Hechler Orthodontics

Get A Beautiful Smile with Invisalign!

2012-02-07T10:19:00.000-06:00

The Confidence of a Beautiful Smile!

2011-11-03T11:23:00.000-05:00

When you first meet someone (and it is a pleasant encounter) what is your first action? In almost every instance it is a smile. Oh sure, you look at the colors of their clothing or the style of their hair but it is the mouth to which the eye is directed. It actually feels a bit weird to stare into someone’s eyes as you talk to them and it is the motion of the mouth and the display of the teeth that you watch as the conversation progresses.

Constructing a beautiful smile is what makes me feel like an artist even though I can’t paint worth a hoot! Interestingly I can see how the finished smile will appear even before I start moving the teeth. I get more excited than patients expect at their initial consultation because of this final image in my mind. Significant changes in patients’ lives can occur with the reconstruction of protrusive front teeth or closing of large spaces that were thought to be permanent until they made their orthodontic appointment with us.

When I return from a vacation I cannot wait until my first day at work comes around! It is this life changing occupation that keeps me excited about what we do here at Hechler Orthodontics. Knowing that a young boy or girl may experience less embarrassment from peer pressure over their lifetime due to our aesthetic changes makes every day so fulfilling. When an adult patient experiences a dramatic change in their acceptance during conversations that aren’t diverted to unsightly teeth, their desire to be in a crowd changes immensely.

I can only hope you find or have found an occupation that gives you as much pleasure and fulfillment in your lives as I have in mine. If you are a student and would ever like to talk about your future as an orthodontist please feel free to let me know.

Dr. Hechler

How Does One Become An Orthodontist?

2011-05-31T08:25:00.000-05:00

I get asked the question above quite frequently. Since I love every minute of my job (sometimes a little too much!), discussing this with me may turn into a longer conversation than you bargained for. Let's try to get a feel for what is involved in becoming a specialist in orthodontics.

Since dentistry is quite a competitive field to enter, your grades are very important. High school grades are looked at somewhat by your future dental school but it is the grades you earn in college that are most important to being accepted into a fine school of dentistry. As we all know, good grades are hard to obtain in any class but especially in the more difficult prerequisites that are necessary for your dental school application. Biology, chemistry, calculus, physics, anatomy and physiology are some of the courses required at most dental schools. These classes can turn you into the roommate that has to hit the books Monday nights instead of watching Monday Night Football on ESPN.

You usually apply for dental school during your fourth year in college after taking the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) previous to that. This test is equivalent to the MCAT necessary for admission to medical school. The admission committees usually look not only at your grades and DAT score but also what other extracurricular activities you were involved in. Working and volunteering in dental offices is important so that you have a knowledge of the dental profession. The personal interview also helps to distinguish you from other "would be dentists".

Once you start dental school the grades there continue to be of prime importance. Now you are taking the same classes as most other students that will be competing against you for the orthodontic school positions available after finishing your four year dental training. Those accepted into an orthodontic residency tend to be in the very top of their dental class. Many of them have also built up a rather student loan amount which may continue to rise the added cost of the orthodontic training.

Most orthodontic training programs now require form 30 to 36 months after completing four years of dental school. However, this is where the fun starts because you have finally made it to the instruction for which you have been yearning (for the last 8 years of college!). My orthodontic residency at Mayo Clinic was for 36 continuous months with no breaks other than the holidays themselves.

College was fun, dental school was interesting and challenging while orthodontic "school" was the most intellectual fun I have ever had. I would not change a thing about the whole process and am truly thankful for every day I have spent in the orthodontic profession.

Why did I become an Orthodontist?

2011-02-14T16:51:00.000-06:00

Many patients and parents ask me what led to my choosing orthodontics as an occupation. They are also curious to know when I first felt that this may be "what I wanted to be when I grew up."

Unlike most young people, I knew the major I wanted to pursue in college before graduating high school. Science and math always interested me in school so a biology major was a "no brainer" for me. It was an easy major in which to obtain the necessary prerequisites for dental school as well. Four years of dental school at UMKC followed college and then off to Mayo Clinic to spend three years in my orthodontic residency.

