Even Hollywood Stars Struggle with Crooked Teeth! From Dr. Dau

Dr. Dau and his team at Dau Orthodontics know everyone struggles with little imperfections. Making crooked teeth straight, stained teeth sparkling white and chipped teeth smooth is part of what we do as orthodontists. The sense of renewed self confidence that comes to our patients after having some sort of reconstructive work is what makes our job worthwhile.

Consider Katherine Heigl, award-winning actress, and considered by many the Grace Kelly of our day. She describes struggling with crooked teeth her whole life until finally there came a point when she said "enough is enough!" She decided to do something to straighten her teeth.

We think you will enjoy this clip. Please feel free to leave comments, tell us what you think! Have you ever struggled with this same problem? Have you felt the relief of smiling to reveal a straight, bright smile after hiding crooked ones for so long? Give us a call so we can hear your story, or help you create a new beautiful smile and a story of your own!

Happy New Year!

--The team at Dau Orthodontics

Happy Holidays from Dau Orthodontics!

The holiday season is upon us, and as Dr. Dau and his team at Dau Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What’s your favorite part about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for the new year? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at Dau Orthodontics

Who benefits from braces? Everybody, says Dr. Dau!

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Dau and his team will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic care; whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life!

Happy Monday!

Patient reviews for Dr. Dau

Dau Orthodontics, serving Tampa, Lutz and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient testimonials lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Dau and his team! Have a great day!

"Dr. Dau really seems to care about my concerns and comfort as a patient. He always treats me with respect and explains my orthodontic care in a way that I understand. His staff is great; always nice, smiling, and seem happy to see me and note how well we are doing with my braces." ~ George K.

"The Personnel (very professional), The facility (clean, fresh, decorated with good taste), convenient location, the doctor. All." ~ Paula A.

"Everyone in the office is so nice, the assistants as well as Dr Dau are very gentle and make my daughter feel very comfortable." ~ Jennifer P.

Braces 101, from Dau Orthodontics

Should you need to call Dau Orthodontics in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.



Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

Breaking Down the Myths and Facts of Orthodontics, from Dr. Dau

Dr. Dau and his team know there are quite a few myths about orthodontists circulating around these days. Before you buy into those myths, they think you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. Check them out today!

Hope this helps. Give us a call if you have any questions and Happy Thanksgiving!

Why Is It So Important To Have Straight Teeth? Dr. Dau Has the Answer

Some people wonder why Dr. Dau works so hard to give his patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque – the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call to set up a consultation. Dau Orthodontics can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Meet Dr. Dau

Dr. Steven V. Dau grew up in the Tampa Bay area, where he received his Bachelor's degree at the University of South Florida. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Florida and obtained his Master's of Science in Dentistry at Saint Louis University, specializing in orthodontics. Dr. Dau is committed to being a leader in his profession. He sets high treatment standards and continually attends seminars and courses to keep current with the latest advances in orthodontics such as self-ligating braces, orthodontic implants, ceramic braces and Invisalign.

Dr. Dau is committed to being an active member in the community. He supports community projects and sponsors various youth sport leagues throughout the year. He is also an active member of the New Tampa Noon Rotary Club, which promotes and sponsors various charities and local organizations. Dr. Dau has participated in missionary trips to Haiti to provide dental care to local villagers.

In his spare time, Dr. Dau enjoys spending time with his family and traveling, especially to the northern regions for snowboarding. He has visited countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Haiti, and Malaysia. He also enjoys basketball, tennis, art, and white-water rafting.