Dr. Graham Gardner, left, is more than an orthodontist–he’s got a lot up his creative sleeve!
I had a million things wrong with me as a kid (knocked front tooth out completely while roller skating, glasses and contacts, dermatologist visits galore) but miraculously never had a need for braces. So when my dentist told me that my ten year-old had a cross-bite and was likely going to need braces, I had no idea what to expect.
The lobby is warm and welcoming, and their coffee and hot chocolate machine rocks!
Dr. Graham Gardner and I met last year in person. He had supported our blog through advertising with us and we talked at length about his book The Santa Beacon (yes he’s that creative!), but I had no idea at that time we would become a patient at his practice.
Luckily, their website had a great post on what to expect, so I had some idea of what we were in for. When we walked into their Willow Lawn-area office we were instantly greeted by a cheerful office, friendly people and scads of other parents. Since I had my two younger kids with me it was a joy that the Gardner Grins team was prepared with video games to keep them busy while we were talking–a beautiful thing.
Thanks for keeping my little ones occupied!
After completing a form on an iPad (loved that!) we were taken back into the exam room where my son had a full exam and Dr. Gardner and his team shared all the views of his teeth which revealed that his teeth needed to grow just a bit more until he was ready for braces. Then I received a surprise: there was no charge for this visit, or the next (which we’d need in six months) until he actually needed work done. When we returned at six months, he still wasn’t quite ready to don tinsel teeth, so we’ll be checking in again in a few months.
I can’t tell you how refreshing it was to not only have relaxed, dedicated time in the office with Dr. Gardner and his team and to learn that we’d be working together to perfect my son’s smile over the years (and not be charged until they actually did the work!)
His partner, Dr. David Jones, is equally as cool and the energy that these two have while leading their busy team is really fun to watch.
I look forward to seeing what Dr. Gardner comes up with in his creative hat as well as he’s working on a book about none other than The Tooth Fairy. Check ‘em out, Richmond parents!
Gardner Grins is a site sponsor of Richmondmom.com.
