Choosing an orthodontist is about more than straight teeth — it’s about trust, experience, and feeling confident in the care you receive. At Matza Orthodontics in Boca Raton, patients benefit from the combined expertise of Dr. Barry Matza and Dr. Heather Ercolano, two orthodontists who bring decades of advanced training, academic leadership, and personalized care to every smile.

From children and teens to adults seeking discreet orthodontic solutions, our doctors are committed to creating healthy, functional, and beautiful smiles using the most advanced technology available today.

Meet the Experts Behind Your Smile

Dr. Barry Matza, DMD

Dr. Barry Matza has been specializing in orthodontics in Boca Raton since 1979, making him one of the most experienced orthodontists in South Florida. A Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. Matza is widely respected for his expertise in both smile esthetics and complex interdisciplinary cases.

In addition to private practice, Dr. Matza has served on hospital staffs including Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Delray Medical Center, and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and has worked closely with craniofacial surgeons at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. His extensive background in treating craniofacial anomalies, including cleft lip and palate, gives patients confidence that even the most complex cases are handled with precision and care.

Dr. Heather Ercolano, DMD, MS

Dr. Heather Ercolano brings a modern, research-driven approach to orthodontics, paired with a passion for creating confident smiles for patients of all ages. She completed her orthodontic residency and earned a Master of Science in oral biology and pathology at Stony Brook University, giving her a deep understanding of both the clinical and biological aspects of tooth movement.

Dr. Ercolano is known for her thoughtful, personalized treatment style and her ability to blend advanced technology with patient comfort. Her expertise makes her especially skilled at designing orthodontic plans that balance function, aesthetics, and long-term oral health.

Together, Dr. Matza and Dr. Ercolano provide a powerful combination of experience, innovation, and compassionate care.

Orthodontic FAQ: Understanding Braces & How They Work

Orthodontic appliances may look simple, but braces are actually highly precise, carefully engineered systems designed to move teeth safely and efficiently. Understanding the parts of braces can help patients feel more confident throughout treatment — and even make it easier to explain concerns if something feels off.

Braces Diagram: Key Components Explained

An orthodontic appliance works by applying controlled pressure to guide teeth into proper alignment. Here’s a breakdown of the most common components:

1. Ligatures

Tiny elastic rings or twisted wires that hold the archwire securely to each bracket.

2. Archwires

The main wires that guide tooth movement. These wires are shaped to fit your dental arch and provide the pressure needed to move teeth into position. Bending or damaging the archwire (often from hard or sticky foods) can affect how teeth move.

3. Brackets

Small attachments bonded directly to each tooth. Brackets hold the archwire in place and may be metal, ceramic, or clear depending on your treatment plan.

4. Bands

Metal rings cemented around back teeth (molars and sometimes premolars). Bands are custom-fitted and serve as strong anchors for braces.

5. Hooks

Small extensions on brackets used to attach elastics (rubber bands).

6. Headgear Tubes

Hollow tubes attached to bands that allow headgear or other appliances to be connected when needed.

7. Elastic Hooks & Rubber Bands

Rubber bands apply additional force between the upper and lower teeth to improve bite alignment.

8. Alastik Ties (Elastic Ties)

Tiny rubber rings that secure the archwire into each bracket and help maintain consistent pressure.

9. Coil Springs

Springs placed over the archwire between brackets to create or maintain space between teeth.

If you ever experience discomfort, a loose bracket, or a poking wire, knowing these parts can help you accurately describe the issue when you call our office.

Why Expertise Matters in Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics is not one-size-fits-all. Tooth movement involves biology, timing, and biomechanics — which is why experience and advanced training matter. With Dr. Matza’s decades of clinical and academic leadership and Dr. Ercolano’s cutting-edge orthodontic education, patients at Matza Orthodontics receive care that is both time-tested and forward-thinking.

Visit Our Boca Raton Office for a Personalized Consultation

Whether you’re considering braces for yourself, your teen, or your child, the first step is a consultation with orthodontists you can trust. At Matza Orthodontics, Dr. Barry Matza and Dr. Heather Ercolano take the time to answer questions, explain treatment options, and create a plan tailored specifically to your needs.

📞 Schedule your consultation today at 561.368.3480
📍 Boca Raton, Florida
📲 Follow us on Instagram @matzaorthodontics to see real patient smiles and learn more about orthodontic care