Meet Dr. Wong

Dr. Keith B. Wong, Orthodontist

Keith B. Wong, DDS, MS, is a VIP Diamond Plus level Invisalign orthodontic specialist who treats adults and children with not only Invisalign aligners but also the invisible Brava lingual appliance and digital precision braces.  An expert in his field, Dr. Wong has successfully treated over 8,000 orthodontic patients and is recognized for excellence in diagnosis and innovative treatment planning and execution.

In His Own Words

Hello.  I’m pleased to have this opportunity to provide an overview of my education, philosophy, and experience as an orthodontist, as well as a brief glimpse into my life outside the practice.  I have had the pleasure of treating over 8,000 orthodontic patients since my post-doctoral degree in the specialty and hope the following will give you a sense of who I am and why I truly enjoy my work.

Why Orthodontics

I’ve often been asked how one ends up as an orthodontist; occasionally by someone interested in the field, but also by those who think it an unlikely choice.  In my case, the decision was made early.  At sixteen, I realized any future career would likely involve children and considered following in my mother’s footsteps, becoming a teacher, but orthodontics had a special appeal:  I had always loved working with small mechanical models and kits and had a natural artistic propensity.  I was also aware that, of my peers, the children of orthodontists seemed to enjoy happy and balanced home lives.  These factors cemented a plan to attend dental school and pursue post-doctorate studies in orthodontics.

Education

The first step was graduation from the University of Michigan Honors College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.  U of M dental school immediately followed, where, just prior to receiving the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, I was accepted into the Master’s program in orthodontics at Saint Louis University’s Medical Center.  The SLU orthodontic program was known nationally for excellence in clinical education and for its then chairman, Lysle E. Johnston, Jr., a leader in orthodontic education and research.  “Dr. J” was academically rigorous and demanding, yet truly inspiring, and a great friend.  I remain grateful to him and continue to hold him as an inspiration for my work.

Experience and Motivation

Since graduation from SLU, I’ve had the opportunity to successfully treat over 8,000 patients and have found that my interest in orthodontics continues to grow.  New technologies and practices such as advanced imaging, wire composition, and bonding procedures; integrative dentistry with advanced surgical, periodontic, and restorative collaboration; and innovative tools such as Invisalign, precision braces, and Brava, an invisible, lingual appliance, have made my profession even more rewarding.

I truly enjoy both the diagnostic process—the piecing together of the puzzle, you might say—and the treatment process; seeing the treatment plan come to life—changing a self-conscious smile into a brilliant and healthy one.  But most importantly, I enjoy working with patients, young or old, to help them achieve their desired results.

Practice Intent

A question was posed by a professor in my orthodontic program:  “What makes an excellent orthodontist?”  My first thoughts were of mechanics and achieving ideal occlusal (and facial!) outcomes.  The professor waited, allowing it to dawn on the class that this was not the only criterion.  He pointed out that, yes, an excellent orthodontist must master his or her craft, but he or she must also take care of patients, providing a positive environment and experience; that the excellent orthodontist must consider all aspects of the practice as important, and that means fostering quality relationships.  Without quality relationships, which require clear, effective communication, the best mechanics in the business will not result in a satisfied patient.  This principle has guided my career and drives my choice of team members and the intention of the practice to be a place of service where each of us strives to perform his or her respective duties in the most effective and positive manner possible.  My goals for the practice, then, are multifaceted; excellent orthodontic results created in an excellent environment of willing and friendly people.  Every day is a learning experience, with challenges and room for improvement, but these goals define our efforts and result in continual self-assessment and advancement.  

After all these years, the decision made at sixteen has proven to be a profoundly good one.  In fact, the opportunity to provide orthodontic care has taught me a very important lesson—work can be an expression of one’s general life intention rather than simply an activity or means to a particular lifestyle.  For me, that general intention is to be of service to others and I’m grateful to my chosen field and my patients for allowing me to actualize that intention.

Personal Interests

Outside of orthodontic practice, my interests are many.  Mary Ransdell—my life partner of over thirty years—and I spend leisure time enjoying live performances of classical music, walks in the woods, meditation and contemplation, and social time with valued friends.  Mary is the executive and artistic director of The Seattle Series, a chamber music series featuring outstanding Seattle-based artists and their special guests.  If you enjoy high-level classical music in an intimate setting, check it out!

I invite you to explore other pages for additional clarification of our services, and if any questions should arise, feel free to contact us:  206-812-4494 or contact@drkeithbwongseattle.com.

Warmly,

Keith

Keith B. Wong, DDS, MS
Specialist in Orthodontics