Dental Wax Facts

McClellan Orthodontics

You have braces! Congratulations…you are now on your way to a healthy beautiful smile. When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! Discomfort and soreness is normal especially after receiving orthodontic treatment of any kind. Overall you may feel uncomfortable the first few days with braces. That is where dental wax comes in.

What is Dental Wax? Dental wax is a soft, harmless gum protector for children and adults with braces that can be used in a pinch to cover brackets and protruding wires with a smooth surface. Dental wax is important for discomfort relief when a bracket breaks or a wire breaks and pokes out. Dental wax is used as a temporary relief.

Is it Safe? Dental wax is made from natural waxes and is perfectly safe. Some dental wax products are made from beeswax or carnauba wax, while others are made from paraffin. If you accidentally swallow a little bit of wax, maybe while speaking, applying the wax or eating food, don’t worry, it is safe.

How Does it Work? The special properties of dental wax make it perfect for protecting your gums from the metal edges of braces. The wax is solid at room temperature, but can be softened and shaped by the warmth of your hands. Smoothed onto braces, it sticks to them and creates a buffer between the brackets and the gums. Dental wax remains smooth while in the mouth, and harmlessly flakes away or peels off as it breaks down.

How to Put Wax on Your Braces:

Step 1: Be sure you have dental wax, you can ask us for recommendations on which we feel is best.

Step 2: Wash your hands.

Step 3: Brush your teeth, where you want to apply the dental wax

Step 4: Pinch off a piece of wax about the size of a small pea

Step 5: Squeeze until it softens and roll it into a ball, then flatten the ball slightly

Step 6: Gently push the wax onto the problem area of the braces

Dental wax is available to help you ease the discomfort while wearing braces. While dental wax is on your braces, you can do normal things, such as eating and drinking water. Follow your ordinary healthy routines when it comes to your teeth, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and using a mouthwash, to keep your teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay while wearing braces.

At McClellan Orthodontics, we provide all the information and recommendations necessary to patients for making the best decisions. Our staff is always available to answer questions and help you understand every aspect of your orthodontic treatment. If you are unsure about anything, let us know at your next appointment or give us a call with a question, one of our staff members will give you the tools and knowledge to help you understand everything during your treatment.

 

Preparing Your Child for Their First Visit

McClellan Orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. By that age, a child will have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and the orthodontist will be able to recognize orthodontic problems…even in their earliest stages.

The first time your child is seen at our office, they will get to meet Dr. McClellan and a few of our team members. After your arrival, you and your child will be escorted to an area where Dr. McClellan conduct his initial exam.

In order for Dr. McClellan to be able to accurately diagnose your child’s orthodontic problem, x-rays may be necessary. An accurate diagnosis allows Dr. McClellan to plan every step of your child’s treatment so that your child finishes treatment with a healthy bite.

This visit is the time for the Dr. McClellan to listen to concerns that you and your child may have, and to answer questions such as whether treatment is needed, when treatment should begin, and the type of treatment that is recommended. If no problem is found, Dr. McClellan may suggest periodic visits so that your child’s growth and development can be monitored and ensure that permanent teeth are coming in at the right time and in the right sequence.

What happens if an orthodontic problem is found during this visit?

Dr. McClellan will talk with you about when it will be best for your child to begin treatment, and the type of treatment that is recommended. For some children, early intervention may be in their best interests. Different people have different kinds of problems, so other children may get the greatest benefit from treatment by waiting until most or all of their permanent teeth are in. Everything depends upon the individual and what is best for them. For some patients, Dr. McClellan will be able to achieve treatment results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Once we have decided on a treatment plan, our treatment coordinator will itemize the costs associated with your child’s particular treatment and you can proceed with a payment plan. You can be confident that our dedicated and experienced team will guide you and your child through every step of the process. We are dedicated to giving your child a beautiful, straight smile that will last for a lifetime.

Meet Our Doctors

McClellan Orthodontics

At McClellan Orthodontics we have a tradition of creating great smiles by providing unparalleled orthodontic health care. Dr. Mart McClellan, Dr. Jessica Hedger and their team strive to accommodate the needs of our patients and create a positive orthodontic experience.

