Dentistry, in particular orthodontia, are not words usually synonymous with "pleasantry"! I cannot think of too many people who look forward to going to the dentist, myself included and probably because we associate it with discomfort or bone-chilling noises or incredibly large bills!
Having worn braces in my youth, for many years, I had memories of the ugly metal, painful wires and rubberbands. Obviously they were not particularly pleasant memories! Unfortunately, like many people, I did not wear my retainers and after almost thirty years my teeth had shifted significantly. My smile was not something I was comfortable with, even though I did a lot of it. I had thought about doing something about it for several years, researching Invisalign and traditional braces, but it was just too much of a commitment and quite frankly too expensive for me. I had pretty much resigned myself to the "not-so-perfect" smile.
Enter Dr. Debi Strand. Dr. Strand regularly attended the networking breakfast that I host. After several months (she didn't push, I approached her), she and I spoke about my teeth and my concerns and she invited me to her office for a complimentary consultation. The first thing I noticed was that her office (and it almost feels like "office" is not the appropriate word to use) had the same feeling as entering a spa. It was warm and inviting and the most impressive feature was the single chair in a single treatment room. I have been in several dentist/orthodontist offices in Naples where there are multiple chairs in one large room, lacking any sort of privacy. But here, in Dr. Strand's office, not only do you have privacy, you have the complete focus of Dr. Strand with no distractions.
After my consultation I decided immediately to go with Six Month Smiles, even though she told me to take my time and talk it over with my husband! I knew that this was the right choice for me and Dr. Strand was the right dentist. Braces and wire that are tooth colored and only a few months of wearing them ... what could there be to talk about?? So the next visit, they were on and truly with only minimal pain the first couple of days. The best part ... no one even noticed I had braces unless I told them!
I read another review which said "she looked forward to their chats" and that is so true! Dr. Debi becomes more than just your dentist, she becomes your friend. So while you are in the chair staring up at the beautiful stained glass on the ceiling you forget that you are having wires tightened and you really feel like you are hanging out with a girlfriend. (although, most girlfriends don't tend to stick their hands in your mouth!)
Less than three months I walked in her office for the final time with braces. I was completely amazed at the beautiful smile Dr. Debi had given me. She is truly an artist creating a smile that you cannot wait to show off. But, most importantly, she gives you back your confidence because I can tell you from experience, when you are uncomfortable with the way your teeth look you feel self-conscious every time you smile... in pictures, in person. That has all ended now and I will smile every chance I get knowing that my smile is now the smile I was meant to have! read more
