Dr Kalika, what inspired your journey into orthodontics, and why specifically orthodontics?
From childhood, I knew I wanted to help people of all ages. During my education in medical and dental schools, orthodontics captured my attention. As a professional chess player, I enjoyed strategizing each step in orthodontic treatment and could envision the final outcome – a beautiful, straight smile – right from the start as well as to figure out the shortest way of getting there. What fascinated me the most was the ability to foresee the entire process of smile transformation while improving confidence in every patient.
As the founder of a network of successful clinics, what do your practices emphasize?
Our skilled doctors focus on a comprehensive approach to treatment, considering not only the teeth but also other aspects such as breathing, joints, and posture. Our goal is to provide patients with not only a beautiful smile but also healthy, long-lasting results. As a clinical practitioner, I understand how the jaws, teeth, and bite impact breathing and how potential issues with breathing can impact various systemic diseases. A comprehensive approach to treatment is especially important for growing patients where changes are constant and proper development can be facilitated. It’s crucial for this development to be correct right from the start – and especially during the growth pick.
So, should parents consult skilled orthodontists for infants to prevent ENT diseases?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends consulting orthodontic specialist at the age of seven. It is also equally or even more important to see a but as a practicing physician dealing with dozens of cases a pediatric dentist as early as six months. Importantly, even childhood attention deficit disorders are correlated to poor breathing. We, orthodontists, can have a very positive impact on many behavioral issues by creating proper space in the jaws. Even allergies can sometimes be alleviated by expanding the jaws and reducing inflammation in the head and neck area—this promotes proper breathing and normal body development. My advice: take your child to an orthodontist, even if not all their teeth have come in yet. Again, for pediatric dentistry, I advise scheduling the first visit from 6 months.
One of our primary principles is to try to avoid tooth extractions. Many doctors remove teeth, resulting in a smaller space for the tongue, which can obstruct the airways. Instead, we take a holistic approach to treatment, considering and facilitating how the child will grow and how their jaws will develop. In Sacramento, we have five clinics and many partners – pediatric dentists and orthodontists. Our goal is to inform people that it is advisable to start treating children as early as six months to prevent numerous problems in the future, including in adulthood.
Indeed, the protocol for adults is quite different. Adults have stopped growing, and their anatomy is already formed. However, we can still help them with esthetics and function to achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
In over 20 years of practice and as a clinical professor at UCSF, I teach orthodontics to residents, offering insights beyond what typical professors can provide, as they might not have knowledge from various disciplines.
Is it true that Dr. Kalika’s clinics are among the most progressive orthodontists, employing modern technologies and artificial intelligence? Our clinics are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and we utilize advanced methods, such as artificial intelligence programs for diagnostics and the development of individual treatment plans. We use the Diagnocat artificial intelligence program, and I was one of the co-founders of the company. Our medical decisions are based on information obtained using the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities.
Artificial intelligence not only aids in diagnosing conditions but also evaluates the relationship between the positions of the teeth, analyzes where they are in the jaw, and correlates this with the airways. Treatment is thereby aimed at achieving maximum balance.
Can we say that orthodontics today is both inconspicuous and painless?
Modern orthodontics has advanced technologically to the point where treatment is virtually pain-free. We use cutting-edge technologies developed by NASA, allowing us to minimize discomfort. For instance, the wires we use are heat-activated, making the process more comfortable for the patient. Any discomfort that arises can be easily managed.
What is the pricing policy in your future-oriented clinics?
Our goal is to make orthodontic care accessible to everyone, improving people’s lives through innovative dental care. It’s important to us that each client receives the right treatment, which is why our motto is: No Smile Left Behind! We offer competitive pricing and are willing to adjust it to meet the needs of all our patients. If someone comes to us from another office, we are always ready to offer better options to ensure quality care while considering patients personal financial situation. We always work with patients to ensure they have options to make treatment affordable while still providing the best treatment and guaranteeing quality results.
We offer a discount program for family members and friends through our Friends and Family program. Clients can choose a payment plan that suits their needs. We work with most insurance companies. The initial consultation is free, giving patients ample time to decide. Although we have many clients, we always manage to find space for new ones and offer them the best treatment plan.
If a person comes from another state or country with ongoing treatment, do your specialists take over to complete it?
Our clinics’ policy is to continue treatment started by another orthodontist, rather than starting from scratch. We strive to save both the patient’s time and money. Since we have multiple clinics, the client can choose any of our offices to continue receiving quality treatment at a location convenient for them. The core principle of our clinics is a comprehensive approach to treatment and making orthodontics accessible to everyone.
