By Janice Sina
(February 4, 2026) — “Tinsel Teeth! Metal Mouth!” The relentless chants by fellow seventh-graders echo in the ears of many from back when they wore braces. But these days, braces are pretty cool to have. Not just plain silver, there is a rainbow of colors to choose from for the outgoing types, or the new clear aligners for the more discreet. And up to 25% of orthodontic patients today are adults as well. Yes, braces are cool, as is the appealing smile at the end of treatment. But it’s not all about aesthetics. It’s about proper chewing and digestion. Properly aligned teeth can be more thoroughly cleaned, resulting in fewer cavities. And it gives kids and adults alike the ability to navigate this fast-paced and sometimes overwhelming world with a little more confidence.
Gillian and Michael Kelly, owners of Kelly Family Orthodontics, have seen this first hand. Both Gillian and Michael earned their Dentistry degrees from the UConn School of Dentistry. Gillian trained in Orthodontics at Virginia Commonwealth University, Michael at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Just as important to them is that they are a family-owned and -operated business and live and work among neighbors and friends. The husband and wife team work side by side most days along with nine longtime staff members. It is definitely a family team approach. “Our philosophy has always been that we’re a family, so we try to treat everyone who walks through our door as family,” says Gillian. They have been asked to join corporate groups, but have declined. “It becomes less personal,” says Gillian. “We try to connect with our patients, to build a trust with them.”
Living locally is a plus. Their three girls are growing up in the community and the Kellys make connections in and out of the office. People see them out and about at school and town functions. It allows them to create a bond with their patients, asking questions specific to classes or teachers at their kids’ schools. It helps them to connect to their patients, and they relax a bit.
Braces can be daunting at first, even the idea of where to start looking for an orthodontist. There is a misconception that people need a referral from their dentist. But Gillian says, “If you have a concern, come in. Our initial visit is complimentary.” Michael and Gillian may just counsel to come back in a year after some growth, but they will always take a look. And they always make sure to interface with the patient’s dentist. Once a patient has started treatment, the team can expertly and gently lead their patients through. At first, kids can be apprehensive, coming in with a parent. But with each visit, a little progress is made and, as Gillian says, “before you know it, they’re telling their parent, ‘I got this’ and they go back to the treatment area themselves. It’s nice to see them become comfortable enough to gain that independence.” Michael adds, “It’s one of the reasons we went into orthodontics, to be part of this awesome transformation that can happen for patients. It’s a fun job to see someone blossom from start to finish.”
“What’s really great is when we take braces off and the patient is so excited to see their smile,” says Gillian. “We show them what their teeth used to look like and you can always tell that they feel different. The increase in confidence is noticeable.”
To Michael and Gillian, orthodontics is rewarding because they take patients from a baseline of basically healthy and elevate them. A healthy set of teeth and gums and an eager smile do wonders for confidence. And to live and practice in the community that they feel a part of adds that extra layer of job and family satisfaction that makes for a rewarding work-life balance.
Photo by Carolina Villamizar
