Advanced Diagnostic System
Interactive Communications: IACT communication program is a multimedia presentation that uses graphics, animation and morphing to educate our patients during their initial exam. We have found combining a verbal message, with powerful visuals, provides an educational and effective understanding of orthodontic concepts and various modalities of treatment.
Orthotrac Imaging: lmaging uses the power of digital technology to capture facial, dental and radiographic images instantaneously. These images are immediately viewed during the initial exam appointment to visually enhance your understanding of you and your child’s individual orthodontic needs. Dr. Wendell further uses this technology during this appointment to accurately assess your orthodontic diagnosis and confirm a mode of treatment.
Digital Radiography: The major advantages of digital radiography over a traditional radiography are its ability to produce an x-ray picture instantaneously of extremely high quality utilizing less radiation for our patients.
Up-To-Date Sterilization System
When you visit our office, you can relax knowing that the safety of our patients is a primary concern. Our sterilization techniques and barrier controls are designed to meet and exceed all guidelines established by OSHA and the CDC. All instruments are pre-washed using a nonionic surfactant solution in a Dentronix ultrasonic prior to sterilization. This removes debris from instruments effectively promoting sterilization. Each instrument is heat sterilized using a Dentronix DDS 5000 between each patient.
State-of-the-art Appliance System
Esthetic Braces System: Radiance brackets developed by American Orthodontics and Ice brackets developed by Ormco are clear brackets that blend in with the teeth and are virtually invisible for our patients who are concerned about esthetics during their orthodontic treatment.
Self-ligating brackets: Our self-ligating system of choice is In-Ovation R and In-Ovation C from GAC. The unique Coballoy spring clip provides the mechanical lock base.
Invisalign®: Invisalign® straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It’s virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you’re straightening your teeth.
The Invisalign® System combines advanced 3-D computer graphics technology with 100-year-old science of orthodontics. Invisalign® aligners are designed to move your teeth in small steps to the desired final position prescribed by your orthodontist. Each aligner is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan. Your first step is to visit our office to determine if Invisalign® is right for you. After sending precise treatment instructions, Invisalign® uses advanced computer technology to translate these instructions in a sequence of finely calibrated aligners -- as few as 12 or as many as 48. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and only taken out to eat, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to move gradually -- week-by-week until the final alignment prescribed is attained. Then you'll be smiling like you never have before!
If you want to learn more about Invisalign® and how it works, please visit the Invisalign® Homepage.
To ensure the best possible results, only an orthodontist who has been trained and certified by Align Technology can diagnose and treat using Invisalign®. Invisalign® is not intended for children and is not appropriate for every adult. Only an orthodontist can determine if this treatment is an effective option for you. To see if Invisalign® can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted, call us at (757) 253-1200 to make an appointment.
Orthopedic Corrector: The Forsus System is worn in conjunction with braces to normalize growth discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws.
Temporary Anchorage Devices: Are you hesitant about receiving proper orthodontic treatment because you’re afraid of having to wear headgear? If so, Dr. Wendell can relieve your anxiety through his expertise in the placement of Temporary Anchorage Devices. Also known as TADs, Temporary Anchorage Devices can reduce or even eliminate your dependency on headgear by facilitating easier movement of your teeth into optimal position within the mouth. The best part about Temporary Anchorage Devices is that they can lead to better results and a shorter treatment time! For additional information about how Temporary Anchorage Devices can help you achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve, please speak to Dr. Wendell today.
State-of-the-art Adhesive Systems
Brackets: 3M Unitek Transbond Light cure adhesive is the fastest, most convenient and efficient method you can use to cement a bracket to a tooth. The adhesive requires a special light to harden the cement. A major advantage to this system, over chemical cure, is a virtually unlimited working time to preciseIy place each bracket on a tooth before the cement is set. Proper bracket placement is absolutely essential to achieving an ideal result.
Bands: Unitek Multi Care glass ionomer orthodontic band cement has demonstrated in clinical studies to be the best cement for retention of molar bands. The cement also has the ability to release fluoride for many months, which helps protect a tooth both around and underneath the tooth from decalcification.
Retention System:
Bonded Lower Retainer: The majority of relapse, which occurs after braces are removed, is usually across the lower front teeth. For the most part, it is due to patient’s poor use of the lower removable retainer. We take the cooperation out of having to wear a lower retainer by permanently bonding a lower wire to the back of the lower canines. They are invisible, comfortable to wear and easy to clean and floss.
Upper Removable Retainer: After your braces are taken off we will take an impression so the retainers can be made. The retainers are made in just a few days so your teeth will not shift. The retainers are clear and easy to wear. You must wear the retainer for 12 hours a night to keep your teeth in the correct position.
Hawley Retainer: We have a wide variety of colors and designs for our patient’s personal preference. A Hawley retainer is routinely used after Phase I treatment to allow growth. This type of retainer is also used following comprehensive treatment in certain situations. It may also be used to correct minor tooth relapse, should it occur.
Office Management Systems
HouseCalls: To better serve the needs of our patients, you will now be reminded of your next appointment by our new personalized appointment reminder system, HouseCalls. HouseCalls is a digital voice system that allows us to help you keep up with that busy schedule and to keep your orthodontic treatment on track! Please be sure to let our staff know if there is a change in your phone number.
Vox On Hold: To make your on-hold experience as pleasurable as possible, we offer Vox on Hold! In the event that we must place you on hold, you will enjoy listening to helpful information about the services we provide in addition to interesting biographical information about Dr. Wendell and our staff.
T-link: With the communication needs of our practice growing more complex each day, we want to provide efficient and effective ways to stay better connected with our patients. We offer T Link, a web based inquiry solution that allows patients to check appointment times and account balances online! T Link is the most comprehensive online communication tool available allowing you to conveniently retrieve information regarding your account from the convenience of your home, 24 hours a day. This is just one of the ways Dr. Wendell and his staff strive to make your entire experience with us as pleasant and convenient as possible.
Patient sign in: When you arrive at the office you will sign in the computer at the front desk.
Our office is fun!
T-shirts: We have a reward system for great brushing and you can earn a t-shirt from our wide variety of designs.
Contest: Our office regularly holds contest throughout the year. Our prizes include movie rentals, Target cards, T-shirts, itunes cards, ipod nano, $150.00 gift certificates to Bike Beat, Outlet mall and Busch Gardens/Water Country passes.
Video Game Room: We have a wide variety of games including, DigDug, Donkey Kong, Frogger, Galaxian, Pac Man, Liberator, Mappy, Mario Bros. Pengo, Pheonix, Space Invaders, and Turbo Out Run Racing. We also have a variety of children’s books and magazines.
Coffee Center: Coffee and freshly baked cookies.
Staff: We take great pride in creating a dynamic and friendly atmosphere and we guarantee your experience with our staff will truly be a positive one.