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Discovering a fossilized shark’s tooth on the beach is exciting. It’s even more interesting to learn a little about the story behind the tooth. An individual can put together a rough profile of a shark by examining a fossilized tooth. Consider some information about shark teeth and what to look for when evaluating a fossilized tooth.
Shark Teeth Anatomy and Function
Different species of shark have different types of teeth. A person can determine what a shark eats by looking at the shape and size of its teeth. For example, before eating a crustacean or a mollusk, a nurse shark uses its short, round teeth to crush the creature’s shell. Alternatively, a shark that chases and grasps its prey has long, pointed teeth. Mako sharks have pointed teeth that help them grasp and eat a variety of small fish. Some sharks have serrated, triangular-shaped teeth. These sharks are able to cut through the thick flesh and bones of their prey. A great white is one example of a shark with serrated teeth. They hunt large mammals such as dolphins and seals.
Fossil Shark Teeth
Shark teeth are made of a solid substance called dentin. This material is slow to decompose, which is part of the reason why fossil shark teeth are so plentiful. When a shark loses a tooth, it ends up on the bottom of the ocean, where it’s covered with protective layers of sediment. It takes thousands of years for a shark tooth to turn into a fossil. As fossilization takes place, water and minerals work their way into the shark’s tooth. One fossil tooth may be red while another is gray, blue, green, or even orange. The color of a shark’s tooth can be an indication of the type of minerals inside it.
Identifying Shark Teeth
The shape and size of a fossilized tooth can help a person to identify the type of shark it belonged to. The area where it’s discovered is also a helpful detail in identifying a fossilized shark tooth. Some types of sharks are known to live around particular coastlines. Keep in mind that identifying a fossilized shark’s tooth is a tricky process. For instance, a shark’s teeth may change shape if the shark starts eating different types of prey. Plus, some diseases can affect the shape and size of a shark’s teeth.
Other Interesting Facts
Most sharks lose tens of thousands of teeth during their lifetime. They have rows of teeth waiting to replace the ones that are lost every few weeks. Considering this, it comes as no surprise that some sharks can lose around 50,000 teeth in a lifetime!
Resources
- A Profile of Shark Teeth: View images of fossil shark teeth and read about the history of sharks.
- Facts on Fossil Shark Teeth: Why are fossil shark teeth different colors? Discover the answer to this question along with others on this informative page.
- The Parts of Shark Teeth (PDF): Take an in-depth look at the various parts of a shark’s tooth and how this information helps scientists to identify sharks.
- A History of Fossilized Shark Teeth (PDF): Discover how the appearance of fossilized teeth can be different for two sharks of the same type.
- Learning About Sharks Through Fossils: Consider some facts on why sharks have different types of teeth.
- General Facts on Shark Teeth: Read about the teeth of different types of sharks on this page from Cornell University.
- A Closer Look at Sharks and Their Teeth (PDF): Learn about the teeth of mako sharks and great white sharks along with others.
- Determining the Size of a Shark By Its Teeth: Take a look at a simple way to estimate the size of a shark by looking at one of its teeth.
- A Look at How Sharks Lose Their Teeth: Discover how a shark’s powerful bite contributes to the loss of teeth.
- Profile of Calvert County Sharks: Study information about the fossilized teeth of sharks from the Miocene period found in Calvert County, Maryland.
- Images of Sharks’ Teeth: View images of teeth from different species of shark.
- The Differences in Shark Teeth: Click on a type of shark and find out more about the appearance of its teeth.
- Shark Evolution and Fossils: Learn how shark fossils reveal how much the shark has evolved over millions of years.
- Fish Fossils of Southeastern Nebraska: The University of Nebraska catalogs various shark teeth specimens with photos.
- Ancient Shark Teeth Give Clues to Future of Arctic Climate Change: A study of shark teeth found in the Arctic Ocean shows that some shark species lived through changes in their habitat millions of years ago.
- A Shark Teeth Challenge: Test your knowledge of shark teeth fossils and try to find the ones in this photograph.
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I became a patient almost 5 years ago when I got my All-on-4. Best decision I’ve ever made. Dr Barrantes and Magaly are absolutely wonderful. They always make me feel like I’m their most important patient. The staff is great and very professional no matter what your issue is they will accommodate you to resolve it. I was in the office this week and after all this time Dr Ziegler knew me by my…
Nora B.
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5 Star service all the way. Dr Barrantes is certainly one of the cutting edge implant dentists in the country. It shows how he cares deeply about his patients and takes great pride in his work. I would Recommend the entire staff of Miami Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry to anyone who has had bad experience with dentistry work in the past. Thank You for rebuilding my smile!
