By Bruce Frankel

Growing up in a dentistry family where his father was an endodontist, who performed treatments such as root canals, while his mother was a dental lab technician at another Greensboro office making crowns and bridges, you would not be surprised to learn that Dr. Matthew Olmsted would consider dentistry as his occupation.

“What attracted me to orthodontics when I was attending UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry was the opportunity to change people’s lives in a positive way through their smile.” Dr. Olmsted continued, “Think about it, it is the center piece of your face. It is even one of the first things an infant will do; smile back at you.” It is this focal point that his entire staff rallies behind to help each and every patient they treat.

Through our smiles, we share the most meaningful and significant expressions and it is no surprise that orthodontists are sought out to realign crooked teeth into a straight, healthy smile giving confidence and building self-esteem for both adults and children as well as for certain corrective health issues.

In 2014, Dr. Olmsted opened Olmsted Orthodontics in the Oak Ridge Common’s Shopping Center with two clear objectives in mind; to offer the latest and most comprehensive technologies and orthodontic procedures available while providing the highest level of customer satisfaction to the patient and their family.

In addition to offering traditional forms of metal braces, Olmsted Orthodontics also offers newer procedures and technologies like ceramic braces made from composite materials that are less visible than metal ones as well as Invisalign aligners which are a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable custom-made trays, made out of clear plastic which also reduce the amount of time needed to straighten the teeth. Dr. Olmsted also holds the distinction of being a Premier Invisalign Provider. Another enhancement provided is the use of 3-D scanners to create a digital version of a dental impression as opposed to those nasty mouth trays that are filled with semi-solid material which is sure to gag almost anyone who has experienced them.

However, it is one thing to have all the tools and another to master their effectiveness. Dr. Olmsted has always been passionate about being the best at what he does and a great example is his dedication and commitment to being a standout in his field. This is evident by how he has been recognized by his peers throughout his young career. First, as being the student body president of UNC School of Dentistry where he earned his DDS degree with highest honors to currently teaching as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Orthodontics at UNC-Chapel Hill. Just recently, he was elected as Secretary of the North Carolina Association of Orthodontists and will ascend to the position of President of this statewide association within the next couple of years.

Opening his practice in Oak Ridge was an easy decision based on growing up in Summerfield, where his appreciation for the type of caring and neighborly people who reside in the surrounding communities would be an enjoyable place to work as well as be a great place to raise his family.

“When I thought about opening my office, I knew I wanted to make the patient care experience exceptional and minimize the disruption in their lives,” asserted Dr. Olmsted.

As a result, ample time is spent with each patient to listen and understand what their expectations are and make sure they are as comfortable as possible with the complete process.

This often starts with a free consultation during which detailed photos of the teeth and jaw area are taken, all treatment options are then reviewed and considered so a specific comprehensive personal plan can be agreed upon.

In developing the right plan, careful consideration is given to the overall length of time and the number of treatments that might be required; what the financial cost will be, including the best payment options and utilization of all applicable patient insurance policies; understanding what to expect from a pain and discomfort perspective as well as when the best time would be to start treatment. Clients also appreciate the accommodating schedule offered for treatment to minimize disruptions of their daily routine.

The office environment is upbeat and efficient. From the moment you sign in at the I-Pad check-in desk, which alerts the entire staff of your arrival, the comfortable and down-to-earth setting is welcoming to all patients and their family. The staff takes great pride in working with each patient’s situation and are cognizant of the emotional component associated with the patient’s needs and treatment. And, of course, all children appreciate Dr. Olmsted’s young appearance and cheerful personality as well and the staff’s genuine interest in knowing and caring for each child.

As an area native, Dr. Olmsted graduated from Northwest Guildford High School and at one time, coached for Oak Ridge ORCA Swim Club. Later, as a member of Duke University’s Varsity Men’s Swimming and Diving Team, he met his future wife Caline McHenry Olmsted who herself was a successful athlete for Duke’s Women’s Lacrosse and is currently the head coach for Wingate University’s Women’s Lacrosse. Dr. Matthew Olmsted takes great personal pride in the time he can spend with this family, including his 2 year old son William and his 4 month old daughter Catherine.

To learn more about the services offered at Olmsted Orthodontics, call 336-441-7007 or visit their website at www.OlmstedOrthodontics.com.