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SL Cover Story Article by FRANK GESLANI Somet hingt o Smile I f you wore braces back in the day, you may still wake up in the middle of the night bathed in a cold sweat with shrill echoes of “robo mouth” and “metal muncher” reverberating in your head. “Awkward phase” doesn’t even begin to describe the torment. Thank goodness you don’t have to go through that again. Or do you? Now it’s your kids’ turn. “I wore braces for about five years and it was awful,” confesses Tessa Peck. “I wanted my kids to have the least amount of brace time as possible.” Oh, how times have changed. Peck found that out when her kids started seeing Dr. Anthony Patel, a Board Certified Specialist in Orthodontics. ——————————————————————————————————————————— (pictured) The Patel family “I Dr. Do-Good ................................................................................................................................................. feel the gift of a healthy and beautiful smile is priceless,” says Dr. Patel, who has offices in Keller, Southlake and Haslet. “The quality of orthodontic treatment can vary considerably, and I strive to treat each and every patient to the highest standard of care attainable.” These aren’t empty words. For one, Dr. Patel is board certified, which is only granted to a select few orthodontists who pass a rigorous written and clinical examination and defense of exceptionally treated cases. “This is the standard by which we treat all of our cases and it is definitely one major feature that sets us apart. Being anointed into this group of specialized clinicians carries enormous responsibility— to uphold and maintain the elite standard of care that is worthy of such a distinction.” About He bolsters it with an impressive portfolio of professional accomplishments: ............................................................................. • He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). His treated cases were featured at the ABO Case Display at the 2008 Annual Session of the American Association of Orthodontists. ............................................................................. • He’s the current President of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Orthodontic Alumni Association. ............................................................................. • He completed a dual degree program at The University of Pennsylvania, concurrently earning a DMD and MS in Education. ............................................................................. • He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthodontics at The UT HSC San Antonio Dental School where he donates his time as a lecturer and clinical instructor to train future orthodontists. ............................................................................. • He presents an annual award formed in his name for excellence in orthodontic education to a graduating resident. Welcome to Anthony Patel Orthodontics Perhaps his most notable accomplishment is the growing legion of happy patients who praise his top notch service and adore their gorgeous new smiles. “My daughter would rather go to the orthodontist than Six Flags,” raves Ashlyn B. “Dr. Patel and every staff member there are truly amazing people. I was very impressed with how everything for my daughter was handled.” “Dr. Patel’s office is the best,” exclaims young patient, Alex W. “They are always so helpful and friendly. I rarely have to wait to be seen, and if I have to wait, it's okay because their waiting room is awesome. They have TVs in the waiting room and a game room, which keeps my little brother busy.” NotYour Mother’s Braces Young people are a big part of the practice. “They are instantly welcomed and feel like they are joining a family,” says Dr. Patel. “We take the time to listen to them and learn about their interests and activities so that there is no anxiety about anything related to orthodontics.” One way Dr. Patel keeps his young patients engaged is their Elite Rewards Program. Patients earn points for things like good grades, regular dentist visits and participating in fun contests. They can redeem points for gift cards to some of their favorite restaurants, online stores and retail shops. “The points system they have really encourages me to get cleanings and take care of my braces,” says Alex. It also helps that Dr. Patel offers some of the most innovative, effective, and cutting edge treatments available. “The technology that we utilize helps patients achieve their results faster and more comfortably than ever, and delivers superior results,” he explains. The Damon System is the hallmark of that treatment philosophy, and Dr. Patel’s is one of the very few orthodontic practices in DFW to provide this elite bracket system at an affordable cost. The Damon System uses high-tech wires that move teeth into place through specially designed metal or clear braces that deliver forces gently and consistently. The bottom line: more (continued) comfort, better results, less time. SL “T here is plenty of research-based evidence supporting the use of very light forces to move teeth more efficiently and comfortably than ever before,” explains Dr. Patel. He also credits the Damon System for a dramatic reduction in the need for tooth extractions. “Many patients are fearful they will be told that pulling teeth will be necessary to achieve their goals. The Damon System allows us to give these patients an alternative to that approach and still achieve an outstanding smile.” This conservative approach to treatment appeals to Tessa Peck. “They’re there to give Mother Nature a hand,” she says. “They don’t want to do anything more than is necessary.” “I am a firm believer that ‘less is more,’” says Dr. Patel. “There are a number of methods used to essentially achieve the same outcome, but in my practice, we aim to avoid the use of extraoral and intraoral appliances like headgears and expanders as often as possible. I often feel that discomfort with braces is exacerbated by the use of these appliances and can be quite overwhelming to deal with for certain patients.” Many patients, especially adults seeking treatment, worry about the cosmetic impact of braces. That’s less of a concern when they’re practically invisible. Invisalign, an alternative to metal braces, has really changed the game in that regard. It uses a series of comfortable, removable and transparent aligners to straighten teeth. It’s possible to continue eating your favorite foods, brush and floss as normal. The treatment plan is generated using computer-controlled precision through an elaborate software program developed by Invisalign. Each aligner is worn for two weeks each as it gradually guides the teeth to the final desired outcome. Dr. Patel and his team will supervise the progress of the alignment at regular intervals. “About 25% of our practice consists of adult patients,” says Dr. Patel. “You’re never too old to benefit from the gift of a beautiful smile. Research has shown that individuals with straight teeth are healthier and more likely to live longer. Many systemic disorders can be controlled simply from improving one’s oral health, and having straight teeth plays a huge part in that process.” 