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Art Orthodontic Laboratory
Local lab makes the devices that make you smile
Art Orthodontic Laboratory celebrates 30 years in York County
By Melissa James, York County Contributor
If you’ve got a kid in retainers or aligners, chances are, they’re wearing a product made right here in York County—at Art Orthodontic Laboratory. For three decades, owner Jeff Edmondson and his small crew have been helping dentists and orthodontists perfect smiles throughout the region.
Art Orthodontic Laboratory is a dental lab that specializes in the scanning, editing and printing of orthodontic and pedeondic appliances using a 3D printer. Products include retainers, flippers, expanders and aligners made from acrylic, plastic and metal. While most devices have the expected, functional appearance, the lab also can craft creative options, such as the retainers shown.
The company, originally known as Hampton Roads Orthodontic Laboratory, has been operating from a Route 17 office suite in Tabb since 1995. Edmondson learned the ropes of being a technician while serving in the U.S. Marines. He later worked an apprenticeship at an orthodontic lab in Chesapeake in the early 1980s. A mentorship under Dr. Catherine Oden in Hampton followed before Edmondson ventured out on his own with the launch of Hampton Roads Orthodontic Laboratory. The business rebranded as Art Orthodontic Laboratory in the mid-1990s.
A job with flexible hours was important to Edmondson, as he wanted to be an involved father to his three daughters and be able to attend their sporting games and school functions. Edmondson operated his business from a lab in his garage for many years while watching his children grow up, then relocated to an office space when they were older and business expanded.
His first client was the late Dr. Vickie Ross, an orthodontist based in Newport News. Today, Edmondson’s lab does work for most of the orthodontists in the area, including Pappas Orthodontics, Parks Orthodontics, Swihart Orthodontics, Joosse Family Orthodontics in Williamsburg and Smithfield Orthodontics. Edmondson personally delivers their products and has developed close relationships with his clientele.
He is also close with his staff: Alaine Greene, lead technician, who’s been with the lab for more than a decade, as well as one of his daughters, Wendy Jamison, the 3D printing editor. Art Orthodontic Laboratory makes about 80-100 appliances a week.
“We have a routine, a little dance going on,” said Greene. “It’s exciting for the patients when they get their braces off and they get their retainer. It’s all about them.”
For Edmondson, it’s also about using his hands to create a masterpiece.
“It is like a form of art,” he said. “I like being able to create something that someone else can use. Every day presents challenges, but I like the challenge. When we figure something out, it is satisfying.”
Advances in technology, like 3D printing, have in some ways made the job easier.
Owner Jeff Edmonson with staffers Alaine Green and Wendy Jamison (his daughter).
“Thanks to 3D printing, the process has changed, as well as the amount of investment,” Edmondson said. “3D printing really changed the industry. It’s amazing. We knew we had to evolve with the 3D printing if we were going to stay in business. We really had to think about the patient experience.”
Summer is the busiest time of the year for the lab, when kids typically undergo orthodontic work while school is out. When Edmondson is able to enjoy time out of the lab, it’s usually spent outdoors. His hobbies include kayaking, camping, rock climbing and motorcycling in the mountains.
“I’m always busy doing something,” he said. “I love the sense of adventure.”
He also spends as much time as possible with his family, which includes 12 grandchildren—ranging in age from 2 to 24. Edmondson resides in Tabb, not far from his office.
“York County is a great place to live,” he said. “I love the history of this area. I like to ride my motorcycle through the historic sites when I can.”
As he looks toward the future, Edmondson is toying with expanding his business, adding on other products like dentures and splints, and possibly mass producing his current line of products with the assistance of 3D printing.
"Art Orthodontic Laboratory is a perfect example of the kind of company that makes York County special,” said Kristi Olsen-Hayes, director of York County's Department of Economic & Tourism Development. “Small businesses like this play an important role in both our economy and quality of life. We congratulate them on 30 years of innovation and service to our community.”
“We just want to continue to be a viable part of the community and be around for another 30 years,” Edmondson said.