Uncomfortable chairs and piped- In Music couldn't find a home in tile office of local orthodontist Peter Wendell. Instead it's video games, a computer that tells you to brush your teeth, and a giant sculpture of a head - with braces, of course.

The entertainment begins before patients ever enter the office. A blackboard with fanciful colored writing bears the name of first time patients Dr. Wendell will see that day - at least five.

The Biggest anxiety kids probably have when they come to the office for their first visit is from what they have heard from other kids," Wendell said. "We try to dispel those fears right away. Usually after the first visit, the anxiety is gone. In fact, I've had kids walk out Of here disappointed that they won't need braces when I tell them their teeth look fine." Nervousness is often replaced with laughter when the patient is tilted back in tile examination room chair. A ducks bottom protruding from the ceiling always gets kids' attention -- precisely what Wendell wants.

"The décor of the office gives the kids something neat look at while they are being examined or having an adjustment done on their braces-Inst6ad of looking up our nose," Wendell says with a laugh.

Wendell has been practicing orthodontics in Williamsburg since 1984. He estimates he has helped more than 3,500 smiles.

Breakthroughs in treatment have facilitated the process of getting straight teeth. There's less pain, and often the length of time a patient has to wear braces is shorter. Even the hardware can make a fashion statement.

"The kids can custom design their mouth by alternating the color ties of their braces," Julie Pierce, clinical coordinator said. "It goes along With the holidays-like around July Fourth everyone wants red, white and blue. At the holidays it's red and green."

"We even have adult patients picking the colors," Wendell interjected. Adults account for approximately 15% of Wendell's patients. Patients can also choose colors for retainers and bite plates.

Making treatment fun keeps cooperation levels up and gives patients incentives. That's so they'll take better care of their teeth while wearing braces. "The more fun we make it, the more compliant the patient will be," Pierce said. "We always promote a positive image that it is a fun place. The kids are happy to be here because we are happy be here."

To keep kids brushing, flossing and cooperating, Wendell has incorporated a point system that rewards good hygiene and good grades. Movie passes, T-shirts, even certificates for CD's are the pay-off for a sparkling smile and good grades in school.

The impact a nice smile has on a persons self-esteem is important to Wendell and his staff. That's why there's a wall featuring the portraits of patients who recently completed treatment. "We create a lot of hoopla when they get their braces off," Pierce said.

"The patient gets a gift certificate to a commercial photographer and we get the portrait back and hang it on the wall," Wendell added. The are beautiful-the portraits look fantastic. When they get their braces off we give them a goody bag full of all the things they weren't supposed to eat while they had their braces on -- gum, Milk Duds -- all the junk. Adults get a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider."

Wendell and his staff make lasting relationships with the patients, often lasting years after the braces come off. "We develop close relationships with the patience. Sometimes we are invited to sports events or plays or graduations. We really try to go to them," Wendell said some patients are so grateful for their perked up smiles, they bring gifts to Wendell. "One boy gave me a ceramic set of teeth he made and painted," Wendell said "A girl brought in a Barbie doll that she made a head gear for. We have it here in the office."

Wendell plans to open a bigger office next spring. It will be located next to the Backfin Restaurant on Strawberry Plains Road. His current office is located in Mt. Pleasent Professional Center, also on Strawberry Plains.

"The new office will be more spacious and open and even more whimsical than this office," Wendell said "There will be a lot more fun things we will be able to add for our patients enjoyment."