Today we’d like to introduce you to Farah Kar.
Hi Farah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am not your average orthodontist! I am a double board-certified orthodontist and proud owner/partner at Braces Braces. I have always loved art and, coming from a family of dentists, helping others achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. I am proud to be one of the few female orthodontist partners in the Atlanta area. Prior to dental school, I studied art and interior architecture. This non-traditional background has given me a unique perspective when approaching orthodontics, as most dental students have a background in science. This passion for art allows me to approach orthodontics in a special way. I enjoy being able to craft each individual smile and tailor every detail to each person’s needs. I love what I do and am so grateful for the opportunity to help change others’ lives every day. I am honored to help others smile more confidently and to make a positive impact in their lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to becoming an orthodontist hasn’t always been an easy one. I began my professional career as a project manager in real estate development! As unlikely as these two professions may seem to have in common, I have found that they both share similarities that have prepared me for the many exciting challenges that I experienced on my journey to becoming an orthodontist. One of the things I learned about myself during this journey was that as a student, I didn’t absorb information at the lightning speed in which some of my fellow classmates did. I needed to digest the information for it to stick. I had to work twice as hard to memorize things and to create ways, as a visual learner, for me to fully comprehend the material. I color-coded notes and made flashcards to make the information make sense to ME.
As a student with an art major background, I was learning the science-heavy material for the first time while everyone else was reviewing it. It took a lot of hard work but I never shied away from applying myself to the challenging workload. It took time, struggle, and even failure for me to succeed. Even though learning appeared to come much more naturally to my science-major classmates, I dug deep and applied myself until I got where I wanted to be – and then I pushed myself even further! I embraced my unique self, both personally and professionally. I knew I couldn’t mold myself after the other orthodontists I’d seen. I am self-aware and know my skillset differs from others, and I love that! I believe work and fun can coexist! I know the importance of and appreciate the human experience. I work to empower women in any way I can. It’s important to me to have a safe, supported, secure and empowered staff in which I am comfortable and excited to celebrate at every milestone.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the Atlanta Smile Queen! I embrace and encourage color and fun in all aspects of orthodontics, as reflected in our clinic design, and believe a good doctor should be well-rounded and have a heart for serving others. I enjoy being involved in the community and am committed to empowering women because I am inspired by the many strong, beautiful, and powerful women in my life. I am so thankful to have had such positive female role models who instilled in me the importance of loyalty, commitment, and drive. I am proud of the shadowing program I’ve developed that promotes leadership and allows ladies in high school all the way through dental residency the opportunity for my constant guidance and the chance to overcome barriers to access programs that typically marginalize minority females. I am proud that Braces Braces was the first and only dental or orthodontic clinic to sponsor Atlanta Pride. We are so supportive of our LGBTQIA+ community and believe in equity and equality for all.
I’m proud to specialize in the complex cases other orthodontists don’t want to pursue. I am a Top 1% Diamond Invisalign provider and successfully treat patients with aligner therapy which achieves incredible results time and time again. I love taking on challenging cases because I understand the mechanics and aesthetics of orthodontics. Orthodontics is so much more than just straightening teeth! Having the opportunity to provide someone both the necessary correction to achieve the proper function of their teeth AND an improved smile makes me so happy.
My creativity doesn’t stop there! I have also developed Krillz, a popular dental couture line. Krillz are my custom-designed grillz that provide adults the opportunity to enhance their beautiful smiles and show off today’s trendiest styles. I am adamant about using only quality, safe materials without sacrificing style, comfort, or affordability. Accessorizing shouldn’t be toxic or harmful! The artist in me loves to design and create these beautiful pieces. I am looking forward to debuting my newest Krillz collection this summer. Krillz truly are luxury for your mouth and the newest collection celebrates both Brides and Grooms as well as the pride I have for Atlanta and all of the phenomenal championships our sports teams have brought to this city. Be sure to follow @atlkrillz on Instagram!
I am most proud of the pride my parents have in me. Growing up, the sacrifices they made for my siblings and I were unmatched. They worked so hard to provide a better life for their children and truly had a hunger and courage to take the necessary risks it took to do so. Their struggles and sacrifices paired with their unparalleled work ethic have provided me with the gift of perspective. Even now, when things get tough, I remember what my parents were able to achieve with so little and it empowers me to push forward.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Compassion above all else is most important. Hard work produces results, but being compassionate towards others allows us to come from a place of understanding. Having compassion towards yourself and others helps us to tackle anything. I am very proud to have so much compassion, grit, and resiliency in me. I possess courage, passion, perseverance, and strength of character which not only helps me be a better doctor but, most importantly, a better human.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.braces-braces.com
- Instagram: @AtlantaSmileQueen
