straight talk about orthodontics
Transcription
straight talk about orthodontics
STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT ORTHODONTICS SPRING/SUMMER 2012 Orthodontic Associates Semi-Annual Newsletter James O’Leary, DMD • Gregory Hack, DDS • Dave Daniels, DMD NEW TECHNOLOGY Clinical Assistant, Ann Marie, taking initial records with the Cadent iOC digital impression system Orthodontic Associates is proud to offer our patients the Cadent iOC digital impression system in our Waterford and Norwich locations - it’s orthodontics gone 3-D! This innovative new technology digitally captures the surface and contours of the teeth, exactly replicating the patient’s oral anatomy, providing us with an accurate, 360o digital impression in just minutes. It is an amazing new tool! An image wand is used to gently scan inside the patient’s mouth as the scanner issues voice commands to prompt our clinical assistant to capture a specific tooth and instruct the angle at which to scan. The system features a split screen, showing the 3-D model building on one side while the other simultaneously reflects realtime video of the patient’s mouth to help guide the scan. The scanner uses visible light, so there’s no exposure to radiation. Once completed, the digital file is instantly uploaded to the appropriate lab which means a faster turnaround. When used in conjunction with Invisalign treatment, the scan creates better fitting trays and results in a much faster start to the patient’s treatment. This high-tech system has revolutionized our records process, eliminating the need for taking traditional impressions. What’s more, our patients experience less anxiety and are more comfortable during their records appointment because there’s no gagging or discomfort often associated with the traditional impression method. Patients feel engaged in the process as they see the anatomy of their mouth in full detail on-screen. This provides our clinical assistants with a wonderful educational tool that improves the patient’s acceptance of treatment. If you haven’t already experienced the Cadent iOC digital impression system, we’re sure you will appreciate the comfort and efficiency this new technology affords. DOCTOR UPDATE A FOND FAREWELL Congratulations to Dr. John Kozlowski as he begins his much deserved retirement! Following an illustrious career in dentistry that spanned over 40 years, Dr. K has at last decided that the time has come to spend more time with family, friends, and leisure pursuits. Dr. Kozlowski began his journey at SUNY-Buffalo, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He later earned his D.D.S. from SUNY-Buffalo School of Dentistry in 1970 and obtained his certificate in pedodontics from Children’s Hospital two years later. From there, he became the Chief of Pedodontics and Captain in the United States Army until 1974. He attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and earned his certificate in orthodontics in 1982. Dr. K began his career as a pediatric dentist and was the founder of the practice that is now known as Children’s Dental Associates. He joined Orthodontic Associates in 1982 and has been creating beautiful smiles with us ever since. Those of you who know Dr. K well are aware that he is a soft-spoken and generous man. He is not the type of person who likes to draw attention to himself or to his accomplishments. He has been a loyal partner, employer, and friend to all of us at Orthodontic Associates and to the larger dental community in New London County. Dr. K has made a positive impact on many people in our community, both inside and outside of our practice, over his long career. He is a true professional and mentor to all. We would like to thank Dr. Kozlowski for all his years of dedication to our practice and to our community. ...AND A WARM WELCOME It is with great pleasure that we introduce the newest addition to the Orthodontic Associates team, Dr. Dave Daniels! Dr. Daniels attended Vanderbilt University, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in Honors History. He then earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. Upon graduation from dental school, he received both a Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and a Master’s Degree in Dental Research from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. Orthodontics is the second career for Dr. Daniels. After graduating from Vandy, he spent six years as a professional baseball player in the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Diego Padres organizations. As a sidearmpitching reliever, he was called upon usually to “save” victories for his teams! Dr. Daniels is extremely passionate about working with children. “Helping a young person smile is a wonderful gift, and I am truly fortunate to have this opportunity,” he says. During his free