As an orthodontist, Im able to use science and artistry to transform my patients lives. Being able to give someone a confident and beautiful smile is a gift; my work is professionally and personally rewarding.
My father was an orthodontist here in Heber Valley. He opened Wasatch Orthodontics in 1988 and I took over in 2008. Seeing him at the end of a workday, as he talked about his patients and how they changed as a result of their new smiles, inspired me to join the profession.
I thrive on the relationships that develop between myself and my patients. Orthodontic care takes place over several years, with monthly visits. Its during those visits, as we talk about the patients activities at school or work, their achievements, and plans for the future, that we become friends. Spending my days helping my friends make a positive, lasting change in the life is the best part of being an orthodontist. I cannot imagine anything more fulfilling.
Each year I attend conferences and complete continuing education courses locally, regionally, and nationally. This ensures I am current on the latest in clinical and product research, as well as the latest technologies. Orthodontics is a fast-changing specialty, and I owe it to my profession and my patients to remain at the leading-edge. My patients trust me to deliver the best care, treatment options, and results. Continuing education allows me to exceed their expectations.
Wasatch Orthodontics is proud to support local high school athletic teams and sponsor college scholarships. We also work with dentists in the community, to provide free treatment to patients in financial need, and partner with a local university offering community activities. Heber Valley is where I grew up and I want to give back.
I have lived in Heber City since 1983. When not working, Im usually with my wife, Linda, and children: Anna, Kathryn, and Caleb. When I can find the time, I enjoy flyfishing, working on an old FJ40, and pretty much any sporting event.
I love talking with and getting to know our patients. Each of them is so excited to be getting a new smile! Its fun to watch a person change and grow as they see their new smile develop. The best dayis when we remove the braces and a patient sees their perfect smile for the first time. We all celebrate their achievement. I assist Dr. Brown with patient treatment. Sitting chairside, I am a second pair of hands for him, while I keep our patient updated on what were doing.
When Im not working, I love to spend time with my husband, Shawn, and two daughters, Hadlee and Shancee. We enjoy the outdoors, especially camping and hunting. I love working in my yard and finding a quiet hour or two in which to read.
I love meeting new people and becoming their friends. Its great to make people I care about feel happy and comfortable. Having straight teeth and a pretty smile is a really big confidence booster. Its so much fun to see the end results for patients: you cant beat those amazing smiles! I provide chairside assistance during a patients visit. I help Dr. Brown with changing wires and ties and placing braces. I also take X-rays, impressions, and pictures. Sometimes I work at our front desk, greeting patients and answering the phones.
My husband, and our young daughter Reese, are my whole world. Becoming a mom has brought me so much joy. In my spare time I love to run and have completed four marathons. I also love camping and the outdoors. I teach dental assisting for MATC and love sharing my experience with the students.
I love getting to know the patients during their monthly visits. Its amazing to watch their smiles transform, along with their personalities. Even people who used to refuse to smile because they were ashamed of their crooked teeth become more confident and outgoing. I love being part of making the wonderful changes happen. I work with Dr. Brown during a patients treatment, assisting him and supporting our patient.
I love living in beautiful Heber Valley. My husband and I have six children and nine grandchildren and are now empty nesters. We are enjoying this new phase of our life, traveling and exploring. We love the beach, warm weather, hiking, and being active. I love to garden, cook, and read, and have a passion for natural health and healing.
For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason for receiving orthodontic care. If you're self-conscious about your smile, correcting your concerns with braces will greatly improve the way you look and feel.
When your treatment is complete, you will have the smile you've always dreamed of and the confidence to show it off! We also want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire orthodontic experience, and our practice is dedicated to making sure that you receive the quality care you deserve.
Orthodontic appliances are made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to the proper position.
Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can now choose clear or metal brackets and, in some cases, the color of your appliance. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort. Today, any age is a great age to wear braces!
Treatment time varies and can last between one and three years, depending on several factors including age, treatment method, and how minor or severe your case is. A big factor in a successful treatment is you! The more involved and diligent you are, the more efficient your treatment will be. For children, receiving interceptive or early treatment can also help provide a quicker treatment time.