Dr. Dr. Eric L. Dellinger, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Orthodontist | Orthodontist
1120 E Dupont Rd Fort Wayne IN, 46825About
Eric L. Dellinger, DDS, MSD, is a well-versed orthodontist who diagnoses and treats patients at his private practice in Angola and Kendallville, IN. As an orthodontist, he has dedicated training and unique experience to correct teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Orthodontists treat overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, misplaced midline, spacing, and crowding, among others. Dr. Dellinger has an impressive professional journey that spans twenty-nine years. His expertise covers all facets of orthodontics. Very active in his community, he participates with the Steuben County Well Child Clinic and Kid’s First Cleft Palate Team. Dr. Dellinger has published several scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals. He acts as an associate professor at the Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne Campus and Councilor for the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics. In the past, he served as president of the Indiana Association of Orthodontists.
Dr. Dr. Eric L. Dellinger, D.D.S., M.S.D.'s Videos
Education and Training
Indiana University School of Dentistry Doctor of Dental Surgery degree 1990
St. Louis University MSD degree 1992
Provider Details
Dr. Dr. Eric L. Dellinger, D.D.S., M.S.D.'s Expert Contributions
How long do titanium implants last?
A titanium implant for a single tooth replacement is intended to last for the life of the patient. Proper maintenance, regular cleanings, and professional evaluation can achieve this goal. The crown on top of the implant however, may need replacing periodically, perhaps every 5-20 years! READ MORE
Is 35 too old for braces?
Not at all! My oldest patient was an 83-year-old dentist who came to me because his wife couldn’t stand his crooked teeth anymore! Like all physical therapy, a good check-up and medical/dental review is necessary to achieve success. Your best way to find out if you could benefit is to find a Board Certified Orthodontist in your area. Use the orthodontist locator on Americanboardortho.com Enjoy your beautiful smile! Dr. Eric Dellinger, DDS, MSD READ MORE
What is the maximum age to get braces?
The oldest patient I have treated was 83 years old and got braces because his wife wanted his teeth to look better. Function improved too, and he enjoyed his straight teeth for another 20 years! READ MORE
How long does Invisalign take?
Invisalign and braces both move teeth about 1mm per month. If there are lots of movements, or long movements, treatments may take as long as 3 years. If only small or simple movements are required, some treatments can be done in as little as 3 months. To find out how long your treatment might take, contact a board certified orthodontist at Americanboardortho.com on the Orthodontist locator tab. READ MORE
When can I stop wearing my retainers?
Retainers are designed to prevent changes to the teeth. In other words they “retain” the treatment done to the teeth. When you no longer desire to maintain your orthodontic treatment, stop wearing retainers and things will change. If you wish to maintain your work, keep wearing them. PS - everything changes in human bodies until we die, and most of aging process is not kind. Teeth are no exception! READ MORE
How do you relieve pain from a retainer?
If the pain is occurring in a previously comfortable retainer, it is likely the retainer was damaged or the teeth have changed (perhaps due to an infection). For this type of scenario it is best to see your Orthodontist as quickly as possible. If the pain is mild to moderate muscle type ache associated with changing to a new Invisalign style retainer, take an appropriate ibuprofen or Tylenol dose and anticipate the pain should reduce within three days. If the new Invisalign retainer is not comfortable in 5 days, cease wearing it and call your Orthodontist. READ MORE
How long does it take to get fitted for Invisalign?
We use a digital scanner to record and order aligners. It takes about 15 minutes to do the scan, then 3-6 weeks to order and receive the aligners. If the aligners require a lot of attachments (plastic buttons on the teeth) it can take 20-60 minutes to deliver the first set(s). Only about 15/20 minutes for subsequent sets of trays. Dr. Eric Dellinger, DDS, MSD READ MORE
Do braces move your teeth every day?
In general yes, the pressure of the arch-wire is gently released on the tooth causing it to move slowly. Occasionally Orthodontists will use certain wires to prevent teeth from moving, the ability to create the movement of teeth only when and where it is desired is the key to good orthodontics. READ MORE
How do you heal a cut in your mouth from braces?
