life. We pledge to make your orthodontic experience more comfortable and pleasurable than you thought possible.

We continually pursue excellence through continuing education, personal and team growth, and the use of the most current treatment techniques. Our team exemplifies professionalism, mutual respect and the ability to motivate our patients in a positive manner.

Were concerned about infection control.
For an infection to occur, three conditions must exist simultaneously:
1. There must be virulent disease-causing microbes.

My staff and I follow the most recent Infection Control Guidelines from the American Dental Assocation. We believe that all procedures to protect our patients and ourselves should be based on valid scientific documentations. It has been recognized that the practice of orthodontics, unlike most of dentistry, involved frequent patient contact and NON-INVASIVE procedures (treatment that does not cause bleeding). Therefore, some of the infection control techniques here may be different from what you see at your regular dental office. These techniques are based upon state-of-the-art information and have been carefully considered by recognized experts in the field of infection control.

We practice UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS, which means that we treat every patient as infectious, whether he or she is infected or not.

We STERILIZE all instruments used in the office, utilizing both dry heat and chemical sterilization to destroy all forms of microbial life.

We DISINFECT all other items used during your appointment that were not use inside your mouth with chemical disinfectants. All clinical personnel use ANTIMICROBIAL HAND SOAP or ANTIMICROBIAL HAND SANITIZER. All clinical personnel use a NEW PAIR OF GLOVES for each patient.

We use appropriate BARRIER TECHNIQUES for an orthodontic office. The use of gowns or uniforms, masks and eyewear are not always necessary but will be worn during special procedures, such as during the removal of braces or when using the high-speed drill.

We have different payment options to fit your individual needs. We are happy to accept cash, personal checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover for payments.
Payment Plan Options
Credit/Debit card auto draft - Monthly payments will automatically be charged to your Visa / MasterCard / Discover on the 1st or 15th of every month. With this option a down payment is not required.

Monthly mail in payments with a coupon book - A coupon book will be given at the time the contract is signed. Your payment will be due on the 1st of every month and considered late if not received by last day of each month, in which case a $20.00 late fee will be applied. With this option a 25% down payment is required.

Online Bill Pay - You may choose to submit orthodontic payments through your computer bill pay system each month. A check will be generated from your bank and sent directly to us. Please be sure to include your chart # on the check. With this option a 25% down payment is required.

Paid in full Discount - A 5% discount will be applied to your account if paid in full no later than 15 days after the contract start date. This applies to Phase I, Phase II, and Full treatment only. (Insurance limitations may apply.)

Please bring your insurance information to the initial appointment so that our financial coordinator may further assist you in this matter.

Our office will process any claims for ongoing treatment. Payments will vary, and we will determine your payment schedule after your initial visit. We will inform you of any out-of-pocket expenses once insurance has been taken into account.

Please note that orthodontic insurance differs from dental insurance, and there are many different arrangements among the various insurance carriers.

Long adjustment appointments are scheduled during school/work hours. Routine adjustments can usually be scheduled any time during regular office hours, either during or after school/work. Routine adjustment appointments may vary from a short appointment (20-40 minutes) to an hour or more, depending upon the procedures required or if there are any loose or broken appliances. If you do not notify the office of any loose or broken appliances prior to your appointment, and our treatment schedule is heavy, we may only be able to perform the routine adjustment. A separate appointment may be needed to repair a loose or broken appliance. At the end of each adjustment appointment, we will schedule a new appointment for your next visit (usually 6-8 weeks later).
Broken / Missed Appointments
At the time of your scheduled appointment, doctor and staff time is specifically reserved for you. Broken appointments will lead to delayed treatment progress and may affect the final outcome. Please notify our office in advance if you believe that you will arrive late.
Belcroft bible church

During your initial visit to our office, we will help you get acquainted with our office and learn about your orthodontic treatment. We understand that each patients orthodontic treatment is different, and we promise to give you the personal attention you deserve. Your first orthodontic visit will consist of an examination and discussion of potential treatment options. This important visit will address your orthodontic needs to determine if this is the proper time to begin treatment.
We will provide a complete clinical diagnosis regarding the nature of the problem, a written summary of the findings and a detailed plan that outlines your treatment, goals and estimated fees. We encourage questions from both the patient and the parent, and we provide ample time to answer your questions.
When to begin treatment
In accordance with the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Miller recommends an initial examination no later than 7 years of age. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.
How treatment works
Braces use steady, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. Dr. Miller uses several different types of braces and state-of-the-art self-ligating brackets, which reduce treatment time and provide maximum comfort to our patients. Some patients may also be candidates for Invisalign treatment the latest way to straighten teeth without braces. Invisalign is not limited to adult treatment. Invisalign teen is another wonderful treatment option for teenagers who have all of their permanent teeth in.

