It's been a Great 2018

Thank you for a great amazing year! It has been a fantastic year filled with progress and so many smiles. Everyone at McClellan and Sagun Orthodontics are happy to see everyone's smile progress. Whether it is beginning treatment or the final day, we thank you, our patients and family for entrusting us with your smile.

We can't wait to see all the beautiful smiles in 2019!

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Meet the McClellan and Sagun team! (Top left) Vanessa, Virginia, Cher, Cristina & Sandra. (Bottom left) Theresa, Dr.McClellan, Patti, Dr.Sagun and Virginia.

A post shared by Mart & Tim (@mcclellanandsagunortho) on Mar 20, 2018 at 1:36pm PDT

Is there a Perfect Age for Orthodontics?

Orthodontists today can successfully correct most problems regardless of the patient’s age. But that does not mean that the orthodontic treatment starting age does not matter. In fact it may play a significant role in the total time and expenses required for the completion of the orthodontic treatment.

Children: The magic number is 7! The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have a check-up with an orthodontist by the time they reach age 7, for early detection of any potential problems. At this stage, we can spot potential orthodontic problems related to jaw growth and eruption of adult teeth.

Teenagers: Most orthodontic problems are ideally treated during this time. Usually, all or most permanent teeth are present and patients are at one of their most active phases of growth. This is a great time to correct most problems, as the jaws are actively growing and their growth can be most easily modified during this time.

Adult: As we grow older, our teeth may shift and it may be necessary for an improved smile through orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and it is never too late to improve your smile.

Our office is conveniently located to serve the communities surrounding Kenilworth, such as Wilmette, Winnetka and Glencoe, IL. Call us today for your initial orthodontic consultation! We look forward to meeting you and working with you as we continue our tradition of creating the North Shore’s best smiles!

Christmas Treat to Avoid this Holiday

The Holidays are here and that means snow, endless sweets and of course no school for kids. The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate with family and also a time where we can slip up on certain foods to avoid, especially if we have braces. From sugar, to cookies to gingerbread houses, there is no end in the sweet treats. Here are three foods to avoid this holiday season.

1. Candy Canes: 
These beautiful perfect treats are one to avoid this season if you have braces. The hard candy could damage your braces and the stickiness of the peppermint candy can get stuck in between your orthodontic appliances.

2. Popcorn:
If you string popcorn around your tree, you know this how involves eating the popcorn as well. Popcorn is a great treat, however you may want to stay away from it this year. Popcorn is notorious for getting stuck in between teeth and your braces.

3. Caramel Sweets
Who doesn’t love the sweet caramel treats this time of year. From caramel apple to caramel drizzled on your popcorn to your Starbucks drink, seems like caramel is everywhere this time of year. Be sure to stay away from this sticky treat, because it can be damaging to your teeth and braces.

Dentist vs Orthodontist: What's the Difference?

There is a question most people seem to wonder when it comes to braces or invisalign. "Can my dentist give me braces or Invisalign?" The answer is a definite big NO! There is a major difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. At McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics in Kenilworth, IL, we have a tradition of creating great smiles by providing unparalleled orthodontic health care. Dr. Mart McClellan, Dr.Tim Sagun and our team strive to accommodate the needs of our patients and create a positive orthodontic experience.

An Orthodontist specializes in orthodontic treatment beyond the basic dental health care. The most common being, specialists in straightening teeth.

Our office is conveniently located to serve the communities surrounding Kenilworth, such as Wilmette, Winnetka and Glencoe, IL. Call us today for your initial orthodontic consultation! We look forward to meeting you and working with you as we continue our tradition of creating the North Shore’s best smiles!

Dental Wax

When it comes to braces, your first few days may be uncomfortable. It may even feel as if your braces are sticking out. Your gums may be sore and tender, but that does not have to stop you from living your life.

An important item to use for relief 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,” according to Colgate. Dental wax can provide relief when a wire breaks and pokes out. Just add some dental wax on your gums and can help prevent pain while your wait for your next appointment.

Dental wax is completely safe.

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

If you have any questions over dental wax, or any other orthodontic questions, please feel free to call us at (847) 251-6228

Sore Mouth? Here are 2 Smoothie Recipes:

Congratulations on getting braces! Your on your way to a healthier beautiful smile. At first 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! The discomfort and soreness you are feeling is perfectly normal. Your teeth may be tender to biting pressures, which can make it tough to chew and eat solid food. Here are 2 delicious smoothie recipes that are delicious, healthy and filling.

