When Dr. Lauris Johnson was a child, her pediatric dentist took her under his wing, giving her a unique opportunity to explore the profession as she grew up. While it fueled an interest in dentistry, she didn’t initially begin her college education with the intention of entering the field. But her path eventually led her that way.
Dr. Johnson recently opened her own practice in the heart of Windermere to offer comprehensive orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages. MyFamily Orthodontics offers a personalized orthodontic experience in which Dr. Johnson is engaged in all aspects of the treatment.
“I want my patients to realize I actually care about them,” she says. “We’re there to straighten their teeth, but I don’t want them to feel like just another tooth. We want them to feel like party of the family.”
The MyFamily Orthodontics Experience
Dr. Johnson says it’s the family atmosphere that truly sets her practice apart. That’s why she put it right in the name.
From the waiting area to the treatment rooms, the interior of MyFamily Orthodontics includes soothing blues and shades of light gray. Each chair has a TV so patients can play games or watch their favorite show during treatment to relieve some anxiety.
At the initial consultation, she and her treatment coordinator sit down with the patient to discuss their needs and develop a personalized treatment plan that will work for their lifestyle. Sometimes a patient will request completing treatment before a milestone event. Dr. Johnson works with the patient to create a plan so they can accomplish that goal together, whether it is using a clear wire to enhance the natural appearance of the tooth or clear ceramic brackets that aren’t as noticeable. Throughout the treatment, she is hands-on, sharing what to expect along the way.
When patients complete their treatment, they have the option of placing a picture of their final smile on a tree that is painted on the wall of the community treatment room. As the practice grows, so, too, will the family tree.
Invisible Orthodontics, Exceptional Care
One of Dr. Johnson’s specialties is using clear aesthetic brackets and Invisalign to transform her patients’ smiles. These methods help them reach their goals in a more discrete way.
“The clear aesthetic brackets have come a long way,” she says. “Patients aren’t as reluctant to start treatment because now they have an option other than metal. They like the idea of getting their teeth fixed incognito.”
A digital x-ray unit allows her to view the patient’s teeth then design the trays that are needed throughout the entire treatment. She will be adding a digital scanner soon, which will eliminate the need for uncomfortable impressions.
Dr. Johnson is passionate about boosting her patients’ self-esteem by giving them the smile they seek and improving the functionality of their teeth. She loves to see their progression as they make their way through the treatment, noting that they may come in unwilling to smile but begin to come out of their shell and are a completely different person by the end.
“I get most of my reward as an orthodontist knowing that I’m changing someone’s life,” she says.
Making an Impact
Not only does Dr. Johnson thrive on making her patients more comfortable with their smiles but she also knows the importance of giving back to her community through her practice. She participates in career days at schools to educate children about dentistry, just as her pediatric dentist did for her, and she recently hosted a school supply drive for A Gift for Teaching to get educators prepared for the new school year. She currently is in the process of working with several organizations in the area that focus on helping families and uplifting communities.
Above all, Dr. Johnson empathizes with the parents of her patients. As a mother, she understands that their schedules are hectic and that a child will not always want to cooperate when they’re in the chair. Because of that she does everything in her power to make MyFamily Orthodontics a place where patients can feel at home.
“I’m a family aesthetic orthodontic practice where I’m not only giving the patient quality orthodontic treatment, but I want the process to be enjoyable,” she says. “I want my patients to feel comfortable and smile while they’re wearing their braces.”
Stop by to meet Dr. Johnson and her staff and to experience the difference that MyFamily Orthodontics makes when it comes to your orthodontic needs.
7848 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Suite 100
Windermere, FL 34786
407.258.3262
MyFamilyOrtho.com
Get to Know Dr. Lauris Johnson
Dr. Lauris Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree in zoology at the University of Florida before pursuing a career in dentistry at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. She later became the first African American woman to earn her orthodontic certification from the University of Colorado in 2007.
“It didn’t really hit me until a couple years later,” Dr. Johnson says. “I was just doing what I needed to do to graduate and be the best I could be. But I do carry pride in knowing that I have inspired other people.”
She is the mother of two beautiful children, a devoted wife and a resident of Windermere. Outside of the office, Dr. Johnson and her family enjoy traveling, spending time together and participating in all things Disney.