Locations
Office
Philadelphia, PA
Office
Allentown, PA
Center for Orthodontic Excellence
Princeton Junction, NJ
About
Bio
<strong><em>"For me, orthodontics is about more than just creating amazing smiles; it is about forming strong relationships and friendships with the patients, families, and dental colleagues. I want to ensure everyone enjoys their entire orthodontic experience as well as the beautiful and lasting result!"</em></strong>
<h2>Education and experience </h2>
I grew up in Pittsburgh, and my tinkering and technical interests during my early years led me to Duke University where I received degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering/Materials Science. As I also wanted to be involved in healthcare, I enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania where I received my Doctorate of Dental Medicine and was Chief Resident while obtaining my specialty Certificate in Orthodontics.
In addition to private practice, I am on faculty at the University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Orthodontics. I also lecture locally with various study groups, as well as internationally/nationally with the <em>Complete Clinical Orthodontics </em>Course and Roth-Williams Center for Functional Occlusion . I strongly believe that it is important to teach and to help raise the standard of care for our community as well as for the entire profession, and thoroughly enjoy any opportunity to do so.
In the office
I have an interest in research and ensuring that I practice what I teach. I want to make sure that we are using the best and most effective methods to deliver the highest level of orthodontic care. At the office, this ideal is definitely being put to work! You will see that we are constantly improving and developing techniques to allow for better precision and improved orthodontic treatment. As a result, we are proud to hold United States patents on several of the devices we use every day.
<h2>Outside the office</h2>
Outside of practicing, teaching, and attending dental society meetings, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two crazy cats, Tomato and Basil. I have a passion for model railroading, and also like to golf, workout at the gym, and "play chef" in the kitchen.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Orthodontics
Licenses
United States: New Jersey, Pennsylvania
Doctor Q&A
100 Answers
44 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Maybe: There is not a definitive link in the literature yet, but many parents have reported this to me as well for kids undergoing expansion. Snoring is ado... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
In : In all honesty, it is not. Most orthodontic offices that I am aware of almost would prefer no prior clinical experience so that you may be trained ap... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
As : As mentioned previously, the biggest concern over finger sucking is affecting overall growth and development of the jaws. While many kids do it, i us... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
100% yes: While more inexpensive, it has been shown that these appliances may actually induce more instances of clenching and grinding. You are much better off... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Get an appliance: Talk with your dentist about having an appliance made to help prevent stresses on the chewing system as well as to protect the teeth. There are seve... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Not likely broken: When you hear a pop on opening it is likely caused by a displaced piece of cartilage within the joint. Having your dentist evaluate this for you wou... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
No: The appliance itself will not change the bite. However, people that have bruxism often have muscle tension that forces their teeth to comes togethe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Partly: The jaw popping is as issue with the joint. In some cases fluid can build up around the joint and affect hearing, as the structures are in close prox... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Maybe: It will probably take some time for the tongue to get used to the braces on the back of the teeth so you may talk funny or lisp for a bit. It should... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
I don't know: It depends on their methodology for how they diagnosed your bite and how they came up with a plan to fix it. I would ask them why or why not they wo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Absolutely: Your orthodontist will need to proceed cautiously, and it is beyond critical that you have periodontal clearance to begin orthodontic treatment. If ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Clenching/grinding: Most likely this is due to muscle overload/overuse from grinding/clenching your teeth unconsciously during sleep. First step would be to talk to you... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
It will move teeth..: The advantage is the vanity aspect only. Vs. Brackets, it is less precise, requires much more compliance, and is likely more costly. Speak with yo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Floss : Floss is floss, and there are two kinds - waxed or unwaxed. Waxed is a little easier to get into tight contacts, but both are effective. Also, the v... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Absolutely!: I would discuss this with your orthodontist or family dentist. There are types of retainers that can be fabricated that will help minimize the effec... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Yes: Depending on the forces and position of the crown, bruxism can do a lot of damage to the teeth and stress the chewing system excessively. Nightguard... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
What do you want: Is there a reason to do something? If not then there is no reason or need to change it. Need a little more information.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Absolutely!: If the orthodontic diagnosis warrants correction of the width of the upper jaw, an expander is the most predictable and common way to correct this. S... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
No: I'm not sure what you are referring to by retainers. It may be a different type of appliance for some other purpose. Speak with your orthodontist t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
A proper diagnosis.: It really depends on the extent of the discrepancy, inclinations of the teeth, condition of your jaw joints, and what your ultimate goals for correcti... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Anything you like: Just keep away from popcorn, nuts, chips, or hard/sticky foods that can dislodge the expander or get stuck underneath it.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
No...teeth : No...Teeth move at a certain rate that is determined by the individual biology of the person. Having the correct diagnosis and treatment plan is the ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
There : There are 4 reasons that you could have a "gummy" smile and all four have different solutions.
