When you think of orthodontics, do you think of a mouth full of painful metal braces? Dr. Terrie Yoshikane of Yoshikane Orthodontics wants to assure you that there is a better way. Recent advancements are making orthodontics appealing to patients of all ages.
“Orthodontics is not just for kids,” Dr. Yoshikane said. “It doesn’t have to hurt, and you don’t need to have metal in your mouth.”
“In most instances, we can use Invisalign to get the same results as braces,” she said. “We can correct the bite and create big, beautiful smiles with less pressure than traditional braces.”
Dr. Yoshikane is the first — and only — orthodontist to reach the Invisalign “top 1 percent” in San Diego County, a distinction given only to the top 100 orthodontists in the nation.
Another option for discreet tooth alignment is Damon Clear Braces. “They allow the teeth to move freely and with little discomfort,” Dr. Yoshikane said.
Not only are metal braces a thing of the past, so are the molds made of goopy material that went in your mouth. “We use the Itero intraoral scanner to make a digital 3-D model on the computer instead,” Dr. Yoshikane said. “And, we use digital x-rays taken in-house to reduce the exposure to our patients.”
Dr. Yoshikane is also excited about a new device called Acceledent. “It is FDA-cleared and helps your teeth move 30 percent to 50 percent faster,” she said. “With it, our patients notice very little discomfort during their treatment.”
“We are most excited about the combination of Invisalign and Acceledent to help patients achieve the smiles they desire — no metal, less discomfort and less time to finish.”
The patients’ overall satisfaction is the goal for the team at Yoshikane Orthodontics. “We work hard to give our patients the most gentle treatment options and individualized care possible,” Dr. Yoshikane said. They also want patients to feel like part of the family. “We welcome patients to our warm, comfortable office and enhance their care with the most high-tech products and equipment available,” she said. “We care for them like family.”
The atmosphere at Yoshikane Orthodontics is also fun. “We have ‘good cooperation’ prizes and ongoing contests for our patients and parents,” Dr. Yoshikane said. “But the best part of our patients’ care is provided by the best team I could have — caring, professional and highly trained staff that are with you every step of the way.”
Dr. Yoshikane grew up in Orange County and attended UCLA for undergrad and Loyola School of Dentistry in Chicago, where she graduated in the top of her class. She then went back to UCLA to earn an orthodontic certificate and master’s degree in oral biology. She has served on many boards and was elected the first female president of the California Association of Orthodontists. She currently serves on the board for the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation.
The special care she gives to the patients at her practice extends to her charitable efforts. “I have been the orthodontist for Fresh Start Surgical Gifts for more than 15 years,” Dr. Yoshikane said. “We donate our time and services to care for cleft palate and other surgical patients.”
Dr. Yoshikane has a deep sense of community and loves practicing in Encinitas. “The people in Encinitas and North County are so health conscious and family and community oriented,” she said. “We have been lucky to be part of this community for more than 25 years and have been proud to give back by sponsoring the local schools, sports teams and participating in the annual Switchfoot Bro-Am events.”
Yoshikane Orthodontics is located at 477 N. El Camino Real, #B203 in Encinitas. Hours vary from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For a complimentary consultation, call (760) 942-1132 or visit www.DrYoshikane.com.