SL_PROFILE_AppellOrthodontics_0722_Final_Layout 1 8 / 4 / 22 2 : 27 PM Page 1 a lot of team - building exercises . We’re just really supportive of the people who work here . ” That philosophy aligns perfectly with that of the Breslers , the family behind the prominent pediatric dentistry practice known as Doc Bresler’s Cavity Busters . The Breslers have long referred patients in need of braces or Invisalign to Appel Orthodontics , impressed with the Appels ’ commitment to quality care , customer service , and overall patient experience . About seven years ago , with the number of referrals outpacing the physical capabilities of Appel Orthodontics ’ office , the two families decided to create a joint venture called Brace Busters , which now has locations in Dresher , Roxborough , and South Philadelphia . Accepting all forms of insurance , including state - funded plans such as Medicaid , the con - cept has taken off and allowed a greater number of patients to receive the highest - quality treatment . Appel Orthodontics also provides free braces and orthodontic care — up to one patient CHIP OFF THE per month , indefinitely — to children , young adults , or adults who are in remission for cancer . The program , called Smiles for Survivors , is especially meaningful to Dr . Andrew , a OLD BLOCK survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma who has been in remission since 2016 . He was attending a benefit concert in 2018 when he got inspired veryone knows the old saying , “ The by M AT T CO S E N T I N O to give back . Using his skills as an orthodontist apple doesn’t fall far from the tree . ” photo by A L I S O N D U N L A P seemed to be the best way . Apparently , neither does the Appel . One patient is already receiving orthodontic AndrewAppel , D.M.D . , has established DRS . ANDREW AND treatment , with two more in the pipeline . himself as a well - respected orthodontist E The practice hopes to spread the word and andone of the leaders of two flourishing practices ANDREA APPEL FOLLOW let other cancer survivors know about the before his 40th birthday . He is also using his opportunity . platform to make a positive impact in the lives of THE EXAMPLE SET BY HIS “ It’s great to be able to deliver a nice aes - those in need — specifically , cancer survivors . thetic smile to somebody who’s been through None of these accomplishments should be very FATHERTO LEAD APPEL an experience that took a lot surprising , however . Growing up , he had the of their confidence ORTHODONTICS AND best role model imaginable . away , ” Dr . Andrew says . “ I hope 20 years Dr . Andrew is the son of Steven Appel , D.D.S . , fromnow , I can look back and say we provided BRACE BUSTERS INTO who founded Appel Orthodontics in Philadelphia hundredsof thousands of dollars of pro bono in 1978 and continues to play an important role in orthodonticcare to cancer - surviving patients . ” THE NEXT GENERATION . thepractice to this day , although more in a managerial It seems like a forgone conclusion that role than a clinical one . A true family enterprise , the team includes Dr . Andrew’s wife , Andrea Appel Orthodontics and Brace Busters will Appel , D.D.S . , who goes by “ Dr . Andi . ” Lauren G . Wulc , D.M.D . , joined the practice as an both still be going strong in two decades . Dr . associate doctor in 2021 . Andi was working for one of the country’s As a child , Dr . Andrew always took notice of his father’s joy for his profession . He most renowned orthodontists in her native remembers deciding early on that he would follow in his dad’s footsteps . As a 7 - year - old , Michigan when she met Dr . Andrew at a while hanging around his father’s office , he took three business cards off his father’s desk , national conference . She has only added to crossed out Steven’s name and wrote his own . From that point on , his future career seemed thetwo practices since joining in 2019 . preordained . “ I can’t overstate the tremendous asset Sure enough , Dr . Andrew’s interest never faded as he progressed through high school , that she has been , ” Dr . Andrew says . “ She college , and dental school . Upon completing his clinical training and education , he received came here and had a lot of ideas as an a surprise from his outside set of eyes on ways that we could mother . improve what we were doing . “ While my “ Shehad saved the three business cards and had them framed to give me as a graduation dad will gift , ” Dr . Andrew says . “ We decided to hang it in our consultation room in the office , and enjoy a well - deserved retirement now we use the framed cards as an anecdote when we talk to parents and younger kids . It from clinical care , I’m excited about the shows if there’s anything a child wants to do , if they’re determined and work hard for it then futurewith Andrea and I moving forward . ” n they can achieve whatever they want . ” Dr . Andrew joined his father’s practice in 2013 . Together they have taken it to another For more information on Appel ? level , creating a culture of excellence and a family - like environment . Orthodontics or Brace Busters , call “ We put endless effort into consistently training our team to be better , ” Dr . Andrew says . ( 215 ) 676 - 3070 or visit appelortho.com “ We will move people into different positions in the office to better suit their skill set ; we hold and bracebusters.com . SUBURBANLIFEMAGAZINE.COM VOLUME 13 ISSUE 11 34 |