About Us

Dr. Frances Hamman DDS, MSD

Dr. Hamman earned her Orthodontic Master of Science degree at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio (1993); and both her Bachelor of Science in Biology (1987) and Doctor of Dental Surgery at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska (1991). She was an orthodontic assistant and dental assistant through high school, college, and dental school—12 years. While in orthodontic school, she was an orthodontic lab technician—2 years. A practicing orthodontist since 1993, she has also had the distinct honor and pleasure of taking care of patients in the United States Navy, serving active duty from 1997-2003. Her duty stations include: Naval Hospital Great Lakes, Illinois (1997-1999), Branch Dental Clinic Yokosuka, Japan (1999-2001), and the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD (2001-2003). At each of her duty stations, she taught dental lab technicians how to make orthodontic appliances to be used by the resident orthodontist and dentists. Practicing orthodontics in this country and overseas has afforded Dr. Hamman the opportunity to treat patients of every age and with every possible type of orthodontic need.

Orthodontics, to Dr. Hamman, is not just about creating a beautiful smile. It is important to establish a well-working or “functional” occlusion where all of the teeth match properly and “fit” for a lifetime. The objective of orthodontics is a well-proportioned face, as well as an esthetic and stable dentition. For that reason, Dr. Hamman evaluates each patient in all three dimensions of space: transverse, antero-posterior, and vertical; and works closely with other dental professionals to address a patient’s comprehensive dental needs. She regularly engages in continuing education classes in order to provide each and every one of her patients with the most up-to-date techniques in orthodontic technology and learning. Conservative in her approach, she strives to provide each patient with what is best for them according to their orthodontic need and desire. She also realizes that for some young patients, this is their first opportunity to interact with a professional on a regular basis. What a privilege! It is extremely important to her that patients of ALL ages, whether age 5 or 85, understand what she is doing, and therefore, she goes the extra mile to make clear every aspect of orthodontic treatment. Dr. Hamman had braces as a child, so she knows well “what it feels like” to have braces!

On a personal note, Dr. Hamman enjoys balancing life and work by traveling, learning new languages, and absorbing other cultures. She is a beginner sailor and golfer, and enjoys Pilates. Also a pianist, in 1981, Fran and her sister were finalists in the Cleveland Orchestra Concerto Competition at Severance Hall. They played a double piano concerto by Mozart K365. Favorite composers: Chopin, Schubert, Rachmaninoff, and Debussy.

Dr. Hamman's motto: Life is short, significant, and a gift. Every human being has been blessed with unique qualities and talents, meant to be developed and shared —therefore give your absolute best for others and in thanks for those many blessings.