The strength of our office has a lot to do with Dr.McClellan’s and Dr. Hedger’s background. Both doctors undergo frequent continuing education in order to ensure that they provide the most up-to-date care possible.

Dr. Hedger completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. She went on to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago to obtain her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, Master in Oral Sciences degree, and Advanced Certificate in Orthodontics. She is thrilled to create beautiful, confident smiles alongside the awesome team at McClellan Orthodontics.

Dr. McClellan believes that getting an exceptional education is extremely important. His education in orthodontics has allowed him to consistently provide our patients with excellent care. Did you know that Dr. McClellan is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontists? This is an achievement that only 35% of doctors attain.

Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger believe that everyone deserves a straight smile. If you want a smile you can be proud of and a smile the will last a lifetime, Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger can help.

 

Why Braces

McClellan Orthodontics

There are many reasons to get braces. One of the most important is to improve your oral health. Your oral health directly contributes to your overall health. If your mouth isn’t feeling good, chances are that your entire body isn't feeling good either. When your teeth are crooked, overlapped, or otherwise misaligned, you place an uneven amount of pressure when you bite down. That leads to pain, and it can cause your teeth to wear down, chip and even break. Not only that, poorly aligned teeth are also harder to clean properly which can lead to decay and gum disease.

Braces will straighten your teeth, fix bite issues, and improve the overall appearance of your smile. Best of all, braces give you results that last a lifetime.

It’s no secret that dental issues can cause you pain in your everyday life. When you develop issues such as TMJ, you can start to experience painful headaches and jaw pain. Braces are great for correcting issues such as these. Through aligning your mouth and teeth, you can prevent that pain from appearing. Braces are also a great way to prevent these issues from developing in the first place.

Have you ever heard of diastema? Diastema is the term used for the spaces that occur between your teeth. Braces work to shift your teeth so that they move into a straighter position. This in turn will eliminate any gaps that are present. If gaps are a concern for you, this is a great reason to get braces.

Crowded teeth cause a lot of mouth issues as well. It’s also very difficult to clean the areas where crowding occurs. This leads to tartar build-up that can cause tooth decay and heart problems later in life. By correcting crowding with braces, the teeth will become easier to clean and much healthier. Clean teeth mean a happy mouth and a healthy body.

Did you know that misaligned teeth can affect your breathing? Often, misaligned teeth will cause you to start breathing from your mouth. This can develop into other problems such as sleep apnea or snoring. Correcting misalignment with braces will give the tongue more room to relax properly. This in turn allows for proper breathing through the nose.

Smiling is contagious. Nothing feels better than having a beautiful smile that you’re proud of. It’s a proven fact that a beautiful smile leads to higher self-esteem. At McClellan Orthodontics, we believe that no matter what the reason for seeking orthodontic treatment, everyone deserves a smile they can be proud of.

 

Braces-Friendly Halloween Candy

McClellan Orthodontics

Halloween season is upon us and no matter how you plan to celebrate this year, we know there’s a good chance there will be some candy involved. However, if you’re one of our braces patients, you might be thinking…"Should I even go trick or treating? It’s not like I can eat any of the candy anyway". The good news is, yes, you can go trick or treating! Have fun because you might be surprised to learn that there is Halloween candy you can eat with braces!

Some of the best Halloween candies are actually safe to eat with braces! Here’s a list of some of the best candies and treats you can eat while wearing braces.

• Chocolate Bars without Nuts - Hershey’s Bars, 3 Musketeers, Kit Kat, Mounds
  

• Soft Candy - Reese’s Peanut butter cups, Peppermint Patties, Junior Mints
  

• Candy Pieces – Plain M&Ms, Peanut Butter M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, Hershey’s Kisses, Smarties
  

While these candies should be safe, remember to take it slow with anything that feels chewy or sticky. Be sure to break things like candy bars into small pieces and chew with your back teeth. When it comes to M&Ms and Reese’s Pieces, it’s a good idea to let them melt in your mouth a bit instead of eating them quickly and by the handful. Also, be sure to brush and floss your teeth afterward. Otherwise, the sugars can linger and become plaque and acids that can cause tooth decay.

