As a teenager Dr. William "Bill" Layman loaded dog food to earn enough money for his own orthodontic work. Layman wants braces to be more affordable for today's children, and that is the motivation behind his Straighten Up Orthodontics practice in Clearwater. With new technology that can save patients time and treatments, Layman promises to be true to his mission, "Radiant smiles…Humble costs."
Bill grew up as the son of a farm supply salesman in the town of Amelial, Virginia. After his freshman year at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, Bill signed up for the Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. After finishing college, he entered the army as a 2nd Lieutenant for field artillery training. Eventually, Bill served as a Fire Support Officer with the 82nd Airborne Division in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.
While in college, Bill met Andrea Ayers, a Clearwater resident who was attending the College of Charleston. Upon completing dental school in South Carolina and an orthodontic internship at Vanderbilt University Orthodontic Center, Bill and Andrea married and moved back to Andrea's hometown with their young son Ayers. "We bought this building," explained Andrea "and proceeded to do everything the business consultant told us not to do." Their advisors chose yellow and green for the offices exterior, but Andrea's research showed a direct correlation between business productivity and the colors green and purple. "Some people think our purple building is too bazaar, but that tends to make our clients 'out-of-the-box' thinkers and that is fine with us." As a result of Andrea's research and consultation with a feng-shui (an ancient proverb that explains the power of the individual to create harmony and balance in the home and the world) designer, Straighten Up Orthodontics is a colorful, happy environment with soothing colors and interesting art on the wall.
Dr. Layman's practice includes orthodontic and Sleep Apnea treatment for adults and children. Sleep Apnea (Apnea meaning "no breath") is a condition in which tissue in the throat closes obstructing proper breathing during a sleep cycle. For these patients, Layman designs an individual mouth guard which keeps the lower jaw forward and the airway open. Layman also treats patients suffering from TMJ, a chronic problem with the joints that attach your jaw to your skull.
Dr. Layman works with each patient to formulate a dental plan that is appropriate and affordable. As Andrea Layman summarizes the philosophy of Straighten Up Orthodontics, "We want each client to know they are special to us and that we are honored to have their business." What a refreshing approach to the practice of Orthodontics!
Straighten Up Orthodontics has office hours throughout the week including Saturday, but appointments are necessary. Contact them by phone at 727-446-8005 or by e-mail: drbill@suortho.com. You can't miss their purple office building at 501 South Missouri Avenue, on the southeast corner of Missouri and Court St.