Changing Lives One Smile at a Time

Changing Lives One Smile at a Time by Julie Leydelmeyer

Braces are a rite of passage that preteens and adolescents have endured for decades. Many of us have vivid memories of painful extractions, wires poking our inner cheeks and headgear worn in unflattering photos. Those traumas are a thing of the past for patients at Molen Orthodontics. The family business has created confident smiles in the South Sound for nearly 50 years.

“The way we do orthodontics is different,” says Aaron Molen, DDS. “We focus on the smile, in addition to the face and lips, to design more natural and curved smile arcs. Our patients receive the most beautiful and aesthetic smiles possible.”

Parents are encouraged to bring in their child at an early age for an initial evaluation. “We like to see kids right after their seventh birthday. Few need treatment at this age, but it allows us to capture baseline records and monitor their growth to make more informed treatment decisions,” notes Dr. Aaron, as he’s known in the office, to avoid confusion between him and his brother Dr. Rick Molen or their father, Dr. Bruce Molen, who has been a pioneer in adopting innovative treatments, such as orthodontic expansion. “Between the ages of eight and ten, we have a window of opportunity, before the suture in the roof of the mouth fuses closed, to gently work with nature to make the jaws wider,” explains Dr. Aaron. “This allows teeth to come in less crowded and also, research has shown, opens the airway, improving a child’s ability to breathe.” Better breathing, he says, results in better sleep at night and more alertness during the day.

Beyond the clinical side of treatment, the Molen Orthodontics team keeps patients motivated by making office visits fun. A rewards program lets patients earn prizes. Completed treatment plans are celebrated with cheers and red-carpet walks.“Rick and I grew up here and now we’re raising our own kids here. We’re passionate about caring for patients in this community,” says Dr. Aaron. “Our mission is to change lives one smile at a time.”

MOLEN ORTHODONTICS

253.939.2552 Offices in Auburn, Enumclaw and Sumner/Bonney Lake molenorthodontics.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY WITH FUN&FAMILYBY EMILY HAPPY

Owners Kim Bisson and Susan Jankelson wanted to create a clinic that felt like home. Their goal was for each person who walked through the doors, whether patient or employee, to feel like part of the family.

Welcome home to Rainier Family Physical Therapy. What started over a cup of coffee in 2007 has transformed into a thriving practice based on two principles: family and fun! No more boring, stressful doctors’ offices. Rainier Family Physical Therapy wants to be a highlight of your day.

Committed to serving people in their own backyard, community involvement is important to this team. They are proud sponsors of the Run 4 Her Heart 5K supporting women’s heart health, and the K9 5K, a dog-friendly run in support of Bridges Center for Grieving Children.

Rainier Family Physical Therapy uniquely provides personalized treatment plans with expert staff trained in Counterstrain therapy, Muscle Energy techniques, Kinesio taping, therapeutic exercises, and various methodologies to promote overall healing and wellness.

The skilled team of physical therapists offers a variety of exercise, manual, and strengthening therapy options to suit different abilities and prevent future injury. They seek healing beyond the symptoms to find the source of issues for the most effective treatment.

“The therapists are amazing and make you feel like family. There is always a smiling face. I hate to be done, but I am grateful to be healed. Thank you all for your support and getting me back on track,” client Joanne wrote in a thank-you note.

Neighbors from Puyallup, Graham and around the South Sound depend on Rainier Family Physical Therapy for help with back and neck pain; muscle, tendon and ligament injuries; concussions; headaches and migraines; muscle tightness and weakness; pre- and post-surgical support and so much more. They even offer free consultations—with no pressure, only fun.

No one wants an injury. But—just in case—you need someone to call. Who better than family? For physical therapy, it’s Rainier Family.

RAINIER FAMILY PHYSICAL THERAPY

18710 Meridian Ave E, Puyallup 253.875.6826 rainierfamilypt.com