In addition to candy, you can also have some Halloween favorites like:

• Soft-baked Cookies

• Cupcakes

• Cake Pops

Sticky foods like Tootsie Rolls and taffy can get stuck around your braces, which can loosen or break brackets. Nuts and hard candies can break wires. This usually means an emergency visit to our office for repairs.

Basically, if it’s hard, sticky, chewy, or extra crunchy, there’s a chance it could damage your braces…so avoid those foods. If you find these in your Halloween candy bag, find a friend to trade them for something from the list above.

Halloween Candies You Should Avoid:

• Chewy Candies - Tootsie Rolls, Skittles, Laffy Taffy, Sugar Daddies, Sugar Babies, Starburst, Candy Corn, Bubblegum

• Jelly candies - Sour Patch Kids, Dots, Swedish Fish, Jellybeans, Twizzlers, Red Vines, Licorice, Mike & Ikes

• Chocolate Bars with Nuts - Snickers, Almond Joy, PayDay
  

• Extra Crunchy Candy - Butterfinger, Heath

• Caramels - Milk Duds, Toffee, Rolo, Twix, Milky Way
  

• Hard Candies - Nerds, Jolly Ranchers, Butterscotch, Suckers, Now and Laters, Lemonheads

Since brackets and wires do trap food, and candy is filled with sugar, it’s best to eat candy with braces in moderation. The bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and starches forming plaque, which then releases acids that can erode the tooth’s enamel causing cavities. Your teeth will move most efficiently in a healthy oral environment and getting cavities will throw your treatment off track, so make sweets an occasional treat.

Additionally, after having Halloween candy, brush your teeth really well with a fluoride toothpaste. Give each individual tooth a little attention and clean around your brackets and wires. If you’re not at home and you forget your toothbrush, rinse your mouth out with water and brush as soon as you get home.

Now that you know all about the types of Halloween candy you can eat with braces, we hope everyone has an amazing Halloween! If you have any questions regarding the types of Halloween candy you can eat, please give McClellan Orthodontics a call.

 

4 Ways Your Smile Can Change As You Grow Older

McClellan Orthodontics

Just as with most things in our bodies, your smile does change with age. From the teeth shifting to the enamel wearing down, the appearance and function of your teeth and bite evolve as you get older. The good news is, there are ways to minimize these age-related changes and keep your smile looking its best throughout your life.

Why does your smile change as you age? Some changes are due to natural biological processes, including bone remodeling and the tendency of the teeth to shift towards each other. Other reasons your smile changes with age may include:

1. Bottom Teeth Crowding - As you age, your jaw bone loses density and shrinks. The mismatched size of the jaw bone with teeth can lead to crowding of the bottom front teeth and this crowding can worsen with age. Crowding can also occur because other issues such as mouth breathing, gum disease, and even facial trauma.

2. Overlapping Teeth - As you get older and the jawbone changes, many people experience what’s known as physiologic mesial drift. It’s a slow, natural shifting of the teeth towards the front of your dental arch. As the teeth move towards the midline, they can overlap. It can be worsened by missing teeth, gum disease, bruxism and decay.

3. Collapsing Teeth - If you have gaps in your teeth, missing teeth that weren’t replaced or severe wear of the enamel, the teeth around the spaces can collapse inwardly. This is because the teeth try to fill in the empty spaces. As the teeth tilt or shift into the gaps, it will impact the appearance of your smile, as well as your bite. Missing teeth may also change your face shape.

4. Bad Bite - Misalignment of the teeth or jaw, known as malocclusion, doesn’t sort itself out. In many cases, if issues like crowding, spacing or an excessive overbite, underbite, open bite or crossbite aren’t treated, they will get worse as you get older. After years of living with a bad bite, you may also be dealing with the consequences of misalignment, such as tooth decay, gum disease, excessive wear of the enamel. These issues will create further changes to your smile.

While these changes may be completely normal, that doesn’t mean you just have to live with them. Whether you’re eight or 80, the biological process of orthodontic treatment is the same. Age does not keep teeth from moving. Check out our website to learn more about the options we have for adult orthodontics and then give our Kenilworth, IL office a call to schedule your initial exam.  

