yoursmile

Make sure they notice how beautiful it is!

Even slight changes in your smile can make a dramatic difference in the way you look and feel. With new advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for chipped, stained or poorly aligned teeth. Our practice offers a variety of treatment options designed to deal with such problems.

Lakewood. “I tell people on the first visit, if you’re worried about anything we do causing discomfort, don’t waste that energy, because after your first visit with us, you’ll know that everything we do here we can do comfortably.”

One way dentists can promote trust and comfort is to develop a relationship with their patients over time. That is the goal at Lakewood Family Dental, says Dr. Rick Beadle. “We run our office just as you would a traditional family business. We see lots of the same faces. People don’t want to go to the mega place where every time you walk in they try to sell you something.” Although his office has all the latest gadgets, “Ultimately,” he says, “It’s all about how you treat people.”

Advanced technology in orthodontics has combined cosmetic appeal and comfort in new ways. Dr. Douglas Crosby, who has offices in North Dallas and Uptown, is a firm believer in the use of Invisalign (clear aligner trays) instead of metal braces, whenever possible. “Adults and teenagers in late high school don’t want metal flashing across their photographs, so I think aesthetics is what drives them into Invisalign,” he says. “But it’s matched with a lot of

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advantages. The movement is gentler than braces, it’s cleaner, and in most circumstances it’s actually quicker than braces.”

In more complicated cases, traditional braces may still be necessary, but here again technology has improved the experience for patients. Dr. Greg Greenberg of Lake Highlands explains, “The bracket systems that are available now are lower friction, so that the discomfort level is considerably lower than what it was back in the seventies when I was going through treatment. The wires we’re using with those low-friction brackets elicit lighter forces, so you don’t have issues with patients who can’t eat for months after they get their braces put on, or hurt for a week after the tightening.”

Many parents believe they need to wait until a child has all his or her permanent teeth before consulting an orthodontist, but doctors today encourage earlier appointments. Dr. Greenberg says, “I like to see kids around 7 or 8, to make sure there’s not any functional or skeletal issues that need to be addressed while they’re growing. Given that’s fine, most adolescents right now are getting their adult teeth at 11 or 12, as opposed to 13 or 14.”

If orthodontic treatment is necessary, it can begin as soon as the permanent teeth are in place, which can allow kids to complete their treatment earlier than in the past. “It’s very rare to see someone in high school these days with braces,” says Dr. Greenberg. “Most people are finished by junior high now.”

This is an exciting time in our office. Dr. Doug Crosby, a board certified orthodontic specialist is one of 40, of the 50,000 Invisalign® providers worldwide who have successfully completed individually over 1000 cases. Also, announcing the arrival of our iOC scanner – not only a more comfortable way to take impressions but also a more precise scan for a more effective treatment plan – the only one in North Texas. With experience comes knowledge. Give us a call today for a free consultation (includes Records & Exam) and a $1000 discount on Full Invisalign Treatment.

Even today, people are in the habit of thinking about dental care as elective health care that can be put off until it’s convenient. Yet, in addition to studies that show a direct correlation between dental health and overall health, poor dental hygiene can also impact a person’s social and economic well-being. The health practitioners interviewed for this article all expressed a desire to see their patients through over the long term. “I like to help people keep their teeth in their head,” Dr. Robinson said. “It’s not easy for me to see somebody once and not see them again.”

Dr. Beadle feels similarly about his practice at Lakewood Family Dental. “I’ve been a patient in this office since I was five years old,” he said. “My grandparents were patients here.” n