Kellam Orthodontics A Smile Worth Showing Off Photo by Daniel Nadelbach
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A smile is an expression of joy; it should never make a person self-conscious. Having straight teeth and an aligned bite allow a grin to glow, and nobody knows this better than Dr. Steve Kellam of Kellam Orthodontics. Dr. Kellam has been straightening smiles in Santa Fe for 21 years. He makes wearing braces much easier by using a unique brand called SPEED Braces. “It’s a newer technology,” he explains. “Traditional braces have a rubber ring that holds the wire into the brace. With SPEED Braces, the bracket snaps around the wire. The result: the wire works
harder to straighten teeth faster, stays much cleaner and is gentler to the teeth. The brackets are more aesthetic because they’re small, and the treatment times are shorter because they’re so much more efficient.”
For the adult considering braces, Dr. Kellam advises “It’s never too late! We have successfully treated patients who were well into their 70s. If you’re concerned about aesthetics, we also offer invisible aligners.”
Dr. Kellam prefers to see kids when they are about eight years old. “Even if they’re not ready for treatment, we check in regularly every nine to 12 months,” says treatment coordinator Josie Hultberg. Dr. Kellam adds, “A lot of offices these days rely on TVs and video games, but we take pride in talking to the kids, getting to know them and their families on a first name basis. That’s a big deal to us.”
There are many reasons to consider getting braces beyond wanting a perfect smile. Dr. Kellam works closely with general dentists and oral surgeons to eradicate problems associated with improper tooth and jaw alignment, which are can cause jaw pain and headaches. “A poorly fitting bite means wear to the teeth and is hard on the jaw joints,” points out Dr. Kellam.
The best part of Dr. Kellam’s job: “The days we take the braces off and look at the before and after pictures. People forget so quickly how far they’ve come,” says Dr. Kellam. “And they’re so happy,” adds Hultberg. Dr. Kellam’s office has done its fair share of community outreach. In conjunction with Villa Therese’s Catholic Clinic and the Kiwanis Club, Dr. Kellam has treated dozens of deserving kids. “It’s for those kids with severe orthodontic problems who wouldn’t otherwise be able to obtain treatment,” describes Dr. Kellam.
Kellam Orthodontics has been a longtime supporter of local school events such as Carlos Gilbert Elementary’s Halloween carnival and Wood Gormley Elementary’s Panther Run. Dr. Kellam’s own kids attend Santa Fe schools and, you guessed it, have been his patients. “I have three kids, ages eight, 14 and 16; my daughter has an expander, my middle son has braces and my eldest son has finished treatment. I am pleased to report so far the kids have survived having Dad peer into their mouths at every opportunity.” If you’re considering a straighter smile for yourself or your kids, Kellam Orthodontics
offers free consultations. “A lot of patients think they need a referral, but they don’t,” Dr. Kellam explains. “They can come directly to us.” Head straight to Kellam Orthodontics to straighten your smile and begin grinning gloriously.
Kellam Orthodontics 539 Harkle Rd. Ste D 505.982.5531 www.kellamorthodontics.com