Ask your Orthodontist for a prescription for Peridex. It is a mouthwash made by 3M that kills germs and allows the cut to heal more quickly (other brands made by other manufacturers are also available). READ MORE
How long will braces take to fix one tooth?
Usually the time for movement will be determined by the distance that the tooth needs to move. 1mm per month is considered pretty fast movement. The hard part is getting only the 1 tooth to move. Consider if you only wanted to knock down one bowling pin - not as easy as it sounds when you really try to do it! Try Americanboardortho.com for an orthodontist in your area! READ MORE
Is it normal to leave Invisalign in all the time?
In general yes! Though the Aligners should be removed when eating and brushing the teeth, or if drinking dark or sugar containing liquids. READ MORE
Can you use mouthwash while wearing Invisalign?
Yes, but you want to make sure to rinse with water afterwards to remove the mouthwash that might be sitting against your soft tissue. You shouldn't hold alcohol against the gums for very long and most mouthwashes will contain some alcohol. READ MORE
Can you close a gap without braces?
Yes! Clear aligners can close many gaps, and some gaps can be closed with even less expensive wire retainers. See a board certified orthodontist at americanboardortho.com (locator tab) to find the best credentialed orthodontist in your area! Dr. Eric Dellinger READ MORE
My son is 8 years and his permanent teeth are crooked. Is it too early to go to an orthodontist?
The American Dental Association recommends all children receive an orthodontic examination at age 7. If you are seeing problems you should seek a board certified orthodontist at any age. Please check under the Orthodontist location tab at Americanboardortho.com to find a qualified orthodontist in your area. Dr. Eric Dellinger, DDS, MSD READ MORE
My son's permanent teeth are growing crooked. What should I do?
It is unlikely that they will straighten out on their own. This is an ideal time to see an orthodontist! To find an orthodontist in your area, look at the orthodontist locator page at americanboardortho.com Dr. Eric Dellinger, DDS, MSD READ MORE
Speech therapy or braces first?
Why not do both! It will shorten your overall time in treatment if you progress with both therapies at the same time. Tell your Orthodontist to coordinate with your speech therapist for best results! READ MORE
My daughter is 4 years old and is used to sucking her thumb. Will it cause her teeth to grow outwards?
Good news! Your daughter's permanent teeth probably won’t come in until 5-6 years old! The bad news is that even at 4 years old she can be putting orthopedic pressure on her jaws that could cause bad growth. I would suggest using positive rewards for her to stop or reduce this behavior. READ MORE
I am diabetic and have to undergo an orthodontic treatment. Will my diabetes affect my healing process?
Unfortunately, diabetes can slow all healing and orthopedic/orthodontic processes. Having said that, if your A1C scores are consistently lower than 8, you should have very minimal difficulties with your treatment. As always, good control leads to a good life!! Dr. Eric Dellinger READ MORE
Does having braces hurt?
Braces (and aligners, and expanders) are all orthopedic tools used to move your body. Anytime you are doing physical exercise, or physical therapy, you will probably hurt a little. Much like exercises, different people respond in different levels of discomfort. Some people can run for miles and never feel sore, while others get wiped out just running across the parking lot! If your mouth is very sensitive you will probably feel more uncomfortable than your friends with braces. If you are having problems feeling uncomfortable, just tell your Orthodontist. Your Orthodontist can prescribe medicines, toothpastes, mouthwashes and other tools to make you feel better! To find a board certified orthodontist look under: americanboardortho.com READ MORE
My daughter’s middle tooth seems to be out of line from the remaining teeth. Can this be corrected with braces?
Braces can correct these types of problems very effectively. It would be wise to get a comprehensive Orthodontic evaluation from a board certified Orthodontist as 10 years is a time when 12 year old molars and adult cuspids begin to come in and you should insure that all the adult teeth are able to function properly. To find a board certified Orthodontist, look under the Orthodontist locater tab at americanboardortho.com READ MORE
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Councilor College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics -
Professional Memberships
- Indiana Dental Association
- Isaac Knapp District Dental Society
- American Dental Association
- American Association of Orthodontists
- International College of Dentists
- American College of Dentists
- Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists
- World Federation of Orthodontists
Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors
- Participates with the Steuben County Well Child Clinic and Kid’s First Cleft Palate Team
Dr. Dr. Eric L. Dellinger, D.D.S., M.S.D.'s Practice location
Dr. Dr. Eric L. Dellinger, D.D.S., M.S.D.'s reviews
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Get to know Orthodontist Dr. Eric L. Dellinger, who serves patients in Indiana.
