Breathing, smiling, and moving without pain are simple joys we often take for granted until they're gone. Meet four doctors passionate about helping patients achieve vibrant health, wellness, and a better quality of life. From cutting-edge sinus treatments to advanced dental care, innovative orthodontics, and non-invasive pain therapies, these doctors are dedicated to helping you live your best life. In addition to being on the leading edge of healthcare, they are leaders actively involved in the local business Chamber, community events, and charitable organizations, creating a healthy community for everyone.
Dr. Sean Bailey, M.D., F.A.C.S. | Ear nose and Throat specialist and Board Certified Otolaryngologist
How do you help patients significantly improve their health, wellness, and quality of life?
Dr. Bailey: We take breathing for granted until we can’t do it comfortably. For many, chronic sinus issues can be debilitating, resulting in frequent headaches, a reduced sense of smell, persistent congestion, and even hearing loss. These problems not only affect your comfort but can also zap your energy and enjoyment of life. Fortunately, for those who suffer from chronic sinus problems, options like balloon sinuplasty can safely and effectively provide long-lasting relief when first-line medications and other therapies fail.
How does Balloon Sinuplasty work?
Dr. Bailey: Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure. Unlike traditional sinus surgeries, which involve the removal of bone and tissue, Balloon Sinuplasty uses a gentle, innovative technique. We can restore proper drainage and breathing without significant discomfort or recovery time by inflating a tiny balloon in the sinus passageways.
What other ways do you and your team support health and wellness?
Dr. Bailey: Each team member plays an integral role in ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care. Their input is vital to giving each patient the best opportunity for better health.
What healthy things must we consider as we get through winter and head into spring?
Dr. Bailey: Our team has allergy experts who test and treat allergies. Many patients with asthma have difficulty breathing when exposed to an allergen. Everything comes down to helping patients breathe comfortably because breathing is the foundation for all things related to health and wellness.
For more information visit Dr. Sean Bailey in Downtown Kirkwood.
Dr. Allison Winkler, DMD | Kirkwood Family Dental
Has going to the dentist evolved at Kirkwood Family Dental?
Dr. Winkler: We’re committed to using innovative technology for a more comfortable, efficient, and precise dental experience. Our newly expanded office offers some excellent amenities. Say good-bye to traditional goopy dental impressions. Our comfortable, and highly accurate, scanner creates a digital model of your teeth in minutes. You can also relax and watch your favorite TV show on our big screens while we work. Not only does it make appointments feel faster, but it also helps relieve dental anxiety.
Are there new treatment technologies?
Dr. Winkler: Our Smile Simulation technology lets you preview your results before dental work begins. Dr. Akshay Vij is an expert in Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry. He specializes in oral rehabilitation using minimally invasive dentistry for cosmetic and prosthetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, crowns, and implants. For our patients who are missing a tooth or more, we use a digital CT scanner to precisely plan implant procedures. These dental implants are often the best solution for replacing a missing tooth. They can also offer support and retention for dentures so that all our patients can be confident in their smiles.
Is there a new option for patients without dental insurance?
Dr. Winkler: Our dental membership plan is easy, affordable, and tailored to individual and family needs. Yearly membership includes two dental exams and oral cancer screenings, a series of digital x-rays, two healthy mouth cleanings, and one emergency dental visit, just in case. Members receive a discount on any necessary treatment, have no deductibles, and have no annual maximum limitations.
Has anything remained the same?
Dr. Winkler: Nothing beats good old brushing and flossing. We highly recommend electric toothbrushes, and even offer a top-of-the-line model at a hefty discount through our office. And we also think you should floss BEFORE you brush. Flossing first means you loosen up any plaque between your teeth before you brush them, getting them almost as sparkling clean as when you leave your dental appointments.
Visit Kirkwood Family Dental in Downtown Kirkwood.
Dr. Stefanie Dougherty, DMD, MSD | Dougherty Orthodontics
Why are braces necessary?
Dr. Dougherty: Two important reasons to consider braces are the improved self-esteem and confidence that result from looking your best when you smile. The sole purpose of braces isn't only to straighten your teeth. Braces perfect your bite, like gears in a wheel, which help prevent wearing down the teeth, protect the enamel as you age, and avoid future jaw pain or other dental needs like crowns. Braces also ensure your teeth are aligned so they are easy to clean.
Is there innovative technology for braces?
Dr. Dougherty: LightForce Braces are the newest advancement in orthodontic technology. Dr. Dougherty was one of the first orthodontists to offer this innovative technology in our area. These transparent braces are 3D-printed and perfectly molded to your tooth size and shape. The end result is rapid treatment with fewer orthodontic appointments.
Have traditional braces evolved?
Dr. Dougherty: Today's metal braces are smaller, weigh less, and feel more comfortable. That means they're an excellent choice for straightening your smile. We move patients through a wire sequence, starting with a flimsy wire, like a spaghetti noodle. That's what aligns the teeth to get them perfectly straight, which takes a few months, depending on the patient and their situation. Once the teeth are perfectly aligned, we move into bigger wires to start tweaking the teeth into their final position.
Is there anything about braces that are fun?
Dr. Dougherty: Traditional metal braces have a fun new twist without any extra cost— customize them with pops of color. The elastics that fit around the brackets come in assorted colors. Showcase your personality whenever you want. A touch of fun goes a long way toward helping patients look and feel their best during treatment. We also bring the fun! Our team's expertise and enthusiasm bring joy to every visit. Whether it's a friendly chat or a joke, our smile squad goes above and beyond to ensure you leave with a smile. Our work includes making every moment fun and memorable!
Visit Dougherty Orthodontics on Dougherty Ferry Road.
Dr. Jim Hankinson| Back to Wellness Chiropractic
How do you treat pain?
Dr. Hankinson: I’m using an innovative technology called SoftWave therapy to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, neck and lower back pain, tendinitis from golfing or pickleball, knee and shoulder pain, neuropathy, and plantar fasciitis. SoftWave is effective for any joint or muscle pain caused by inflammation.
How does SoftWave work?
Dr. Hankinson: SoftWave uses acoustic sound waves to activate dormant stem cells within the body, promoting natural tissue regeneration and healing. The process is non-invasive and painless. Sound waves are placed directly on the site of inflammation, increasing blood flow to the treated area by up to 300%, accelerating recovery, reducing inflammation, and alleviating pain. The treatment is quick, typically taking only about 5 minutes per region, and there's no recovery time afterward.
Does it hurt?
Dr. Hankinson: Patients experience moderate discomfort (around a 4-6 pain level on a scale of 1 to 10), which indicates that the therapy is working. This sensation results from the acoustic waves stimulating your tissues and activating the healing process. Each treatment typically takes only about 5 minutes per region, respecting your time and ensuring an efficient process. And there’s no recovery time afterward, so you can get back to your day without delay.
Have you used it for pain?
Dr. Hankinson: I’ve used it myself. I discovered SoftWave while looking for something to treat the persistent pain from a shoulder injury. I was told that a cortisone injection would ward off the pain until the inevitable surgery. I began searching for an effective, non-invasive alternative that didn’t involve needles, surgery, or drugs. What sets SoftWave apart is its ability to deliver long-term healing. Patients have really good improvement after one treatment. One patient suffering from severe shin splints and hamstring pain was completely pain-free after four treatments. These positive outcomes give hope to people experiencing frustration from the inability to engage in everyday activities. SoftWave offers a pain-free way to move throughout your day.
For more information visit Back to Wellness Chiropractic in Kirkwood