What’s so special about an Orthodontist? Dr. Wu Explains

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Wu started out in dental school at the University of Pennsylvania and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school, and practicing as a dentist, Dr. Wu decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years completing his orthodontic residency (University of Pittsburgh) and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

--Dr. Eric Wu

Summer 09 Pre-Dental Intern: Sandra Lee

We at WU Orthodontics were so lucky to have Sandra working with us this summer. She was our summer intern, and was able to work with Dr. Wu and the patients for several months. The patients loved her so much and she helped make their visits pleasant and enjoyable.



Sandra has been a great intern, and here is what she had to say about her time with us:

For the past three years, I have been taking pre-health courses along with my mathematics major at Bryn Mawr College, which happens to be twenty minutes away from University of Pennsylvania, where Dr. Eric Wu received his Dental Medicine Degree. Though I was fulfilling the pre-requisites for dentistry, I had never immersed myself inside the flow of dental work aside from regular dental check ups and my past braces experience.

Dr. Wu and the rest of the team at Wu Orthodontics wish her the best of luck! If you had a chance to meet Sandra during her time with us, be sure to leave a comment to congratulate and wish her well.

San Francisco Food Bank Thanks Wu Ortho

The Wu Orthodontics team received great thanks from Paul Ash, the executive director of San Francisco Food Bank for their time and efforts in packaging food supply for the hungry.

On behalf of the San Francisco Food Bank, I want to thank you for the time and effort you recently spent helping end hunger in San Francisco.

In the year ending June 30, we distributed 33.5 million pounds of food to 132,000 people in need - and volunteers like you are absolutely vital to achieving that goal. The work done each year by you and more than 15,000 other Food Bank volunteers - sorting food donations, gleaning fresh produce, assembling grocery boxes, and repacking bulk food items - is the equal of 38 permanent full-time employees.

Simply put, we could never serve so many people without the help of volunteers like you.

And volunteering is just one way you and your friends or family can stay involved. Whether it's by making an online gift or keeping abreast of hunger-related issues in our community by joining out advocacy network, the Food Bank and the hundreds of programs it supplies depend on your continued support and involvement. Once more, thank you - and we hope to see you again!

Sincerely,

Paul Ash
Executive Director

Cesar Chavez Academy Honors Dr. Wu

On Tuesday, June 9th, Dr. Eric Wu was awarded at Cesar Chavez Academy's Community Celebration Appreciation Dinner for his charitable contributions to the Palo Alto Community.

Dr. Wu receiving the Community Partner Award from the East Palo Alto school with the principal and vice principal

Patient Appreciation Letter to Wu Orthodontics

Dr. Wu and Wu Orthodontics are doing amazing work in the Palo Alto community. Read this letter from one patient who is particularly thankful.



Dear Dr. Wu,

Thank you for helping me. With the braces, things are so much better.

Before when I was in school, I got in fights, some kids laughed at me, and people called me names, like “dienton,” which means “big teeth” in English. My life was hard because people called me that.

Now, nobody makes fun of me because they know that my teeth are better with the braces. My life is so much better. I am so happy with my teeth as they keep getting better.

Thank you for the braces. I am especially grateful to you for not being angry or taking away my braces when one or more brackets are broken. I will do my best to not break anymore brackets. Thank you to the ladies at the front table for their pretty smiles when I get to the table.

With deep gratitude,
Michael

Wu Orthodontics Holds Another Dental Education Lecture

At Wu Orthodontics, we know that providing the best in orthodontic care to the community of Palo Alto is of the utmost importance. But you can't have comprehensive orthodontic care without outstanding dental treatment. That is why we reach out to dental professionals in the greater Palo Alto metropolitan region and host study clubs.

As our world advances, so does our dental and orthodontic knowledge. By staying on top of the latest technologies and procedures, we are able to offer the most advanced treatments for your teeth. And that's what you deserve!

Our next study club will be held at Wu Orthodontics on July 23rd. Dr. Paul Homoly will speak on advanced dental treatments. Dr. Homoly is a world-class leader in dental education. As a comprehensive restorative dentist and acclaimed educator for over twenty-five years, he is known for his innovative and practical approach to dentistry. He will discuss the distinctions between simple and complex care patients and provide practical tips for determining whether your patient is ready for complex care.

As always, we will have hors d'oeuvres. Hope to see you there!

Wu Orthodontics

And the game is on!

One of our patients has sent in her Summer Postcard Contest picture and is in the run of winning big!

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand (South Island)
April 2009

Here is the letter that came along with the picture:

Dear Dr. Wu,

Enclosed is Elisabeth's contribution to your travel photo collection! (We forgot to bring it to our appointment this week)

This was taken on her trip to New Zealand in April. Those shirts are going to be seen 'round the world!

Also, thank you again for her "special request" DS prize. She's been saving up those tokens, and she's so thrilled to have earned this new horse-themed game. Nothing like a little incentive to keep the kids focused on the orthodontic goals.

We couldn't be happier with the results thus far, and with the outstanding professionalism (and FUN!) that we experience every time we come to your office.

Wu Orthodontics is the BEST!