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!

Ask Moles Orthodontics: What do you love about Wisconsin?

Recently, the team at Moles Orthodontics was asked: "What makes your community unique?"

And here are our answers...

Southeast Wisconsin is truly a super place to live. Where else can you live next to a lake that looks like an ocean and have two major cities—Milwaukee and Chicago—almost next to each other with all the great things that come along with that. The entertainment, sports events, dining, and shopping are amazing in either city. With three major airports, it’s also easy to travel. Some of Dr. Moles' favorite places in Racine to eat are Sebastian’s, and The Waves. In Milwaukee there are so many great restaurants, but we got Dr. Moles to give us a few of his favorites, like Lake Park Bistro, Bacchus, Kil@wat and Three Brothers.

Our assistants love Joses Blue Sombrero in Racine. It is by far the best Mexican cuisine around. The wait there typically on the weekend can be very long—almost an hour at dinner time. They are very well known. The best place for shopping is taking a drive to the outlet mall in Pleasant Prairie, which is located in Kenosha. If you're looking for an even larger mall, Gurnee Mills Shopping Mall has over a mile of shopping. The mall is located on the border of Illinois and Kenosha.

But the best thing about where we live is the people. They are down to earth and genuine.

Do you have a favorite place or get-away in Wisconsin? We'd love to know all about it!

Some helpful Invisalign® tips, from Moles Orthodontics

We've blogged about the advantages of Invisalign treatment at Moles Orthodontics in the past, and today thought we'd share a few Invisalign tips with you, our great patients.

When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Moles and our team want you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Moles Orthodontics, please give us a call!

Enjoy your weekends!

Ask Dr. Moles: What does "One of the best in Milwaukee" mean to you?

This year our office was voted by other dentists into Milwaukee Magazine's top dentists and orthodontists. I actually heard the news from another dentist who called and congratulated me on winning the honor. It was a total surprise!

I had received the mailing and voted a few months earlier, but I had not given it another thought. To have been one of only a few doctors chosen for this honor is a bit like winning an Academy Award in dentistry! Like the Academy Awards it is only by the votes of other professionals that one gets this kind of award. Needless to say it was a wonderful feeling to have been so honored. I am very grateful for the wonderful associates and staff that I have, for without them I do not think this award would have been possible.

--Dr. Moles

The advantage of SureSmile® at Moles Orthodontics!

Does the thought of having braces bring you down? Dr. Moles and our team at Moles Orthodontics understand that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment.

But you’re in luck, because Dr. Moles specializes in SureSmile, high-tech braces that are revolutionizing the orthodontic industry. SureSmile, which combines digital 3-D imaging, has computer-aided treatment planning and customized archwires to straighten teeth about 40 percent faster than traditional braces.

There are three steps. First, Dr. Moles identifies the initial tooth position with the patented OraScanner, a wand with a tiny camera attached. The OraScanner creates a precise 3-D digital model of your mouth, which is then uploaded into software that lets Dr. Moles view your mouth and teeth from any angle. Next, the SureSmile system allows us to create your entire treatment plan prior to treatment, using special computer software to analyze the 3-D model of your mouth and develop a custom archwire treatment. Finally, SureSmile’s robotic technology bends Shape Memory Alloy archwires, which can “remember” your prescription.

Results

With SureSmile’s specially programmed archwires, your teeth move more directly into their intended positions. The result for our patients is shortened treatment time and a more comfortable experience in braces.

Once the braces are on it’s only a matter of time before they are taken off revealing beautiful, straight, healthy teeth. With traditional braces a patient is expected to schedule 18 to 20 office visits over two years. With SureSmile, patients average seven to 10 visits and can have their braces off within half the time!

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, and braces are on the horizon, give us a call today!

Happy New Year!