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Ask Drs. Davis: “How do I get the most out of my orthodontic treatment?”

February 7th, 2012

We expect that all of our patients want the best possible outcome from their orthodontic treatment, which is something that Drs. Dale and Lisa Davis also want for them. To achieve this an orthodontist needs to be a great communicator. We believe a great communicator has to answer questions that a patient or their family doesn’t think to ask. Drs. Dale and Lisa also make sure to be available for questions that patients may think of later.

At Davis and Davis Orthodontics, we invite the family into the clinical area at each appointment to be updated on their child’s progress. A doctor needs to paint the picture of the outcome, along with the benefits of that outcome. The benefits are, certainly, improved appearance and, many times, self esteem, but also improved function. Qualities that make a great patient is a desire to be a part of the outcome and being compliant. Being a part of the treatment means asking questions and desiring to know how he or she is progressing through treatment. Being compliant requires wearing appliances as instructed, brushing well, not damaging the appliances, and being at each of his or her scheduled appointments.

Patients who play an active part in treatment really do get the best outcomes. This is the best way for a patient and their family to approach treatment, as it improves communication between the doctor and patient. We’ll always do our best at Davis and Davis Orthodontics to do our part!

Ask Davis and Davis Orthodontics: What’s the deal with mouthwash?

February 1st, 2012

While mouthwash is not an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, it can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are several different types of mouthwashes available, and all of them will help do different things for your smile. The most common types of mouthwashes are:

Fluoride – fluoride is the most used type of mouthwash available, and is used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth while preventing cavities and tooth decay.
Antiseptic – an antiseptic mouthwash is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. Most commonly used before and after a dental surgery, antiseptic mouthwashes can also help to fight gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Antiseptic mouthwashes can affect your sense of taste and may stain the teeth, so it is recommended that you consult your dentist before using this type of mouthwash.
Combination – a combination mouthwash is designed to help prevent tooth decay, freshen the breath, and maintain the health of your smile.
Prescription – for patients with gum disease, or any signs of gum disease, you may need a prescription mouthwash. Prescription mouthwashes, like Peridex of PerioGard, are used to treat gingivitis, and other forms of decay.

There are also many different brands of mouthwash. Some common brands include:
• Scope
• Listerine
• Act
• Crest
• Tom’s of Maine (all-natural)
• Plax (anti-plaque rinse)
• Breath Rx
• Orajel
• Targon (special mouthwash made for smokers)
• Rembrandt (whitening mouthwash)

If you are curious about which kind of mouthwash would work best for you, be sure to ask us at your next appointment. If you have a favorite mouthwash, let us know by posting a comment for others to read!

Davis & Davis Orthodontics

Getting to know Dr. Dale Davis

January 24th, 2012

To know who I really am, one would have to go through some of my family history. Most of my ancestors were hard working coal miners from Wales, England and Ireland going back into the mid-1800′s. I was born into a blue collar family where my father went from being valedictorian at his high school straight into the factory. He taught me by example to work hard and to aspire to be the best you can be. I was the first in my family to graduate from college.

Early on in dental school I knew I wanted to be an orthodontist. I was impressed in that an orthodontist can not only change the alignment of the teeth and the bite, but can literally can change people’s lives. I wanted to make it my career to improve people’s smiles and, in turn, improve their self esteem and overall oral health. I found that orthodontic school was very competitive. I worked very hard to get the grades in dental school and even did research with a world renowned orthodontist to improve my odds of making it into orthodontic school. There are less than 300 orthodontists that graduate from school every year and I was one of them in 1994.

Since then, I still strive to be the best I can be as an orthodontist, giving patients and their families the best orthodontic care I can deliver with the best customer service. There are many new technologies we have used to get the greatest results with more consistency, less emergencies, and with choices and fees that fit our patients’ lifestyles.

Dr. Dale Davis

Write a review for Davis & Davis Orthodontics!

January 18th, 2012

Davis & Davis Orthodontics, serving Midland and surrounding areas, strives to provide exceptional treatment in an informative and friendly environment. Have you had a great experience at our office?

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Just select the “Review Us On Google Places” button above to write a review on our Google Place Page. We look forward to receiving your feedback!

Thank you,
The team at Davis & Davis Orthodontics

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