I had braces as a twelve year old boy and always found it to be a pleasant experience. Dr. McRobert was a kind and caring man while his staff made my visits fun and USUALLY not to painful. Only once did I hear someone crying in his office during the two years that I made monthly visits. At that appointment I commented to him that, up to that day, I had never heard anyone crying in his office. His reply was, "Me neither". He never spoke of emergency appointments after hours and it seemed to be a dependable 8:00 to 5:00 job.

I thought what is not to like about this occupation! You could express your creative side by supplying beautiful smiles while working in the health care field. Everyone in the office smiled while they were working and appeared as some of the most pleasant and attractive people I had ever experienced as a pre-teen.

So it was while undergoing orthodontic treatment that I made the life directing decision to pursue a future in orthodontics. This was a from the career path that I was considering at the time which was becoming a church pastor. I think both professions have benefited from that change in direction!

In next month's blog I'll spell out the educational requirements of becoming an orthodontic specialist for any of you that may be interested in the profession.

Dr. Hechler

What's new on the horizon at Hechler Orthodontics?

2010-06-17T14:15:00.003-05:00

The old saying goes that is you don't keep moving ahead you get passed up by the crowd. We feel nothing could be more true when it comes to orthodontic treatment! In order to keep on top of new research and technology in orthodontic treatment we are constantly striving to add new techniques to your treatment.

We are currently evaluating new ceramic (clear) braces. Our goal is to offer excellent tooth alignment with unmatched esthetics. We would love for no one to know you are sporting braces during your treatment if that is your goal. Just tell everyone we were your orthodontic office when you are finished as they won't know you had the "hardware" during your treatment. The newest of these "invisible" braces require little or no elastic ties (since these can stain with coffee, tea, wine, and mustard). In some instances these braces speed up your treatment while requiring you to have appointments that are further apart.

I was involved in the development of one of the new "invisible" braces from Ormco Corporation who is the world's largest supplier of orthodontic products. I think this will be a real "winner" for orthodontics around the world. It is still hard to believe that machines can make such small, complicated devises that are expected to remain clear and weather the forces of eating while moving teeth!

In the next blog we'll go over the possibility of obtaining models of your teeth without impressions. Wow, no more of that gushy stuff in your mouth as you begin orthodontic treatment! Check back with us in a month!

Have a great summer!
Dr. H

Brushing for a Cause!

2010-05-19T13:58:00.001-05:00

Hello from Washington DC!!

2010-05-05T09:20:00.000-05:00

I'm in our nation's capital Washington DC for the American Association of Orthodontics annual meeting. What an inspiration to see all of the wonderful buildings of such a beautiful city. The monuments you grew up seeing on television and studying about in school are just a glance away. One gets an overwhelming sense of patriotism as well as a real respect for all that our forefathers went through in order to supply our current freedom.

The reason for my trip is to participate in the activities of the annual conference that our American Association of Orthodontics puts on each year. Orthodontists from around the nation and the world come here to learn about the latest advances in orthodontic research. We get a chance to see and get caught up with our colleagues from far and wide. On the trip I had the pleasure of again seeing of my orthodontic friends from Tokyo, Japan. We met many years ago at a study club meeting and have corresponded since. We have even referred patients to each other who may have relocated to our respective cities. The world is truly getting smaller every day!

I have added knowledge by attending lectures given by those in research and educational positions and by simply carrying on conversations with some of my respected practicing orthodontist friends. Heck, I am even picking up some more exciting ideas we can use in our office to make the orthodontic experience more fun for those of you in treatment! Last night I discussed what we can do to enhance our Facebook presence on the web. Cool!

I will be returning to Kansas on Wednesday and back in the office on Thursday to see if some of the new ideas I have discovered can be put to use. I look forward to seeing all of you soon and please take the opportunity to visit Washington DC whenever possible. Parents don't wait until it is too late to take the kids to visit where our democracy all began.

Dr. H

Introducing: Shana

2010-03-31T09:29:00.000-05:00

Shana loves the art of dentistry and is our wonderful laboratory technician. She has over 7 years of dental experience and enjoys working along with her "ortho family". Shana's passions include anything artsy, investing time and love into her children and being intentional with her health and well being.

