As a young teenager Dr. Rosemary Lelich wore braces, and from then on, she aspired to be an orthodontist. “The experience was transformative for my confidence and my evolution as a young person,” she says. “I wanted to be able to do that for other people.”
In 2020, she took over ownership of Family Orthodontics in St. Louis Park from Dr. Angela Ross, who started the renowned practice in 1987. “I learned a lot from Dr. Ross during the five years we worked together,” says Dr. Lelich. “It's been a powerful thing to continue to grow the practice; owning my practice and my business has been more fulfilling than I could have ever imagined.”
She is the sole orthodontist in the office, so patients know who they’re going to see each and every time, and her staff is extremely friendly and professional. “I have the absolute best team,” she says. “They are a phenomenal group of talented, hard-working women, and together we create an atmosphere of positive energy, kindness and compassion. Our focus is our patients. As a Board-Certified Orthodontist, I create tailored treatment plans centered around my patients’ concerns and goals.”
Dr. Lelich is immensely proud of the relationships she forms with her patients and enjoys seeing them grow through the process, whether it is a child or an adult in treatment. “It can take courage to come in as an adult. It's exciting for me to help them accomplish goals that they might have had for a long time.” She explains that you’re never too old for orthodontic treatment, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy. “Almost half of my practice is adult patients. I am passionate about helping adults achieve the confident, beautiful smile they want while improving the health of their bite.”
She and her practice receive amazing feedback online from patients such as: “I just got my braces off today! My experience at Family Orthodontist has been the best. The staff and dentist there were all kind and helpful. I personally felt that they took their time with my procedures and treated me well. I love how my teeth look now and I feel very confident.”
Another patient commented, “Dr. Lelich is amazing! She is so experienced in her field and explains her treatment plans in the most simple, easy-to-understand way. The office is clean, modern, and welcoming. Absolutely love her assistants, too!”
“We are an inclusive, welcoming community and love our diverse area and patient population,” she says. “It is very important to me that everyone feels welcome here.” Dr. Lelich is fluent in Spanish, having studied it for many years in school, abroad and then spending time in Spanish-speaking countries on dental exchange programs. She loves being able to communicate with her Spanish-speaking patients.
In general, she explains, orthodontics does not have to be painful or take years to see results. “There are so many options available now. We have clear braces that are less noticeable and we have clear aligner treatments. I am a certified and experienced Invisalign provider. I also offer other options for more limited treatments or small adjustments, such as retainers to move teeth.”
Another important service she offers is early interceptive orthodontics. “The recommendation by the American Association of Orthodontics is to have every child screened by an orthodontist at age seven, because that is when we can assess if there are any growth needs or orthodontic needs that will get worse if we don't intervene,” says Dr. Lelich. “If we catch them early, a simple, early phase of orthodontics can really help improve the overall structure and function for these kids. We now know there are many benefits to doing expanders at a younger age.” The technology has improved greatly with the use of 3D printed dental appliances. These create a better fit and are more comfortable to wear.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be an orthodontist,” Dr. Lelich says. “Another thing that is rewarding for me is when my young patients tell me they want to be an orthodontist when they grow up. I just think that's so, so cool, and the best compliment I can receive.”
A native Minnesotan, Dr. Lelich spent many years away from Minnesota during her training. She was thrilled to return for her Orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Minnesota, and now to live and work in the community she grew up in. Dr. Lelich also has an active life outside of the office. “I actually got engaged last weekend!” she says. “I love to spend time with family and be outside, enjoy all that the lakes have to offer, play golf, practice yoga and travel.”
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lelich, find out more about the practice, and to learn how she can give you your most beautiful smile, go to https://www.familyorthomn.com/. 5804 Excelsior Boulevard, St. Louis Park. (952) 922-7117.