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The Expert: Dr. Mason Bates | Bates Family Orthodontics

I thought orthodontists just straighten teeth, what is “smile design?”
In the digital age that we live in, where selfies, FaceTime, and zoom meetings abound, our smiles are often the first thing that others notice. “Smile design” refers to the thorough analysis of the position and anatomy of your teeth relative to your facial esthetics. This includes the width of your smile, the position of your upper teeth in relation to your lips, dental and facial midlines, tooth shape/proportions, gum levels, and relationship of your jaws, in addition to the alignment of your teeth and how they fit together (your “bite”). Dr. Bates uses this outside-in approach to orthodontic treatment to create a personalized treatment plan that ensures you not only have wellaligned (“straight”) teeth and a healthy, functional bite, but also a beautiful smile that projects confidence, joy, and personability.

Other than improving esthetics, what are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?
Aligning your teeth and correcting your bite can lead to significant improvements in your overall dental health, function of your teeth, and prevention of long-term issues such as excessive tooth wear, periodontal issues, and jaw joint problems.

I was told I would need braces, can I do Invisalign instead?
Invisalign clear aligners are simply another tool that orthodontists use to apply controlled forces to your teeth to accomplish desired tooth movements. Though there are some instances where he does prefer braces, Dr. Bates is able to treat even complex cases with Invisalign.

What is the average length of treatment?
The average length of comprehensive treatment with Invisalign at our practice is 14-18 months, with appointments typically every 12 weeks. Minor touch ups with Invisalign average 3-6 months, sometimes even shorter. The average length of comprehensive treatment with braces at our practice is 20-22 months, with appointments every 6-8 weeks.

At what age should my child have their first orthodontic evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have an orthodontic exam at, or around, age 7. Most often no intervention will be recommended at this age and your child will be placed on yearly observation. If indicated however, early intervention (Phase I) often reduces the likelihood of more complicated treatment in the future, such as extraction of permanent teeth or the need for surgical procedures.

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ABOUT THE EXPERT

Dr. Mason Bates is a board certified orthodontist with extensive training in all areas of orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign and braces for all ages, jaw surgery interdisciplinary care, and craniofacial syndromes.
Dr. Bates and his team pride themselves on designing confident, beautiful smiles while also building lasting relationships that allow them to love, serve, empower, and impact their patients and community.
Outside the office, Dr. Bates maintains a strong commitment to ministry, mentorship, and giving back to our local community.

Bates Family Orthodontics
1925 Thomson Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24501
434-846-4014
BatesFamilyOrtho.com

Lynchburg City Schools Strings Honors Mrs. Ginger Paris and Gives Back to Future Music Students

In 1970, Rudy Hazucha started a pilot music program to four Lynchburg City Schools. The music program aimed to teach children violin under the Suzuki method, a mid-20th-century music curriculum and teaching philosophy created by Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese violinist. Under this method, students learn violin in a way that mirrors how one learns a native language, through immersion and beginning at a young age.

By 1971, Lynchburg City Schools had implemented the program district-wide and LCS Strings was born.

“After Rudy Hazucha started a pilot Suzuki program at LCS in 1970, the administration decided to implement the program citywide,” explained Ellen Habitzruther in January 2024 at a Lynchburg City Strings event. “We were hired in 1971 for such a purpose. I remember traveling to many schools in a week’s time. Parents were required to attend the lessons of their children in grades 1 to 3. Many parents continued to attend throughout the elementary years. Bruce [Habitzruther, husband and fellow LCS teacher], a cellist, was to introduce the cello at the elementary level. At the onset, this became a somewhat difficult task. Small cellos were difficult to secure and the rental expense was much more than the violin rental. Being a bigger instrument, transporting a cello on the school bus was an issue. Consequently, only a few cellos were added to the elementary program. Beginning a cello class became more successful at the middle school level. A few violin students switched to the cello and an orchestra program was started. Study of the viola also became an option.”

