Can you please tell us a bit about yourself personally? Names/ages of kids, etc.?
I am an orthodontist and business owner in town, wife of a fellow dentist, breast cancer survivor and mom of two- Lila (13) and Todd (10).
Where do you live in Greenwich and what do you love about Greenwich and your neighborhood/ what made you decide to move there/ how long have you been there?
My husband and I moved to Greenwich in 2010, and to our home in Riverside in 2014. We love having the beach along the Mianus River as part of our association. We also love the neighborhood feel and seeing all the children enjoying each other’s company outside daily- especially with the recent sunshine!. Although both kids love their scheduled activities, they also find so much joy in just playing outside with friends and neighbors. Whether it be a friendly game of wiffleball in the warm weather or sledding all day until they can’t feel their noses in the winter, just enjoying the time outside in their neighborhood is a well spent day. Our family also LOVES living in Greenwich in the summer. You will find us at Tod’s point most weekends. We never miss the Sandcastle competition!
Please tell us about Greenwich Braces?
Greenwich Braces is an orthodontic office treating both children and adults founded in 1998. Our mission is to treat each patient as our family member, while providing the highest quality of orthodontic care in a friendly and welcoming environment. As a mom of two, I treat each patient as I would my own child, and the ages of my own children help me to relate to the different questions that may come up during early and later phases of treatment. At Greenwich Braces, we take a collaborative approach to treatment. I lead our team of orthodontists, working together on each case and utilizing our knowledge and extensive experience to formulate an orthodontic plan custom to you and your needs. The goal is to incorporate a patient’s needs as a whole, in order to create a plan that will create a beautiful smile and the best customized methods to get them there.
As the owner of a local Greenwich business, I very much understand the importance of supporting local charities within my community. I make it a point to donate a portion of each month’s profits towards a Greenwich charity of choice. One charity event my family loves to participate in is the Greenwich Alliance’s annual Turkey Trot, which Greenwich Braces has happily sponsored for almost a decade. As a mom of 2 children in Greenwich Public Schools, I recognize the many amazing opportunities the Greenwich Alliance provides for GPS kids like my own. And gathering with so many friends on race day has become a Christensen tradition!
How did you start Greenwich Braces? What is your professional background?
I established my role at Greenwich Braces in 2010, where I joined Dr. Rosemary Ryan in practice. The practice was established in 1998.
I graduated Magna Cum Laude from NYU. After choosing to follow my father’s dental path, I received my DDS from Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine in 2007. At Columbia, I was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, which recognizes the merit of the top 10% of the dental class. Additionally, upon graduation, I was awarded the clinical award in Orthodontics as well as the American Association of Orthodontics Award.
Recognizing the art and mechanics of beautiful smiles as my passion, I decided to further my expertise and pursue a specialty in orthodontics. In 2010, I completed my residency training in Orthodontics and received my Master’s Degree at Columbia University.
In 2011, I completed my board certification and became a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. I was the first practicing orthodontist in Greenwich, CT with this diplomate certification and remain one of the few. I have also been recognized as one of the top Orthodontists by my peers in the Greenwich Magazine for the years 2013 – 2026. Additionally, I am a member of both the prestigious Seattle Study Club and Spear Study Club, which allows me to work closely with renowned local and national dentists and specialists.
What age should children typically start thinking about seeing an orthodontist? How do you know if you need one?
Although not every child needs early orthodontic intervention, children should start seeing an orthodontist around the age of 7-8. There are certain indicators for early treatment that are monitored at this age: narrowing of the palate, crowding of the teeth present and those growing under the baby teeth, jaw relationship concerns, or adverse habits affecting the development of the jaws. Evaluations for mouth breathing and airway concerns are also made at this time. When indicated, early orthodontic treatment can take advantage of the growing stages to improve the teeth and jaws now, but also set up for successful outcomes in the future.
Getting braces can be intimidating! What approach do you take to make your patients have a great experience?
At Greenwich Braces, my goal is to treat every patient as I would my own family member. The team and I use care and concern to make sure that a patient knows what is meant to happen at each visit- showing videos and models prior to starting the procedures. I am also happy to offer some great tips about how my own children did with these appliances- since they have both had palatal expanders, braces, rubber bands and beyond! Patients and parents always have the opportunity to ask questions ahead. Once procedures are completed, our team and I will review all the tips and tricks for having new appliances, how to clean them, and what to expect during the” getting used to” process. I want to make sure every patient feels comfortable and confident before they leave the office. I am also always available via phone so reach out! No question is too small!
What are some of the biggest changes you have seen in the past 5-10 years in the Orthodontics field?
I like to make sure I am up to date on all the newest technology so I can offer my patients the most seamless care. The rise of digital dentistry has been our biggest change. There are no longer the gooey impression molds, and digital models are created using our iTero scanner. Additionally, digital aspects help make orthodontic appliances, especially Invisalign, more precise and successful.
What do you find the most challenging and most rewarding parts of being an orthodontist?
Creating beautiful smiles and seeing them in my family, friends and patients directly around me is an extremely rewarding part of being an orthodontist. This is one of the reasons that I love living where I practice. A smile is something everyone notices, so it is an amazing feeling to give someone the confidence of a beautiful smile to walk through life. It is a joy for me to see the smiles in action. However, an even more fun part of being an orthodontist is getting to see my patients grow throughout life. Often, I see patients as early as 7 years old, and get to follow them through middle school and high school. And even see some get married as they come back to have their retainers checked!
How do you balance work and being a parent?
It takes a village to manage the work and family balance. Good communication within the family unit is key. My husband and I always try to ensure that one of us, if not both, are available for important games, matches or events. Also learning to lean on close friends is key, and reciprocating help whenever needed. One aspect I learned to apply recently is while being prepared is important, try not to think too far ahead. Stick with week to week, and day to day, and try to enjoy each moment. Your children will realize how important they are to you if you are present in the moment with them.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another parent?
A child will always remember how you made them feel. No matter how crazy the day, take a moment at the end to tell your child how loved and important they are to you.
What do you like to do to relax/have fun for yourself and as a family?
Our family is always keeping busy with softball, karate tournaments and tennis matches! But in our free time we love neighborhood walks, visits to Tod’s point and entertaining family and friends.
What do you love about working in Greenwich?
Being able to see the smiles of happy and confident patients is the best part about living and working in Greenwich. Sometimes it’s even just simple encounters in line at Starbucks, at the school play or softball field.
I also love being a business owner within my own community. I can not only pursue my passion each day as an orthodontist, but also contribute to local charities, schools and organizations that directly impact my own town. Local businesses and charities truly make this town special. Being able to contribute by sharing my craft as well as giving to organizations makes a difference that is extremely rewarding.
We love to support local businesses. What are your fave places when you are in Greenwich to:
Grab coffee: CFCF
Workout: Orange Theory, Hot Phitt and YMCA Boot Camp
Go on a date night: dinner at the bar at La Bistro
Go out for a girls night: Moli is always a fun experience!
Go out to dinner as a family: We love Miku and Louie’s
Get your hair done: Love a good blow out at La Brosse
Get your nails done: Cozy
Have fun as a family: Everywhere! Tod’s point
