While most adults know that visiting a dentist for regular check-ups is an important part of keeping teeth tip-top, it may come as a surprise to learn that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see their first orthodontist by age 7. As fun as a mouth full of braces might sound, dozens upon dozens of patients in Puyallup have been caught grinning after a visit to Smiles Orthodontics.
A husband and father of four, Dr. Ethan Larson has set himself apart from other local practitioners in more ways than one. He purchased Smiles Orthodontics in 2012 from another established orthodontist and has now created the motto “Creating Smiles, Impacting Lives,” which he takes very seriously.
Dr. Larson grew up in Bothell, where his interest in making people smile began early on. Puzzles, problems, and how to solve them have been an interest of his since he was a youth. He learned that the way teeth and jaws fit together is a lot like a puzzle, and orthodontics has proven to be a career that combines his problem-solving strengths with his exceptional people skills. He loves to interact with his clients and he says that what he especially loves about his line of work is that patients are happy and excited to see him!
The young doctor’s education is a cut above your average academic dossier. Dr. Larson graduated from two discerning colleges, each with a competitive acceptance rate. He earned a doctorate from the University of Alabama Dental School and was one of just a few hand-selected students who earned post-doctoral degrees and certificates in oral biology and orthodontics. He graduated at the top of his class (he was ranked third!), and has since continued to refresh his skills, licensure and specialties annually.
Another mark of a great doctor is professional affiliations. Dr. Larson is a proud member of nationally recognized societies and associations that are highly regarded among dentistry and orthodontic professionals. In addition to being an affiliate of organizations such as the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), American Dental Association (ADA), Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontics (PCSO) and Omicron Kappa Upsilon (the National Dental Honor Society), this decorated orthodontist is active in local, regional and national seminars and study groups.
However, perhaps the greatest reason for Dr. Larson’s success is due in part to the strong ethics and values-based service he brings to the South Sound community. Dr. Larson is active as a local small business owner and is a member of both the Puyallup Chamber of Commerce and the Cascade Christian School Board in Puyallup. Dr. Larson is a man of faith, and he integrates his Christian values and fellowship through ongoing outreach in his community. Dr. Larson genuinely enjoys working with kids and loves to see their faith and understanding develop.
Smiles Orthodontics is highly regarded among South Sound residents, and serves the communities of Tacoma, Fife/Milton, Federal Way, Bonney Lake, Buckley, Enumclaw, Sumner, Orting, and Puyallup, South Hill, Eatonville, Graham and Spanaway. Part of the reason that the office attracts such a wide circle of clientele is that Dr. Larson is not a one-size-fits-all orthodontist. He strives for personalized treatment plans that each patient receives the best possible result.
Dr. Larson is predisposed to excel when it comes to growing his business by word of mouth; after all, making people smile is his business. Regardless, in a world where complaints are a currency all their own, the number of candid and positive reviews that Dr. Larson has garnered is impressive. A quick visit to the business’s Google+ profile or Testimonial page online will show more than a hundred genuine appraisals of Dr. Larson’s commitment to brightening (and straightening) smiles.
This tenured specialist is skillful in modern alignment strategies, which Dr. Larson tells us plays a very important role in oral hygiene. Using Invisalign, for example, this orthodontist creates a set of impressions from clear materials that are then crafted into a series of retainers. These appliances move teeth into position discreetly. While not everyone is a good candidate, the doctor has a number of options available for children and adults to beautify their smiles, like Metal and Clear Braces, Clear Aligners, Phase Treatment and Orthagnathic Surgery.
Along with an amazing repertoire of solutions for a wide range of orthodontic issues, Smiles Orthodontics offers some truly exceptional amenities to its new and existing patients. For starters, new patients currently receive a $100 gift card from Costco when they initiate treatment. Parents and kids alike will appreciate the complimentary Wi-Fi available in the lobby, as well as the tablets in the waiting room that come pre-loaded with fun (and family friendly) games. For those who have had their fill of mobile entertainment, there are Legos and the traditional assortment of tactile amusements on hand for children of all ages. Every diversion and decoration in Dr. Larson’s office is a reflection of his values-based service.
Orthodontic treatments are something to look forward to at Dr. Larson’s office because patients earn Smile Bucks every time they visit his office. Smile Bucks earn tangible, actually cool rewards like a Macy’s gift cards, money to spend at nearby businesses, swag like backpacks, wallets and Nerf guns. If a patient refers a friend to Smiles Orthodontics, he or she automatically earns a 7” tablet when they start treatment.
Patients who are looking for a trusted orthodontist with a sterling reputation can call Smiles Orthodontics Monday-Friday to schedule a free consultation over the phone. Military families will also be pleased to learn that the office offers a military discount to servicemen and their families. Even better, the front desk staff will take care of all of the dreaded insurance billing.
Smiles Orthodontics’ office is located in the heart of downtown Puyallup. Dr. Ethan Larson is close to home, no matter where in the South Sound you call home.
Smiles Orthodontics
Ethan Larson, DMD, MS
210 4th Ave. S.W.
Puyallup, WA 98371
Map/Directions
Phone: 253-848-4537
Fax: 253-841-0792
E-mail: info@mysmilesortho.com