 

Why You Need Orthodontic Care

McClellan Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment helps ensure proper function of teeth and creates beautiful healthy smiles.

In the simplest terms, orthodontics refers to straightening your teeth. While this may not sound important, it actually has a significant impact on your oral health and appearance. People who have crowded or crooked teeth often develop issues with their gums and jawbones which can lead to pain and discomfort. If the teeth are crooked, they can begin to grow in funny ways. This can lead to more issues down the line such as chipped or worn tooth enamel. Gum recession and fractures around the roots of your teeth where it attaches into your jawbone can also occur. You may even discover worse problems with decay from food being trapped between uneven surfaces.

In addition to being uncomfortable or causing issues with eating and speaking, crooked teeth have been known to cause other health problems such as headaches from pinching on nerves. Crooked teeth can even cause back pain from a misaligned bite which puts pressure on the spine. In some cases, crooked teeth can also cause issues with your sinuses due to poor air circulation in and out of the nose. While these are not always directly related to crooked teeth, they may be exacerbated by them so it’s best to get crooked teeth straightened out!

Orthodontic care is particularly important to your overall oral health and well-being. Even if the only thing that bothers you about your smile or bite is a little bit of crookedness in a few teeth, it’s still worth getting them straightened out as soon as possible.

While the process for correcting crooked teeth can be lengthy, most people are pleasantly surprised by how rewarding their new smile feels in the end. If you have been putting this off your entire life, now may be the perfect time to take advantage of orthodontic care. The bottom line is that orthodontic care is not something you should avoid just because you think it’s expensive or inconvenient.

At McClellan Orthodontics, we offer more than just traditional metal braces. If you want to straighten your teeth more discreetly, we have Invisalign transparent aligners, ceramic clear braces, retainers and more. At McClellan Orthodontics, you can be sure to get a beautiful, straight smile and keep all of your teeth healthy and strong for years to come. Simply call our Kenilworth, IL office to schedule your free consultation!

 

Choose Your Look

McClellan Orthodontics

At McClellan Orthodontics, we help patients of all ages receive the professional orthodontic treatment they need to achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy, and straight smile. With orthodontic care, Dr. McClellan and his team will help to correct the alignment of a patient’s teeth and promote excellent overall oral health. With various types of braces and aligners, we can customize a treatment plan to help straighten your teeth for the smile you deserve.

Orthodontic brackets are an integral part of orthodontic treatment. McClellan Orthodontics provides many different types of orthodontic brackets for our patients, making it easy for everyone to have the best treatment option available to fit their unique goals and needs.

When most people think about visiting the orthodontist, they think traditional metal braces for teenagers is the extent of the orthodontic services provided. The reality is…today’s orthodontic options extend far beyond metal braces. At McClellan Orthodontics, we provide an array of orthodontic services to help straighten teeth. The services at McClellan Orthodontics include:

Metal Braces – Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Clear braces – Made of a translucent tooth colored material, clear braces are the most popular among adult patients. The natural look of these smooth, sculpted and completely clear ceramic braces are strong and will not stain or discolor. These ceramic brackets offer our patients the look they want, with all the functionality of traditional metal brackets.

Invisalign - Invisalign treatment is a technique that straightens your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-modeled to fit your teeth. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile you can be proud of.

AcceleDent - The AcceleDent System is a modern technology designed to decrease the time you are in braces or Invisalign by increasing the rate of tooth movement. The rate of tooth movement depends on the speed at which the bone surrounding the teeth changes. Studies have shown that orthodontic force coupled with micro-vibrations, generated by the AcceleDent System, safely accelerates tooth movement. AcceleDent works for a variety of cases and is safe for patients of all ages.

Tooth alignment issues are extremely common. Our team has the training and knowledge to provide the right treatment plan for you. Regardless of your age or concerns, we will evaluate your specific orthodontic issues to help you meet your goals.

Call us to schedule an initial appointment and discover the treatment plan to help straighten your teeth today.

