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June is here which means summer is right around the corner! At Chan & Chen Orthodontics, we are gearing up for some fun in the sun. We are thankful that the vaccination rates in Massachusetts continue to rise so that we have more freedom when it comes to seeing friends and family.

Do you have any fun summer plans? We’d love to hear about them! Our office is most looking forward to spending time in the water, going camping, and spending time outside in general.

Because of Covid, summer vacation travels will stay closer to home for the time being. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t great things to do! If you are planning to take a trip, be sure to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. Taking a vacation isn’t an excuse to forego dental hygiene!

If you have an upcoming appointment with our office, please note that we still need everyone to mask up when they come in. Since we are a healthcare facility, mask rules still apply.

We hope you have a fun, safe start to the summer season! We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.

If you have been thinking about undergoing orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth or correct jaw alignment, the first step is scheduling an orthodontic consultation at Chan & Chen Orthodontics. During the consultation we will actively listen to your concerns and address all of your questions, as well as discuss a treatment options that would best suit you or your child's situation.

Here are the top five questions that most patients want answered during their initial orthodontic consultation:

• Can I benefit from orthodontic treatment, and if so, how long will it take?
• How frequently will my appointments be scheduled?
• Can I expect any pain when getting braces? (Ask Dr. Kathleen Chan and Dr. Ivy Chen about the ways we address pain management).
• Will I need to have teeth extracted, headgear, expansion appliance, etc.?
• How much will it cost and what payment options do you offer?

Visit our website for more answers to your questions prior to your initial consultation. Dr. Kathleen Chan and Dr. Ivy Chen and our team at Chan & Chen Orthodontics are happy to answer all your questions and concerns, and excited to explain all aspects of your treatment plan, as well as the expected outcome. We believe your orthodontic experience should be comfortable, hassle-free, and most importantly, leave you with the smile you've always wanted.

It’s no easy feat to have one of the best smiles in Hollywood. The reality TV starlet Kristin Cavallari attributes her gorgeous smile to routine oral hygiene, the removal of two impacted wisdom teeth, and having undergone orthodontic treatment. Kristin’s treatment began in sixth grade when she was fitted with a device Dr. Kathleen Chan and Dr. Ivy Chen and our team call a palatal expander, which is used to guide upper jaw growth in our younger patients.

What is a palatal expander?

A palatal expander “expands” (or widens) your upper jaw by applying gentle pressure on your upper molars, and is used to make the bottom and upper teeth fit together better. In addition, palatal expanders work to create more room for teeth, as well as promote a broader, more appealing smile.

Do palatal expanders hurt?

Palatal expanders are usually not painful, however you may experience difficulty speaking and swallowing for the first few days. Adjusting your palatal expander as instructed by Dr. Kathleen Chan and Dr. Ivy Chen will ensure there are no delays in regards to your treatment plan.

Typically, it takes a few weeks to achieve the desired amount of expansion, after which you will keep wearing your expander for about six months, giving time for the new bone to form and stabilize. Dr. Kathleen Chan and Dr. Ivy Chen and our team at Chan & Chen Orthodontics will give you detailed instructions about how to adjust your appliance and can answer any questions you may have about your palatal expander.

If you have any questions about your palatal expander or your treatment plan with Dr. Kathleen Chan and Dr. Ivy Chen, please give us a call at our Andover office!

If you are planning on taking a vacation this summer, we ask that you let us know ahead of time so that we may schedule your summer appointments more efficiently. We also encourage patients and their parents to be proactive in determining when they make their summer appointments.

If you will be gone for an extended period (more than six weeks), we recommend you visit Chan & Chen Orthodontics prior to leaving and schedule another visit shortly after your return. Lastly, please remember not to indulge in hard, sticky, and chewy treats while enjoying your vacation. We look forward to seeing you soon and hearing about your adventures!