A Story From Germany

2009-11-09T17:40:00.000-05:00

Most of you know that I am a member of the Navy Reserve. Through my affiliation with the military I have been able to travel to some interesting places, have unique experiences , but most of all meet outstanding individuals. I was having a conversation once with a sailor who was telling me about a field exercise that he participated on in Germany. A "field exercise" is just that. You are in the field! No hotel room, no cable, no morning showers, (no golf...war is hell!) sometimes no sleep. One is training for combat and simulating the condtions are the reasons for the exercise.
This particular sailor and his team were camped on a farm The first morning the owner of the farm brought the sailors food and warm drinks for breakfast. This happened spontaniously and continued throughout the exercise. The day before the exercise was to conclude, my friend, in thanking their hosts, asked what prompted them to do this?
It appeared that this question stunned the farmer. He told the sailors that they should not be thanking him. It was the brave members of the military that deserve their thanks. He said that it was incredible that Americans would take time away work, from home and their loved ones, to defend people they don't know in places that some have never heard of ...and possibly give their life. "Europeans would never do this"
I often think about this story. When I read in the press that the military is creating "enemies" and "terrorists" just by being there. I have travelled abroad with the military and have always been treated well. My services, greatly appreciated. Lifetime freindships established. Why "unbiased" reporters can't see what a simple german farmer does is perplexing and dissapointing.

Invisable Alligners, Invisable Braces

2009-11-01T17:42:00.005-05:00

When I was growing up (the years are military secrets) braces were seen as punishment for crooked teeth. They took forever! They were often heavy and uncomfortable, occasionally painful and usually meant being called such wonderful names as "Brace Face" or "Metal Mouth". And this was from your parents! Fortunately we as a profession have moved forward. The technological advances in dentistry and orthodontics have been remarkable. Braces are still utilized and appropriately so to straighten teeth. With new nickel-titanium wires, the treatment time is dramatically shortened. However it is also possible to treat many malocclusions without using braces.
Between the ages of 8-12, patients are treated with appliances to create the proper arch form. This is referred to as Phase 1. When it is time for Phase 2, patients can choose braces or a series of plastic trays. These are called "aligners". Most people have heard of invisalign. Invisalign uses a series of plastic trays that fit over the teeth and sequentially move them. I use a product called "Bioliners" which uses the same principle as invisalign. I like this product better as the aligners are made directly from impressions and not a computer model that predicts the movement of the teeth. I feel that the bioliners give me more control over the process. I have found that phase 1 appliance therapy and phase 2 bioliners is a good combination in treating some patients. The options are discussed during the consultation appointment before any treatment is started.
Please contact the office if you desire further information or would like to schedule an appointment.

Random thoughts and dentistry

A Story From Germany

Invisable Alligners, Invisable Braces