A smile is worth a thousand words- for centuries around the globe, an anthem of unspoken sentiment remind us all how precious we are. One cannot live without laughter, or survive without joy. A smile is the catalyst to self-confidence, it is the impetus to action that inspires greatness. A smile is infectious- it can lift your heart, brighten your day; and as some have even said, a smile can change the world.

With a smile that holds such significant presence, it’s only natural every person hopes to radiate the beauty from within to a grin that creates a lasting impression. That’s where Dr. Richard Ingraham is giving patients something new to smile about. Ingraham is the only orthodontist in Corpus Christi and Coastal Bend to introduce SureSmile, the most advanced treatment in orthodontic care today.

The Digital Age

With the emergence of the digital age, orthodontics has experienced a huge shift over the last 10 years. In June 2003, Ingraham was the eighth orthodontist in the United States to use SureSmile technology in his practice. Today, there are more than 300 orthodontists using SureSmile.

In the beginning, Ingraham compared his conventional orthodontic methods of over 25 years to the digital applications that SureSmile offered. He realized older models of orthodontics were limited in their capabilities. It was time to move forward with a product that revolutionized a doctor’s ability to create beautiful smiles to last a lifetime.

The process itself proved flawless. “The technology of SureSmile has truly revolutionized my ability to create beautiful and healthy smiles for my patients,” he says.

SureSmile provides a 3D model of the teeth to allow the patient’s bite to be seen from any angle. Ingraham uses the model along with computer simulations to determine the best treatment plan. He then calculates the most effective and efficient movement for each tooth. “SureSmile is the ideal product,” he says. “It has unlimited potential.”

Ingraham strives for facial balance in an effort to create the perfect smile. “I now have the tools to develop a treatment plan for my patients that is precise,” he explains. “I view patients in their entirety rather than incrementally from visit to visit, and therefore, can accurately predict the finish line.”

Ingraham’s treatment time is cut by 40 percent. That’s one of the reasons SureSmile has become so popular. “When you save your patients time, offer higher quality results, fewer visits, less pain, it’s hard to justify doing it any other way.”

A beautiful and bright smile enhances confidence in a young person’s development and contributes to good oral hygiene.

“People are what it’s all about. It’s not the set of teeth on that smile, it’s the people behind it,” Ingraham expresses with a caring affection that can only be attributed to placing priority on his patients.

While the majority of his patients are children and adolescents, 35 percent are adults. Shammah Rodriguez experienced a rapid change as she went from crooked and crowded teeth to a perfect smile in record time. What was expected to last 18 to 24 months if done conventionally was finished in eight-and-a-half months. “I look at my smile every day, and I’m so happy with it,” she says. To date, Ingraham has successfully treated more than 500 patients with SureSmile.

Fifteen-year-old Emily Sacky describes her experience. “Dr. Ingraham is one of the nicest people I know. He’s always smiling and has something positive to say ... Every time I smile, I will remember everyone at Dr. Ingraham’s office.”

The In(GRIN) Team

Upon entering Ingraham’s office, no one can deny an unparalleled quality of service from a friendly staff. “That is an extension of me,” says the doctor. “I show my staff how you create a Ritz Carlton experience. People don’t buy technology. They buy how it makes them feel.”

Ingraham’s wife, Jo, is an integral part of the management and marketing of the business. Married for 42 years, the Ingrahams are committed to the community and to the care they provide. A staff of 13 registered hygienists and dental assistants are those whom Ingraham values as part of his team. Altogether, the group encompasses more than 200 years of orthodontic dental experience. “The people who work here are top quality because that’s what we want for our patients,” says Jo.

Part of aspiring to give patients a “wow” experience is engaging in contests and other fun events that make Ingraham’s office more than a place focused on fixing teeth, but an environment that is completely people-friendly. “People don’t care how much you know, they want to know how much you care,” adds Jo.

The Incredible Kids Club, a complimentary pre-orthodontic guidance program, allows kids to be seen and guided by Ingraham, while helping parents to select the proper time for treatment if needed.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of being an orthodontist is the opportunity to get to know my patients and their families during treatment,” says Ingraham. This kind of patient-centered philosophy inspires him to show his appreciation in a number of thoughtful and creative ways. This October, the office will celebrate an annual Patient Appreciation Party at the Texas State Aquarium. In years past, they’ve hosted an estimated 800 guests. “It’s wholesome family fun,” describes Jo. “It’s a way for us to say thank you.”

Ingraham is one of only 25 percent of orthodontists nationwide who is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, the oldest specialty board in dentistry. His professional memberships include the American Association of Orthodontists, Southwest Society of Orthodontists, The American Dental Association, as well as past president and member of the Nueces Dental Society. In 2008, he was selected from 300 doctors in the United States to receive the SureSmile Doctor of the Year award in Orlando, Fla.

In the community, Ingraham and Jo are very involved in their church. “Those are the things in the community I am a part and have meant a lot to me over the years,” he says.

Fulfilling Dreams

Ingraham grew up in the hot desert sun of Arizona. At an early age, he considered veterinary medicine or dentistry, but realized he was more interested in taking care of people. Dentistry bridged his two passions as a balance of the skilled art of the orthodontist with the precision of science.

The doctor received his D.D.S from Baylor University, where he met his wife, Jo. He served as a general dentist in the U.S. Navy in Spain for four years, learning to speak fluent Spanish; and afterwards received a master’s degree in orthodontics from the University of Missouri Kansas City Dental School.

Ingraham and his wife came to Corpus Christi on Aug. 15, 1974. It’s one of those dates, he says, embedded in his memory. It was the beginning of a new adventure for his family; and with the opening of his specialty practice in orthodontics, Ingraham began changing beautiful smiles for children and adults throughout the Coastal Bend.

Smiles from the Heart

October is time for reflection and celebration. It’s National Orthodontic Health Month, which sets the stage for the dental industry to bring greater awareness within the profession. It’s a month Ingraham takes pride in for as he approaches his 36th year in dentistry, he’s had an opportunity to contribute to orthodontics, embark on new advances, and create beautiful smiles for life.

As a leader in his field, Ingraham sets a new standard. He’s led an exhilarating career, and through his care and compassion for all those who have sat in his chair, he and his family have received many blessings. “It has provided food for my heart for a long time,” he says as he reflects on more than three decades of dentistry.

From the desert sand to the blue waters of the Gulf, he’s at home in his life and his career. “I want to do the best I can everyday,” he shares. With that heart-felt sentiment, Ingraham ensures a smile from his heart to bring out the best in each and every one of his patients. “My goal is to provide a wonderful experience in our office and give you the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve.”