I take my profession very seriously. Everyone that comes to me for treatment is placing a great deal of trust in me. I approach each patient as if they were my own child or family member and put as much effort into serving them as I would my own. Although this great responsibility can at times be tasking, more often than not the wonderful patients I see put a smile on my face as much as I do on theirs. In the end it makes me appreciate life more and the relationships that we develop throughout it. I love what I do and feel blessed to be in this profession.
I have the opportunity of interacting with people on a regular basis and developing long-lasting relationships with them. It is very rewarding to see the changes that occur in the lives of my patients, especially if I can have a positive influence on them. To see somebody that is shy and soft spoken become more confident and outgoing as their smile improves lets me know that I have made a difference.
I grew up on my family's farm in Nyssa, Oregon. Following high school I served a two year LDS mission in Paraguay, during which I learned to speak Spanish fluently.Next Iattended Utah State University where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree, and continued on to Oregon Health & Science University, receiving my Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.I was then invited to be one of four residents to attend the Arizona School of Dental and Oral Health where I earned myCertificate in Orthodontics and Doctorate of Health Sciences.
Technology changes rapidly in the dental field. I regularly take continuing education courses to stay up to date with the newest advancements and thereby provide my patients with the best possible treatment available. I have given presentations at local schools to improve dental education in the community and I plan to continue doing so each year.My wife, Brit, and I have been married for ten years now. We have six children: Brielle, Qiana, Asher, Tayvia, Xander, and Hazel. One of the reasons we enjoy Emmett is because we love the outdoors. I enjoy fishing, hunting, golfing, yard work, waterskiing, snow skiing, camping, hiking, and more than anything, spending time with my family.
Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for children! While this was the perception of society at one time, adults now make up a large portion of those receiving treatment. Braces are well accepted in society and are commonplace for adults. Clear braces are one option that many adults enjoy, but Invisalign is a great choice for those who would like to make treatment less apparent. There are some limitations in treating adults because they are no longer growing like children are. However, treatment is still on option for people of all ages, some of which have waited a long time to have that perfect smile!
While we know that there are many things that you enjoy to eat, treatment will move along much quicker if you are more aware of the things that you eat. Certain foods or habits can cause parts of the braces to break, thereby making treatment take longer and delaying the big day that you get them removed.
Everyones body responds differently to braces. You have likely heard stories that they are painful. With todays technology, we are able to control forces on the teeth and keep them light. However, the body is used to the position that the teeth have been and we are now pushing them to move them elsewhere.
The first difference you will feel is pressure. It is important to learn to differentiate between pressure and pain, they are different. Within a few hours of first getting your braces, that pressure will then start to become painful for some. This is why it is important to plan pain relief before you already feel it. The best results come from alternating 600mg of Ibuprofen, waiting 6 hours, then taking 600mg of acetaminophen, waiting 6 hours, and then starting over. Generally about 2 days of this regimen will suffice. The first dose should be taken right before you get your braces on.
Again, everybody responds differently. Some report no soreness at all and others say it was sore for almost 1 week. Usually 2-3 days is normal. This type of soreness hardly ever occurs with your monthly adjustments. If you are ever unsure about how sore you are feeling, please contact our office immediately.It is also common for the lips and cheeks to rub on the braces for a week or two as they adapt. We will provide you with wax when you get your braces on to help smooth the surfaces and lessen the tenderness as you get used to them. Please let us know if you need some wax.
It is normal for the teeth to feel a little loose, they are moving! This is a natural part of bone reformation as they move into the correct position. Once they have been moved to where they will stay, they will no longer be loose. If a particular tooth feels especially loose, please notify us quickly.
What to do while playing sports is a common concern for patients. You can still do it! We recommend that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth, mouth, and appliances. Our office can recommend different kind of mouthguards specifically made for braces. While some of these can be found in sporting goods stores, some work better than others. We also make custom mouthguards for the very best fit. Protect your mouth! Contact sports can cause permanent damage that will affect you your entire life.
If you do experience a sports-related emergency, be sure to seek the appropriate help immediately. Also check to see if any appliances have been damaged or loosened and contact our office quickly if such is the case. Use wax for relief as needed and consider rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.
Next Iattended Utah State University where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree, and continued on to Oregon Health & Science University, receiving my Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.I was then invited to be one of four residents to attend the Arizona School of Dental and Oral Health where I earned myCertificate in Orthodontics and Doctorate of Health Sciences.