36 JUNE 2013 | “This is becoming more popular among the younger patients now, too,” says Dr. Patel. “Invisalign Teen is a very similar product that was launched specifically to treat teenagers who also would like to avoid having to wear braces to achieve their wonderful smiles. It is heavily compliance driven, so not everyone is a candidate,” adds Dr. Patel, “but for those who can stick to the plan of wearing them, Invisalign can deliver results as good as braces in most cases.” “We are recognized as a Premier Preferred Provider of Invisalign, which is a designation reserved to only a small percentage of orthodontists in the entire country,” says Dr. Patel. The practice is also one of the exclusive providers of the state-of-the-art iTero intra oral digital scanner. iTero takes precise 3D digital scans of the patient’s teeth and bite—instead of messy, uncomfortable, and time-consuming molds – which are then used to design the Invisalign aligners. In minutes, patients can see a 3D rendering of the outcome of their treatment. No Surprises If patients love the clear braces, they’re besotted by the clear and straightforward pricing. “Our treatment fee is always all inclusive, which includes records and a consultation, all aspects of www.Socie tyL ifeMag azine.com treatment, retainers and follow up visits up to one year after treatment,” says Dr. Patel. He warns that some offices mislead patients into believing that treatment is less expensive when what they’re really doing is dissecting fees. You may rack up surprise charges for broken brackets or missed appointments. “It makes patients feel like they are being nickel and dimed,” says Dr. Patel. That’s not something Dr. Patel’s patients need worry about, even from the start. Consultations are free. “Too often, consumers are reluctant to seek out expert advice in fear of being charged excessive fees and being manipulated into starting treatment. We never exhibit pressure sales tactics—just genuinely honest information supported with evidence,” he adds. “They were very patient with me and answered all of my questions thoroughly,” says Becky S. “I felt 100 percent comfortable with my decision when I left the office.” Braces are undoubtedly expensive, but it’s even harder to put a price tag on customer service. “The moment I walked into Dr. Patel’s office, I knew right away it was a great fit,” says Jolene G. “Dr. Patel and his staff are so welcoming, warm and friendly. They make you feel like you are a part of their family, not just a patient.” Dr. Patel himself extols the incalculable contributions of his staff. From Vicki, the treatment coordinator and 25-year veteran of the orthodontics field, to the pleasant and thoughtful front office, to the meticulously trained clinical assistants, this team seems to put up their best efforts so that Dr. Patel can put up his. There’s a dignified order to their day-to-day operations. Leadership this assured can only come from a military background. Dr. Patel served as the Division Officer of the Dental Department on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. “The leadership role that I was thrust into allowed me to gain valuable experience with managing a team. It taught me how to exhibit service before self and strengthened my moral and ethical values.” It’s not just intent. His patients see these principles in motion at every visit. Most modern orthodontic practices use highly skilled technicians to perform routine procedures like wire insertion of and the changing of colors. “In some practices, these procedures are performed without the orthodontist having an opportunity to check the progress of the treatment,” explains Dr. Patel. “In our practice, I will see every patient at every visit each and every time. It is my moral obligation to my patients to ensure that all aspects of their treatment are always being supervised.” Feel at Home It is an exciting time for Anthony Patel Orthodontics. This year, they’ve opened the doors to their striking new office in Southlake. Dr. Patel himself gave us the grand tour. Workspaces—from the light-filled, open bay concept of the treatment room to the tidy sterilization room—all suggest mindfulness and reliability. There’s a video game room (an obvious appeal to the gamer generation), a computer room that doubles as an off-site business center (an obvious appeal to busy parents) and a snack and beverage center (an obvious appeal to the hungry and thirsty). The message is obvious—make yourself at home. We were impressed by the “custom home” feel of the office, but truthfully (and at the risk of sounding corny) they already had us at “hello.” The warm welcome the instant we stepped through the door, the bright smiles, the steady eye contact—that kind of human touch is a lost art that separates merely adequate practices from fervently beloved ones. “They have the whole package,” says Tessa Peck. “I know at end of the day, these doctors are all fairly comparable in price, but I wouldn’t go anywhere else.” SOUTHLAKE OFFICE LOCATION ................................................................................ Southlake Orthodontics 311 W Southlake Blvd., Suite 130 Southlake, TX 76092 (682) 214-0688 KELLER OFFICE LOCATION ................................................................................ Alliance Orthodontics 4120 Heritage Trace Pkwy., Suite 200 Keller, TX 76244 (817) 612-4469 HASLET OFFICE LOCATION ................................................................................ Alliance Orthodontics Avondale Haslet Dental Center 1373 Avondale Haslet Rd. Haslet, TX 76052 (817) 847-0100 WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ................................................................................ www.AnthonyPatelOrtho.com ................................................................................ w ww. Societ yLife Mag a zine . com | JUNE 2013 37