Invisalign Teen

McClellan Orthodontics

Is your teen bummed out about the thought of having to wear braces?

Invisalign Teen is a new generation of clear aligners that are more comfortable to wear and offer more options for our teen patients.

Invisalign Teen is an innovative orthodontic treatment option that uses clear aligners to straighten your teen’s smile. The aligners are comfortable and durable. They fit in with any extracurricular activity. Whether swimming a 50-meter race, throwing the winner touch down, or playing the clarinet, your teen does not have to worry about braces getting in the way. And…unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are removable, which means your teen can eat all the things they love without worrying about breaking a bracket bending a wire.

Braces can be inconvenient for teenagers who are always on the go, but Invisalign Teen makes it easy to keep up with dental care. Since the aligner trays are removable, cleaning is super easy.

Invisalign Teen can be used on teenagers with minor to complex malocclusions. Invisalign offers the best results for teenagers committed to straightening their smiles quickly and efficiently and are willing to wear their aligners as required. Invisalign Teen is a patient-centered treatment, which means that the success of treatment is dependent on the active participation of the patient. Ideally, Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day with no exceptions. Failure to wear the trays the required number of hours daily could result in an extended treatment period.

The average length of Invisalign Teen treatment is between 12 and 18 months. However, the time frame depends on tooth misalignment severity, with severe alignment problems taking longer.

Invisalign Teen aligners are a perfect fit for every lifestyle because the aligners are:

• Clear 
• Removable 
• Comfortable 
• Customized

The technology stands out as a clear alternative to traditional braces. If your teen is conscious of their appearance and distressed at the thought of wearing metal braces, Invisalign Teen may be the perfect solution.

Give McClellan Orthodontics a call to schedule an Invisalign consultation for your teen today!

 

No More Goopy Impressions

McClellan Orthodontics

At McClellan Orthodontics we have made orthodontics treatment even easier with the use of our iTero Digital Impression Scanner. This state-of-the-art scanner allows our well-trained team members to take accurate 3D digital images of your mouth. By taking digital scans we eliminate the need for traditional putty impressions, putting you on the fast track to starting your orthodontic treatment.

The iTero scanner is all about patient comfort. It delivers digital impressions that are much more accurate than traditional dental impression. The iTero scanner is completely safe and does not expose our patients to any sort of radiation. The best part is…the iTero scanner is fast and accurate.

Traditional dental impressions can be unpleasant because the patient needs to wait for several minutes, with their teeth held in place while the alginate material sets. Patients with a strong gag reflex may struggle with this traditional procedure. The putty material is not strongly flavored, but it may prove to be too much for some patients, which can cause gagging or throwing up while the goopy putty sets.

iTero Digital impressions eliminate the goopy impression material and increase productivity, efficiency, and accuracy. During the impressions process, your mouth is scanned with a radiation-free laser, and in as little as two to three minutes, the laser renders a digitally perfect, 3D impression of your teeth and soft tissue structures. This 3D model of your mouth that can be used for all your orthodontic treatment needs. And rather than needing to mail off impressions made using the traditional alginate, Dr. McClellan can send the impressions over to the laboratory almost immediately.

iTero Digital Impression Benefits

• Improved quality impressions ensure better fitted orthodontic appliances 
• No goopy and gaggy putty alginate  
• Whole mouth scans can be completed in under 10 minutes 
• An eco-friendly solution that eliminates the need for plastic trays and the materials used for traditional impressions

Improving the patient experience is one of the top priorities at McClellan Orthodontics and the iTero Digital Scanner helps us create the best possible orthodontic care for our patients.

Speed Up Your Orthodontic Treatment

McClellan Orthodontics

When patients are told that they need orthodontic treatment, the first question they ask is, “How long will I have to wear braces?”. Fortunately, advances in technology have made orthodontic treatment time quicker than ever before. Results that used to require 2-3 years of treatment can now be achieved in a little over a year!

At McClellan Orthodontics, we offer the latest technology in orthodontics to ensure you receive the absolute best results and highest quality care available. We are proud to offer a product which can help you complete treatment even faster. It’s called AcceleDent, and it can help your teeth move up to 50% faster when worn for 20 minutes a day.

