What's new on the horizon at Hechler Orthodontics?

The old saying goes that is you don't keep moving ahead you get passed up by the crowd.  We feel nothing could be more true when it comes to orthodontic treatment!  In order to keep on top of new research and technology in orthodontic treatment we are constantly striving to add new techniques to your treatment.

We are currently evaluating new ceramic (clear) braces.  Our goal is to offer excellent tooth alignment with unmatched esthetics.  We would love for no one to know you are sporting braces during your treatment if that is your goal.  Just tell everyone we were your orthodontic office when you are finished as they won't know you had the "hardware" during your treatment.  The newest of these "invisible" braces require little or no elastic ties (since these can stain with coffee, tea, wine, and mustard).  In some instances these braces speed up your treatment while requiring you to have appointments that are further apart. 

I was involved in the development of one of the new "invisible" braces from Ormco Corporation who is the world's largest supplier of orthodontic products.  I think this will be a real "winner" for orthodontics around the world.  It is still hard to believe that machines can make such small, complicated devises that are expected to remain clear and weather the forces of eating while moving teeth!

In the next blog we'll go over the possibility of obtaining models of your teeth without impressions.  Wow, no more of that gushy stuff in your mouth as you begin orthodontic treatment!  Check back with us in a month!

Have a great summer!
Dr. H

Brushing for a Cause!

Hello from Washington DC!!

I'm in our nation's capital Washington DC for the American Association of Orthodontics annual meeting.  What an inspiration to see all of the wonderful buildings of such a beautiful city.  The monuments you grew up seeing on television and studying about in school are just a glance away.  One gets an overwhelming sense of patriotism as well as a real respect for all that our forefathers went through in order to supply our current freedom.

The reason for my trip is to participate in the activities of the annual conference that our American Association of Orthodontics puts on each year.  Orthodontists from around the nation and the world come here to learn about the latest advances in orthodontic research.  We get a chance to see and get caught up with our colleagues from far and wide.  On the trip I had the pleasure of again seeing of my orthodontic friends from Tokyo, Japan.  We met many years ago at a study club meeting and have corresponded since.  We have even referred patients to each other who may have relocated to our respective cities.  The world is truly getting smaller every day!

I have added knowledge by attending lectures given by those in research and educational positions and by simply carrying on conversations with some of my respected practicing orthodontist friends.  Heck, I am even picking up some more exciting ideas we can use in our office to make the orthodontic experience more fun for those of you in treatment!  Last night I discussed what we can do to enhance our Facebook presence on the web.  Cool!

I will be returning to Kansas on Wednesday and back in the office on Thursday to see if some of the new ideas I have discovered can be put to use.  I look forward to seeing all of you soon and please take the opportunity to visit Washington DC whenever possible.  Parents don't wait until it is too late to take the kids to visit where our democracy all began.

Dr. H

Introducing: Shana

Shana loves the art of dentistry and is our wonderful laboratory technician.  She has over 7 years of dental experience and enjoys working along with her "ortho family".  Shana's passions include anything artsy, investing time and love into her children and being intentional with her health and well being. 

Introducing: Tiffanie

Tiffanie loves taking impressions!! She has been in the dental field for over 6 years and just celebrated her 3 year anniversary working for Hechler Orthodontics!  Tiffanie assists Dr. Hechler chair side with patients and she is also our part time lab technician.  Tiffanie enjoys getting to know our patients and helping to give them a smile to be proud of!  She loves spending time with her fiance Josh, traveling, photography, and rocking out to Beatles Rock Band!

Can I use Invisalign instead of Braces?

This is a very common question in our office. Our goal is to use the type of orthodontic appliance our patients request. If you want to utilize Invisalign, we are always excited to help you with this. Many cases respond quite well to the Invisalign method when it is properly set up by an orthodontic specialist.

Alignment (straightening) of crooked teeth and closing of spaces between teeth respond wonderfully to Invisalign trays. We would love to show you a book displaying some of our many finished cases. The results are amazing.
Changes to the bite are more challenging in some patients and Invisalign may not be the best choice. We will always let you know what bite changes to expect if you choose Invisalign. Some children are better suited for braces because the parents think they will not be able to wear the Invisalign trays full time. Loss of the trays is a concern some parents may have as well.
Dr. Hechler is always happy to discuss any treatment options that are available to you. Our goal is to leave you with the most beautiful smile and functional bite possible. Keep smiling!!

Introducing: Shona

Dr. Hechler calls Shona our "office Girl Friday!" Shona loves the diversity of her job, making patients smile and working along with great co-workers. She has been assisting Dr. Hechler for almost five years. Shona's favorite activities outside Hechler Orthodontics include decorating, baking, painting, traveling, spending time with her nephew Hunter, and relaxing at home with her husband Jason and dog Melmyn.

Introducing: Jan

Jan is our multi-faceted treatment coordinator. Jan assists Dr. Hechler introducing new patients to our office explaining treatment as well as assisting in brace removals once treatment is complete. Jan has 11 years of dental experience. She loves the variety her job has as Jan also represents Hechler Orthodontics i...n marketing presentations, educational lunches, and referring offices. Sitting by the fire with her husband or attending KU football games with her KU daughters are some of her favorite leisure activities.