“It was hoped that this program would encourage families to remain in public school rather than move to private school,” Ginger Paris, Lynchburg City Strings teacher from 1974 to 2024 remembered at a Lynchburg City Strings event in January 2024. “The pilot was so successful that the following year, 1971, Bruce and Ellen Habitzruther came and all elementary schools had Suzuki Violin. Parents were required to attend the twice weekly lessons and students could start in 3rd grade without a parent present. We continued this until Dr. Brabrand and Al Coleman required us to offer even first graders to participate without a parent. I still strongly encourage first grade parents to attend.”

In 2023, Paris began her 50th year of instructing Lynchburg City Strings students under the Suzuki method. As the current director of Lynchburg City Strings, Paris has helped build an incredible music program that has benefited countless students. It’s because of her tenacity and dedication that the Ginger Paris LCS Strings Endowed Fund at the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation has been created. The endowment fund aims to offer continued financial support for the music program, with the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation promising to hold the fund in perpetuity. 

According to the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation, the grant will be made annually, beginning in August 2024, and will be paid to The LCS Education Foundation, a separate, non-profit organization that supports Lynchburg City Strings. 

The initial goal for the fund is to raise $100,000 by April 20, when the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation will host a Celebrating Lynchburg City Schools Strings – Past, Present, and Future event at the Academy Center of the Arts. From there, The Ginger Paris LCS Strings Fund will create an annual grant to LCS Education Foundation at a five percent payout of the value of the fund as of June 30 each year. The amount will change from year to year, depending upon how the value of the fund grows through gifts and investment returns.

Not only is this fund an opportunity to honor Paris, and her decades-long dedication to music and our local youth, it’s an opportunity to ensure the program remains the successful, life-changing initiative that it has been since 1970.

“I am where I am today because of LCS Strings,” said Sarah Catherine Sonnenberg, a former LCS Strings student (E.C. Glass 2012) who now performs professionally in the southeast Michigan area and has a studio of more than 30 private students. “The Suzuki program is what fostered my love of music and taught me the discipline and skills necessary to step into the professional music world.”

“I am currently pursuing a music performance minor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).  I participate in the Rensselaer Orchestra and Chamber Music Ensemble classes to fulfill my humanities requirements, and also take private lessons. While these ensembles are for credit, I mainly play in them for recreation,” furthered Elliot Putnam (E.C. Glass 2023). “LCS Strings set me on the path that I am now, even though I am studying engineering, not music. In learning how to play a musical instrument, I saw the value of hard work and repeated practice and how far they could take me. I have been playing violin for fifteen years , and every day it has served as a concrete reminder of this. Every music teacher I had in every year I spent in LCS was among my favorites, and the best memories of my childhood almost all come from times in concerts or orchestra classes. The perspective I have gained from college has only increased my appreciation for LCS Strings. Almost all of my classmates come from much larger cities and school systems, but I rarely hear of any music program with the level of depth, community support, and all-around excellence that I saw when I was in the LCS Strings program.”

Now, the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation (GLCF) is rallying former LCS Strings students in anticipation of the April 20 event. GLCF is hoping to gather photos, quotes, and memories that can be shared at the event . They are also hoping to reunite as many former LCS Strings students as possible at the Academy Center of the Arts on the 20th, as well as during the 52nd Suzuki Festival on April 21 at the Lynchburg City Stadium. The Suzuki Festival will feature over 500 elementary and middle school LCS strings students performing together.

“I’m a Principal Second Violin of the Virginia Symphony, a full-time orchestra with a 42-week season. I’m also a substitute with the St. Louis Symphony and Pittsburgh Symphony. I’m on the faculty at The Academy of Music Norfolk, and The Governor’s School for the Arts, and coach the violins of the Bay Youth Orchestras. In the summers I perform at Wintergreen Music,” said Elizabeth Vonderheide (E.C. Glass 1997) “My mom is a musician, and so having a program where she could be directly involved in my lessons and performances made it so much easier for her to help me practice at home. The group classes, individual lessons, and many, MANY performance opportunities were invaluable in creating my musical identity and giving me confidence. I learned so much about work ethic and dedication, as well as camaraderie. Having the older kids to look up to and emulate was so inspiring as a kid, and it was equally important to become that older kid that the young ones looked up to. In all my experience with other string players in college, grad school, festivals and professional orchestras, never have I encountered anyone who had a free public schools Suzuki program like we did. As far as I know, LCS is one of a kind, and so many of us have benefited from it in so many ways!”