William H.
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I absolutely love the fun & friendly atmosphere! The doctors are very professional & the staff is great. My children, ages 16,13,11,9 LOVE it there!!
Tiffany W.
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I did a lot of shopping around for the “all on four” implant surgery and Dr. Ziegler put my mind to rest that I had come to the right place. Dr. Barrantes, who actually performed the surgury, is very skilled and professional. His assistant Magaly is also very talented and professional. I get a hello and smiles from everyone I come in contact with. A very friendly and professional team.…
Paul K.
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Excellent service and all the staff was great. Drs were all very kind and always made sure I was comfortable with little to no pain. Very little wait time upon arrival. Would highly reccomend.
Dusenka E.
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I recommend this group as the best at what they do
Ge S.
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Recomiendo a todos que vengan a ver a Magaly y el Dr. Barrantes y la oficina. Todos son muy amables y buena gente y muy profesionales. Catrgoria #1 en todo que hacen.
Claudio V.
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Everyone in this office is so nice and accommodating! They will work with you in case of emergencies.
Stephanie J.
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Después de haber tenido una mala experiencia en otro lugar. Encontré el lugar perfecto y doctor perfecto. El Dr Barrantes y Magaly son muy buenos. Me devolvieron la confianza en sonreír.
Yomeri N.
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The best service of any dentists….The best team
Nadege C.
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I recently visited the Miami Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry and had a wonderful experience there. The ladies in reception and dismissal area were friendly and very professional. I really like how modern this office is. The highlight of my visit was meeting with Dr. Jan Ziegler. I really felt that he cares about my dental health and wants me to feel like a part of the office family. Than…
Natalie V.
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I called for an emergency where a crown had fallen out. I had just landed in Miami for vacation and had never been here. The staff were very helpful and got me into a chair a half hour after I called. Dr. Ryan listened to my concerns and went the extra mile to correct the problem. He gave very sound advice and I couldn’t have picked a better office to call in my emergency.
Tom A.
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Girls are all pleasant, professional and most important of this place… ALWAYS on time
Silvia Z.
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It was a wonderful experience
Carmen M.
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Love Maria! She’s been doing my cleaning for years and wouldn’t change her for the world!
Jenlajud
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Words can’t describe how happy I am with the service. The staff was friendly and the doctor was caring and funny! I went in because I saw an offer for $20 which included a cleaning and a consultation. $20 was DIRT CHEAP and I got lucky and did the cleaning the same day! They didn’t try to oversell me on unnecessary things and spoke to me like if I was family instead of a paying customer. They…
Lucia S.
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I have been a patient of Miami Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry for over 15 years and couldn’t be happier with their service and professionalism. Very courteous and knowledgeable staff and doctors, and my hygienist Jeanine is the best! they are very reliable and experienced, wouldn’t go anywhere else.
Mayra V.
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I love this dentist office. They are top notch and make you feel your important to them and are very accommodating in all respects, from the time you make your appointment ro the end of whatever service you are receiving. If you are afraid of injections be sure to ask for Dr. Ryan, he has rhe magic touch since you won’t feel a thing.
Bibiana R.
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Everyone from the receptionist to appointment to the dentist were extremely attentive and knowledgeable. Overall a very good experience.
Rosie M.
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Best dental experience ever. From the friendly staff to the knowledgeable dentist’s. From the time you walk in they make you feel special. I genuinely hate going to the dentist as do many but they made me feel right at home. They make you feel like family and make you at ease knowing they are going to take care of you. Very informative, caring, passionate, and knowledgeable throughout the wh…
Ramon P.
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Great service with my children thanks to Iyovis!
Kymberlyn H.
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Muy profesional la doctora ortiz y su equipo de asistentes.
Kevin L.
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Great Dr. Ryan and Dr. Barrantes and they’re staff very professional very friendly e everyone was great and the office staff was great experience
Henry V.
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escelencia y calidad se brinda en los tratamientos de cirugia e implante dentales despues de realizarme un tratamiento de implante dond Recib unbuen servicio
Nancy B.
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Over all experience care professionalism of the staff
Lorena H.
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Excelente, muy profesional.
Lissette V.
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Jeanine is the best!! Everyone is kind. Thanks
Peggy G.
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Great staff. Very friendly and caring! I recommend it to everyone! Very professional as well!!
Eduardo C.