The AcceleDent System is a product designed to decrease the time you are in braces or Invisalign by increasing the rate of tooth movement. The rate of tooth movement depends on the speed at which the bone surrounding the teeth changes. Studies have shown that orthodontic force coupled with micro-vibrations, generated by the AcceleDent System, safely accelerates tooth movement.

How Does It Work? AcceleDent is a portable, removable, hands-free mouthpiece. The mouthpiece connects to an activator and gently vibrates using patented SoftPulse technology. These gently vibration speed up tooth movement and increase the rate of bone remodeling compared to constant, static pressure.

How Do I Use It? AcceleDent is easy to use. You attach the mouthpiece by plugging it into the activator. Turn on the activator, place it in your mouth, and bite down firmly to hold it in place. You will use the mouthpiece for a continuous 20-minute session each day at about the same time. Because you don’t need to use your hands to keep it in place, you can read, watching television, listening to music, do schoolwork, surf the Internet, or check your email while you’re using it. As a bonus, the FastTrac Usage report provides a daily usage graph and summary so you can hold yourself accountable.

How Do I Clean It? Take the mouthpiece off the activator to clean the device. Rinse the mouthpiece after each session with lukewarm water. Every so often you can gently brush it with a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. Wipe the activator with a soft cloth to keep it sparkly clean. Keep in mind…The activator isn’t waterproof so don’t get it wet.

How Do I Charge It? To care for your AcceleDent System, keep it clean and make sure it’s always charged. The LED indicator will quickly flash orange when it’s time to recharge the activator. Plug the activator into the wall using the power adapter or connect it to your computer with the USB cord. When you see it slowly flash orange, you’ll know it’s charging. When the LED light is green it’s ready to go.

Is AcceleDent Safe? AcceleDent has been cleared by the FDA as a Class II medical device and trials showed no adverse effects or tooth root damage. And the gentle vibrations may actually decrease the discomfort and sensitivity that occasionally results from wearing braces and having them adjusted and tightened.

AcceleDent works for a variety of cases and with most all orthodontic appliance and is safe for patients of all ages, from children to adults. It’s available by prescription only so be sure to talk with McClellan to determine if the Acceledent System would be a good fit for you.

 

Eating With Orthodontic Appliances

McClellan Orthodontics

There are certain dietary habits that are known to cause orthodontic appliances to break, as well as increase the risk of dental disease. Teeth move best in a healthy environment and in individuals with excellent overall health, so be sure you have a well-balanced diet.

If you have orthodontic appliance, you must use caution when selecting foods to eat. Remember, Dr. McClellan aims to achieve your treatment goals with as few disturbances as possible. And damage to your orthodontic appliances due to poor diet choices may extend your overall treatment time. It’s up to you to ensure that you are eating healthy foods to keep your orthodontic appliances in proper condition and to improve your overall health. 

Orthodontic appliances, like braces, are attached to your teeth with an adhesive that will typically withstand the forces of eating. However, appliances can be dislodged, and wires can be bent or broken while eating certain foods.  

Foods and drinks that may cause cavities should be restricted while wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances. Sticky foods should also be avoided because of the increased risk of dental decay and appliance breakage. Between-meal snacks should be confined to foods without refined sugar and followed by brushing or vigorous rinsing.

It’s best not to eat hard foods, sticky foods, and foods high in sugar. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Minimize sugary foods as they can cause tooth decay and other related problems. You should also refrain from nail-biting and chewing on foreign objects such as pens. Below is a list of foods that may be appealing but are dangerous to eat during orthodontic treatment:

• Ice 
• Sticky food or candy of any kind
• Hard food or candy of any kind
• Foods high in sugar content 
• Foods that require biting into

While you will have to avoid certain foods if you have orthodontic appliances, there are still plenty of healthy and delicious food options available to you. Some of the best foods to eat if you have orthodontic appliances are:

• Yogurt 
• Bananas, grapes, oranges, strawberries, and other fruits without pits 
• Light crackers or cookies 
• Cheese 
• Mashed potatoes 
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• Ravioli, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, and other noodle dishes

If you are unsure about dietary restrictions or healthy food options, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at McClellan Orthodontics. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Remember, it is essential to regularly check your orthodontic appliances for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, call our office immediately to arrange for a repair appointment.

