Dr. DeRicco considers himself to be the most fortunate orthodontist, in the world!  After getting accepted to the University of Pennsylvania's Orthodontic Program - in 1989, he chose to attend this program over his other four acceptances, due to PENN's stellar reputation, 

thanks to its world-renowned Chairman - Dr. Robert L. Vanarsdall, Jr. (1940-2017).  But, little did he know, that he would not only get to study  under this legendary orthodontist, but - upon graduation, be invited to practice with him - which he did, weekly, for the next 21 years!  And he drove 300,000 miles, during that  period, to continue learning from, and to collaborate with, his mentor.  What was unique about Dr. Vanarsdall was that he was the world's first dually Board Certified Orthodontist and Periodontist, who finished his studies in 1972 - in an era when few adults were offered orthodontic treatment, since little was known about how to treat the complex orthodontic problems that adults exhibited.  And Dr. Vanarsdall - as a pioneer, developed much of what we know and utilize in adult orthodontics, today.  But perhaps, even more importantly, by treating such a high percentage of adult orthodontic patients - many of whom had been treated once, twice, or even three times, previously, without  long-term success, he was in a unique position to not only consider how to achieve stable results - after one, two, or even three "rounds" of orthodontic treatment had relapsed/failed, but to also consider what orthodontic treatment these patients may have benefitted from initially  - as children, to ensure long term stability, without  the need for future re-treatment.  And Dr. DeRicco, having learned and practiced this - with its pioneer, enjoys treating his patients to predictable long-term stability, by having learned and witnessed what succeeds and what fails, what to do and what to avoid  doing, for "rock-solid" stability - like that on Mount Rushmore!  And it begins with a thorough and accurate diagnosis and an individually-tailored  treatment plan, which addresses all critical factors which may, potentially, compromise such stability.