About Us

Professional, experienced, outgoing, and dedicated to helping you - at Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics, we know what you look for in an orthodontist, and since 1994, we've been proud to serve our patients with the kind of orthodontic care that they expect and deserve.
Dr.'s Puntillo, Crane & Gardiner are dedicated to using the most advanced orthodontic techniques to help you achieve the beautiful smile you've always wanted. Our team looks forward to caring for you throughout your orthodontic experience.
We invite you to visit our practice for a complimentary orthodontic consultation, and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Please feel free to contact one of our three beautiful orthodontic offices in Crown Point, Schererville, or Merrillville to schedule an appointment.
Providing quality orthodontics to Crown Point, Schererville, Merrillville and Valparaiso and all surrounding Indiana areas.

Meet Our Doctors

Over the last 30+ years, it has been truly rewarding to witness the significant changes that occur in a patient’s self-confidence following orthodontic treatment. I feel blessed to positively influence the lives of those around me through the creation of beautiful smiles. Facial appearance is an important aspect of every person’s character and self-esteem.

Our entire team understands that the treatments we provide have a significant impact on our patients’ lives. We are committed to meeting the challenges presented to us to produce a high level of care and a positive experience for all the patients we serve.

EDUCATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science – University of Notre Dame
Doctorate of Dental Surgery – Indiana University School of Dentistry
Master of Science in Dentistry – Indiana University School of Dentistry Department of Orthodontics
Orthodontic residency – Indiana University School of Dentistry Department of Orthodontics
Part-time clinical instructor – Indiana University School of Dentistry Department of Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics
I attend numerous conferences on an annual basis to assure we can continue to provide our patients with the highest level of orthodontic care. As an orthodontic technology leader, I have presented at a number of orthodontic conferences, including the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session in 2013 (Philadelphia), 2014 (New Orleans), and invited for 2015 (San Francisco). Our office was featured by the AAO in an article that highlighted the paperless orthodontic practice.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Professional Associations
American Association of Orthodontists
American Board of Orthodontics
Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists, (Midwest Component), past president
Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists, past president
Indiana Association of Orthodontists, past president
American Dental Association
Indiana Dental Association
Northwest Indiana Dental Society, past president

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE
I am a native of Northwest Indiana and live here with my wife Mary Carol and our Yellow Lab, Maisy. We have three grown children, Caroline (Kyle), Charlie (Megan), and Elizabeth. We enjoy travel, golf, and attending Notre Dame sporting events. I have served on Peoples Bank’s (Finward) Board of Directors for twenty years and am a past director of the Catholic Foundation for Northwest Indiana.

Orthodontics is a unique profession because we improve a person’s oral health, smile, and self-confidence in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Being an orthodontist is truly a dream job and something I have worked very hard to achieve. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to come in to work every day and improve people’s smiles.

EDUCATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, cum laude – University of Notre Dame
Doctor of Dental Surgery with high distinction – Indiana University School of Dentistry
Master of Science in Dentistry – Indiana University School of Dentistry
Orthodontic specialty certificate – Indiana University School of Dentistry
Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
As in any healthcare industry, orthodontics is constantly evolving. Our practice is committed to staying on the cutting edge and providing the most advanced care possible. I regularly attend continuing education courses to hear topics on the latest orthodontic techniques, 3D radiography, impressionless digital imaging, and clear aligner therapy technology.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
American Dental Association
Indiana Dental Association
Northwest Indiana Dental Association, director
American Association of Orthodontists
Indiana University Orthodontic Alumni Association
Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society
Pierre Fauchard Academy
OUTSIDE THE OFFICE
I currently reside in Valparaiso with my wife Kristen, our daughters, Lilly, Ruby, and Lexy, and dog, Ginger, the Basenji. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, basketball, and traveling.

Education And Continuing Education

Bachelor of Science – Butler University, 2008
Doctorate of Dental Surgery – Marquette University School of Dentistry, 2012
Postgraduate Orthodontic Residency – Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, 2014
Doctorate of Health Education – A.T. Still University, 2014
American Board of Orthodontics, Board Certified, 2015


To build on the knowledge I gained from my formal education, I participate in ongoing study and training. Continuing education allows me to offer high-quality treatment through the new knowledge that I have gained. It allows for a better overall experience for the patient, as we are able to use the newest technology and information available in the field of orthodontics.

Professional Affiliations

American Board of Orthodontics
American Dental Association
Indiana Dental Association
Northwest Indiana Dental Society - Vice President
NIDS Young Dentists Committee- Board Member
Apollonia Dental Society


Outside the Office

I am originally from Crown Point, Indiana and have moved back to the area. My husband Aaron and I have three boys, Beckett, Landon and Crew. When I am not in the office, I spend my free time running, baking and playing with my boys!