Raquel Wallace’s New Smile: Invisible Braces Designed for More Visibility

HYANNIS, MASS. (Issued Spring 2015) — People familiar with the story of Shirley Temple, the Hollywood starlet who began her entertainment career in 1932 at age 3, might think Raquel Wallace of Hyannis is following a similar path.

If Raquel looks familiar, you may have seen her in a Red Lobster commercial, or on stage in area productions such as ‘Sybil, A Musical.’ She was a dance double for Adam Sandler’s daughter in the movie ‘Grown Ups 2,’ and has performed at theaters in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island. She made callbacks for Broadway auditions for musicals ‘Annie’ and ‘Matilda.’ She has done voices for Nickelodeon’s animated series ‘Dora and Her Friends’ and appeared on TV’s ‘Investigation Discovery.’

Seventh grader Raquel, now 13, recalls, “I had always wanted to be an entertainer, so before I started dancing I used to make up my own shows and perform them for my grandma and my mom. When I turned three, my mom signed me up for dance class and my passion grew stronger and stronger. I would love to be on a kid show on Disney or Nickelodeon.” She has traveled across the country performing and training with top choreographers and instructors.

It usually takes talent and looks to reach the top in the entertainment world. Raquel’s mom Natalia brought her to Dr. Nicholas Barone at ARCH Orthodontics in Hyannis. Raquel says, “I always knew your teeth are the brightest part of your face and your eyes attract to light. Smiling makes people happy and can even brighten up their whole day. Smiling is like a mirror effect. Almost every time you smile at someone, they smile back!”

Dr. Barone selected Invisalign for Raquel, clear removable ‘aligners’ that sequentially move the teeth into perfect alignment without detracting from your smile. They are largely considered to be one of the most invisible options to straighten teeth. Raquel says, “I like the way you just pop in a new set of aligners every two weeks until your treatment is complete. The best part is that people don’t know you’re straightening your teeth.”

Raquel is in a 50/50 program that enables home schooling and scheduling flexibility when she’s away, acting or auditioning. Her favorite subjects are French and Bible. She’s a student at Trinity Christian Academy and represents the school in the Chorus, Math Olympics and Speech. She also loves reading, cooking, skiing, horseback riding and swimming. Through her group: “Little by Little,” Raquel organizes fundraising events and teaches performing arts to younger children with life-threatening conditions.

“My parents are extremely supportive and I could never ask for better ones. My brother and two sisters are all older than me and are also very supportive. I love them and I love hanging out with them. I am so grateful for these wonderful opportunities, and excited to see what the future has in store!”
ARCH offers free initial consultations (a $500 value) and no-interest financing. To schedule a no-obligation appointment, call 1-800-28- SMILE, email: smilemaker@archorthodontics.com or visit http://www.sesameblogs.com/archorthodontics  ARCH has 9 offices including two on Cape Cod: Hyannis: 297 Winter St. (508) 775-1401; and Orleans: 48 Eldredge Pkwy. (508) 255-7518.
ARCH is the Official Orthodontist of Miss Massachusetts

Imagine you’re at a job interview and you notice that another candidate has a beautiful smile with perfectly-aligned teeth. Maybe your smile is nice, too, but throughout your own interview, you find yourself subtly trying to hide your teeth when

smiling. Your self-confidence has been diminished.

Most job interviewers won’t admit it, but a great smile does make a difference, according to a survey published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. For the survey, HR people were given photos of job applicants

“This is just one of many ways that having Orthodontic treatment can pay off,” says Dr. Andrew Chase of ARCH Orthodontics with several offices south of Boston and on Cape Cod.  “If you’re not happy with your smile, you’re not alone,” says Dr. Chase who’s been practicing since 1998. More than one-third of American adults are unhappy with their smile, according to a survey published in the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).and asked their perceptions of the applicants. The survey found that a person with an ideal smile was considered more intelligent and had a greater chance of finding a job compared to individuals with non-ideal smiles.

There’s another advantage to straight teeth, says Dr. Chase: “When in the proper position, teeth have a natural cleaning ability. Bits of food and plaque can’t hide and are more easily flossed or brushed away. Of course, we recommend regular dental checkups for all, especially for Orthodontic patients.”

Straight teeth are also essential for the proper function of teeth and jaws. Misalignment can result in TMJ – jaw pain, headaches, and/or neck pain.

Having an ideal smile doesn’t just mean others will perceive you in a more favorable light; it also helps boost confidence and self-esteem. Knowing that your teeth look good when you smile makes others smile, too. And it might even help you land that next job!

“It’s never too late to benefit from a straight, beautiful smile,” says Dr. Chase. “Patients range from 4 to 84.”

ARCH offers free initial consultations (a $500 value) and no-interest financing.  The practice also offers courtesy discounts to families of military personnel, veterans and municipal employees and family members in the towns where they have offices.  To schedule a no-obligation appointment, call 1-800-28- SMILE, email: smilemaker@archorthodontics.com  or visit   http://www.sesameblogs.com/archorthodontics .  ARCH Orthodontics offices are in Bridgewater • Brockton • Canton • Hyannis • Hyde Park • Orleans • Randolph • Stoughton • Westwood.

