5 minute read
Westside Orthodontics
Twenty Years of Creating Beautiful Smiles
Sometimes people know their calling from an early age. Dr. Colleen Adams, the owner of Dunbar’s Westside Orthodontics, developed an interest in dentistry from her mother, Dr. Cathy McGregor, who recently retired from the profession.
Dr. Adams says, “I always liked the sciences and biology, and helping people to be more healthy and happy is a huge bonus.”
After graduating from the University of British Columbia’s dental school, Dr. Adams practised general dentistry alongside her mother for a few years. Then she returned to school to further her studies and completed a Master’s Degree in Orthodontics at the University of Alberta.
The practice started in 2001 on the upper floor of Arbutus Village Mall and shifted to Dunbar in 2012. Dr. Adams was thrilled to relocate to this vibrant community.
She works alongside her new associate Dr. Travis Gibson who attended the University of British Columbia for both his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and his Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees. After graduating, Dr. Gibson practised as a general dentist in northern B.C. Subsequently, he returned to UBC to obtain his Master of Science in Craniofacial Science and Diploma in Orthodontics.
Dr. Travis Gibson
The Westside Orthodontics team uses various forms of braces and other dental appliances to align teeth to improve bites and smiles. They also work with general dentists and other dental specialists to coordinate treatments.
Dr. Adams mentions, “Invisalign has opened up many more adults to the idea of straightening their teeth. Our oldest patient was in her 80s.”
There are a number of interesting orthodontic advances taking place. Dr. Adams explains, “Invisalign is evolving and has become a valuable new method to move teeth. It is very good for correcting many types of problems and patients find it easy to adapt to. There are also little mini implant anchors that we can use to control and design movements of the teeth that were not possible without surgery just a few years ago.”
New state of the art equipment includes a scanning machine that makes 3D models of teeth so Dr. Adams and Dr. Gibson no longer need to take impressions with gooey putty. They can use the scans with the latest software to show the transformation of the teeth into an ideal alignment on the screen in just a few minutes. A new 3D printer allows them to make retainers and mouthguards in the office. Dr. Adams says, “This was really useful during the COVID-19 lockdown; we could help our patients by making retainers and set them outside for pickup.”
Choosing between metal, clear and lingual braces is mainly an aesthetic choice. Each has its advantages and disadvantages but the way the teeth move is similar to all of the fixed braces. Invisalign is a different way of moving teeth.
The length of the treatment depends on which teeth need to move and how far they need to move. Some cases may be as fast as six months while others may require three to four years.
In addition to braces, Westside Orthodontics makes colourful custom-fitted mouthguards, which are popular with local athletes from baseball to martial arts, rugby, and football.
Working towards a reward can be a good motivator. Westside Orthodontics’ Smile Club rewards patients with points based on how well they clean their teeth, look after their appliances and wear their elastics. Points are then redeemed for gift cards.
Dr. Adams is extremely grateful for the clinic’s hard-working staff. She says, “The team works very closely with our patients. It is a group effort and many of our patients look forward to chatting with their favourite assistant. We see patients often throughout their treatment and they become good friends. Our team is the heart of the practice; they make the office the fun and friendly place that it is. They make it the best place to work.”
“It is fabulous to see personalities shine through as the treatment unfolds. That is probably the most rewarding part of my work, but the geek in me also loves designing and developing the plans for each case. Looking at the objectives and then figuring out how the appliances need to work for the magic to happen is like a little puzzle for each person! It never stops amazing me that we can move teeth through the bones into alignment. The capacity of our bodies to adapt and change is really sometimes like magic, slow magic, but still quite amazing. It is very cool to share this experience with our patients,” Dr. Adams says.
As for her thoughts on this community and what makes it special, Dr. Adams says, “The people are the best. We have so many wonderful families and individuals in Dunbar. They are engaging and interesting; there are all sorts of people in this neighbourhood but all are kind and involved.”
Dr. Adams is a long-standing board member of the Dunbar Village Business Association. She appreciates the support the DVBA lends to promoting local businesses and making the area a great place to live through street beautification, and organizing events to connect residents and businesses.
Westside Orthodontics sponsors a Dunbar Little League team each year. They enjoy supporting kids’ sports teams as games bring people out to watch kids play and in the process they get to know each other.
Each December the clinic chooses a particular charity to donate to such as the Union Gospel Mission, B.C. Children’s Hospital or Ronald McDonald House.
As with all businesses, the pandemic has caused Westside Orthodontics to make adjustments to the way it operates. This includes taking temperatures upon arrival, filling out screening forms, and ensuring the staff is protected with extra heavy masks and face shields. The number of patients and staff allowed in the office has been reduced.
Dr. Adams points out a small perk to wearing face masks; some patients are thrilled with the timing because no one can see they are having their teeth corrected! What a surprise it will be when they unveil their beautiful new smile.
Westside Orthodontics 3619 W 18th Avenue Vancouver BC V6S 1B2 Telephone 604-736-5705 www.westsidesmiles.ca
