How To Guide 2022

Page 16

HOW-TO... 16 - Wednesday, July 27, 2022 - Say You Saw It In “The Shopping News”

Choose an Orthodontist Visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and fillings is just one aspect of maintaining healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. Many people also require alignment of their teeth and jaws, this requires the specialty of orthodontics. When most people think of orthodontics they most likely think of braces. But braces are just one option used by these dental specialists trained in straightening and aligning the teeth, bite and jaws. They use braces, aligners, and other appliances, orthopedic alignment correctors such as MARA, Herbst, Forsus etc. These processes take time, but the result of their treatment will be a healthier bite and a more attractive smile! If you think an orthodontist could help improve your bite and smile, here are some tips for finding a good one. Service Quality orthodontists per­ form most of the work with a highly trained staff. The best orthodontists see you as a valued patient and treat you as an individual. You also need a doctor who can communicate well, listen to questions and answer them clearly. Orthodontic technicians are part of the treatment team, so it is wise to form good relationships with

them. They have undergone rigorous training, and will contribute during all phases of treatment. Look for an orthodontist who knows the value of time. You should not have to wait a long time in the waiting room. The waiting area should be comforting and soothing. Focus on how the staff treats you and others. As children represent a large portion of patients for orthodontists, watch their reactions closely. If they seem relaxed and comfortable, then you are in the right place. You may also experience some anxiety while receiving treatment. That is expected. It is how this professional treats you, and the environment around you that will make a difference. Because treatment takes time, you should develop a good rapport with your orthodontist. Technology Ask each prospective orthodontist about the technologies they use. There are several systems, each quite different one from the other. Each professional should explain the trade-offs between systems. Each has advantages and disadvan­ tages. Have the orthodontist explain why he or she prefers one over the other.

Clear Aligners Clear aligners are a very common choice for people who care about their appearance. Adults, professionals, and children can receive treatment without having it hinder their appearance. Orthodontists will also have suggestions on which modality might work best for your situation. If you are interested in these treatment modalities, ask your orthodontist why he or she uses a particular type. It will guide your choice in which system you choose. Orthodontists have at least 6-7 years of education after college. There is not just emphasis on tooth movement, but bone movement and development as well. Therefore the specialty is now referred to as Orthodontics and Dentofacial orthopedics. Early treatment is encouraged to improve boney relationships while the young patient is pliable and growth can be directed to improve occlusion and space needed for the secondary teeth. Orthodontic treatment is a significant investment. The right mix of education, certification, experience and personality should make all the work worthwhile in the end.

Benjamin F.D. Chikes, D.D.S., P.C. Family Owned Practice For Over

Experienced Orthodontic Care For The Whole Family

30 Years!

Shown in photo (L-R): Tracy, Tammy, Danielle, Dr. Chikes, Jen and Jill.

We invite you to visit us at Chikes Orthodontics for a complimentary orthodontic consultation!

717-738-4901

150 West Fulton St., Ephrata, PA 17522 900-A Centerville Rd. Lancaster, PA 17601

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201 N. Carpenter St. Schaefferstown, PA 17088

ChikesOrthodontics.com “Imagine Your Very Best Smile”

Choose a Lawn Mower Repair Company

Serving the Professional and the Homeowner

Our service department is the place you can confidently bring your mowers and other equipment for quick and competent repair work. As a one-stop repair shop, we work on most brands of small engines and equipment.

27 W. Mohler Church Rd., Suite 1 Ephrata, PA 17522

717-733-3015 martinsrepairshop.com

Lawn mower maintenance and repair is often overlooked. You may find yourself pulling your mower out of the garage to trim an overgrown yard, but it won’t start. Small issues are possible to fix on your own, but you may be doing more harm than good. Depending on the age of the mower and condition, you may think replacement is the best option. However, using the tips below, you can hopefully find a lawn mower repair company that checks all your boxes and repairs your mower in a fast, affordable and reliable manner. Timing Some companies will be more backed up than others, meaning if you need your mower repaired quickly, you should convey this to the repair shop or ask how fast they can get you in. If you happen to catch your local repair shop during the busy season, your mower could sit around for weeks before they get to it. Additionally, the majority of people that require maintenance on their mowers discover the problem in the spring, when they start cutting the grass. This creates backlog and local repair shops are working with lots of customers at once. To avoid this, you can test your mower on a regular basis prior to the start of the busy season. If you notice any damage or issues, you can get an appointment or service before they start getting busy.

Pricing With the increase in prices, repairing your mower might be a better option than replacement. Most businesses will provide a free estimate for the repair work, but be aware of other diagnostic fees. Riding mowers can be much more complex to repair than just a standard push mower. Some companies will send your mower elsewhere to be repaired, while others will do the work on-site. Off-site repairs usually cost more, due to the shipping or transportation of the equipment. If price is your main concern, ask the business what their labor rate is or about any extra fees they charge, to make sure there are no surprises. Before taking your mower for repair, be sure to look over your warranty, as it may be able to cover several different repairs, making repair much more cost-effective than replacement. Services & Qualifications Whether you need a new spark plug, ignition switch, filter, or even a new battery, most repair shops can assist you in getting your mower back up and running. Reaching out to a lawn mower repair service does not necessarily have to be about damages or problems with your mower. Most of these companies also provide tune-up and maintenance services, allowing your

equipment to operate smoothly and prevent further damage. Some companies will offer a guarantee on the work performed by their technicians or an overall satisfaction guarantee. This means that if you are not satisfied with the work or your lawn mower is still experiencing issues following repair, you are able to bring the mower back to be reassessed. Keep in mind that every business differs in how they handle scheduling, pricing, and services. Most repair shops can handle a standard push mower with basic features; however, as the mower gets newer or more complex, the knowledge required to work on it or repair it also increases. Mowers are not cheap pieces of equipment; therefore, it is important that qualified individuals are working on it. Ask your repair shop if they have the materials or expertise to work on certain brands or types of mowers. It is always a good idea to ask about a business’s licensure and general liability insurance. In regards to customer service, you want to make sure the business knows what they are talking about and provides honest opinions. Ask about steps you can take at home to help maintain your mower, such as changing the oil or filters and emptying the gas tank before winter.


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