INDUCING SMILES IN THE ORTHODONTIST'S CHAIR

INDUCING smiles IN THE ORTHODONTIST’S CHAIR ... AND ALL THROUGH THE COMMUNITY /// BY RICK MARSCHALL

most people leave an orthodontist’s office, let’s say after their final visit, with a broad smile, perhaps for the first time in years, happy to share that toothy grin with the world. The practice of Dr. Nicole Wax, however, is one where many people smile broadly even before visiting. To read of the unique amenities – and a big heart for service – of the Linden orthodontist is a happy reassurance that your smile will be in good hands, but even more, the hands of an exceptional, loving, community servant.

Among the unique – yes, if tooth be told, that is the appropriate word, unique – services. Dr. Wax announces up-front, are

• Free Consultations

• No Records Fees

• After-school and Saturday Appointments

• Low Down-payment Options

• Flexible Financing

• Flex Spending and Health Savings Accounts Accepted

• Family and Teacher Discounts

… and that’s before you step foot in the door of the office; which – by the way, inducing more smiles – is a large, streamlined, sparkling-clean, state-of-the-art showcase with recently opened new space. There are very few doctors or orthodontists who offer patient-friendly arrangements as

Dr. Wax does. Patients needing care are also invited to name the monthly payment as well as the down payments they can afford. Plus, Dr. Wax sees every patient and makes sure that the whole family knows exactly what the treatment is and why it is needed

The remarkable Dr. Wax is all about smiles… in every aspect of her practice, in every area of her career and life. The familyfeel of her staff at Dr. Wax Orthodontics reflects this commitment. “I say that nobody is too young to start a beautiful smile, and we recommend seeing people at around seven years old. But,” she says with a smile, “you can never be too old, either! We have treated people in their 70s.” More than being generally accommodating to all ages, Dr. Wax reaches out with specific invitations – innovative and unique. Every July she hosts a free mouth guard clinic. Parents just sign up and show up. The staff walk through all of the steps and there are fun games, pizza and prizes too.

Do you want straight teeth but don’t want metal braces? That is completely possible at Dr. Wax Orthodontics because she is also a proud Diamond Plus provider of Invisalign, the popular new approach to straightened teeth – attractive smiles – that are taking the place of braces. She attends numerous courses each year to stay at the front of the ever-progressing field of orthodontics, and Invisalign is one of the greatest orthodontic technologies to date.

“First, we scan your teeth with our digital scanner (no gooey mess), letting Invisalign know where the final position of your teeth should be. We take that information and Invisalign makes your clear aligners. “Just like braces, Invisalign can correct crowded teeth, spaces, deep bites, overbites, underbites, open bites, and protruded teeth,” Dr. Wax says. Plus, there are many other advantages of Invisalign. There are no food restrictions; you get to eat whatever you want, no pokey wires or broken brackets, less pain with tooth movement and no white spots—you can take your aligners out to brush and floss, so your teeth stay clean and beautiful. “We will give you several weeks of aligners at a time, so you don’t have to see us every week – although we wouldn’t mind that!” she explains.

Dr. Wax recounts her background, having completed 11 years of college training to become an orthodontist. Her educational journey started when she graduated from Linden High School. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Physiology with a specialization in Bioethics, Humanities, and Society from Michigan State University. From MSU she moved to Columbus, Ohio for her dental training at the Ohio State University. After receiving her dental degree (Doctor of Dental Surgery) she moved back to Michigan to obtain her advanced post doctorate training at the University of Detroit-Mercy to become an Orthodontic Specialist with a Masters in Science.

Dr. Wax decided to open her practice in Linden, MI to be near her family and to be able to serve the community she grew up in. She is astonishingly community-focused. “I feel blessed to be an orthodontist and to have the opportunity to positively affect the lives of others.” To that end, she is as active outside the office as in. “Change your Smile, Change a Life” was created between Dr. Wax and her staff to be the “brand” of her outreach efforts. This is a portion of every patient’s treatment fee is also donated back to local schools, organizations and charities.

This year alone she has given beyond $50,000. Charity takes different forms, of course, but Dr. Wax does not merely write checks. She involves the community, encourages community participation in assistance and programs, and cultivates the community’s commitment to share concerns and solutions.

Among the innovative events she has organized is not a walk or running event, nor is it a conventional race. “Paddles for Paws” is a kayak event on the Shiawassee River. Every August, approximately 200 kayakers and paddle-boarders assemble, bringing their own kayaks or using provided kayaks, they paddle their way down the river with fun, smiles, and satisfaction, knowing their registration fees are 100 percent donated to animal causes. This year, Fenton’s Adopt-a-Pet agency was the beneficiary.

“Lace Up for Learning” also raises funds. This 5K is a charity run (or walk) through downtown Linden supporting local schools. When participants sign up they designate a school that will receive a portion of the registrations. This past year there were thirty-six schools that received a check from Dr. Wax and they didn’t even have to do anything. Although, there is a popular spirit award that is an extra $500 bonus to the school with the most designations.

State-of-the-art office and technologies. Committed orthodontist specialist and amazing staff. Care-giving to patients and the whole community. The list of organizations to which Dr. Wax belongs, or that benefit from her outreach, include: American Association of Orthodontists: Michigan Association of Orthodontists; Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists; American Dental Association; Michigan Dental Association; Genesee District Dental Society; Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce; Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce; Swartz Creek Chamber of Commerce; BNI Network Connections of Fenton; Linden Boosters; and Grow Linden.

“Smile and the world smiles with you” is an old saying, but old sayings are usually are the truest. In addition to the smiles Dr. Nicole Wax causes, improves, and maintains among her patients and the whole community, they all began with the cheery expression she shows the worldherself. A reflection of the generous and joyful spirit that is Dr. Wax’s ultimate trademark.

Dr. Wax Orthodontics 123 N. Bridge Street, Suite 3 Linden MI 48451 Monday – Friday 8 am to 6 pm Saturday – 10 am to 2 pm https:waxortho.com www.facebook.com/waxortho 810.458.6188