Dr. Lyons adds 2nd orthodondist

In 1995 Timothy Lyons and a crew were filming a documentary in the state of Para, a remote section of the Amazon in Northern Brazil. Young Lyons was helping his father-in-law produce a documentary about the Zoe, a recently discovered tribe. That’s when he stumbled upon a Zoe girl who, unknowingly, would change his life.

Her name was Poohan. Frightening facial swelling betrayed an aggravated abscessed tooth. As medics in the crew helped alleviate her suffering, the pre-college adventurer found himself facing an opportunity to decide his life’s work. He determined to become an orthodontist, to acquire the training and platform to help children like Poohan and people of all ages regain their natural smile.

In 1998 he graduated from Brigham Young University, and four years later graduated from the University of Maryland Dental School at the top of his class. He was accepted into the renowned orthodontic program at New York University in 2002.

At BYU he met and married Kamee Aliessa Merrill, a classical harpist with a Master’s degree in Communications. They have five children. Dr. Lyons was born and raised in Concord, while Kamee’s family all lived in greater Sacramento. El Dorado Hills seemed the perfect place for a dentofacial orthodontic specialist like Tim Lyons to launch a practice. It was a hit, and soon after he opened a second office in Fair Oaks.

Patients began telling their friends. Last September Dr. Lyons introduced a second dentofacial orthodontist to the family-like staff, one Kristy Merriman, DDS, a distinguished graduate of the University of the Pacific Dental School and former Army captain. It is working well, to say the least.

“People just naturally like and trust them,” said Kamee. “They treat every individual as family. And, believe me, it is absolutely sincere.”

That goes for the doctors and their 16 front office and back-office technicians and hygienists.

Orthodontist Lyons was always a sports guy, and he credits competition as a vehicle for excellence. “But as much as I loved college basketball and football, nothing has been more rewarding than traveling the healing paths with patients,” he said. His personal fulfillment is evident when he creates broad, stunning smiles that improve the entire face. “It’s not about changing teeth as much as it is about changing lives and building self-confidence. So much depends on good, straight teeth.”

For patients who prefer “invisible” braces, his practice recommends Invisalign, a series of clear, plastic aligners that straighten teeth without the usual materials involved with traditional braces. “No one will know you’re improving your smile unless you tell them!” chuckles the doctor.

Braces are for all ages, according to Merriman. “We are experts in providing efficient, comprehensive orthodontic care for children and adults. Everyone benefits from a beautiful new smile.”

With every changing smile, Dr. Lyons remembers Poohan and the desire that was ignited in him so many years ago to make a difference in this world. “Everyone deserves to be happy and at Lyons Orthodontics every patient will receive a smile that counts.”

Timothy Lyons, DDS, is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Offices are located in El Dorado Hills at 4420 Town Center Blvd., Suite 200 (near the theaters), phone  916-933-8820, and Fair Oaks at 7806 Madison Ave., Suite 100, phone 916-965-3336.