Dr. Bocchi named 2012′s “Best Dentist” in Northern Nevada

For the second year in a row, Dr. Bocchi has been recognized as “Best Dentist” in Northern Nevada! Thank you to all of our patients who voted, we will continue to provide the best care possible to everyone at Sierra Smiles!

Scott’s Invisalign Journal: Part 2

The Invisalign trays went on very easily and I could immediately feel the pressure on my teeth.  I knew they were working right away moving my teeth to their final destination.  At that moment the curiosity set in. How the heck do I get these off? Is it normal to have a bit space within the tray and my teeth? Dr. Bocchi assured me I would be a pro at taking off the trays in no time and that it is normal to have a small space inside the trays.  Dr. Bocchi placed small “buttons” on my teeth that will act as the anchors to allow the trays to move my teeth in the right direction.  After taking a final look, Dr. Bocchi sent me on my way. The whole process took about an hour. I walked out the door thinking…”Wow, I am going to have straight teeth”.

My wife and I had dinner plans the same evening with some friends, and we all beat her to the restaurant. I showed our friends, who could barely see my aligners even when I was pointing right at them. We decided to see how long it would take my wife to notice my invisible braces. We sat and talked for 20 minutes before she finally remembered to ask me how it went! She hadn’t noticed my Invisalign trays at all! They really are inconspicuous. The only thing that gives them away are the buttons on my top canine teeth, which protrude ever so slightly. But my wife had to squint to see the aligners. After we had a few laughs, we went around the table and ordered food and drink. I wondered if I could drink wine with my aligners in. My wife ordered a glass, and I took a sip.

Tune in to the next installment of Scott’s Invisalign Journal for more!

Scott’s Invisalign Journal: Part 1

I am 28 years old and have never needed braces before. Lately, my teeth have decided to shift into uncomfortable positions and my bottom front row now collide with the back of my top row. This caused chipping and very uncomfortable changes. I found myself developing a slight speech impediment to keep from bumping my teeth together, and I began biting my cheeks and tongue more often (on accident). I knew it was time for a change. This was the first time I have been anxious heading to Sierra Smiles. They are more like a spa than a typical dentist office! With spa water waiting at the door, the friendliest staff around, paraffin hand waxes, herbal neck wraps and noise canceling headphones, I have always been very comfortable at my favorite dentist. But in this case, I didn’t know what to expect!

The process was very simple. I had come in to Sierra Smiles a few weeks prior, to take x-rays, pictures and impressions of my teeth, which Invisalign uses to create a digital 3-D image of them. From these images, Dr. Bocchi mapped out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of my teeth. Using this same technology, he was able to show me a virtual representation of how my teeth will move with each stage of treatment. It was really cool. Then the information gathered was sent to Invisalign so they could create my trays and get me started! Then, 2-3 weeks later, I was on my way to see them.

I was met at the door by Christina, always smiling and happy to see me. They were ready for me and I was immediately seen to my room. Bonnie came in and started explaining what we would be doing. She preps me for Dr. Bocchi and answers my questions. “How long will it take before my braces are on today?” I asked. “About 30-45 minutes, it’s very easy and not painful in anyway.” Bonnie replied. “Do I have to take the trays out when I eat?” Bonnie was very knowledgeable and understanding as I rattled off questions like a 6 year old on his first visit to the zoo. “You will want to take them out, and we prefer you brush after your meal before you put them back in, but sometimes that isn’t possible and that is ok too.” “How long can I leave the trays off?” I asked. “A total of 2 hours a day, but the less the better.” answered Bonnie. Then Doc arrived. Dr. Bocchi greets me and we proceed to chat about life and a little football as well. He makes sure I’m comfortable and checks to see if I have any questions before we start. “I think Bonnie has me covered, but I’m sure I will have more as we go along here.” I replied. We got to work. Dr. Bocchi begins by cleaning the teeth that will hold the “buttons” for the trays. These buttons act as guides for the trays I have to wear during the process. They are painless and take less than 20 minutes to attach. Based on your individual treatment plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners have been created specifically for you. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable BPA-free plastic that won’t irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do. I simply wear them throughout the day, and remove them when I eat or to brush and floss my teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. With my buttons in place, I was ready to pop in my trays for the first time!

They went on very easily, and my teeth immediately felt….

Tune in for pictures and updates on my progress in the next installment of Scott’s Invisalign Journal!

3rd Annual Patient Appreciation Party

Our Patient Appreciation Party is next week! We can’t wait to see everyone! RSVP by September 12th by calling 775-786-1911.

The Sierra Smiles Team Rocks With NEEDTOBREATHE

Bear Rhinehart from the band NEEDTOBREATHE took a break from touring with Taylor Swift to see the Sierra Smiles team! Here they are singing their hit “Something Beautiful”. Enjoy!