Todd Hickman, DDS, MSD, operated Hickman Orthodontics with his now-retired father, Jerry Hickman, DDS, for a dozen years. Continuing with topnotch dental care, Dr. Todd recently joined the practice group of Gorman & Bunch Orthodontics with his office located at 8001 Shelby St. #1, Indianapolis. He specializes in orthodontic treatments, such as Invisalign clear aligners and Incognito lingual braces, as aesthetic, comfortable and effective alternatives to traditional metal braces and orthodontic appliances.
This Greenwood native was a Center Grove High School graduate, and his own family still lives in that community. His education began at Indiana University at Bloomington where he completed his bachelor's degree in biology. He continued at the Indiana University School of Dentistry where he attained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with high distinction in 1996, as well as his Certificate of Orthodontics in 1998. He is a past president of the Indiana University Orthodontic Alumni Association.
Greenwood City Lifestyle discussed with Dr. Hickman and his staff what's in store for patients.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE GREENWOOD COMMUNITY?
"It's such a friendly place to be. Now we're assisting the children of fellow students from when we were in high school, making it pleasurable, second-generation relationships. We treat all ages, basically from 7 years to 70 and beyond, so get to see many familiar faces."
WHAT'S NEWLY AVAILABLE TO YOUR PATIENTS IN 2026?
"We're incorporating a new Invisalign Palatal Expander that's removable. It's for arch development and is less invasive. Its success is still dependent on patient compliance, but it has been clinically proven to be safe and effective when everyone uses it in the way it's intended.
We usually start to see patients at age 7 to check for adequate teeth spacing, missing teeth and overall growth and development. We take photos and use 3D scanning to determine jaw and teeth alignment.
Of course, we're continuing with our signature, warm chocolate chip cookies available for every visit."
DO YOU OFFER APPOINTMENTS FOR OUT-OF-SCHOOL HOURS?
"Many of our patients are 12 to 15 years old. Starting at 7:30 a.m., we have both before and after school hours. Given that most patients will be in our office frequently during a two-year period, we find it's best to schedule construction appointments during middays when we can spend quality time taking care of patients. Adjustment appointments often are made outside of school hours. We strive to be as flexible as we can to work with everyone's schedules."
HOW'S THE DECISION MADE FOR WHAT TYPE OF BRACES OR ALIGNERS ARE BEST FOR EACH PERSON?
"We're comfortable treating either. It's influenced by lifestyles, habits and self-discipline of each person. Active children or adults, who may tend to remove aligners frequently, may not be the best candidates for them. Aligners need to be worn even while sleeping. They are easier for flossing and brushing teeth, though."
HOW CAN PEOPLE BEST TAKE THE NEXT STEP FOR PERSONAL ORTHODONTICS JOURNEYS?
"New patients are welcome, with no referrals needed from dentists. It's best to take preventive steps rather than waiting for problems to develop.
We offer complimentary exams and can take photos. Through 3D scanning, we can show patients before and after simulation images of what their smile can look like. We also use AI images to predict outcomes and to design customized treatments for each person's best results.
People like that they can schedule appointments online and that we have payment plans."
WHAT POST-TREATMENT PLANS DO YOU ASSIST WITH?
"Many people are surprised to learn that post-treatment, they need 'nighttime retainers for a lifetime.' Teeth positioning can change quickly. We offer a retainer 10-year guarantee program, which basically acts like an insurance plan with an upfront fee and reduced co-pays for orders of an unlimited number of future retainers. We make a 3D mold of a person's teeth, so our patients can bring it back in to get new retainers without getting scanned again.
We also have a rewards program for being on time, or wearing necessary bands, for example, with great prizes such as headphones or flatscreens, and chances to participate in monthly or quarterly games to earn points to trade in for gift cards."
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