Joel J. Vela, DDS, a native Houstonian, received his bachelors degree in psychology from The University of Texas at Austin. After completing his dental degree at The University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston Dental Branch in 1993, he practiced general dentistry in Houston and served on the faculty at the Dental Branch prior to receiving his specialty training in pediatric dentistry at the Dental Branch and Hermann Childrens Hospital. Since earning his dental degree, he has been a member of and has served in leadership positions of the Greater Houston Dental Society, the Texas Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Dr. Vela also maintains active membership in the Houston Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and holds fellow status in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Active in the community, Dr. Vela has offered numerous pediatric oral healthcare presentations to community groups, professional organizations and various healthcare professionals around the country with a special emphasis on pediatric dental trauma and pediatric abuse. In addition to expanding his knowledge of the art and science of dentistry by attending numerous continuing education courses, Dr. Vela maintains certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and holds a parenteral sedation permit from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. A staff member of Texas Childrens Hospital in Houston, Dr. Vela is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
An avid Vespa rider, Dr. Vela also enjoys photography, scuba diving and both acoustic and electric guitar. He and his wife, Meredith, along with their three children, Gabrielle, Max and Gianna, reside with the family golden retriever, Ava.
Dr. Claudia Stephanos brings more than 20 years of experience in pediatric dentistry and interceptive orthodontics to Bellaire Pediatric Dentistry. In 1991, she received her DDS from the University of Texas Dental Branch Houston and subsequently completed a three-year residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Connecticut Health Science Center. Following her residency, Dr. Stephanos received certificates for her training in interceptive orthodontics and craniofacial orthopedics.
Dr. Stephanos obtained licensure and board certification to practice dentistry in the Boston area. During this time, Dr. Stephanos served on the Executive Board for the Massachusetts Academy of Pediatric Dentistry in several positions, including President-Elect. She also served for many years as a member of the Craniofacial Team of the National Birth Defects Center for Massachusetts General Hospital.
Dr. Stephanos and her husband relocated to Houston in 2000, where their two children were born and raised. While in Texas, Dr. Stephanos continued her dental career in private practice and enjoyed being an active member of her community, participating in many service projects. In 2014, she moved her family to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, accepting a position to help set up a pediatric dental practice and serve their patients. Although her family experienced a fascinating cultural adventure, they were happy to return to Houston.
Having grown up in Meyerland, Dr. Stephanos is now very excited to be back in the neighborhood. The main professional focus for Dr. Stephanos will continue to be patient-centered dental care to ensure that each patient shall be treated with the highest standards of excellence, with an emphasis on individual attention. Dr. Stephanos says that one of her favorite things about dentistry is getting to know my patients and their families. She looks forward to meeting you and serving your childrens dental needs.
Throughout your life, your child will have two sets of teeth: 20 primary (baby) teeth and 32 secondary (permanent) teeth. On average, the primary teeth appear around 6-9 months of age, and all 20 should be present by age 3.
Permanent teeth will begin to grow around age 6, and with the exception of wisdom teeth, should all present at age 12. Some children may begin to lose baby teeth at a younger age and some may lose them at an older age. Inherited conditions can affect tooth shape, size and presence. Other inherited conditions can affect tooth color as well as the quantity or quality of the outer coating of the tooth (enamel).
The flat front primary teeth are called incisors and usually begin to fall out at age 6. The sharp fang-like teeth are canines. The next side teeth are baby molars. On average, these molars begin to fall out at ages 10 and 12 and are replaced by teeth referred to as pre-molars or bicuspids. Permanent molars grow into the mouth about the ages of 6 and 12 years. Wisdom teeth typically begin breaking through about age 17. Your permanent teeth are the ones you keep for life, so it is important that they are brushed and flossed regularly and that periodic check-ups by a dentist are followed.
Reviews
Rating 4.6 out of 5 based on 16 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestZeshan Zulfiqar
3 years ago
Rude and Incompetent - Overly priced for a screwed up service. Staff at this location is extremely nice - but the doctor is a horrible actor, who is not scared to lie at your face. We paid at least 2x what everyone else quote me - but i was more concerned for the safety of my kid, so decided to go with this clinic. He performed an incomplete job - the invoice clearly says he treated back molar tooth but cavities were still their and he refused to fix them. Shelling out 5k for a rude email and letter from him... no respect for this doctor at all! Maybe is biased against certain nationalities or its just his age.. but i will stay away till he get his customer service corrected and actually DO HIS JOB!!
Jeffrey N
3 years ago
Excellent dentist and staff. I'd drive 100 miles before changing from him!