1. Excess gum tissue - the teeth look "short" as we... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Depends: If this is for you, the first step will be to have a proper diagnosis and determine how much width change of the upper jaw would ideally be needed. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
I : I would have your dentist take a look at it and see if it needs readjusted. It is extremely difficult to get proper adjustment on the first visit, es... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Once : Once a day should be no problem at all. My protocol for patients is usually once in the morning and once at night (2x/day) and there have not been an... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
"Worth : "worth it" is a somewhat relative term depending on what you mean. For example, "is the added cost going to provide me a better or more stable result... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old male asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Depends on the cause: Usually the first person to discuss your symptoms and details with is your dentist. After helping to discern what the root cause of the issue is, th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
I : I would suggest if you are unclear as to why your dentist made the recommendation, you should go back and ask. At that point they may show you somet... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
If : If you have braces bonded to you teeth, then no you cannot. The teeth will bleach, but the part under the braces will not. When the braces are remov... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Why are you doing it: Unless you are having an extreme restriction of movement in the jaws, removing the disc or any type of jaw joint surgery is the absolute last resort a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
It : It is unlikely that is the case. Usually a frenectomy is performed between the upper two front teeth to remove a thick attachment that may impede pro... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Communicate this!: You should let your orthodontist know. They may be able to place bonded stops in order to keep your teeth slightly apart or provide an appliance for... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Need more info: For tightness, are you referring to restriction of opening, soreness of muscles, limitation of moving side to side, or something else? Often these a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Absolutely: Things to consider are is it a front tooth or back tooth crossbite as well as the needed movements in order to do so. Having an orthodontic consultat... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Depends on protocol: If this is for a child, the space often can be big enough to almost look like another tooth can fit into place, but will begin to close quickly once y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
No: Any activity that induces muscle activity has the potential to increase bruxism. Clenching is one of these....Don't do it!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
What are your goals?: The question is much too vague. What are you hoping to accomplish? What aspect of orthodontic treatment are you referring to?
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 48-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Food stuck on it: Be sure to rinse vigorously after eating to help dislodge any food that may be stuck underneath. Also, be sure to use a water-pik or a syringe to squ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Ask...: Ask your spouse or someone that is near you when you sleep. Often they can hear it. Your dentist will also be able to see signs of wear on your tee... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Usually 4-6 months: Depending on your orthodontist's protocols, once you are done turning, you need to stabilize the palate so things don't relapse. The usual protocol ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Not sure: Please provide more information. Not sure what the issue you are having is.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Provided : Provided she is a young adolescent, expanders do not cause a great amount of discomfort. Every time you "turn", she will feel pressure for 10-20 sec... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
I : I will concur that dr. Davantzis' explanation is more than excellent. I, too, have the same conversation with many patients quite frequently. Unless... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Yes, : Yes, the point of the space maintainer is to hold open the space that was originally filled by the baby tooth. By doing so, you allow the adult tooth... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
In what aspects?: Some people with long standing clenching or grinding habits show an increased size of the muscles along the cheek area. Is there something else you... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Series of steps: In a nutshell...
1. Diagnosis of needed movements/benefit
2. Consultation with an orthodontist and oral surgeon to determine how to correct the ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Absolutely! : Absolutely! this would be a great discussion to have with a restorative dentist. There are many options available for reconstruction of the worn d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
No: Due to environmental factors affecting breathing in growth and development, these may contribute to palate shape in people who mouthbreathe. Just beca... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ryan Tamburrinoanswered
Specializes in Orthodontics
Yes: The appliance is protective in nature to not only reduce damage to the teeth, but balances the stresses of grinding over the entire system to minimize... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
36
Recommendations
149
Thank you notes
Nov 30, 2012
Dr. Tamburrino is excellence! Everything he undertakes is with passion, drive, and conviction with the desire for exceeding expectations. Patients are fortunate to have such an accomplished and cari...Read More
Nov 30, 2012
I have known Dr. Tamburrino as a student at the Univeristy of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and as an orthodontist for many years. He has advanced training in occlusion and orthodontics. His ...Read More
Nov 30, 2012
Dr. Tamburrino knowledge of orthodontics and facial orthopedics is of the highest quality. His clinical and academic backgrounds are top-notch, and his patience and compassion are evident in his thoro...Read More
HealthTap member
The surgeon thinks that once my bite is aligned and corrected my tmj wouldn't have too much pressure on it. I have a big open bite. I
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Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Duke University
MD
Medical/Graduate school
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
MD
Medical/Graduate school
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
MD
Awards
Top Orthodontists, Main Line Today Magazine
Top Doctor, First Place, New Brunswick, NJ - Winter
2013
Top Orthodontist, First Place, New Jersey - Winter
2013
Affiliations
American Association of Orthodontists
Pennsylvania Dental Association
Pennsylvania Association of Orthodontists
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