Dr. Dellinger, the only life-time board-certified orthodontist in Northeast Indiana, is the owner and operator of ELD Orthodontics, a progressive and friendly orthodontic practice in Angola and Kendallville, Indiana. He and his staff are committed to providing exceptional orthodontic care for children, adolescents, and adults.
Everyone at ELD Orthodontics is highly-trained in all aspects of early orthodontic treatment, which can relieve or correct many bite problems before they become permanent. For patients who’d like to discreetly straighten their smile, they offer aesthetic orthodontic treatment options such as Clarity braces and 3M Aligners. They also offer Botox® and Dermafil for facial rejuvenation and the treatment of TMJ.
Having been an orthodontist in the Midwest region for over 20 years, Dr. Dellinger initially earned his undergraduate degree at Indiana University, his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, and his Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) degree at St. Louis University.
Taking the oral health of area children very seriously, he offers a complimentary Oral Health Program to all area schools and groups. Each student or participant will learn about braces, proper tooth brushing skills, different kinds of dentistry, how to prevent oral injuries, and the risks of tobacco.
Throughout his line of work, Dr. Dellinger has published several scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, is a lifetime board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, is an Associate Professor at Indiana University Fort Wayne, is a past President of the Indiana Association of Orthodontists, and Past President of the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics,
Furthermore, he is an active member in many leading dental and orthodontic organizations, such as the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics, the American Association of Orthodontists, the World Federation of Orthodontists, the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists, the Indiana Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association, the Isaac Knapp District Dental Society, the American College of Dentists, and the International College of Dentists.
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws. As an orthodontist, Dr. Dellinger is responsible for identifying problems with the positioning of a patient’s teeth and with their oral development. He utilizes the most advanced procedures and equipment available to ensure that every patient achieves a healthy and beautiful smile.
Active in his community, Dr. Dellinger participates with the Steuben County Well Child Clinic and Kid’s First Cleft Palate Team. He is also very active with his family. He and his wife, Katie, stay busy with their 6 active children and 3 dogs. Days away from the office are spent watching their children play various sports and traveling with the family. Dr. Dellinger also loves to cook for friends and family.
Additional Information
Seasoned Orthodontist, Eric L. Dellinger, DDS, MSD, Welcomes Patients at His Private Practice in Angola and Kendallville, IN
Eric L. Dellinger, DDS, MSD, is a well-versed orthodontist who diagnoses and treats patients at his private practice in Angola and Kendallville, IN. As an orthodontist, he has dedicated training and unique experience to correct teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Orthodontists treat overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, misplaced midline, spacing, and crowding, among others. Dr. Dellinger has an impressive professional journey that spans twenty-nine years. His expertise covers all facets of orthodontics. Very active in his community, he participates with the Steuben County Well Child Clinic and Kid’s First Cleft Palate Team. Dr. Dellinger has published several scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals. He acts as an associate professor at the Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne Campus and Councilor for the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics. In the past, he served as president of the Indiana Association of Orthodontists. For more information about Dr. Eric L. Dellinger, please visit http://www.drericortho.com/office/meet-our-doctor.
Eric L. Dellinger, DDS, MSD, attended the Indiana University School of Dentistry and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1990. Then, he completed his MSD degree at St. Louis University (1992). In addition, he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Dellinger is a member of the American Dental Association, the Isaac Knapp District Dental Society, the Indiana Dental Association, the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, the American Association of Orthodontists, the World Federation of Orthodontists, and the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists. He dedicates his spare time to his family, his wife, 6 children, and 2 dogs. He also enjoys traveling with his family and watching his children play various sports, and cooking for friends and family. For more information about Eric L. Dellinger, DDS, please visit https://www.findatopdoc.com/doctor/3500802-Eric-Dellinger-Orthodontist.
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