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Meet the Impressions Team - Blue Ridge Orthodontics

Impressions is the only at-home aligner company with a professional fit and personal touch! Impressions is Blue Ridge Orthodontics’ at-home treatment option, bringing a never-seen-before orthodontic offer to the Asheville area. All in-office treatment actually occurs at Blue Ridge Orthodontics in Asheville, NC, and the rest takes place wherever you decide.

Blue Ridge Orthodontics and Impressions treatment in asheville ncOne of the top distinguishing factors that separates Impressions from those “other” at-home treatments, is the access to orthodontic professionals! The team of Blue Ridge Orthodontics doctors will create a treatment plan to fit your case, supervise your treatment, and be there if you have questions during treatment. 

With Impressions, there also is no worrying about doing the gooey impression yourself – or having to repeat that goopy process over and over. You’re an expert at your job, and we don’t expect you to know how to do ours. We’ll take an expert 3-D scan of your smile and rule out the need for a gooey mold altogether. Leave the orthodontist work to us – it makes more sense that way. 

Impressions was founded and created by Blue Ridge Orthodontics’ founder Dr. Roberts.


Dr. RobertsDr. T. Luke Roberts, D.M.D., M.S.D.  

A native of Spartanburg, SC, Dr. Roberts founded Blue Ridge Orthodontics in 2007 with a commitment to caring, personalized, and state-of-the-art orthodontic treatment for each patient. That commitment has helped BRO grow to be the largest orthodontic practice in Asheville and the creation of an entirely new at-home treatment, Impressions. 

Dr. Roberts wanted to create an awesome solution for the patient who is seeking “at home” orthodontics treatment. It needed to be safe, effective, and less expensive than traditional orthodontic treatment. Dr. Roberts really wanted to help people develop more confidence through their smile journey! Having a great smile has been proven to boost self-esteem and confidence in social settings.

“I chose orthodontics because I knew I would be able to create that positive change in self-image for people every day. I love seeing the transformation that happens when they move through the different stages of orthodontic treatment, and my favorite moment is when they get their braces off! It is so rewarding to see a beautiful smile and to know I helped make it a reality!”

When he’s not busy creating new smiles at BRO, Dr. Roberts is a devoted music fan and plays the guitar, banjo, and mandolin. He and his wife, Beth, live in Asheville with their children Quinn, Emma, and Charlie. The entire family loves global food and are avid cooks.


Dr. Megan SchulerMegan G. Schuler, D.M.D., M.S.D.

Dr. Megan G. Schuler wanted to be an orthodontist since she herself had braces. She had insecurities around her teeth and smile. Orthodontic treatment was the thing that made her feel more confident! She became comfortable with her new smile and realized the difference that straight teeth could make in someone’s life. After her treatment, Dr. Schuler decided that she wanted to help give people the smiles that they always hoped for, so they could face the world proudly.

“Straightening my teeth completely changed my attitude and gave me confidence,” says Schuler.

When she’s not transforming people’s smiles, Dr. Schuler also enjoys hiking, camping, yoga, reading, traveling, trying new restaurants. Spending time with her husband, Brendan, and dog, Boone is her idea of peace.


Dr. Jackson GriffethDr. Jackson Griffeth, D.M.D., M.S.D.

Jackson Griffeth, our newest addition to the Impressions team. Growing up in a family of healthcare workers, it was natural for Dr. Griffeth to want to work with people. All it took was a day of shadowing an orthodontist and he was hooked! Dr. Griffeth drives to create an excellent patient experience and join the uplifting team culture of the BRO team.

“My decision to pursue orthodontics is founded on the desire to make a positive physical and emotional impact on members of my community,” says Griffeth.

Dr. Griffeth has had some very exciting life experiences including competing in the TV show American Ninja Warrior! With his warm personality and excitement for experiences, Dr. G is able to lighten the mood and instantly put you at ease. 

 


So, why is it so important to have the Impressions team on your side?

Well, we’re so glad you asked. Access to the Impressions team is one of the top factors that sets Impressions away from “the other guys”.

When you choose another at-home option, you either try to take your own gooey mold of your smile, or you go to an office or a bus. A staff member will either take your impression or a scan of your smile and then send you on your way. Your mold or scan is then sent to a dentist, that you’ll never see or meet, in another state to make adjustments to your smile. Wouldn’t you prefer to talk directly to the doctor who is making such a huge change in your smile? With the impressions team, you can tell us face-to-face what your concerns are before we make drastic changes to your smile.

Did you know that most other at-home aligner company’s treatment planners aren’t even Orthodontists? They’re dentists! And yeah, you might think they’re pretty much the same, but news flash, they aren’t!! Dentists are qualified to treat the diseases and conditions that affect the teeth and gums, especially the repair and extraction of teeth and the insertion of artificial ones. Orthodontists complete dental school and then complete additional years of school to learn how to safely and accurately straighten your teeth to give you a smile you’re proud of without causing future issues. These Dentists that are planning treatment for those “other” companies do it after just THREE DAYS in a course. Think about the difference in learning for three days versus years!

If you have problems with another at-home company, which is likely since they’ve only been doing it for 3 days, there is no doctor to call and ask questions. Our team will be there for you throughout your entire journey. 

At the end of treatment, if you decide to continue to change or professionally whiten your smile, you already know where to come! *hint hint* It’s us! We live and work here! Our friends and family live in WNC and they come to us too! With impressions, you’re working with a group of doctors who are trusted by your neighbors! In small towns and cities, that means something. 

 

Choose Impressions to help you make the smile of your dreams come true.

xx Your Impressions Family

 

Fill out the form below to start your journey to your #ImpressionSmile!

