Not all Orthodontists are the same!
Finding a qualified Orthodontist is important, but the most important thing to do when choosing an Orthodontist is finding one both you and your child will have a good relationship with. Dr. Chelian recognizes that both the parent and the child need to feel good about the doctor. And although, in most cases, the parent ultimately makes the final decisions, Dr. Chelian places great importance on building a strong relationship with the patient.
In terms of qualifications, all Orthodontists are Dentists, but only 6% of Dentists are Orthodontists. By completing an advanced education program, they are trained with special skills to manage orthodontic tooth movement and guide facial development. Members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) are Orthodontists who have met the exacting standards of education and experience as established by the American Dental Association (ADA).
 Dr. Chelian earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Sri Dharmastala Manjuneshwara Dental College of India, the number one rated dental school in all of Asia. After coming to the United States he received his Doctor in Medical Dentistry (DMD) from the prestigious dental program at Boston University.
Dr. Chelian practiced general dentistry in Massachusetts and Rhode Island while at the same time he conducted research on Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (a method for accelerated orthodontic treatment also known as Wilckodontics).
Dr. Chelian was accepted to the Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopedic program at Boston University where he received his orthodontic training. He is also certified in Invisalign Orthodontics, is Board Certified and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Chelian spends many hours on continuing education and has had the distinction and privilege of training under Dr. Anthony Gianelly, a world renowned Orthodontist and Founder of the Modern Bi-Dimensional Technique.
Did you know Orthodontics is not about crooked teeth!
Most people have been told the reason for orthodontics (braces), is to make their teeth look better. This is only part of the reason to consider orthodontics. Loss of teeth, cavities, bone loss, gum disease, difficulty breathing, speech issues, premature tooth wear, and jaw joint problems (TMJ) are just some of issues resulting from a bad bite or malocclusion.
Self-Esteem
Did you know physical appearance is the number one source of self-esteem for adolescents!? You probably do if you remember your teenage years or have ever had a teenager. In psychological studies of adolescents, physical appearance ranked ahead of friends, possesions, intelligence, and everything else. That’s why your teenager spends all that time in front of the mirror!
Wearing braces is almost a right of passage for many adolescents. Developmentally it can be an important part of their progression from child to adult. In addition because of this increased focus on personal appearance, beautiful teeth go a long way towards enhancing self-esteem.
What is the right age?
Most orthodontic treatment begins between the ages of 9 and 14. However, an Orthodontist can identify early problems with jaw growth and erupting permanent teeth by the age of 7. Some orthodontic problems are easier to treat if they are diagnosed early. Other factors taken into consideration are the maturity of the child as this often impacts compliance with brushing, elastics, and retainers.
Most of the children we see for consults do not need braces!
Bring your child in early for a consultation. In most cases he or she will not need braces right away. In most cases we will collect information and then see your child on a regular basis until exactly the right time to start. This improves the chances of a great outcome with the least amount of effort on everyone’s part. If your child does need orthodontics, getting in early can sometimes result in a less extensive treatment recommendation.
What is the investment?
Financially the investment in orthodontic treatment is dependent on a number of factors, such as the severity of the problem, its complexity and the length of treatment. Costs can range from $1500 to $7000, and even greater for some adults. At iSmile we can often spread out payments to bring the cost down to under $100 per month.
Often, the more significant investment is on the part of the parent to make sure the child gets to their regular orthodontic appointment, maintains proper oral hygiene which is more involved with braces, and then finally wears their retainer after orthodontic treatment.
However, the investment is almost always worth it! Our patients tell us a healthy mouth, and a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime is well worth the money and effort!
Length of treatment
Every orthodontic patient is different. Generally, most patients are in the active phase of treatment for one to three years.
Stop by iSmlie and visit Dr. Chelian today to find out if orthodontic treatment is right for you. We are convenient to Salem, Beverly, Danvers and many other surrounding Northshore towns. |
