Dr. Chelian wants to know: What do you love about our community?

My Orthodontist, located in Nashua and Merrimack, and serving surrounding communities, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our wonderful patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Suren Chelian and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Nashua or Merrimack? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Favorite getaway?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Nashua or Merrimack, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods.” And, who knows, we might post your response on our social networks! Or, you may give us a call!

Happy Tuesday!

Ask Dr. Chelian: When are two phases of treatment necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. But in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. Dr. Chelian calls this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat.

Examples include:
• An upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly
• A mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in
• A severe malocclusion, or bad bite, which means the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has their baby teeth. Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves standard braces.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit our office even sooner. Give us a call if you have any questions!

Invisalign® Tips, from Dr. Suren Chelian

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Chelian wants you to ask yourself the following questions:

1.) Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2.) Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3.) Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits.

If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at My Orthodontist, please don't hesitate to give us a call!

What puts you at ease at My Orthodontist?

Dr. Chelian and our team understand not everyone is thrilled to see their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about My Orthodontist that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our friendly staff? Dr. Chelian himself?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call! And Happy New Year, we are glad to be back!