When he was twelve years old, Dr Hansen received braces, and he was intrigued by the delicate and precise process through which his teeth were adjusted into a more ideal position. He was inspired both by his interactions with his orthodontista man who was clearly passionate about his job and derived great joy from helping his patients fix their teeth and by the way he felt as his smile transformed. It was at this point that Dr. Hansen decided he would be an orthodontist, so that he too could thoroughly enjoy helping others improve their smiles and their confidence.
Dr. Hansen graduated Brigham Young University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He then moved on to Loma Linda University, where he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Upon graduating from dental school he was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Dental Honor Society and also received awards for exemplary research in orthodontics. He spent a year working as a general dentist, then returned to Loma Linda University to receive specialty training in orthodontics and receive his Master of Science degree in orthodontics. In August 1995, Dr. Hansen opened his orthodontic practice in Bozeman, Montana, and he has happily served his patients from this same location for close to three decades now. Dr Hansen keeps his skills updated by participating in several study clubs, remaining a member of both local and national dental associations and has taken the steps to become and remain Board Certified in orthodontics. What does being a Board Certified Orthodontist mean? One their website, the American Association of Orthodontists describes it like this,
ABO Board Certification is a voluntary credential that represents an orthodontists personal and public commitment to the standards of specialty practice and lifelong learning. The ABO Certification process requires the completion of peer-developed, externally validated written and clinical examinations. A Board Certified Orthodontist has reached this level of achievement by pursuing additional voluntary education and ongoing self- assessment. Board Certification is confirmation of an orthodontists personal commitment to providing lifelong quality patient care.
When away from work, Dr. Hansen enjoys spending his free time with his family and hitting the slopes at Bridger Bowl. He also loves fixing cars, computers, farm equipment and all sorts of things around the house. He is an avid gardener and is a proud graduate of the Master Gardener class offered through the MSU extension program. (Just ask him about his raspberries!)
Since our mouth and smile, or lack thereof, is often one of the first thing that others notice about us, its no surprise that everyone desires to have a beautiful, aesthetic smile that they can confidently show off at any time, to any one. Unfortunately, crooked or misaligned teeth can adversely affect the wholeness and aesthetics of your smile. Luckily, the correct orthodontic treatment can correct these imperfections, and help you to realize your full smile potential.
One concern many patients have about participating in orthodontic treatment is how obvious it is to others that they are receiving this treatment. Metal braces, while incredibly effective and efficient at handling orthodontic issues, are not normally viewed as the most professional or aesthetic option. Clear aligners provide a viable alternative for many individuals who wish to improve their smiles a bit more discreetly.
Every orthodontic situation is different, and after performing a thorough examination of your teeth and mouth your orthodontist will discuss the best option for you, while taking into consideration any concerns you have about more discreet treatment. Its true that clear aligners are not always the most effective or efficient option for everyone, but when all else is the same there are a few key benefits for choosing clear aligners over metal braces. Consider the following: