I actually wanted to be a pro baseball player in my youth. However, at 19 years old I served a mission for my church for two years, and that time grounded me. I decided that my adult life would be focused on first, starting a family, and second I wanted a profession where I could serve others and make a difference in their lives. Dentistry seemed to be a career that fit the bill, for the life I was looking for. Ive never regretted that.
We recently bought an older home on our dream property here in Cedar Park. My wife is an amazing gardener, but this project is bigger than just her, so you will find Ashley and me, along with our kids, working our land most weekends, making garden boxes, building structures, and clearing the land. In the fall you can find me at the Vista Ridge Football games watching my daughter, Cozie, dance with the Star Steppers, and I love any time I can watch my son, Rock, perform (he is an amazing singer, songwriter, guitar player). I love being outdoors, and when the weather warms up, you will find our family on Lake Travis most every weekend. When I have free time these days, I am at my Church or helping my church members as I have recently been called as the Bishop of a congregation of about 450 people. Working in this capacity has brought incredible purpose and happiness to me and my family.
I was involved with a group that traveled to the Dominican Republic to provide our services to so many who have no access to dental care. I was able to take my wife Ashley and our four kids along. We spent 7 days, in a small town, working sun up to sun down. Everyone had a part to play, even my little kids worked incredibly hard. Getting people our of pain, and helping so many, was a life-changing opportunity for our whole family, and Im so grateful we were able to do that.
I make every effort to ensure that each patient that is at my office is comfortable, safe, and feels confidence in the care the receive. My patients are treated exactly how I would treat my own family (no exceptions). I listen to my patients so that I can really try to understand the individual needs of each person I work with. This has helped me become the best Dentist I can be for them.
I fell in love with her because of her love for life, her carefree personality, and she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. For the last 25 years of marriage I have realized that she is so much more. Ashley was an incredible dancer winning many awards and when we met was a Dance instructor. After that she worked as a cosmetologist, and was a color specialist for the first years of our marriage which helped us get through many years of undergrad school and Dental School. She then began an amazing career as a photographer and had her own business shooting Weddings, families, babies, HS seniors, and even some corporate contracts including Krispy Cream Donuts. Everything she touches turns to gold. Along with raising 4 amazing children and helping me with my career, she is an incredible gardener. She had gardening in Arizona down to a science, and is loving learning how to grow plants in Texas now. She has even started a YouTube gardening channel. @AshleyWhitingGardens Everyone who knows her, loves her.
The most interesting and fun trip I have ever taken was going to Washington DC with Ashley. I love history, especially American History, and I couldnt get enough of that place. Cant wait to take our kids.
The team at Parmer Oaks Dental Care believe in the importance of preventative care. We focus on keeping patients in good oral health so that they can live a full, healthy, and enjoyable life that is free from oral pain. This starts by educating our patients on what they can do to stay healthy at home. In our family dentist office we recommend that patients eat a healthy diet that consists of green leafy vegetables, lean protein, nuts, dairy products, and crunchy fruits and veggies. Eating these foods along with drinking water can help to keep teeth healthy and make them stronger. By simultaneously reducing sugar intake, patients can also reduce their risk of cavities.
It is also important to brush and floss throughout the day. Instead of waiting for bedtime to brush teeth, carry a small toothbrush and use it after meals and snacks. This makes it possible to remove sugar and bacteria from the teeth and gums before it has the opportunity to turn into acid that can attack the teeth. This preventative step can greatly reduce a persons' risk of getting a cavity or gum disease. We understand the importance of taking these steps at home and will spend the time necessary to educate and inform patients so that they can stay healthy overall. Education, after all, is essential for living a long and healthy life.
Understanding the importance of these regular dental exams, the team at Parmer Oaks Dental Care work to make each patient extremely comfortable. This includes being welcoming and kind while performing dental treatments in a way that is painless and relaxing. Patients visit our dentist office because they trust us to do just that take care of their teeth and gums, gently. The majority of our patients are local and come from the greater Cedar Park area, we also see patients that are looking for gentle dental care.
Seniors, on the other hand, often struggle with gum disease and oral infections. As people age, their teeth can become weaker and infected more easily. Bone loss is incredibly common with seniors and by conducting regular dental exams, the team at Parmer Oaks Dental Care can help seniors to have strong teeth and reduce the risk of them falling out. Since over seventy percent of U.S. adults suffer from tooth loss, preventative care is important.
A. Primary, or 'baby,' teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to come in.
A. First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, see a dentist as soon as possible.
A. Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.
A. Have your family dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your child's primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water (especially if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), then we may prescribe fluoride supplements.
A. Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard will protect your teeth from injuries and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.
A. There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Family dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which you and your family are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation. Digital x-rays provide an even greater level of protection by using up to 90 percent less radiation.
Oral issues that require immediate treatment are considered dental emergencies. Such problems can seems to occur at the worst moments possible, forcing someone to take time out of a busy daily schedule to safeguard their dental health and sanity.Most people do not spend much time thinking about dental emergencies until one happens to them. However,
In-office teeth whitening is an effective solution for removing teeth stains and achieving a brighter smile. However, the results will not last as long without proper aftercare. Fortunately, there are effective ways to make the results of your teeth whitening procedure last longer.The key to making your in-office teeth whitening last is to practice good
An Invisalign dentist can provide patients with a series of teeth-straightening aligner trays, which are ideal for those looking for a discreet tooth straightening option. Invisalign is a commonly chosen teeth-straightening option offered at Parmer Oaks Dental Care.
While most people invest in teeth straightening treatment for the uniform appearance they create, they can also benefit one's oral health. However, investing in various types of options will produce different results. As an Invisalign dentist, we can provide patients with a professional, efficient and customizable teeth straightening treatment.
Invisalign involves a series of clear plastic aligner trays that discreetly fit over the teeth. Along with being difficult to notice, they are easy for patients to remove when eating, brushing teeth, playing sports, taking pictures and more. As long as the patient wears the aligners for at least 22 hours a day, they can enjoy the versatility of Invisalign and avoid the frustration of traditional metal braces.
As an Invisalign dentist, our team straightens teeth using a series of aligners. First, an impression of your teeth is taken so that a series of aligners can be created in a dental lab. The aligners themselves are made out of a thermoplastic material that is strong and at the same time flexible in order to be comfortable when worn for long periods of time. The material is virtually invisible.
The aligners should be worn for 22 hours a day and every two weeks; they need to be switched out with the next one in the series. Over a period of months, the aligners will slowly move teeth into place, making one minor adjustment at a time that is targeted to specific teeth. This helps your teeth to be comfortable as they are moved into position at a manageable pace. Once you are done wearing your aligners, your teeth should be perfectly straight.
Some patients need to wear attachments or ridges in order to ensure that their teeth move into place perfectly. An attachment is a clear bump that is made of an enamel colored composite and secured to the teeth. Bumps on your aligners will grip them in order to hold the aligner in place. Ridges work in a similar way only an indent is created instead of a raised bump. This can be necessary for more complicated cases to ensure that a particular tooth, or several teeth, move into place like they should.
Unlike wearing traditional braces, Invisalign will not make a major impact on your quality of life. Since the aligners are clear, it will not impact your appearance. Additionally, since they only need to be worn for 22 hours a day, they will not interfere with eating. This is a huge advantage because you can eat your favorite plate of ribs, go out for a romantic date, eat a caramel apple without worrying about something becoming stuck in your teeth or a wire being pulled out of place. This time also allows you to take the aligner out when having an important conversation or making a presentation at work. Overall, this is a convenient way to straighten your teeth and provides the maximum level of flexibility.
Some people are concerned about whether or not wearing an aligner will impact their speech. Most of our Cedar Park patients tell us that they have to get used to wearing aligners after the first couple of days. Sometimes, patients have a slight lisp which goes away once they become used to speaking while wearing them. This is standard with any orthodontic procedure but fortunately; most people can speak normally within a couple of days.