Request a Virtual Appt

 

 

4 Healthy Recipes that are Easy on your Teeth

We know the first few trays can cause some discomfort, don’t worry though, we’re here with four recipes that are easy to chew – plus, they’re good for your teeth!

Did you know that the health of your teeth can be impacted by what you eat? Most of us know that coffee, tea, and other acidic things aren’t the best and that calcium is on the good side. Well, keep reading to know more about what your teeth crave, and hopefully we can give you some inspiration for a meal you both can agree on!

Teeth Healthy Foods

Calcium helps harden your enamel and strengthen your jaw!
Find me in: milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli, and salmon.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb our friend’s calcium while boosting bone density!
Your body naturally makes Vitamin D when you’re exposed to the sun, but you can also find me in fatty fish, canned tuna, and portobello mushrooms.

Phosphorus is like calcium’s sidekick in helping build strong bones and teeth.
Luckily phosphorus is found in a large variety of foods! Seafood, beef, pork, and cheese are great places to get your phosphorus up. Or try plant-based foods like soybeans, lentils, and pumpkin seeds.

Vitamin K is the shield that protects from substances breaking down bone.
The secret to vitamin K is kept in leafy greens like kale, collards, and spinach.

Vitamin C helps to strengthen your gums and other soft tissue. It can protect against gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, and can prevent your teeth from loosening.
Find Vitamin C in citrus fruits, potatoes, and leafy greens.

Vitamin A prevents dry mouth and helps your mouth heal quickly.
Get your fill of vitamin A from fish, egg yolks, and liver. You can also find it in leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens, or in orange-colored fruits and oranges: think apricots, cantaloupe, pumpkin, carrots, and sweet potatoes. These fruits and veggies contain high levels of beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A.


Healthy MuffinsMorning Muffins 

Start your morning off right by supplying your body and teeth with their fill of vitamins and minerals, like omega-3s, vitamin A, and fiber. These muffins are a delicious but healthy cross between a cinnamon apple muffin and carrot cake, featuring whole grains, fruit, carrots, walnuts, and warm spices.

12 muffins  —  Prep Time: 15 mins.  –  Cook Time: 20 mins.

Ingredients:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 apple, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated carrot (about 3 medium)
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup flaked coconut
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Steps:

  1. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and set aside. Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F).
  2. In a large bowl add the flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt; whisk well to combine. Add in the applesauce, oil, apple, and vanilla; whisk just until combined. Fold in the carrot, raisins, coconut, and walnuts; stir until ingredients are combined. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups.
  3. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs attached). Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Teeth Healthy Chicken SaladGreek Yogurt Chicken Salad 

Whip up some chicken salad for lunch. This tooth-healthy chicken salad is made with dried cranberries, celery, almonds, chicken, and Greek yogurt providing sweetness, fiber, healthy fat, protein, and calcium. This quick + easy recipe is full of flavor, vitamins and it’s not too hard on your teeth!

5 servings — Prep Time: 15 mins.

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 to 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, craisins, or other dried fruit
  • 1/4 cup (about 1 stalk) celery, diced
  • 1/4 cup red or white onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds or pecans
  • 6 ounces (about 3/4 cup) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Bake or boil chicken ahead of time. You can also just buy a rotisserie chicken! 
  2. Shred or chop chicken. 
  3. In a medium-size bowl combine chicken, dried cranberries, celery, onion, and chopped almonds.
  4. Stir in Greek yogurt, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Wrap the salad in lettuce wraps or a tortilla.
  6. Store the salad in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Black Bean Cheese Quesadillas 

For a quick and hearty lunch, these black bean and cheese quesadillas with salsa and cumin are perfect. The black beans, cheese, and sour cream on the top provides that protein and calcium you need for strong teeth!

4 servings —  Prep Time: 15 minutes  –  Cook time: 6 minutes

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans Black Beans
  • 1 1/2 cups salsa, mild or spicy
  •  1 teaspoon ground cumin
  •  2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese mix
  •  8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
  •  1/3 cup sour cream

Steps:

  1. Empty one can of beans into a bowl and mash gently with a potato masher or the back of a fork. Mix in the remaining can of whole beans, 1 cup of salsa, and cumin.
  2. Spread mixture evenly on 4 tortillas; top each with cheese. Cover with remaining tortillas.
  3. Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook quesadillas 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Cut into wedges and serve with remaining salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping.

Sore Teeth Friendly Food

Yummy Banana Ice-Cream

A great quick fix for a sweet dessert that will make you forget about your achy teeth is frozen banana ice cream! The bonus here is that there’s no added sugar! You could top your banana cream with healthy add-ins like peanut butter, strawberries, or dark chocolate.

2 serving —  Prep Time: 2 hours


Ingredients:

1 large ripe banana

Steps:

  1. Peel and chop your ripe banana into small pieces.
  2. Put the bananas in an air-tight freezer-safe container and place it into the freezer until frozen solid. This will take at least 2 hours, but you can do this overnight. 
  3. Transfer the frozen banana pieces into a small food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse to break the banana pieces up. 
  4. As the banana pieces are starting to turn into a crumbed or smashed texture, switch to blending. Make sure to scrape the edges of the blender/food processor.
  5. Blend to really smooth it out to a nice creamy texture. If you want to add add-ins, this is the time to do so. 
  6. Freeze again to a normal ice cream texture or eat it soft as is!

Remember to take your aligners out before chowing down and brush those teeth before replacing the aligners! Taking care in these steps really helps to make sure you get the most out of your time wearing your aligners. 

 

xx Your Impressions Family

Sources:

Fill out the form below to start your journey to your #ImpressionSmile!

Request a Virtual Appt