For decades, Dr. Perry and Dr. Gary Opin have redefined what it means to care for patients. This father-son duo combines cutting-edge technology with genuine compassion to transform lives in Connecticut and beyond. Their practice, Opin Wide, constantly innovates excellence and community-centered care.
Dr. Perry’s journey in orthodontics began in 1969 during his military service, but it was never just about straightening teeth. As one of the founding members of the Yale Craniofacial Team, he dedicated his career to helping people born with cranial defects such as cleft palates – conditions affecting one in 800 births. When Yale opted not to establish a dedicated craniofacial department, Dr. Perry carried on independently, determined to fill the gap.
Today, Opin Wide is a haven for patients with craniofacial conditions, offering hope to individuals from across the globe. The practice approaches each case with meticulous planning, leveraging advanced technologies like Cone Beam CT scans, which create detailed 3D images without radiation, and artificial intelligence tools that aid in precise bone grafting and orthodontic adjustments. Many treatments span years, requiring an extraordinary commitment to excellence, but the results are transformative – improving functionality, restoring confidence, and changing lives.
One notable case involved a patient from China who arrived with a severely compromised dental structure. After years of tailored care, her transformation reflects the Opin team’s dedication and expertise. These stories go beyond physical improvements like better chewing or speech; they underscore the profound impact of reclaiming one’s sense of self.
Innovation remains at the heart of Opin Wide, extending to their more traditional orthodontic services. The practice offers self-ligating braces to minimize discomfort and reduce treatment time. They were also early adopters of the LightForce system, which uses AI to create customized braces for each tooth. Patients travel from across the United States and even as far as Saudi Arabia to benefit from the practice’s pioneering approach.
Beyond its technical expertise, Opin Wide is known for its personalized, patient-centered environment. The team takes special measures to ensure comfort, including the help of Lucy, their certified therapy dog – a hypoallergenic King Charles Cavalier-Miniature Poodle-Bichon mix. She brings a calming presence to anxious children and adults alike. “It’s incredible how much of a difference Lucy makes,” Dr. Gary reflects. Her presence embodies the practice’s unique commitment to making patients feel at ease during even the most complex treatments.
Dr. Perry and Dr. Gary consistently emphasized the importance of their dedicated team: a bookkeeper, two receptionists, and four state-certified chairside assistants. “This isn’t a one-man or two-man show,” says Dr. Gary. “Our entire team is instrumental in delivering the level of care our patients deserve.” Collaboration also extends to referring dentists, with whom the team maintains clear and open communication to ensure seamless, coordinated care.
Their commitment to their community is equally inspiring. The practice has absorbed costs for families facing financial challenges, ensuring that no patient is turned away due to monetary constraints. Over the entrance to their office is a sign that reads: “Through these passages pass the best people in the world, our patients and their families.” This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of their work.
Regarding practical advice for everyone, Dr. Perry characteristically says, “Get a water flosser and don’t chew sticky stuff.” While the advice may seem simple, maintaining good health and wellness often comes down to easy, everyday habits. In fact, it’s these small, consistent actions that can make all the difference. Water flossers, now more accessible and affordable than ever, are a prime example – an effective tool that helps ensure your smile stays as healthy as it is beautiful. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the work you do in the office – it’s about how you carry that care and wellness with you daily.
As Opin Wide looks to the future, it continues to evolve with technological advancements while remaining rooted in its mission: to provide transformative care that empowers patients. Whether through groundbreaking craniofacial surgery, innovative orthodontics, or simply offering comfort and compassion, Dr. Perry and Dr. Gary Opin have set a standard for what it truly means to care.
"Many treatments span years, requiring an extraordinary commitment to excellence, but the results are transformative – improving functionality, restoring confidence, and changing lives."
Dr. Perry and Dr. Gary consistently emphasized the importance of their dedicated team: a bookkeeper, two receptionists, and four state-certified chairside assistants. “This isn’t a one-man or two-man show. Our entire team is instrumental in delivering the level of care our patients deserve.”