Questions, questions, questions...

From the moment patients enter Moles Orthodontics, they feel a sense of warmth, welcoming and individual care. Some ask Dr. Moles a lot of questions about their orthodontic treatment, while others choose to just "go with the flow." And that's understandable.

But for those who do ask questions, one of the most frequently asked questions is “Will it hurt?” and “How long will these be on?”

We explain to the patient despite what they’ve heard about braces - they DO NOT hurt to have them initially put on. The soreness will come later when the teeth start to move. Too often patients hear horror stories about how much it hurt to get the braces on, in which case they typically over-exaggerate. After the braces are on, almost all patients say “that’s it?” meaning it was actually really easy and painless!

Dr. Moles answers the other questions in the exam. When a patient comes in for a new exam, they are told an estimate of how long it will take to get that perfect smile. All other questions are answered at the bonding appointment, when the braces first go on. We cover it all from eating to brushing with the braces. It is VERY rare that a patient ever calls back with questions. Our staff is really thorough and always goes over everything. As a patient, that’s one thing they never have to worry about - they always know what’s going on.

Ask Dr. Moles: What does being an orthodontist mean to you?

Very early in my career someone said to me that being an orthodontist is like being a "slow-motion plastic surgeon." And as I think of it that is exactly what I feel it is. I have the chance to make life-changing differences for people. I mean things that not only make them look better, but that translates into them feeling better about themselves. And if you buy into the concept that how we feel about ourselves has an effect on our overall stress level, and thus our immune system, the possibility for making a difference in someone’s life is amazing!

Even as a youngster, I had always been a "helper" in some way or another and this profession fits nicely into my personality type. Moreover, as a kid I was a pretty good artist and model maker, and in that way orthodontics is really more of the same. I feel that I am really blessed, because orthodontics is like doing a hobby that you love and that someone pays you to do. So what could be better, doing something that's fun, helping people become healthier and to feel better about themselves. And at this time in my career, I am even able to share over thirty years of learning with the newer members of our profession, which is really gratifying and a lot of fun too!

-- Dr. Moles

Moles Orthodontics, reminding you to stay safe and warm during the snow storm

With the intense weather conditions in Wisconsin the next few days, Dr. Moles and our team at Moles Orthodontics thought it would be a good time to remind you, our valued patients (and parents) to be safe when out and about.

If you don't feel safe going out, you can always reschedule your appointment. At Moles Orthodontics our patients' well-being is our primary concern, and that includes staying safe (and warm) on the roads during this storm! If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call!

Ask Moles Orthodontics: What does it mean to be a Schulman Study Group practice?

Dr. Moles is a member of The Schulman Study Group (SSG), a nationally recognized association of prominent—among the top 1 percent—orthodontic practices. Recently, Dr. Moles was approached and asked, "What does it mean to you and Moles Orthodontics to be a member of The Schulman Study Group?" Dr. Moles thought about it, and here's what he has to say:

To be invited into the Schulman Orthodontic Study Group is truly one of the highlights of my career! I should explain why it is such an honor. To put things in perspective less than 1% of all the orthodontists in the country are Schulman members. Moreover, it's not a group that you can just join. To become a member of the Schulman group you must be invited by one of the members. Then you must present statistics on your practice to prove you meet the standards of acceptance. You are then voted on by the members of the group. It is definitely the best of the best study group.

During the year Schulman members are in constant contact, sharing all sorts of ideas in order to improve what we do and how we do it. Once a year we meet for a week, sharing ideas and having guest speakers on all aspects of orthodontics. I can honestly say that being a member of the Schulman Study Group has made me a better orthodontist and helped me to serve my patients better!