New Year, New Smile

New Year, New Smile

Featuring the Practice of Dr. Kathleen Mullaney, DDS FAGD

Story by Alexandria Lindstrom | Photography by Jeremiah “JD” Davis




As we turn our attention to the upcoming end of one year and the beginning of another, many begin to place more focus on health. We often think about our diets and our exercise regimens (or lack thereof) because we want to feel better about our appearances and our self-confidence… But what about our smiles?


An article by Vivian Diller published in Psychology Today in 2012 stated, “A person’s smile is the feature that elicits the most immediate and positive reaction from others… .” It also plays a big factor in how we feel about ourselves. The better the quality of our smile, the higher our level of self-confidence in showing off that smile – which is part of the reason maintaining dental health is so important. “I’ve seen my patients’ lives transformed when I improve their smiles,” said Dr. Kathleen Mullaney, a former United States Navy dentist who went into practice in 1995 in Old Town. “We’ve taken care of many patients here over the years who would not smile because of embarrassment about how their teeth looked; but once we improved the appearance of their teeth, it was amazing to see their smiles and see them feeling so much better about themselves.”



A boost in self-assurance is only part of the equation when it comes to dental health, however. “Links between poor dental health and poor overall health and the development of diseases have been studied in depth by the National Institutes of Health, showing direct correlation between poor dental health and conditions such as COPD, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, as well as the occurrence of preterm birth and low birth weight,” Mullaney said. “In addition, having healthy nutritional habits has been shown to provide better health as we age, and it is important to have your teeth and bite functioning properly in order to maintain good nutrition.”


 


'I've seen my patients' lives transformed when I improve their smiles.'

Dr. Kathleen Mullaney


 

A well-established presence in the dental community with many notable accomplishments, Mullaney has been awarded the prestigious Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry and is the published author of “The Window to Your Health: Achieving a Healthy and Beautiful Smile.” She has also been named Washingtonian’s “Top Dentist,” Northern Virginia Magazine’s “Top Dentist,” and Virginia Living’s “Top Dentist.” As a former officer of the U.S. Navy, she rose to rank of Lt. Commander during her eight-year career. However, some of her greatest rewards come from serving her community and her fellow veterans – especially those in need. “I’m extremely passionate about caring for veterans in need, so we’ve placed great focus on offering care to those who would otherwise not have access to it,” she said.

As part of that care, Dr. Mullaney and her team have hosted As part of that care, Dr. Mullaney and her team have hosted Freedom Day USA for the past three years, donating a full day of dental services to local veterans in need. “They are so appreciative, and many have told us that we have changed their lives. That makes us so happy.”


Happy enough to smile, no doubt; and those smiles are mirrored in all their patients, both young and old. Fortunately, dentistry technology and methodology has led to easier solutions for straightening and whitening, and even correcting the length of teeth. “We have more beautiful, stronger, and more natural porcelain restorations and fillings that look so much better and no longer require metal; and we offer our patients dental numbing using ‘The Wand.’ Our digital X-rays require up to 80% less radiation, and the digital impression scanning and 3D printing we use greatly improves our accuracy as well as the level of patient comfort,” Mullaney said. In addition, they offer same-day treatment solutions including “teeth in a day” – an accelerated method of implanting teeth. Time is often of the essence, so they also provide one-hour teeth whitening, and Invisalign clear teeth alignment systems. For those with a fear of dental procedures, sedation options are available.


Dr. Kathleen Mullaney, DDS FAGD

700 North Fairfax Street #230, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

571-321-6778 | www.kathleenmullaneydds.com

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