It is the hope that, with the Ginger Paris LCS Strings Endowed Fund at the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation, stories like these won’t just be memories, but will also be the future.

If you or someone you know was part of the LCS Strings program, you’re encouraged to take the GLCF and attend the April 20 event at Academy Center of the Arts.

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Central Virginia Federal Credit Union

In today’s market, should I buy or renovate my existing home?
Many homeowners today are making the wise decision to update and renovate their homes instead of buying due to higher rates and home prices. A home equity loan or line of credit can help make this process easier! Our experienced team at Your Community Credit Union can help you decide which one is the right option for you.

What is a Home Equity Loan and how does it work?
A Home Equity Loan is based on the equity (value minus the amount you owe) available in your home. You can choose a fixed loan amount with the benefit of knowing your payment amount and how long you will be making payments. If you are borrowing for a large remodeling project, major purchase (such as a vehicle), vacation, wedding or other one time expense, this may be the best option for you. Many people will also choose to consolidate higher-rate loans or credit cards with a home equity loan.
We recommend you figure out how much you need for the project or expense upfront. Then the CVFCU lending staff can help you calculate the value of your home’s equity. We can also assist in making sure you can afford this second mortgage payment in addition to your first mortgage payment and other monthly expenses. The funds from a Home Equity Loan are available all at once. When you repay a Home Equity Loan, you’re all set! You can choose to borrow again for future projects as the need arises.

How is a HELOC different from a Home Equity Loan?
If you want an option that flexes with your needs, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) works similarly to a credit card but typically has a lower interest rate because it is secured by your home’s equity. The credit limit is determined by your home’s equity. As you make payments, your balance decreases so you can use your credit again and again. For example: You have a $25,000 line of credit and borrow $10,000. Several months later you pay back $5,000. You now have $20,000 available without having to apply for a new loan. Funds can be easily accessed through checks, using online and mobile banking options or in person at CVFCU branches. This is a good option for smaller projects or expenses that come up on a regular basis.
Things to Keep in Mind. A HELOC is a variable rate and will go up and down over time so it is important to monitor it regularly to know how much interest you are paying. The minimum monthly payment usually covers just the interest on the balance. Because you may not be required to pay principal, a HELOC allows you maximum flexibility each month.

Which one is better when?
Consider how much money you really need and how you plan to use it. Be sure to look at factors like interest rates, fees, monthly payments and tax advantages as you weigh your options. Home equity interest payments may be tax-deductible so be sure to consult your financial advisor. Rates will vary depending on your credit score, existing debt and the amount you wish to borrow. The specialist you work with at CVFCU will help you make comparisons to find the one that is best for your situation!

How do I get started?
Contact Your Community Credit Union to speak with a home loan expert to discuss all your options and how to start the loan process so you can get your project started!

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About Your Community Credit Union: Central Virginia FCU

Your Community Credit Union is proud to be your lifelong financial partner. From your first savings account to your first home to the first day celebrating your retirement, they are proud to partner with you. Your Community Credit Union goes beyond savings and checking accounts, they are here to empower you to financial wellness and celebrate every milestone with you!
Consumer education is a hallmark of CVFCU’s service to members and the community. Their ultimate goal is to improve quality of life through financial education. Central Virginia FCU is also committed to giving back to our community – because, as a local financial institution, it’s their community, too!

From small projects to large events, CVFCU is passionate about helping their neighbors. Each year efforts are focused on local charities and events including Children’s Miracle Network, The Humane Society, Teddy Bear Brigade, The Salvation Army, and others.

As a full service not-for-profit financial institution, they offer a variety of reward checking and savings accounts as well as auto, home, and personal loans. Their experienced mortgage staff can help you find the new home of your dreams or renovate your existing home with a home equity loan or line of credit to fit your budget. Visit one of Your Community Credit Union’s five branch locations or phone the locally staffed Call Center to connect with a financial services expert today.

434/528-9016 | 800/335-0069
www.cvfcu.com
Lynchburg
Mt. Athos Road
Old Forest Road
Timberlake Road
Madison Heights Seminole Plaza
Forest Cavalier Corner