An Alternative to ‘Typical’ Orthodontic Care

Dr. Wes Orthodontics
An Alternative to ‘Typical’ Orthodontic Care

 

In a world filled with busy, hurried healthcare practices, Dr. Wes Orthodontics is the exception to the rule. “We’re an alternative to the typical orthodontics practice, where a lot of patients are seen each day, treatment duties are delegated to team members, and the orthodontist isn’t able to spend much time with each patient,” begins Dr. Wes Chladny, who started his career at just such a practice in Illinois.

“We don’t do it that way,” he continues. “We see a patient or two in the office at a time, and I do virtually all the treatment care and communicate directly with patients. We also have a really open office that invites the families back into the treatment area, so they can see what’s happening and ask any questions they may have.”

The practice also leverages high-tech tools to make treatment more predictable, efficient, and comfortable, thereby producing better patient experiences and better outcomes. 

That includes taking digital impressions (as opposed to messy impressions or molds), which capture 3D images of teeth and supporting tissue with amazing precision. Dr. Chladny also utilizes 3D printing technology and a software tool called SureSmile® (which is used to digitally plan customized smiles and bites unique to each individual patient), among other high-tech solutions.

It all starts with an initial consult in which Dr. Chladny explains the process, conducts a thorough examination, and makes recommendations for treatment, including whether treatment is necessary. 

“Anyone who is unhappy with their smile is a candidate for treatment,” offers Dr. Chladny, who says his youngest patients are between six and seven years old and that he treats several octogenarians. 

“But a lot of times kids are between 11-and-a-half and 12-and-a-half years old when they start treatment,” he says, and for most, the process is easier than they think. “It’s usually a pretty short adjustment,” he adds, whether the patient gets braces, Invisalign®, or custom aligners. 

And speaking of kids, Dr. Chladny and his wife April — who also works at the practice — are parents of three and have put down strong roots in the area since moving to Thompson’s Station from central Illinois, having first discovered the allure of the Nashville area on a weekend trip to attend a country music festival.

“It’s a great community to live and raise a family,” says Dr. Chladny, before adding that “it’s a safe area and people are nice, and there are a lot of great opportunities nearby.”

That said, the practice supports several local causes, including The Well Outreach, which serves Spring Hill and surrounding communities by providing food assistance through its food pantry and mobile food pantry. 

“We do a retainer fundraiser the last two months of the year where I make retainers for anyone in the area in exchange for a donation to The Well. It’s a huge saving on a regular retainer, and I donate the materials and my time to make them,” notes Dr. Chladny, who says his work is as rewarding as ever since leaving behind the high-volume practice up north. 

“You can see some serious changes in the confidence of patients,” concludes Dr. Chladny. “I’ve always loved what I do. I wasn’t loving how I was doing it when I was in the big practice and didn’t a lot of time to spend with patients. By limiting the number of people I see and allowing me more time with each one, I have found joy in it again.”
 

visit www.drwesortho.com for more information