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I love my hygienist, Janine. She is sweet, kind, personable, and more importantly, very skilled at her profession. She makes it as enjoyable an experience as if canbe to get your teeth cleaned. I trust Dr. Ryan. He never suggests getting work done that isn’t necessary.
Wendy S.
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Simply beautiful everything about my visit was great.
Barbie H.
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Dr. Barrentes, is the real thing, he is always optimistic, with a smile wanting to take care of you, any issue whatsoever he goes right at it, his right hand lady Magaly is always there to assist, takeover, and follow thru. The staff is very friendly, great place to feel like at home. Thanks everyone for allowing me to be a part, see you soon. I give them FIVE stars, always took care of my teeth,…
Andres H.
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Over all experience excellent start to the ending
Lorena H.
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Super friendly staff & they were very nice with my five year old daughter
Gillian A.
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The beautiful caring staff. They make the clients feel like family. They deserve a big raise.
Christopher B.
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Good service
Ariana D.
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Treatment and service is excellent and environment is always clean
Nilaicy D.
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Staff was friendly, wait time was short and the appointment was quick and to the point.
Heather V.
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Great staff, very helpful and friendly
Lucas C.
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My daughter has been a patient of The office since she was small and is Now in orthodontic treatment.Everyone is wonderful and they all make you feel like family.
Clari A.
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I am very happy with their service. Dr. Ziegler explained everything and had me meet the Oral Surgeon prior to implants. The office staff is super nice and Dr Barrantes the Surgeon is excellent as well as caring about his patients. His Assistants the girls are wonderful and Magali is a gem. I also like that their hours are very convenient. They are really caring and professional.
Gloria S.
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I have been attending this office for well over 13 years. I needed extensive work that included orthodontics, crowns, and an implant. Today I have a healthy smile. Janine is the most caring, gentle, professional, and knowledgeable hygienist I know. Thank you guys!
Lu S.
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He recibido SIEMPRE un trato MUY amable y respetuoso…adoro este lugar.
Xiomara S.
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Las doctoras y las asistentes son excelentes.Son amables y responden a todas nuestras preguntas.Estamos muy felices y las recomendamos 100%.
Ana Q.
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The staff is great and the doctor takes his time and explains every step of th process
Yoelsy T.
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Very happy with Doctors, my daughters go to the dentist without fear.
Axel M.
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Dr. Ziegler is Great. Very patient. Explains procedure. Amiable, wonderful, & caring staff
Sandra W.
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Excellent, amazing professionals, all of them + they treat you as a Family
Jesus R.
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Excellent general dentistry care in one office. Staff is amazing and caring. Pediatric dentist is amazing and the staff has the best patience and attention with kids a parent can ask for. Over all excellent hands down.
Carla M.
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People are very friendly – Janine is the best !!! I have been doing cleanings with her for the past 15 years, and will not change her for anybody else.
Guille G.
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Maria, the dentist hygienist is friendly and takes pride on her work. She always does an excellent job.
Myrna M.
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so happy with this office love the staff and Doctor have told all my friends about it!!!!!!!!
Ivanna P.
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I absolutely love this dentist! The staff is great and so is the service. I’ve been coming here for over a year already and I highly recommend it!
Nichole G.
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Everyone in the office is wonderful DR.ORTIZ AND Dr.rothman are excellent great care and lots of love from the staff
Aurora M.
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I’ve been with them since I was young, I’ve always had a good experience. I love them so much!
SorryItsSel
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The office staff is very efficient and courteous in the pediatric side as well as in the adult side. The Dentist and Dental staff are also great! My daughter has braces and has to go every month and I never feel burdened by making the trip because I am in and out quickly and the office staff are very accommodating.
Celia M.
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Una excelente atencion y muy profesionales se los recomiendo son los mejores en Miami
Tania P.
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My kids have been patient of the office since they were old enough to walk Dr Ortiz is amazing very patient and attentive with the children strongly recommend her to everyone.The staff is also very friendly.
JMR S.
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I’ve been coming here for about 2 years already and they have amazing service & doctors. I would recommend anyone to come to this office, but above all I think this is one of the best places to go to!
Alyah R.
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Just had my braces put on this place is amazing the staff here is wonderful so very helpful and careful a buddy of mine recommended me and I love it highly recommend it
Karel R.
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So happy with my daughters treatment Dr.Rothman and Dr.Ortiz is the best in what they do strongly recommend to family and friends
Sandra C.
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I AM very happy With this office. Especially with Janine. Because she does a Great job at keeping my hygiene and oral health on track. My husband is very fearful and after seeing their wonderful team, he will not go elsewhere ever again. You must Go see them for the BEST quality dental care.
