Cosmetic And Laser Dental Spa Of Richmond - Dr Sarah Wilmer's Office
2025-12-10T02:06:05.677Z
ORIGINAL REVIEWDr. Wilmer and her staff combine their expertise and outstanding bedside manner to provide a great experience. I never considered Invisalign type braces to fix my teeth's spaces, but when she showed me 3 different reasons that they would actually improve my teeth's health and long term viability, I took the plunge. Now I'm on my way to the smile I always wanted, while fixing some teeth / bite issues that were actually kind of serious! In the process, the office staff and environment are very pleasant, too!UPDATED REVIEW 12/9/25I am updating my review to reflect my full experience, especially for those considering sleep-apnea treatment.While my Invisalign journey began well, the sleep-appliance part of my care wasn’t a good fit for several reasons:1. Comfort: Both the temporary device (worn during orthodontic treatment) and the permanent appliance were uncomfortable. This was surprising, as I had used a device from another provider for many years without any discomfort.2. Forced jaw advancement: Even after my scores improved, I was encouraged to continue advancing my jaw without getting a sleep study to confirm whether further advancement was actually needed.3. Retainer Function: Most concerning, my $6,000 “permanent” appliance did not function as the promised night retainer. I was told at the beginning that the final appliance would replace daytime retainers, but because the top portion had virtually no grooves, my teeth shifted when I slept. This meant I would still need to wear an aligner/retainer for life (*during the day*, which is very different from what I was originally told.A second opinion discovered that my apnea events occurred mainly when I slept on my back, which means I may not even need an appliance if I sleep on my side. I have since discontinued use of the device. With breathing exercises, side-sleeping, and MyoTape, I am now virtually apnea-free. My face is more relaxed, I’m better rested, and my snoring has almost entirely resolved. Next week I start oral myofunctional therapy, which I understand may a provide an even more permanent and comfortable way to approach my sleep apnea.I still believe Dr. Wilmer and her team provide good dental and orthodontic care, but in my case the sleep treatment did not fit with my needs. In hindsight, I should have used a provider who specializes in sleep medicine and coordinated the sleep and orthodontic care separately.Overall, I appreciate the kindness of the team and I’m grateful for the orthodontic improvements I’ve made. I hope my experience helps others make the most informed decision possible, especially if they are seeking treatment for sleep apnea.
ORIGINAL REVIEWDr. Wilmer and her staff combine their expertise and outstanding bedside manner to provide a great experience. I never considered Invis... More