Over the course of my life, I have learned that there are some questions that have polarizing responses. Really important things like: Backstreet Boys or NSYNC? Britney or Christina? Were Ross and Rachel on a break? Which Chris is best? Do you like going to the orthodontist?
The correct answers to the above are: Backstreet Boys, Queen Britney, No, Evans, and Yes, orthodontists are great! I can sit and debate any of these all day, but I really need you to hear me out when I say that orthodontists really ARE great and not something to be scared of at all.
I was able to sit down with Board Certified Orthodontist Dr. Stacey Reiss at Eagle Pointe Dentists and Orthodontics, and she would be able to convince anyone that this is true. During my awkward teenage years, I was in braces for five years. If you told me then that I was considering braces again in my thirties, I would have thought you were crazy. After about an hour, I was ready to book a FREE consultation.
Dr. Stacey, as her patients call her, has a completely different approach to orthodontics. She recommends patients start seeing her when they are seven years old. That’s really when orthodontists can start noticing issues with things like overcrowding and cross bite. She likes to check up on kids every six months to one year. Starting your kids this young gets them used to going to the orthodontist.
Dr. Stacey uses a conservative approach to orthodontics.
She will not put your kiddo in braces until they really need them. She will NEVER push any unnecessary treatment. While Dr. Stacey does see young kids, she will not treat them unless it will make their lives better.
When it is time for braces, Dr. Stacey offers different options. I personally was SO excited to have braces as a kid and change the color of my bands. That’s the most common treatment. She also has the option of Invisalign, which is definitely what I would choose now. Dr. Stacey said that a lot of kids now are choosing this option as well.
Orthodontics is also a true test of responsibility for your child.
If your child goes the normal braces route, do they wear their rubber bands as directed? I definitely did not. I would wear them if my name was entered into a raffle for a prize though! Dr. Stacey has a great team behind her that encourages and educates patients throughout the entire process.
Her team strives to ease anxiety and establish a baseline for each of your child’s visits.
If your child has anxiety over a visit, she will personalize an approach to make them comfortable and to give them a positive experience. For example, she won’t use any dental tools, but will only use her hands if tools make your child nervous. She treats individuals and understands that each individual needs a different approach.
I asked Dr. Stacey what advice she would give to anyone going to the dentist or an orthodontist. I fully expected her to say something like “wear your bands,” or “make sure you floss every night.” After spending time with her, I was not at all surprised when her advice was, “be excited.” Orthodontics will make your child (and even yourself) look and feel better. The results can have so many effects ranging from increased confidence to alleviating mouth pain.
Dr. Stacey is obviously passionate about her work, her patients, and people.
We started chatting about her hobbies outside of the office, and I am now convinced that she is the coolest and needs to be my friend. She moved here from the east coast after falling in love with Albuquerque and is here to stay. She bought a house that has a bunch of fruit trees, and she operates a fruit stand during her free time. Any fruit that she doesn’t sell gets donated to local food banks.
As if this wasn’t cool enough, she also enjoys hiking, cycling, and restoring antique furniture. She has a small ETSY shop where she sells a curated collection of vintage items. If you are anything like me, you now want to go eat peaches and restore furniture with Dr. Stacey.
If you, like me, are ready to set up an appointment, you are in luck.
You do not need a referral to go see Dr. Stacey Reiss, and she can get people in for a consultation within a week or two. She practices at four (you read that right) locations throughout the Albuquerque area. You can find her at Eagle Pointe Dentists and Orthodontics in Northeast Albuquerque, Albuquerque Modern Dentistry in Northeast Albuquerque, Enchanted Hills Dentistry and Orthodontics in Bernalillo, and Rio Rancho Modern Dentistry and Orthodontics.
After leaving, I was ready to set up an appointment for myself.
Luckily, Dr. Stacey treats people of all ages and is super accessible no matter what part of town you are in. Her office can set up payment plans that will last the duration of your orthodontic treatment. Not only is she accessible, but she is also affordable.
Now that summer is here, it is the PERFECT time to get yourself or your child set up with orthodontic care. So, what are you waiting for? Check out any of the locations and get your free consultation scheduled! I know I am going to!