Zeshan Zulfiqar
4 years ago
Rude and Incompetent - Overly priced for a screwed up service. Staff at this location is extremely nice - but the doctor is a horrible actor, who is not scared to lie at your face. We paid at least 2x what everyone else quote me - but i was more concerned for the safety of my kid, so decided to go with this clinic. He performed an incomplete job - the invoice clearly says he treated back molar tooth but cavities were still their and he refused to fix them. Shelling out 5k for a rude email and letter from him... no respect for this doctor at all! Maybe is biased against certain nationalities or its just his age.. but i will stay away till he get his customer service corrected and actually DO HIS JOB!!
Emily B. Taylor
4 years ago
I can't say enough good things about this dentist. They are so attentive to my son who has visited since he was 2 years old. They know our names when we come in and are so patient when my son is anxious about a cleaning. The whole staff is friendly and the dentists are available to share their knowledge and answer questions. They've also done a good job with COVID procedures, we felt very safe and distanced from others.
Jeffrey N
4 years ago
Excellent dentist and staff. I'd drive 100 miles before changing from him!
NaTisha Wilson
4 years ago
From front to back every one is super friendly and my son loves getting his teeth cleaned. Have been going since his first ever cleaning and the have always made it a great experience.
james miles
4 years ago
Bellaire Pediatric Dentistry is the best pediatric dentist practice in Houston! The reception is incredibly friendly and efficient. They knew who we were when we arrived and already had our paperwork set aside for us to fill out. The hygenists are super with kids - kind, soft spoken, and comforting. Dr. Vela is the same, a real star. Super with the kids and thorough. He goes out of his way to explain every little detail and makes sure you leave with every questioned answered. Check out desk was the same super professional experience. I can't say enough positive things about Dr. Vela and the staff. Highly recommend!
Aaron Barr
4 years ago
This office is wonderful! The dentists are patient and have worked us in quickly more than once for an urgent issue. The hygienists are gentle, and the staff are friendly and helpful.
Aviv Arieli
4 years ago
The doctor may be good or even very good, but they have a tactic of over estimating insurance payments to get customer to accept the treatment when it is obvious that they are experienced enough to know exactly how much the major insurance companies will pay. In my case, they estimated my portion of the payment would be $2-300, when it ended up at over $800, conveniently right after the procedure. Unless you are wealthy enough not to care about money (as it seems most of their clients are), this dentist is not for you.
james miles
5 years ago
Bellaire Pediatric Dentistry is the best pediatric dentist practice in Houston! The reception is incredibly friendly and efficient. They knew who we were when we arrived and already had our paperwork set aside for us to fill out. The hygenists are super with kids - kind, soft spoken, and comforting. Dr. Vela is the same, a real star. Super with the kids and thorough. He goes out of his way to explain every little detail and makes sure you leave with every questioned answered. Check out desk was the same super professional experience. I can't say enough positive things about Dr. Vela and the staff. Highly recommend!
Aaron Barr
5 years ago
This office is wonderful! The dentists are patient and have worked us in quickly more than once for an urgent issue. The hygienists are gentle, and the staff are friendly and helpful.
Aviv Arieli
5 years ago
The doctor may be good or even very good, but they have a tactic of over estimating insurance payments to get customer to accept the treatment when it is obvious that they are experienced enough to know exactly how much the major insurance companies will pay. In my case, they estimated my portion of the payment would be $2-300, when it ended up at over $800, conveniently right after the procedure. Unless you are wealthy enough not to care about money (as it seems most of their clients are), this dentist is not for you.
NaTisha Wilson
5 years ago
From front to back every one is super friendly and my son loves getting his teeth cleaned. Have been going since his first ever cleaning and the have always made it a great experience.
Angela Wainright
5 years ago
Bellaire Pediatric Dentistry is amazing! My daughter loves going to the dentist and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Angela Wainright
6 years ago
Bellaire Pediatric Dentistry is amazing! My daughter loves going to the dentist and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Kara Masharani
7 years ago
Bellaire Pediatric Dentistry is the best kids' dentist office in the Houston area! The staff are always warm and welcoming and keep our kids feeling comfortable and happy. Dentists are knowledgeable and experienced. I'm so glad we take our children here for their dental care!
Kara Masharani
8 years ago
Bellaire Pediatric Dentistry is the best kids' dentist office in the Houston area! The staff are always warm and welcoming and keep our kids feeling comfortable and happy. Dentists are knowledgeable and experienced. I'm so glad we take our children here for their dental care!
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