Introducing Dr. Clay Fulks New Owner of Smile Construction Orthodontics

Dr. Fulks believes in producing the highest quality orthodontic result while establishing a caring relationship with every patient. Orthodontic treatment at Smile Construction is more than braces; when coupled with relationships built in a warm and welcoming environment, it's a life changing experience. Dr. Fulks graduated cum laude with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology from the University of Georgia. He then furthered his education in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he graduated in the top three of his class and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University, College of Dental Medicine. Dr. Fulks was the Vice President of his class his final two years, honored by Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, and active in multiple research projects in both the dental and orthodontic departments. He also had an opportunity to go on a dental mission trip to Jamaica. This was a very rewarding experience, which helped instill compassion in Dr. Fulks' practice philosophy. Dr. Fulks then completed his dental education with a three-year residency in orthodontics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. At the request of the program director, Dr. Fulks now remains on staff at Vanderbilt in a part-time faculty position. Dr. Fulks is a member of the Tennessee Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Nashville Dental Society, the Tennessee Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. He is also a member of the Summit Institute, an interdisciplinary dental study club founded by Dr. Gary Cohen and dedicated to optimizing dental care in Sumner County. Dr. Fulks successfully completed his board examinations and is eligible to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Fulks' wife, Jenny, also graduated from the University of Georgia, where she completed her Bachelor's degree in Nursing from the Medical College of Georgia Athens Campus. After they married, Jenny moved to Florida, where Dr. Fulks was in dental school and she worked in the Emergency Department at Memorial Regional Medical Center. Jenny is currently volunteering for the American Red Cross and Meals on Wheels. Dr. Fulks enjoys hunting, fishing, golf, country music, college football and spending time with his family. He and Jenny were blessed with two wonderful children: son, Jackson,and daughter, Olivia. They are members of Hendersonville First Baptist Church and are enjoying becoming a part of the great communities of Sumner County.

Orthodontist Dr. Gary Cohen has an offer to good to pass up! Coupons are the new craze!

Orthodontist Dr. Gary Cohen has been serving Hendersonville, White House, and Gallatin, TN for over 25 years. The above pictured patient is just one beautiful smile created by Dr. Gary. Please give us a call to discover what Dr. Cohen can do for your smile!

Orthodontist Dr. Gary Cohen's Annual Back to School Bash

Dr. Gary would love to see you at our Back to School Bash on July 29, 2011 at Sumner Skate Zone. We will be skating, having contests and eating pizza. Please bring a friend along for the fun! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Event Details:

Who: You & a friend!

What: Back to School Bash

Where: Summer Skate Zone - Gallatin, TN

When: Friday, July 29 from 10am-2pm

Why: To skate and have a great time with Dr. Gary and our team!

*Please RSVP by Friday, July 22th to 615-824-8929 or to smileconstruction@yahoo.com with the number of attendees*

Dr. Gary Cohen's winter contest

Attention to all of our patients in Hendersonville, White House, Gallatin, TN and surrounding locations orthodontist Dr. Gary Cohen and our team would love for everyone to get involved with our newest office contest. Dr. Gary & Crew would like to see your most creative Smile Construction or Dr. Gary snow-creation! You can post the photo's directly to our Facebook page. This contest will last until February 28, 2011. For everyone in the Northern counties, you may be able to jump in on this now! For everyone else, rumor has it that we may have more snow next week! So, get ready to be creative and have fun! We would like for you to be in the submitted photo with your creation! Trust me......you won't want to miss this prize!

Ask Dr. Gary Cohen: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Hendersonville, White House, and Gallatin, TN orthodontist Dr. Gary Cohen and our team work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Smile Construction can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Gary Cohen can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign® tips, from Dr. Gary Cohen

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Gary Cohen wants you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also simple: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Smile Construction, give us a call!

Your pal, fluoride!

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment at Smile Construction. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the orthodontists’ office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!