time, he enjoys hosting free baseball clinics and speaking to youth groups on the importance of balancing sports with education. A very special congratulations to Dr. Daniels and his wife, Pam, who just welcomed their first child, Henry, on March 6th! NEWS A SMILE CAN CHANGE A LIFE INVISALIGN PROMOTION Many people take their smile for granted. But can you imagine holding back a smile because of fear of rejection? Some children hide their smile in order to avoid social bullying while others may experience health problems due to orthodontic issues. Orthodontic Associates is happy to announce that we are now an Invisalign Elite Provider! The Elite designation is awarded only to those practices with the most experience with Invisalign treatment. Smile for A Lifetime Foundation is a national charitable, non-profit organization that provides free orthodontic care and treatment to individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity. Its mission is to create self-confidence, inspire hope and change the lives of children in a dramatic way. Benefits for scholarship recipients may include improved self-esteem, increased emotional wellbeing, and prevention of physical health problems including tooth decay and periodontal disease. Local applicants must be a resident of New London, Middlesex or Windham counties, must be under the age of 18, must have income limitations or demonstrate financial need and have a significant aesthetic need for braces. Orthodontic Associates is proud to be the only Smile For A Lifetime Foundation chapter in Connecticut. We feel privileged to be a part of this group of orthodontists who provide a life-changing service to those who so need and deserve it. Surely, the words of our scholarship recipient, Monique, echos the sentiments of the 10 patients we have helped since our chapter’s inception in the spring of 2009: “Smile for A Lifetime made everything possible. I don’t have to be selfconscious of my smile!” If you know someone who could benefit from orthodontic treatment, but finances have prevented them, the Smile for A Lifetime Foundation can help. For more information, or to apply, please contact Shannon at 860.443.1827 or email: shannon.s@oasect.com In honor of Mothers Day and Fathers Day, we are offering $500 off Invisalign treatment. This special offer is available from May 1 - June 30. We invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation where our Doctors can determine if Invisailgn is right for you. Please stop by one of our offices or call 860.443.1827 to schedule an appointment. WHO DO YOU LOVE TO HUG? This February, to celebrate the month of love, we asked our patients and Facebook fans to submit their favorite “hug” picture via Facebook, email, or Twitter. We received over 50 entries, and photos were voted on through our Facebook page over a week long period. The participants competed for the grand prize - a Kindle Fire. Second place received a $50 gift card, and Third place a $25 gift card. It was an exciting contest, with two photos neck and neck throughout the entire voting period. Our First place winner (pictured on top) garnered over 200 votes during the last few hours of the contest alone! Congratulations to Diane Shonebarger, who won with just over 800 votes! Second place (bottom left) went to Payton Edwards with over 730 votes, and Third place (bottom right) went to Nick Carson who finished up with over 300 votes. Congratulations to all! CONTACT US! EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT 196 Parkway South Suite 305 Waterford, CT 860.443.1827 SHERRY, SCHEDULING COORDINATOR I live in Ledyard with my husband, Kale, our two boys, Curtis, 14, and Connor, 12, and our Golden Retriever, Colby. I was a stay at home mom for ten years and then decided to join the team at OASECT in 2008. I enjoy the beach, watching my boys play sports, and most of all, our “Family Time”! 96 Salem Turnpike Norwich, CT 860.886.7777 495 Route 184 Suite 311 Groton, CT 860.445.2747 20 South Anguilla Road Pawcatuck, CT 860.599.8293 HOBBIES: Scrapbooking, cooking and photography FAVORITE FOOD: Steak and corn on the cob VISIT US ONLINE: www.oasect.com MUSIC PREFERENCE: I enjoy all types of music, from country to Top 40 THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME BEST: Organized, thoughtful, efficient GUARD IN, GAME ON! Come get fitted for a custom mouth guard! Contact us for more information or to make an appointment. WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT MY JOB: I love the relationships that I have built with my co-workers and the patients I’ve met in the office. Most of all, I love seeing the confidence that our patients gain from having orthodontic treatment and seeing the beautiful smiles that they leave with on their band removal day! Make sure to say hi to Sherry at our front desk! TEAM OASECT