Weve come to appreciate that a smile is so much more than straight teeth! One of the hardest things in choosing an orthodontist is finding one that has a treatment philosophy or pattern of beliefs that a patient/parent feels best serves their unique situation. These core beliefs guide an orthodontist in their treatment decisions.

At Adventure Orthodontics we believe that orthodontic care needs to accomplish three things. First, it must enhance the confidence our patient has with their smile. Second, treatment should improve a patients oral function and bite. Third, our treatment decisions must not negatively impact a patients overall health. In fact, our treatment should improve the patients overall health and continue to do so, even many years later.

With regard to orthodontic treatment, our core philosophy can be summed up as Airway First, Face-Focused. In Airway-Focused treatment, we believe that a persons ability to breathe comfortably should be considered first. Research is showing that orthodontic treatment can significantly impact the architecture of a patients airway. At Adventure Orthodontics we feel treatment should improve our patients ability to breathe. We are learning more and more about the detrimental effects of Sleep Apnea in adults AND children. Furthermore, research is showing that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) are becoming more common in pediatric-age patients. We also know that tongue position and jaw position play a major role in the obstruction of sleep apnea patients. Therefore, if we can improve our patients ability to breathe, even later in life, you better believe we are going to do it!!

In Face-Focused treatment, orthodontic techniques can be used to improve jaw position and support of the hard and soft tissues of the face. For example, in many orthodontic practices across the nation permanent tooth extractions during treatment is commonplace. However, we strongly feel this technique is over-used. Yes, it has its place, but we believe that creating more space for adult teeth is a better alternative. Why? When permanent teeth are extracted, support of the upper lip is lessened. It may not be readily obvious in a young patient, but years later (when the collagen is gone from youthful lips) those lips will be flatter without proper dental support. We havent heard of many people wanting flatter lips as they age. Also, when permanent teeth are removed, the orthodontist must then close the extraction space with braces. When these spaces are closed, the dental arches become more constricted. By constricting the dental arches, the tongue is robbed of its needed space! We know that the tongue can be a significant obstacle with regard to sleep apnea.

These core beliefs and our treatment philosophy force us to be better, more thorough providers for our patients, something we find incredibly rewarding. We want our patients smiles to be benefiting their lives long after we are gone. Thus, the ever-benefiting smile.

I want my patients to not only have straight teeth and a healthy, stable bite, but also a confident smile that lights up their face and reflects their unique personality. Orthodontics is my passion, and I love to see the changes that come not only in my patients smile, but also the changes that occur in their life as their confidence increases. I have loved moving back home to Southeast Idaho. Outside the office I love spending time with my four children and wife Kristi.

Dr. McCord trained at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and completed his Doctorate of Dentistry and an additional Masters Degree in Oral Biology. He graduated at the top of his class with honors and served as Student Body President of the Dental School.

After Dental School, Dr. McCord went on to complete his orthodontic training at the University of Iowa, one of the top orthodontic programs in the nation. There he earned both a certificate in Orthodontics and a second Masters degree in Orthodontics. During his education, he also participated in several research projects with his work being published in the prestigious American Journal of Orthodontics. Dr. McCord was also invited to teach others during both dental school and orthodontic residency.

Dr. McCord has always set high expectations for himself and that has allowed him to excel in the treatment of his patients. For this reason, he has continued to stay up to date with continuing education. He is Spear Institute trained and loves working with the most difficult orthodontic cases.

Currently Dr. McCord serves on the board for the Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontics and the Idaho State Dental Foundation. He also is serving in leadership positions for the Idaho State Orthodontic Society.

I chose a career in orthodontics because I love meeting new people and because I knew helping others discover their best smile was incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Now that Ive been doing solely orthodontic treatment for several years, Ive come to appreciate more fully how impactful my treatment can be for my patients overall health (See The Adventure Difference). Ive come to learn that a smile is so much more than straight teeth and that by being as thorough as I can in my treatment approach, my orthodontic treatment can be a positive influence in my patients lives and health, even many years down the road. Everyone should experience LIFE SMILING!I feel honored to be trusted by neighbors and members of our community by helping them improve their oral health and increase their self-confidence by enhancing their beautiful smiles.

Dr. McCoy earned his Bachelors in Biology graduating Cum Laude from the University of Utah. He then pursued his Doctoral Degree from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska while graduating first in his class and Summa Cum Laude.

Dr. McCoy received his Orthodontic Specialty training at the University of Missouri Kansas City earning a Masters Degree in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences. During these years of vigorous study, he also received an additional award as a hot dog eating champion.

Dr. McCoy and his wife Lisa have four children; Ellie, Scarlett, Declan, and Adele. In the eyes of their parents, Ellie, Scarlett, Declan, and Adele are world-class artists, athletes, geniuses, and all-around fantastic human beings. They have a dog named Crow who has an impressive beard, and an overweight orange tabby cat named Hobbes who doesnt do much.

The McCoy family loves the outdoors and are thrilled to live in Southeast Idaho. Be sure to say Hello if you run into them camping or hiking in one of the many beautiful places Southeast Idaho has to offer. Dr. McCoy is also a hopeless fly-fishing addict and if youre not careful you may get stuck listening to one of his many amazing fishing stories!