Introducing: Tiffanie

2010-02-25T10:19:00.000-06:00

Tiffanie loves taking impressions!! She has been in the dental field for over 6 years and just celebrated her 3 year anniversary working for Hechler Orthodontics! Tiffanie assists Dr. Hechler chair side with patients and she is also our part time lab technician. Tiffanie enjoys getting to know our patients and helping to give them a smile to be proud of! She loves spending time with her fiance Josh, traveling, photography, and rocking out to Beatles Rock Band!

Can I use Invisalign instead of Braces?

2010-02-03T13:41:00.001-06:00

This is a very common question in our office. Our goal is to use the type of orthodontic appliance our patients request. If you want to utilize Invisalign, we are always excited to help you with this. Many cases respond quite well to the Invisalign method when it is properly set up by an orthodontic specialist.

Alignment (straightening) of crooked teeth and closing of spaces between teeth respond wonderfully to Invisalign trays. We would love to show you a book displaying some of our many finished cases. The results are amazing.
Changes to the bite are more challenging in some patients and Invisalign may not be the best choice. We will always let you know what bite changes to expect if you choose Invisalign. Some children are better suited for braces because the parents think they will not be able to wear the Invisalign trays full time. Loss of the trays is a concern some parents may have as well.
Dr. Hechler is always happy to discuss any treatment options that are available to you. Our goal is to leave you with the most beautiful smile and functional bite possible. Keep smiling!!

Introducing: Shona

2010-02-01T11:48:00.002-06:00

Dr. Hechler calls Shona our "office Girl Friday!" Shona loves the diversity of her job, making patients smile and working along with great co-workers. She has been assisting Dr. Hechler for almost five years. Shona's favorite activities outside Hechler Orthodontics include decorating, baking, painting, traveling, spending time with her nephew Hunter, and relaxing at home with her husband Jason and dog Melmyn.

Introducing: Jan

2010-01-14T15:53:00.000-06:00

Jan is our multi-faceted treatment coordinator. Jan assists Dr. Hechler introducing new patients to our office explaining treatment as well as assisting in brace removals once treatment is complete. Jan has 11 years of dental experience. She loves the variety her job has as Jan also represents Hechler Orthodontics i...n marketing presentations, educational lunches, and referring offices. Sitting by the fire with her husband or attending KU football games with her KU daughters are some of her favorite leisure activities.

Happy Holidays!!

2009-12-10T10:37:00.003-06:00

Wow, it is that time of year again, the time when every minute of the day is “booked” with holiday chores. There are gifts to buy, cookies to bake, cards to send, and parties to attend. Sometimes it is easy to forget what the spirit of the holidays is all about. I am so proud of the many families that have brought in food for the Harvesters food pantry. Some of our needed friends will have more to eat this season due to your generosity.

The staff at Hechler Orthodontics warms my heart as well. We have “adopted” three red bag children this year. The gifts we purchase for them may be the only ones they receive this year. The staff members all go out shopping for just the right size pair of shoes, perfect coat or even a toy the child has requested. All of these items go into a large red bag that Judy hauls to the collection point. I think we get more out of the experience than the kids do.

I hope all of you have a joyous holiday season full of family fun and blessed memories.

Dr. Hechler

Introducing: Shannon

2009-12-02T11:11:00.000-06:00

Shannon is our number one Texas fan in the office! Meeting new people, making patients smile, and working with great friends are her favorite parts of her job. Shannon has been working in the dental field for 12 yrs. and has been assisting Dr. Hechler with orthodontic procedures for the past 4 1/2 yrs. She and her husband enjoy vacationing in Texas and Mexico. They have 2 playful dogs and are looking forward to the birth of their first baby in the springtime.

November Headline: Halloween Candy Exchange!

2009-11-19T08:12:00.003-06:00

On November 2nd, we held a candy exchange in our office. This allowed families in the community to bring the excess Halloween candy that they had collected a couple of days before and leave it in our office to be sent to the troops. A giant card was made and each child signed their name. The card was then sent to the troops along with the candy. Two hundred forty-two families presented us with over 950 pounds of candy! This was the most candy collected at any of the three candy exchange sites in Kansas City!

The event not only collected candy for the troops but money was donated to the Smiles Change Lives Program. Smiles Change Lives is a non-profit organization that provides orthodontic treatment to kids from low-income families in the community. We treat some of the Smiles Change Lives children of Kansas City in our practice. It is always a joy to see their smiles transformed along with their personalities. You can learn more about this program at http://www.smileschangelives.org/.

