Dr. Yan Kalika founded his first orthodontic clinic, Image Orthodontics more than twenty-five years ago. Today, it is a network of over 40 clinics known for their innovations, professional approach, and best doctors.
We asked Dr. Kalika, about modern approaches to orthodontics, technologies for creating a “Hollywood smile,” and the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostics.
— Many parents already know that children should see a dentist at an early age. When should a child first visit an orthodontist?
— The American Association of Orthodontists recommends the first visit at age 7. This is related to the epidemic of small jaws, which was recently discussed by researchers from Stanford University. Due to changes in diet, lack of hard foods, and insufficient load on the chewing muscles, modern people’s jaws have become smaller, leading to a lack of space for teeth.
— If teeth appear straight, should a visit to the orthodontist still be scheduled?
— Yes. Absolutely. A child should see a dentist as soon as the first tooth appears, and an orthodontist at 7 years. Even if everything looks normal visually, only a specialist can detect potential issues. For example, parents may not notice that there is no space for the upper canines to erupt, but an X-ray will immediately reveal this problem.
— Some people avoid seeing doctors if they have no discomfort, trying to save money.
— In our clinics, consultations are free. You only need to pay for the treatment itself. Preventing a problem is always less expensive and easier than fixing it later. Moreover, it is important to teach children oral hygiene from an early age, and pediatric dentistry helps with this. We have noticed that pediatric dentists often do not refer young patients to an orthodontist on time, so we have developed both specialties in our clinics.
— People say that pacifiers ruin the bite. Is that true?
— If a child stops using a pacifier before 3 years old, baby teeth return to their natural position. So the claim that pacifiers change the bite is a myth. However, there are harmful habits that lead to bite issues, such as thumb-sucking or incorrect tongue positioning. In such cases, we teach children where their tongue should be positioned and provide special exercises. Sometimes, we even place special appliances to prevent thumb-sucking.
— Can chewing gum help correct a bite?
— No, it is not hard enough for that. Moreover, it contains sugar, which causes cavities.
— What should be done to maintain healthy teeth for a long time?
— If properly cared for, teeth can last a lifetime. The most important thing is to monitor gum health to prevent periodontitis. You should visit the dentist every six months for deep cleanings. Many research articles have been published on bacteria in the oral cavity, which can enter the bloodstream and affect the liver and heart. Some research even suggests a connection between oral bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease. That’s why it is crucial to maintain oral health.
— How dangerous is a misaligned bite?
A proper bite is an essential component of overall health. If the bite is incorrect, the vertical pressure between the upper and lower teeth contributes to bone loss between them. For adults, it is crucial to have a properly aligned bite to ensure correct pressure distribution between the upper and lower teeth. Open airways are also important. There are many cases of sleep apnea today, where people snore, have no space for their tongue in the oral cavity, and block their airways. When a person sleeps, this can lead to oxygen deprivation in the brain. Children also experience these issues, which manifest as attention deficit and difficulty concentrating. An orthodontist can help address these problems. Often, especially with children, we work as a team with an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) since some issues, such as a deviated nasal septum, may also be present.
— Can you get a “Hollywood smile” as an adult?
Teeth can be straightened at any age, but jaw expansion is only possible up to around age 50. After that, surgical intervention is required.
— There is a belief that braces damage teeth and cause cavities. Is that true?
In the past, this could happen if children did not brush their teeth properly, leading to enamel damage around the braces. Today, materials have improved significantly, and these issues are no longer a concern. The key is to maintain proper oral hygiene.
— If a child or adult does not want to wear braces, is there an alternative?
Since we are advancing in digital dentistry and AI usage, we can now model everything on a computer and straighten teeth not only with braces but also with clear aligners.
— Can you show the patient in advance what their results will look like?
Yes, we model the entire treatment process on a computer, including the initial and final tooth alignment, as well as the treatment duration. Ten years ago, this was impossible, but today, we can scan teeth without radiation and accurately predict the outcome.
— Some people complain about jaw clicking. Can an orthodontist help?
Yes, this is precisely our field. The temporomandibular joint is a complex mechanism, and an orthodontist can restore its proper function.
— Are headaches related to jaw problems?
In 80% of cases, headaches are not caused by blood vessels or nerves, but by muscle tension related to a misaligned bite. This also affects posture—people instinctively push their heads forward to breathe better, leading to slouching and chronic pain.
— How long does orthodontic treatment take?
The shortest treatment lasts six months. For children aged 7–10 years, it takes about a year; for teenagers and adults, up to 18 months. In complex cases, treatment can take up to two years.
— What insurance plans does your clinic accept?
We accept all insurance plans. Additionally, if there are any financial difficulties, we offer our internal financing plans to ensure that patients receive affordable treatment. We can spread payments over several years, as we strive to ensure that money is never a barrier to proper care.
— Your clinic is considered one of the most innovative. How do you use artificial intelligence?
AI assists in diagnostics: our program, which I helped develop, analyzes X-rays and identifies issues. This simplifies the doctor’s work and speeds up diagnosis. AI also helps patients through a virtual assistant.
— Do you use AI in business management?
Yes, AI analyzes large amounts of data and helps make strategic decisions.
— If a patient started treatment in another country, would you accept them?
Many doctors do not want to take on patients whose treatment was started elsewhere. But someone has to help these patients. We accept such patients and continue their treatment.
— If a patient is new to the United States and does not speak English well, will they feel comfortable in your clinic?
Yes, our offices have staff who speak Ukrainian, Russian, Moldovan, Spanish, and other languages. If the doctor does not speak the necessary language, an assistant is always available to help.