There was a time not long ago when only kids got braces. Welcome to the 21^st century.

There’s been a revolution in the past decade, and now some 25% of Orthodontic patients are over 21. That’s because new advancements enable doctors to achieve remarkable esthetic results for patients of any age. Often today, once a person is set on a career path, they may be able to take care of Orthodontic issues that may not have been an option as a child. Also, today’s treatment options include a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable and almost invisible, making patients less self-conscious. In addition, treatment times may be reduced.

“Shaping a beautiful face is no longer just the domain of plastic surgeons,” says Dr. Andrew Chase of ARCH Orthodontics. “Thanks to advancements in training, diagnosis, technology, treatments, and tools, an Orthodontist can influence facial shape for patients of any age. We study facial structure – perhaps observing the patient’s parents either in person or in photos — to help predict how the appearance could change in the future.  And that helps us to determine the all-important, customized treatment plan.” An Orthodontist receives three additional years of training  beyond dental school.

For many adult patients, the Orthodontist may work with a Periodontist in cases where the patient has experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable. An Orthodontist can also help with a Dentist’s work when teeth are missing or malshaped, or are planned to be replaced, or restored with crowns, bridges, or implants. By working together, the dental team can achieve results for patients that cannot be produced alone. Dr. Chase notes ways his practice helps adult Orthodontic patients:

An added bonus to an improved facial structure and smile: Adult patients get a boost in confidence in their professional and personal lives that comes with a better, healthier smile.

Upon completing her Orthodontic treatment, one adult ARCH patient told Dr. Chase, “I learned that it’s never too late to improve your smile. I learned the treatment can take longer when you’re older, but it’s definitely worth it. And I learned that having a great smile not only makes you feel better about yourself, but it changes the way people look at and listen to what you say. I commend the ARCH team for changing my life — and I’m so appreciative.”

From now through March 31 any patient who refers a new patient to ARCH will be entered in a drawing to win a Bose portable speaker. ARCH offers free initial consultations (a $500 value) and no-interest financing.  The practice also offers courtesy discounts to families of military personnel, veterans and municipal employees in the towns where they have offices.  To schedule a no-obligation appointment, call 1-800-28- SMILE, email: smilemaker@archorthodontics.com  or visit   http://www.sesameblogs.com/archorthodontics .  ARCH Orthodontics offices are in Bridgewater • Brockton • Canton • Hyannis • Hyde Park  • Orleans  •  Randolph • Stoughton • Westwood.

Harvard-trained Orthodontist Dr. Michelle Mian of Boston has joined the staff of ARCH Orthodontics. The announcement was made by practice founder Dr. Robert Chavez and his son, Dr. Andrew Chase. ARCH, now in its 40^th year, operates several offices south of Boston and on Cape Cod.  Dr. Mian will primarily see patients at ARCH’s Hyde Park office.

Dr. Mian earned her BA in Chemistry, with highest distinction, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She earned her DMD degree cum laude from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine where she also earned her MMSc / Orthodontics Certificate. She serves as Pre-Doctoral Director of Orthodontics and Lecturer at the HSDM where, as an Albert Schweitzer Fellow, she designed a sustainable dental screening program for local underserved children. Among her related activities: She performed HSDM Lab research related to Osteoarthritis, and designed and implemented a case study on cancer screening in Greece and Cyprus.

From teaching Orthodontic residents in Massachusetts to researching and volunteering at clinics across the globe, Dr. Mian says she has come to appreciate one common, overarching theme: “Orthodontics is a unique fusion of art and science that allows the ultimate reward of creating beautiful and long-lasting smiles. The enjoyment I derive from customizing each patient’s treatment plan is only superseded by the warmth felt from building lasting relationships — and smiles, of course. That feeling can be summed up by a final remark from one of my first patients: “Dr. Mian, Dr. Mian! Look! I finally like smiling now!” 

On the appointment, Dr. Chase said, “Dr. Mian shares the ARCH philosophy and passion –helping people of any age to improve their health and the appearance of their smiles, enjoying the challenges and the excitement of  giving patients a new look and  a new outlook through greater self-confidence.”

Dr. Mian is a member of the Harvard Society for Advancement of Orthodontics, American Association of Orthodontics, Massachusetts Dental Association, and the American Dental Association.  Her two brothers and one sister are all studying to enter the medical profession.  She resides in Boston where she has lived since her training. Originally from North Carolina, Dr. Mian is a tennis enthusiast who also enjoys travel, cooking and sculpture.

From now through March 31 any patient who refers a new patient to ARCH will be entered in a drawing to win a Bose portable speaker. ARCH offers free initial consultations (a $500 value) and no-interest financing.  The practice also offers courtesy discounts to families of military personnel, veterans and municipal employees in the towns where they have offices.  To schedule a no-obligation appointment, call 1-800-28- SMILE, email: smilemaker@archorthodontics.com  or visit   http://www.sesameblogs.com/archorthodontics .  ARCH Orthodontics offices are in Bridgewater • Brockton • Canton • Hyannis • Hyde Park  • Orleans  •  Randolph • Stoughton • Westwood.