Portrait by Sam Nalven

DR. RYAN S. WALLIN
Cosmetic/General Dentist
6626 E. Baseline Rd., Ste. 101, Mesa
480-218-8800, myazsmile.com

Dental School: University of the Pacific, San Francisco
Years in Practice: 12 years

How did you feel about going to the dentist as a kid?
I was a horrible patient. My dad was my dentist, and I was terrified of having any dental work, especially if I had to get a shot. This is one of the main reasons I have worked so hard on giving painless injections early in my career.

What attracted you to cosmetic dentistry?
I think ALL dentistry should be cosmetic. I’m sort of used to being playfully mocked by other dentists and dental specialists when they see the amount of detail I place in even a simple filling. Creating beauty on the front teeth is just as satisfying to me personally as returning a broken or decayed molar to its original, natural shape and color.

What’s your biggest dental pet peeve?
There’s some funny stuff out there on the Internet, like “How to whiten your teeth with household cleaners.” Not everything you read about dentistry on the web is true. Ask your dentist if you aren’t sure what is true and what is just comical.

What’s the biggest misunderstanding about dentists?
Dentists and our dental office staff eat more candy and drink more soda than the average American. We just brush more often.

What kind of toothpaste and toothbrush do you use?
Toothbrush: Sonicare. Toothpaste: plain old Crest. I tried Close-Up, but it didn’t really help me kiss any better like in the commercials.

Besides brushing and flossing, what should people do to keep their teeth healthy and looking great?
Get rid of your old silver fillings. Metal fillings can cause fractures in your teeth, and they just don’t look natural. My preference for replacing old metal is with
ceramic materials that look just like tooth structure.

Describe the atmosphere of your office.
We work hard to create a comfortable environment. Some treatment rooms overlook a lake, and the office is designed to minimize the stresses normally associated with going to the dentist. I hear patients say they feel like they are in a comfortable home rather than at the dentist.