Maria F.
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very professional informative and caring with patient, is my experience . They made me feel at ease from the beginning of my implant surgery to end , thank you for that and God bless every member of the staff!!!
Francisco M.
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Have been going there for over 10 years, excellent service.
Tacey K.
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Customer Service
Caden C.
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Because every time I have an appointment starting with the receptionist, the doctor, Magaly, Claudia and other members of the staff are nice, courteous, friendly and always receive you with a smile.
Rita L.
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Always the service is the best.
Osvaldo G.
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Muy profesional la doctora ortiz y su equipo de asistentes.
Kevin L.
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Clean, and amazing stafff!! They were friendly nice made you feel at ease conversed with you. Very considerate and nice and understanding let you ask questions always gave answers never belittled you or made you feel like you can’t ask questions and just awesome !
Makenzee R.
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Nothing but great things to say about this place, I’ve been attending this dentistry for over 15 years they’re amazing, caring and know what they are doing. Best Dentists in Miami!!
Cielo F.
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Really great service
Jorge O.
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Excellent service. The doctor is experienced and personable. The hygienist is on time, painless, and friendly.
Kimet P.
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Attention and results
Lionel M.
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They treat patients like family
Georgia O.
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Front desk girls worked me in last minute. Doctor was great! The whole staff was friendly and my son enjoyed the visit.
Roman M.
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Very professional staff, excellent doctors! First time in my entire life that I feel so comfortable with the dentists and the persons touching my mouth.
Ibrahim D.
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Amazing staff and excellent, professional service. Janine is outstanding and very caring about her patients. Recommend highly !
Pablo V.
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Everything was great overall friendly people great service
Suzette K.
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Janine is the best, most awesome dental hygienist. Been with her for years!! Make sure you call a few weeks ahead of time for an appointment because she’s always booked…. that’s how great she is!!!
SlurmP P.
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From top to bottom a first class office. Staff super friendly, courteous, warming, knowledgeable, and caring. Best experience at a dentist office I’ve ever experienced. Highly recommended.
Ramon P.
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Great customer service
Anthony B.
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I have been coming to this center for the last 18 years. I only trust this center with my dental care.
Liza M.
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Professional and friendly staff. Happy with prophy service.
Diana S.
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I have been coming to this dentist office for years and I love it! My hygienist is Janine and she is the best. Always great patient care! I’m moving out of state and will definitely miss coming here. Great doctors, staff, and location!!
Vanessa R.
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I’ve been going to this dental office for several years now, and it is well worth the drive. Everyone is super nice and professional. Wait times are not that long. Dr. Ryan truly cares, and did a great job putting in a crown. My hygenist Maria is gentle, thorough, and friendly, and I actually enjoy my visits with her. If you need financing, they can set you up with Care Credit.
Marian W.
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Reliability, friendliness, service and quality
Emilio L.
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100 % excellent customer service in all areas, like the office staff the dental assistants, hygienist, the doctor , everyone is very professional and kind.
Elizabeth M.
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Experience over all is excellent in this office dentis
Lorena H.
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The staff is very proffesional, nice and specially very patient with the kids! Love them!!!
Nathan R.
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Staff and Dentist were phenomenal. My daughter went in for her two bottom baby teeth removal. Everyone made her feel very comfortable and relaxed for the procedure. She did not feel anything and came out happy . I would recommend them to anyone . Very child friendly and very professional.
Lynda A.
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U guys trrat me very carefully. And i you guys answer all my questions. Thank you for beign so nice to me.
Sophia S.
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Wonderful place. Dr. Ryan is amazing!
Cristina K.
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Great customer care, comfort of their care and knowledge, ability to make you feel like a friend, not a patient
George P.
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Great professional team of doctors and their amazing staff. Certainly would recommend to my friends and family.
Jose C.
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Great staff, feels like home. Happy to be a patient from them
Francisco Q.
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My son just got his braces here about 2 months ago and what I can say is their prices are affordable and the staff is super friendly and always with great attitudes. I would definetly recommend this office for those looking for orthodontic needs.
Jessica A.
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I started coming here when I was a teenager for braces and once I had my daughter she started going too. I love this place. It feels like home. And they make sure my 6 yr old always has a pleasant time!
ELIZABETH A.
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Excellent service, I have a toddler and they handled him extremely well, the assistant and the doctor were both amazing. I recommend 100%
Kavyta R.
