Answers to Your Orthodontic Questions from Dr. Williams and His Team!
How long has Dr. Williams been an orthodontist?
Dr. Wade Williams has six partners that began The Woodlands Dental Group in 1976. Dr. Williams has been practicing orthodontics for eight years. He began his practice in The Woodlands, TX in 2008, purchasing the practice of Dr. Ron Rogers who had served The Woodlands for more than thirty years!
Dr. Williams completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Loma Linda University in California. Then, he was accepted into the orthodontic residency program at Loma Linda University where he earned his Master of Science Degree and Specialty Certificate on Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
What sets your practice apart from others?
Other than having the best team and orthodontist around, we offer a lot to our patient family!
- Location: Our office is located in a prime spot, easy in and out to interstate and surrounding areas!
- Complimentary consultations, with pictures included in the visit!
- Highly advanced technology, like our iTero Digital 3D scanner that captures digital impressions without clay!
- Invisalign-recognized orthodontist: Premier Preferred Provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen
- Convenient financial services: Most insurance accepted, and flexible financing options are a given!
- Schedule: Convenient hours in the early morning and late evening to see adult, teen and child patients!
What Does Dr. Williams love most about working with patients?
Dr. Williams enjoys getting to know each patient and giving them a smile that can improve confidence and self esteem. He believes in treating people the way he would like to be treated - with respect, courtesy and a full explanation of proposed treatment. Even if you don't think your question is a good one, Dr. Williamsn will gladly go through all aspects of treatment, large to small.
What kind of office environment does Dr. Williams and his team create?
Dr. Williams and his team run a fun and easy-going office! The team here always prioritize having upbeat and positive attitudes, sharing a lot of smiles, laughs and interaction with patients. From your first phone call to our office to your final day of orthodontic treatment, you will recognize a professional, courteous, helpful and knowledgeable staff that takes much pride in the office - and especially Dr. Williams' amazing results! The team at Dr. Williams' office take a special interest in every patient and acknowledge them as they arrive for each appointment. If you have a birthday coming up, expect a lot of birthday wishes!
What sorts of fun activities do you have in the office?
At Dr. Williams' office, we have regular contests and weekly drawings for patients who have practiced good hygiene. Who knows, you could be our next winner!
We maintain an active presence on social media (find us on Facebook and Instagram!) and always encourage patient participation! If you had a good experience, want to share any photos of your beautiful smiles, or even want to check in while you're at the office, we love to see it!
Our waiting area is equipped with a lot of fun activities and a game room to keep you entertained until your visit. Patients, siblings and friends are welcome to our semi sound-proof game room with video games, board games, books and a movie playing. Adult patients are provided with Wi-Fi connection or a private room upon request.
While we love having fun, our patients remain our number one focus. Expect prompt appointment times maintained by the team and Dr. Williams!
What happens during the initial consultation appointment?
Your first consultation appointment begins with an enthusiastic greeting by the front desk team. Then, a team member will give you a tour of our office, introduce to staff members and Dr. Williams and sees an office interacting with other patients. After that, you will be shown to a private room to complete paperwork. One you paperwork is completed, one of the knowledgeable and friendly dental assistants will take photos before Dr. Williams meets with you, completes your exam and determines the best course of treatment.
As the doctor explains his course of action, he shares the product line that he will prescribe for that patient, provides the patients with brochures, displays a video and also display the brands used in the office, such as 3M Unitek, Clarity SL, Smartclip SL, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign, Damon, Shock Doctor, Dentsply and Philips-Sonicare. After the appointment, the treatment coordinator will explain the financial end of the treatment, explain any insurance benefits, answer any questions and make sure you understand everything completely.
Our office takes pride in having new patients, as we embrace each person into our orthodontic family. We observe the amazing stages throughout the length of treatment and the end results that Dr. Williams achieves are amazing, providing that perfect smile.
How should I prepare for my first appointment?
The team always encourages patients are encouraged to brush teeth prior to their appointments. To make it easier, we have two brushing stations stocked with toothbrushes, toothpaste and mouthwash. As patients progress during treatment, Dr. Williams or one of his assistants communicates to the parents or guardians of what the visit entailed and how patient is doing in treatment. Then, the patient submits a Great Patient (good hygiene) ticket into the weekly drawing and schedules their next appointment.
We notify patients of their next appointments by e-mail or text days a few days in advance. All new patients will receive a personal phone call. We also give patients a printed appointment reminder and a note to excuse their absence at school or work (or both!). We conveniently offer a number of dental products at our office too, such as Sonicare products, fluoride supplements, whitening trays and gel, athletic mouth guards and more. After your orthodontic treatment is complete, Dr. Williams will follow up with the patient to ensure they are protecting their smile by properly wearing their retainers as prescribed. These visits are complimentary for at least one year following the completion of treatment.
What types of braces are offered at Dr. Williams' office?
There are several different types of braces to choose, including:
- Clear braces, using tooth-colored materials
- Self-ligating braces, like Clarity® SL and SmartClip™
- Invisible braces, like Invisalign and Invisalign Teen
- Traditional metal braces
Do braces hurt?
Braces do not often hurt though you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth get used to your new braces.
If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?
Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up that can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.
Has Dr. Williams received any awards in the last few years?
Dr. Williams has been voted the Best of The Woodlands for 2012, 2013, 2014 and Living Magazine Reader’s Choice for Best Orthodontist 2013 and 2014.
Does Dr. Williams ever participate professionally in the dental and orthodontic fields?
Dr. Williams belongs to the Spear Study Club and to the American Association of Orthodontics. He hosts in-office study clubs for dentists and staff in The Woodlands. Dr. Williams belongs to the Dean’s Circle at Loma Linda University. In addition, he educates his staff on a daily basis!
Dr. Williams attends the annual American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) conference each year, and has earned the distinction of being an Invisalign Preferred Provider!
Does Dr. Williams' office work with different types of insurance?
Yes! The team at Dr. Williams' office works with all PPO insurances and is in-network with most PPO plans.
Do you ever have to refer a patient out of your office to a specialist for care?
At Dr. Williams' office, we provide high quality orthodontic care for children, teens and adults. If you require additional dental treatment, we let you know what we recommend, and provide recommendations for other dental specialists near you!
How do I schedule my next appointment?
Easy - give us a call at our orthodontic office in The Woodlands! You can also easily request an appointment online.