 

Benefits of Invisalign Treatment

McClellan Orthodontics

If you want a straighter smile but hate the thought of wearing traditional metal braces, Invisalign may be the perfect option for you. Invisalign is the only clear option that is free of brackets and wires. Invisalign allows you to work, eat, and participate in social situations worry free! All while giving you a perfect smile.

Invisalign has many benefits for the wearer, such as comfort and flexibility. At McClellan Orthodontics we are a top provider of Invisalign and have years of experience permanently correcting alignment issues in a shorter time than traditional braces.

Invisalign is clear. Not only is Invisalign effective, but the aligners are nearly invisible and can be worn without detection. This is an especially great option for patients of all ages who want to live life without the brackets and wires associated with traditional braces.

The aligner trays are comfortable. Invisalign is custom made to fit your teeth and mouth. The aligner trays are made of smooth plastic making Invisalign much more comfortable than traditional metal braces.

You can remove them. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed instantly and easily. You can take them out when you are ready to brush and floss your teeth. The trays themselves can also be cleaned! To make sure there is no build up on your aligners just remove the trays and rinse or lightly brush them with your toothbrush.

You can eat anything. Because you can remove the Invisalign aligners at your leisure, you don’t have to avoid any foods like patients with traditional braces do. Invisalign makes it easy to eat whatever you want, whenever you want, and you never have to worry about your meals ruining your orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign saves time. With Invisalign you will be able to spend less time in our office as they only need to be maintained every 6 weeks on average. Other teeth straightening options can take much more time and many more appointments.

The results speak for themselves. Invisalign leads to beautifully straight teeth and a wonderful smile. Possibly the best reason to use Invisalign!

Now that you know some of the benefits of Invisalign give our Kenilworth, IL office a call to schedule your initial Invisalign consultationtoday and begin your journey to a perfect smile!

For more information regarding Invisalign, visit our website.

 

5 Helpful Tips for New Orthodontic Patients

McClellan Orthodontics

The braces are on, and you are now on your journey to a straighter smile! As a new patient at McClellan Orthodontics, we know that you may not be excited about wearing your braces, but we also know that when all is said and done, you will be thrilled with the results of your new smile.

Adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming. Fortunately, braces are pretty low maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to make your orthodontic experience more effective and comfortable.

1. Know What to Expect - When you first get braces, it’s perfectly normal for your teeth and mouth to be sore and/or tender. Your lips, cheeks, and gums may also be irritated for up to two weeks while they get used to the braces. Try a saltwater rinse or over-the-counter pain reliever to help reduce the amount of pain or discomfort you feel.

2. Give Yourself Some Time - Your braces may not be what you expected or wanted, but after some time, your teeth will start shifting and you will notice how incredible your teeth and smile alignment look. Pain may occur after your appointments, just give it a few days after each adjustment and you should feel more comfortable.

3. Avoid Bad Habits - When you have braces, you’ll have to choose between breaking your bad habits or breaking your braces. Biting your fingernails, chewing on pen caps or ice cubes, or not following proper oral hygiene instructions all pose threats to your brackets and wires. Continuing these habits can lead to costly orthodontic emergency appointments and may delay your overall treatment time.

4. Brush and Floss Often - Orthodontic patients should brush after every meal to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes and to reach the front, back, and top of each tooth. We also recommend that you floss every evening before bed so that food particles and germs don’t attack your teeth and gums. We want your teeth to be just as healthy after braces as they were before!

5. Be Confident - Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be afraid or embarrassed to smile with your braces. Depending on the type of braces you are treated with, people may not even know you are wearing braces. Be proud and flash those pearly whites often!

Lastly, be sure you know what to do if you are experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave checkups, feel for any poking wires so you can have us correct the agitation and avoid pain. If a problem arises after your appointment, do not be afraid to call us; chances are it's a simple fix. For more information about adjusting to your braces, visit our website or give McClellan Orthodontics a call.