Phase one is an early treatment, often before all of the permanent teeth have erupted.
The three main goals of Phase one are:

2. Intercept a developing problem (interceptive treatment)
3. Guide the growth of the jaw bones that support the teeth (growth modification)

Phase one treatment may involve partial braces to expand and make room for developing teeth, correct a crossbite, overbite or underbite or help alleviate harmful habits that may impact the health and eruption of permanent teeth. A first phase of treatment benefits patients physically, enabling them to bite or chew more effectively and it may reduce the risk of breaking front teeth that protrude. For many patients, there is improvement in self-esteem.

Phase II typically involves braces on all of the patients teeth, thus providing maximum control over the movement of teeth and moves teeth into their final positions. When all of the permanent teeth have erupted in the mouth, Dr. Miller can completely finish the final correction of the bite and turned teeth at this phase, so the patient can enjoy a functional beautiful smile.

1. Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?
No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.
2. At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.
3. Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.
4. How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
If you feel that you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office or send us an e-mail. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.
5. What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be seen by the staff and doctor who will acclimate you to our office and prepare for the initial exam. We will take the necessary photographs and X-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. The doctor will then complete a brief, but thorough, exam. To read more about your first visit, see our First Visit Page.
6. What will I learn from the initial examination?
There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination: Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it? What must be done to correct the problem? Will any teeth need to be removed? How long will the treatment take to complete? How much will the treatment cost?
7. Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.
8. How long will it take to complete treatment?
Treatment time obviously depends on each patient's specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The "average" time frame a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.
9. How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?
It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.
10. How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every five to 10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
11. Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled five to 10 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.
12. Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, therefore we ask parents to check in with the front desk before dropping off their child.
13. Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not "hurt." After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, It does not have to hurt to work!
14. Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.
15. Do you give shots?

16. Do you use recycled braces?
Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.
17. Can I still play sports?

18. Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
19. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
20. How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day - after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to clean their teeth with braces and may recommend a special fluoride, if necessary.
21. What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.
22. Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient's growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.
23. What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment lasts about 12-21 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.
24. Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?
It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the "resting period," during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.
25. Will my child need an expander?
At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.
26. Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. Aligning the teeth and correcting the bite may significantly improve oral health and allow for easier cleaning. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!
27. Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
28. Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.

What to do in case of emergency
Orthodontic emergency appointments are very rare and usually will involve a loose bracket or poking wire. If a problem occurs after hours or on a weekend, it can usually wait until a weekday. If it cannot wait, please call our office and our answering service will provide a contact phone number.
Loose brackets or bands
Call our office immediately for advice if a bracket or wire is loosened. You may have a situation that requires cutting a wire or sliding a bracket off a wire at night or over the weekend. If you need to cut a wire in case of emergency, you may use fingernail clippers/ scissors, or wire cutters that have been washed and disinfected in alcohol. Please call our office the next business day, so that we may schedule an appointment for you.

Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers/scissors that have been washed and disinfected in alcohol. If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our office for an appointment.

Many patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator; if you can not replace it at home please call us on our next business day.
Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment
During the first week after your braces are in place and after routine, you will likely feel some pain, soreness or discomfort. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. A warm wash cloth or heating pad may reduce any soreness in your jaws.

When is the best time to begin orthodontics?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, often preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when appropriate.
Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
Around the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the relationship of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.
What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?

Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.
Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smileit creates a healthier you.

Braces arent just for kids anymore.
Today, more than 25-percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Teeth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups including adults. A new smile can begin today.

Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, even headaches and sometimes jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.

Good news! The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options. Your options may include metal braces, translucent braces and even transparent aligners that can improve mild cases of misaligned teeth.

During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs. During this initial examination, we can outline the treatment plan, time of treatment expected and the approximate cost.

A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that its never too late to improve their greatest asset - their smile.

Adult treatments offer fewer appointments, less treatment time, and a cleaner, more aesthetic appearance than traditional braces so you can look your best both during and after treatment.
When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment.

At first your retainer is worn as much as possible for six to nine months, then at night time forever!

Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work youve put in so far.