The best part of orthodontics is enjoying the patients who come into our office every day and getting to know them, being a part of their life experience, and being able to care for them. Practicing orthodontics is so rewarding because of the wonderful faces and smiles we create. I get so much gratification from how the developmental changes we make increase the self-esteem and confidence of our young patients as they mature into adults. Similarly, as many of our patients are adults, I especially get great satisfaction from the impact that our treatment has on their self-image, comfort, and sense of well-being. However, most important to me is caring for our patients, earning their trust, and meeting their expectations.
I am passionate about orthodontics and love to learn about the technological advancements in my profession. I attended the University of Toronto where I earned my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree after which I completed a one year dental internship program at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. I then attended the University of Manitoba where I was awarded a Medical Research Council of Canada Fellowship and Research Grant while I received my Master of Science in Facial Growth and Development and Specialty Certification in Orthodontics.
Upon graduation as an orthodontist, I was honored with an award by the American Association of Orthodontists for my research on facial growth changes using palatal expanders and headgear force application. I have continued my education by being involved for many years at the FACE Group, FACE Restorative/Stuart Articulator Study Group, FACE Orthognathic-Surgical Study Group, Roth-Williams Study Group, Bioprogressive Orthodontic Institute, Arizona Craniomandibular Study Group, Arizona Orthodontic Study Club, and Scottsdale/Paradise Valley Dental Study Club. I routinely attend advanced courses and meetings in new technologies and treatments in orthodontics, TMJ, sleep apnea, and related dental specialties.
I have a special interest, training, and experience in treating orthodontic-orthognathic surgical cases. I am a Premier Provider of Incognito Lingual braces, certified and experienced in SureSmile technology, and an Invisalign Preferred Provider. I am also a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
I am a native of Toronto, Canada. I met my wife, Gail, during my internship after dental school in Philadelphia where she was raffling off a car to raise money for the Albert Einstein Hospital. I did not win the car, but fortunately did win Gail! We lived in Carefree for fifteen years and now live in Paradise Valley. Our son, David, lives in Scottsdale. When I am not in the office, I enjoy exercising, traveling, reading, and am an avid sports fan.
I have worked in dentistry since I was 18 years old. I began working with Dr. Henry in 1994 when my son was only eight weeks old. My son, Dalton, is 16 now, has all his teeth, and a beautiful smile thanks to Dr. Henry. As a treatment coordinator I have the great honor to meet with all our patients and their families while explaining their treatment in detail. I especially love showing our patients how we can improve their smile and appearance unique to them. Dr. Henry is a true artist in creating the most beautiful smiles.I am constantly excited by the new technology that is available to treat our patients. Orthodontic treatment has changed so much in the last few years. I have been fortunate to attend continuing education classes to help better understand and implement the new technologies in our practice. I can truly say I love what I do and look forward to meeting with our patients everyday!
I am originally from a small town in Florida with only one street, one red light and one convenience store, where I grew up enjoying the beach and sunshine. I still enjoy the beach and spend my vacation time as close to one as possible. I have been married for over 20 years. My husband Vic is from Scotland and played Premier League Soccer with Glasgow Celtic. These days I enjoy watching my son play on his high school football team and my husbands soccer team.
I have been working with Dr. Henry since 2002 and have enjoyed getting to know our patients and their families. I am the financial coordinator at our Scottsdale location and will work with you to make the financial aspect of orthodontic treatment as effortless as possible. The best thing about Dr. Henry is the love of his craft and the personalized care he gives his patients.
I am originally from the Kansas City area where I grew up with a love of the changing seasons. I have lived in Scottsdale for 15 years, but try to get back home at least once a year to play in the snow! I have two sweet rescue dogs which I adore. I love to bake and you will often find me bringing in homemade goodies for the office. I also enjoy traveling and spending time with my family.
It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age seven to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and it is the best time for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Jaw surgery is more often required for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are not growing. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during, and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.
Don't worry; you'll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances.
When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal for patients who have just gotten their braces put on, and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater).
If the pain is more severe and does not go away after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever. It is also not uncommon for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces. We would be happy to give you some wax that you can put over the braces to lessen the tenderness. If you need some wax, please let us know!
If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don't worry; this is normal! Your braces must first loosen your teeth in order to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will no longer be loose.
The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.
You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.
Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, or other appliances prescribed by your doctor.
Game, Set, Match - we have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, its recommended that you wear a mouthguard in order to protect your teeth and your appliance. Let your doctor know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection.
In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and your appliance for any damage that may have occurred. If you notice any loose teeth, or if your appliance has been damaged, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort with wax or by rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.