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  • Review from Jessica L.

    Photo of Jessica L.

    Edmonton, AB

    5.0 star rating
    9/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here ROTD 11/19/2011

    For me, braces bring up childhood memories of old friends with green and blue elastics on their teeth, unable to chew gum, and frequently on a "soft foods" diet.  They bring up memories of awkward first kisses, children's Tylenol, and mouthfuls of metal.  Ahhhh.....junior high.......is NOT what you want to be remembering when YOU are 27 and told you have to get braces for the SECOND time.  

    Thank the universe for Callingwood Orthodontics!  I shopped the Orthodontics scene in Edmonton after being told I would require at least 3 years to add to my already two years of painful braces, plus jaw surgery.  Unwilling to accept that this was the only way, I made my way to many (5 in total) Dr's. in Edmonton, gaining opinions and knowledge and examining types of braces and technology.  I was unsatisfied with my search in finding the perfect orthodontist who didn't want to just cut my face open, until I found Dr. Puszczak.  This man saved my (social) life and presented me with three treatment plans that were possible in gradual steps and the option to choose as I pleased.  Yes, one option was 3 years of braces and invasive jaw surgery, but the other two were much less invasive, much less time, and worth a shot too.  

    I got my "adult" braces on on July 6, 2010.  This is a day I will never forget!  I had agreed to a set of "clear" braces (not Invisalign.....actual brackets), which is what I had the last time I had braces.  The brackets were placed in one easy movement thanks to a custom made mold that prevented the good Dr. from having to place each bracket individually, and prevented me from having to sit through that.   The brackets themselves are not that bulky and require no elastics to hold the wire in place (this is important if you like to eat a lot of colorful foods like tea and chicken noodle soup!).  Cosmetically it could be a LOT worse as well.  I have had a couple people not even notice the braces for a couple weeks of regular (although a slight distance away) interaction, and on quick glance they are not noticeable.  

    My appointments have been every 6-8 weeks which is also much nicer than the once a month visits I was used to the first time around.  I also find the discomfort after each appointment tolerable as these braces are designed to apply lighter force throughout the time between appointments instead of a can't-chew-anything-not-even-a-smoothy whammy of force with each appointment.  Overall, this has been a fairly comfortable experience, all things considered.  

    I really enjoy the vibe of this practice most of all.  Dr. P. is always upbeat, professional, and explains things to me on an adult level and with respect to my medical training.  One of my biggest pet peeves with some of the other Orthodontists I saw in town was being spoken to like another 10 year old patient with no understanding of the body or physics or physiology, even after I told them I was a two time graduate from University and working as a nurse.  The staff at Callingwood are also very professional, fast, and fun.  Before I got my braces on, I received a large bag of goodies of things I wouldn't be able to eat during treatment (sticky, crunchy, wonderful things that I still may cheat on VERY carefully once in a while!).  I thought this was a great touch!  You also get to ring a gong when your braces come off and have your picture go up on a wall.  A little silly perhaps, but I am actually really looking forward to ringing that gong one day, and hopefully getting another bag full of things I can eat again without having to worry about ripping a bracket off.  

    I can't say enough good about this place.  They are taking me through what is at times a very frustrating experience (my wedding is on hold due to not wanting to have wedding pictures full of braces.....yes....I am that vain) and making it as enjoyable as possible.  I also very much appreciated the options that were presented to me, as I believe you have to be the director of your own health care, especially with private services like orthodontics.  I know how intimidating it can be being told you need all this work, but if this is you or someone you know, ASK QUESTIONS, feel free to shop around, get different opinions and educate yourself.  Its YOUR body, and something like orthodontics is potentially going to take a lot of YOUR money, YOUR time, and cause some pain for YOU.  Dr. P and his practice respects this on all levels and they do their very best to still provide the best work and service while working with your life.

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