I walk to the beat of a different drummer.
Should I be like everyone else or should they all be like me? ALL-IN for the best YOU can be?
During my first decade of practice, I was heavily influenced by (but never bought into) the going philosophy:
“2 years of treatment equals done! No matter what…take the braces off”
I see this every day with transfers from around the corner to around the country. According to practice consultants, Orthodontists must maintain a 2-year turnaround time to be productive. Biology also dictates that most treatment can be finished within this time frame.
But, what is the definition of done?
Just today, a patient transferring in with braces was informed they had only two months left in treatment for an ideal finish. The orthodontist that had already finished two other family members wanted to remove the braces prior to the move to us. She insisted on achieving his 24-month goal.
After a comprehensive exam, the patient revealed some concerns previously dismissed elsewhere. With this newfound information, she’s also ALL-IN on finishing the MAO way: exhaust all options to maximize the patient’s natural beauty.
“Should I take braces off because the prom is coming up?” It’s a valid question. But, should you consider it simply because your 14 year old is yelling at you about it, or because I told you 2 years?
I chose to be an orthodontist for my benefit first. I actually never had braces before 2 years ago. In fact, I never even set foot in an orthodontist’s office prior to my own first office. More importantly, I had no clue what kind of money orthodontists make. It’s always been about looking at my work and saying, “WOW, I DID THAT. IT’S PERFECT!”
My patient’s ego comes second in this quest. I create goals according to your wishes, and then I get started on my path of immense personal satisfaction.
Take a look at my world. Ask my local high school friends, 15 years of patients in the area, my UNC dental school professors, Texas professors, dentists and doctors throughout Charlotte and Lake Norman (except for 2 that just don’t get it). You will repeatedly hear, “Marc does things his way. He keeps you in braces sometimes a long time. He is intense. But, he treated my kids and if anyone can fix it, Marc can.”
No two faces are the same and no list of problems is the same for every individual.
I am a fixer, not a Band-Aid. I love my job.
Remember what you hired me to do and what you originally wanted for yourself or your children: the best you could give them or yourself.
You deserve someone on your side, not just on the clock.
