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The logo for the Fox Box ProjectAt Grabowski Orthodontics, we are called to get involved with the community because of the connections we have the honor of making with families in the area every day. A child’s needs change as they grow and learn more about who they are and what they love, and there are challenges that come with keeping them comfortable and happy at the doctor’s office.

This is a small part of the reason why we are so inspired by  the Fox family and the amazing legacy they created for their son and brother, Ethan. The Fox family lost Ethan to osteosarcoma at age 15 on April 27, 2018. He was an incredible young person who loved soccer, super hero movies, video games and cooking shows. Ethan and his family battled his disease while still sharing special moments in a life far too short.

Through Make-A-Wish (another one of our favorites), Ethan and his family went to London to see a Chelsea Soccer game. Ethan and his family speak to our hearts. They are honoring Ethan through the Fox Box Project, created to maintain a gift and goodie box for teen and pre-teen patients of the Bronson Hospital Pediatric Oncology Clinic. Ethan was treated there, and his family recognized the need for a “toy chest” for pre-teens and teens—like the toy chest they have for younger children. Each addition to the Fox Box is vetted and teenager-approved to make someone’s day.

What a beautiful way to remember Ethan! Please visit their Facebook page for more information. Donations can be made locally, through a wish list on Amazon, and monetary donations may be made via PayPal. We think this is really special and had to tell you about it!

Dr. Ken and patient who recently got her braces off smiling | Grabowski Orthodontics

How long will this take?

One of our most frequently-asked questions does not have an easy answer! Though we love to see you, we understand that you’re looking for the speediest and most effective orthodontic treatment possible. Even though moving teeth is, for the most part, a slow-and-steady-wins-the-race kind of undertaking, there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re running your steady race as effectively as possible:

  • Start now! If you’re concerned about how long treatment will take, the best thing to do is to make an appointment for a consultation at our office as soon as possible. At many different stages of a patient’s life, one of the key factors in creating the best orthodontic treatment plan is being proactive and preventative. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to have problems pop up that could cause your treatment to take longer.
  • Double check when your appointments are, and show up to them on time. A missed appointment could lengthen the duration of your treatment. 
  • Start with the best plan and stick to it. Choosing the right treatment plan from the get-go will save you time in the long run! Attempting to cut corners and skip steps in your orthodontic plan has the potential to add even more time to your treatment by causing new problems to be corrected. We know that the speediest way to treat you is to do it right the first time.
  • Take excellent care of your teeth and your appliances. Fighting poor hygiene, repairing broken appliances or brackets, and replacing lost appliances are common roadblocks to a treatment plan’s progress.
  • Communicate with Dr. Ken and staff. Make sure all instructions on wear and care are clear and that you have voiced any concerns or questions before you leave the office.

We value your time, and know that it’s hard to wait for that perfect smile! Though there is no one-size-fits-all answer for how long it will take to get there, following the above rules is a simple way to make sure you leave us with a healthy smile you can be proud of as quickly as possible.

Welcome to Dr. GraBLOGski, the new Grabowski Orthodontics blog. Check this space out monthly for updates on the tooth and nothing but the tooth—what’s new at our office, helpful information, and more!

When you think of a great first impression, do the words “goop” and “gag” come to mind? Most likely not! This spring, we are happy to announce a new addition to our office—the Itero Element Scanner is a state-of-the-art, digital alternative to those messy, gooey impressions many orthodontists currently use to create a model of your teeth and gums.

Dr. Ken’s constant research into the most effective technology in braces has led us to this new technology, to ensure that your time in our office leaves an amazing impression—and a winning smile! We work hard to make informed decisions backed by expert experience in providing treatment to the communities of Kalamazoo, Portage, and the surrounding areas. We feel that now is the time to take advantage of this new technology, as the Itero Element scanner features improvements on the old setup that will allow us keep you more comfortable while reaching new heights of precision.

Rather than inserting trays full of goopy materials into your mouth to make physical molds of your teeth, the Itero scanner features a small wand that scans digitally, capturing 6,000 frames per second. Unlike an x-ray, a digital model does not require radiation—instead, it builds a model of your teeth using the images it captures as we wave it along! The innovative color imaging allows us to create a model of your teeth and gums that is more detailed than ever before, leading to better-fitting appliances, aligners, and retainers.

After waving this seemingly magic wand, Dr. Ken can apply his vast knowledge to creating your treatment plan in an even more streamlined, efficient way. You will be able to see your teeth and visualize their potential in no time at all. Not only will the Itero Element keep you more comfortable on your visits, the instant digital models will allow us speedy communication with providers like Invisalign, to get you on the path to a new smile as quickly as possible.

Those of us who have been through orthodontic treatment have vivid memories of the ol’ goop-and-gag impressions. With technology taking us to new heights, we hope to change that. This spring, we are focusing on growth and possibility—we are ready to make new memories with you!