Nolan Carlstrom ’26: Noxon Orthodontics

I first got my braces on in fifth grade, and I hated them. I was confused about why I needed braces, as my teeth appeared straight in the mirror. When my orthodontist told me that I needed an even longer treatment, it left me even more confused. I kept asking myself: “Why do I need braces? What do they need my teeth to do?” Even after I got my braces off, I kept asking myself these questions: Why put on braces for two years just for my teeth to look the same? However, looking back on those questions, I can confidently say that I am grateful to the orthodontist for correcting my teeth, even though my smile might look the same.

This summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to intern for Dr. Noxon and Dr. Bruno at Noxon Orthodontics in Wellesley, MA. Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on preventing and correcting misaligned teeth and bites. Using an array of different techniques—braces, aligners, expanders, etc.—Orthodontics helps to achieve cosmetic corrections, create a healthy bite, and improve oral and gum health.

During my four-week internship, my role was to assist the orthodontic assistants and doctors in creating a smoother and faster transition between patients. After the appointments, I would wipe down all the surfaces and clean their trays, which were filled with dirty tools and bonding materials. From there, I cleaned and sorted all the instruments, putting each in its respective place. Before new patients arrived, I would set out different trays to each chair based on their type of treatment. Each tray had a different set of tools on it, specific to the appointment type. For example, I created “start” trays for kids getting their braces on and “boff” trays for people getting their braces off. 

“Adjustment” Tray Setup Ultrasonic cleaner used prior to sterilization

In addition to cleaning trays, I also had a lot of small jobs to do around the office, one of which was creating patient profiles for their system. Each profile consisted of four pictures of the patient, three pictures of their teeth, and two X-rays, all put into one profile. The doctors used these profiles to show the growth and development of the teeth as a result of the treatment. After another assistant took the pictures and X-rays, it was my job to create a perfect product that left the patient happy.

X-ray of a patient's teeth

At the end of each braces treatment or Invisalign treatment, retainers were required to make sure each tooth stayed straight. As soon as the doctors took the braces off the patients, they scanned their teeth to create a 3D mold of them. From there, they created a 3D resin model of the teeth to be used to create a retainer. My job was to melt plastic over those molds, cut them out, trim, and polish each of the new retainers. After this process was finished, and with approval from the doctors, I cleaned and packaged each retainer to be ready for the patient. Lastly, I updated each of the patients’ files on the computer, documenting that I had made the retainer and they were ready to take home.

Forming Machine for creating plastic molds of retainers Polishing a retainer with a Dremel

Along with the physical work, I also had the opportunity to learn a lot more about the process behind the treatment, specifically with Invisalign. Invisalign is a clear aligner system used to straighten teeth using custom-made, removable plastic trays that gradually shift teeth into their perfect place. Dr. Noxon was kind enough to show me how the process of creating a treatment plan for Invisalign worked. Using Invisalign’s software and the scan of the patient's teeth, he was able to create a treatment plan on his computer, adjusting different variables of treatment by minuscule amounts. 

My favorite part of my time at Noxon Orthodontics was observing and learning about each patient's unique case, specifically through the process of scanning and creating models of each patient’s teeth. Each time a patient was scanned, a 3D model was created in software that the doctors could analyze and start to treat. Watching all the different models being made led me to realize that each case required a unique treatment plan, none of which was the same.

iTero Scanner

My experience interning at Noxon Orthodontics taught me so much about the orthodontic profession and practice, but also other things beyond the scope of orthodontics. I learned the importance of communication, teamwork, and a clean workspace, which were all key to creating a smooth flow in the office. My time at the office wouldn’t have been the same without the wonderful team there, and I would like to thank  Dr. Noxon, Dr. Bruno, and the whole team at Noxon Orthodontics for bringing me to be a part of the team and helping me with all of my questions and tasks. It was a pleasure to meet and work with everyone at Noxon, and their kindness and willingness to help me learn made a difference during my time. Finally, I would like to thank Mr. Schlenker for making this all possible and guiding me through the process.

Observing a patient visit