This is the 2nd year that we have participated in the candy exchange with amazing success. We have had some fantastic testimonials. We are honored to be able to participate in such a wonderful program with such wonderful children.

We also gave away prizes and fun children’s items to all who participated. We had a raffle drawing for 2 AMC movie passes and an AMC gift card. Congratulations to Ben and Connor, the winners of the drawing! Thank you to all who participated. It was a great success!

Dr. Hechler

Halloween Candy Exchange!

2009-11-05T08:32:00.000-06:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Thanks to all who helped participate in our annual candy exchange. With your help we collected over 950 pounds of candy for our troops!

Introducing: Laura

2009-10-29T11:48:00.004-05:00

Laura has been an Administrative Coordinator for Dr. Hechler for more than 6 years now. She loves the fun and laughter she has with the staff and Dr. Hechler and especially enjoys making new friends with all of the great patients and families of Hechler Orthodontics.
Laura is married and has 2 sons who attend KU and a 3rd son who is a high school junior. When not working, their family's favorite activities are spending time at the lake and skiing in the winter.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-29T11:00:00.000-05:00

Halloween Fun at the Office!!

October Headline - What's new in orthodontics?

2009-10-13T11:25:00.003-05:00

In September, I attended a seminar that gave me the opportunity to supply input regarding future developments in orthodontics. Being a member of the advisory committee for the largest orthodontic manufacturing company in the world, Ormco, I am able to discuss and participate in some of the new technologies on the horizon in orthodontics.

At our meeting we discussed such things as optical scanners allowing the orthodontist to no longer need impressions. This technology is upon us at the current time; however, some of the scanners are very large and slow. Our hope is that by sizing down the scanners, they can easily be used in the orthodontic office while being comfortable for the patient. Speeding up the process is also one of our goals.

We discussed a new venture between Invisalign and Ormco that may allow for a cooperative treatment of braces with Invisalign treatment in order to treat cases that were inappropriate for Invisalign only in the past. Other orthodontic products evaluated were clear wires with use with ceramic brackets and a new generation of clear braces.

These meeting are always enlightening and entertaining. It’s nice to be able to participate in some of the new treatments and technology in orthodontics before they hit the mainstream market. Just being able to hang out for four days with some of the top orthodontists in the world at these meetings gives me renewed excitement to practice orthodontics in Overland Park.

Dr.Hechler

Introducing: Brandi

2009-09-30T10:35:00.000-05:00

Brandi loves getting to know her patients and helping them succeed in achieving a more beautiful smile. She has almost 6 years in the dental field and has been assisting Dr. Hechler for the past 5 years. Brandi says her job is even more gratifying because she works with such great co-workers. When not at work, Brandi enjoys spending time with her wonderful husband and 3 beautiful children and their favorite activity is traveling to Las Vegas to enjoy extended family there!

2009-09-29T12:31:00.002-05:00

Turkey Time!!

2009-09-29T11:25:00.003-05:00

It's time for our annual "What are you thankful for?" contest! At your next appointment tell us what you are thankful for and your name will be put into a drawing for a Tippin's Pumpkin Pie...just in time for Thanksgiving!

CPR Training!

2009-09-29T11:20:00.000-05:00

Our staff recently participated in CPR training.

We are all CPR certified!

Introducing Julie!!

2009-09-29T09:54:00.002-05:00

Julie loves making patients feel right at home! She has 32 yrs. experience in orthodontics and has been assisting Dr. Hechler as a Treatment Coordinator explaining treatment to new patients for the past 7+ years. Julie's other passions include her husband, her granddaughter, and cheering for her 3 college age sons at soccer and football games. She enjoys playing tennis and spending time working in the yard when not being interrupted by her yellow Lab "Marley" who wants to play fetch!

Halloween Candy Exchange!

2009-09-29T09:48:00.002-05:00

It's Our Annual Halloween Candy Exchange!

This Halloween donate your candy to be sent overseas. Dr. Hechler will be donating money to Smiles Change Lives for every pound that is collected. Prizes given to those who participate! Please do your part to help.

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

12800 Metcalf Ave. Suite#1

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Facebook Fans!

2009-09-29T09:43:00.001-05:00

Become a FAN of Hechler Orthodontics on Facebook!

Check us out monthly to see our cool new contests!