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I have been a patient of Miami Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry for over 15 years and couldn’t be happier with their service and professionalism. Very courteous and knowledgeable staff and doctors, and my hygienist Jeanine is the best! they are very reliable and experienced, wouldn’t go anywhere else.
Mayra V.
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The best service ever! They have great prices and are always willing to help you. They also have late hours for those of us that can’t afford to miss work! I’ve been a patient for over 7 years. Thank you!
Maria M.
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Ryan Ziegler is an exceptional and heart warming dentist. The service he provides is from his heart and treats you with such awesome care that you feel comfortable knowing he will be seeing you. His honesty and integrity are above and beyond reproach. I highly recommend Dr. Ryan for your dental needs.
Cheri H.
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I have been taking My daughter to Dr.Ortiz and Dr.Rothman they are amazing,the staff is very friendly and we feel at home.
Yoan S.
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Great work done by Maria
Jorge F.
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I love coming to this office everyone is wonderful and very accomodating. Janine is a wonderful hygenist!!!
Jova L.
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Janine is amazing and the entire staff as well! I drive from south miami just to get my dental work here.
Juan M.
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Friendly and professional atmosphere
Francisco M.
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Janine is the best hygienist in Miami! Very highly recommended.
Leo F.
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The staff was curtious ,efficient, professional.
Chris C.
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My wife an I have been coming here years, now my youngest son has use the orthodontist services…..very professional office staff and dentists……
Bruce R.
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Had a wonderful experience the doctor and staff are amazing. Will recommend to everyone I know
Javier J.
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It is a nice place with a very gentle and professional staff.
Mario F.
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Everyone is great in the office. I have already recommended and will do so in the future.
Vanessa V.
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Excellent result with my dental implant and composites. Will continue to come here for treatments.
Sheryl D.
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Excellent service provided by father and son practice.
Daniel C.
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The office vibe, the care afforded to patients, the cleanliness, the staff, the dentists, all of the above.
Denise R.
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The staff was very friendly and polite, and the doctor explained everything to us in a good maner.
Lucas A.
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They treat you like family.
Sylas H.
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The whole staff is truly are the best in the business. Thank you from the Capote Family
Jose C.
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They were nice and friendly
Alejandro M.
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Professional! Treated like family, great results from all work done. Short treatment completion time. Constantly getting compliments on my smile!!!!!
Zuen B.
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Very courteous, respectful staff.
Myrtle K.
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It is a pleasure to come to this practice.Everybody is so nice and professional. I moved out of Miami , but I still come to them and I recommended friends to come too.
Carmen G.
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I am very content with how they operate within there facility. the staff and doctors are very professional, attentive and work wonderful. I always have a great experience when i’m there. What i admire the most is that they are all very honest and they try to work with you. They certainly earned my trust and a returning customer. Thank you all.
Sharbel M.
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Jannine is the best!
Laura C.
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I have been a patient for about 20 years. My son has been a patient for almost 17 years. The staff is pleasant, which includes the Dr.’s (both Dr. Jan Ziegler and Dr. Ryan Ziegler), as well as Janine Vega, the hygienist. They are caring and go the extra mile when attending to both my son and myself. I trust them.
Xiomara B.
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Really good service. The people is very kind. We feel very comfortable.
Mariana C.
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The primary reason is Janine as an Higenist , she is the best you have in the Dental center
Yolanda L.
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Had a very good experience with Dr.Barrantes and his whole staff. Everyone in the office is very nice and efficent. Must go see them!!!
Ginette H.
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Very good Doctors and outstanding service.
Willie V.
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Awesome experience, the staff is really professional and helpful. The Dentist and the Hygienist are amazing. It took me a while to find a good dentist, my luck a found a great dental office.
C H.
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Awesome experience, everyone is professional and efficient.
Andrew P.
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Dr. Ryan Ziegler is the greatest dentist ever. No one can top him. Recommend him for anyone wanting a great dentist who does superior work. Friendly and helpful staff. State of the art equipment. Great atmosphere making you feel very comfortable. Janeil Morphonios
Patricia F.
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I have always had a great experience
Luisa A.
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Janine is amazing! She is very detailed and makes regular cleanings a very great experience! I highly recommend them.
DANIEL C.
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Janine was awesome with my cleaning. Great staff! Highly recommended!
Gordon W.
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Because they always make you feel welcome and treat you like family . No matter how much time has passed they always remember you. Dr. Ryan Z and Dr. Jan Z, Dayami and Daimi they make so a wonderful team !!!
Ana F.
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