1. Delicious Red Fruits and Oats Smoothie

This delicious smoothie will make it easy for you to consume, especially in your first few days after getting braces. The added oats, will fill you up.

• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1 sliced banana
• 1/4 cup raw almonds
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup

2. Peanut Butter, Banana and Flax Smoothie

This delicious combination will have you feeling full of creamy goodness. The yogurt and peanut butter will have you feeling full and the honey combined with bananas will leave you craving for more.

• 1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk
• 1/2 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ground golden flaxseed
• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ripe banana, sliced

A Healthy Halloween

Happy Halloween! We love all the costumes, sweet treats and pumpkin carvings. As Orthodontists we believe Halloween is a great opportunity to remind kids of the responsibility of taking care of their teeth. Here are three tips to have a healthy Halloween.

1. Choose the Right Candy: According to the American Dental Association (ADA), “the best types of treats are those that dissolve easily and don't produce residue that sticks to the teeth's enamel.” Choose candy such as chocolate that melts fast and does not stick to your teeth.
2. Candy Buy-Back: Look for a candy buy back programs that allows you to trade in your candy for cash. This is perfect for any kids saving for that perfect gadget. 
3. Healthy Alternative: You can cut Jack-o-lantern faces into clementines, or make frozen banana halves into friendly ghosts with chocolate chip eyes and mouths. Or, go food-free altogether and hand out stickers, glow sticks or temporary tattoos to support a cavity-free Halloween in your neighborhood.

Avoid these Treats on Halloween

Happy Halloween from everyone at McClellan and Sagun Orthodontics!

Halloween is the perfect opportunity to talk to remind them about the importance of sticking to their health routine. This includes brushing your teeth, flossing, wearing your retainers, using mouthwash and other health tips. If you recently received orthodontic treatment such as braces or in the middle of your treatment, we recommend you avoid these sweet treats.

• Popcorn Balls: These are often a big hit on Halloween night and a guarantee in your child's Halloween bucket. Have some floss on hand after enjoying these treats. Please be aware, if you have braces, these are probably not an ideal treat.  
• Hard Candies: You want to watch out for hard candies on Halloween and beyond. These can break your teeth and can be damaging if you have braces. On top of that, hard candies can cause the sugar to wash all over your teeth. This is due to having the hard candy for longer periods in your mouth.

National Orthodontic Health Month: 3 Benefits of Orthodontics

October is not only about Halloween and fun costumes; it is also National Orthodontic Health Month. We love to educate our patients on the benefits of orthodontic treatment, which exceeds beyond just a beautiful smile.

Here are 3 benefits of orthodontic treatment.

1. Prevent Cavities – Orthodontic treatment is the process that straightens teeth through various treatment plans such as braces and Invisalign. Straight teeth are easier to clean and therefore prevent bacteria that can cause cavities. 
2. Self-Esteem – A beautiful smile will allow you to shine and confidently live your life uninterrupted. Whether it is Invisalign, clear aligners or traditional braces, your smile will radiantly shine and stay healthy. 
3. Speech – We often do not understand that our teeth often impact our speech. When teeth are not straight, it can be tough for people to pronounce particular sounds. With straight teeth, it is easy to sound out words and pronounce sounds.

Check-in 4 Charity: October

Cancer affects more people than we realize. We all know someone or of someone that is affected by cancer, specifically breast cancer. We believe everyone can help in some way. At McClellan and Sagun Orthodontics, we are part of the Check-in 4 Charity program where every month, we feature a charity either locally or nationally to support.

All you have to do is check-in with an image or status update on Facebook and a donation is made on your behalf from us. This month were donating to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s mission is to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the world’s most promising research. “Breast cancer knows no age, gender or race. As the most common cancer in women worldwide and the second most common cancer overall, it remains a fact of life. Nearly 1.7 million women around the globe were diagnosed in 2012, and incidence rates are on the rise.”

Adult Orthodontics

As we grow older, our teeth begin to shift and move. Even if you had orthodontic treatment when you were younger, our smile may not be what it once was. There’s good news! Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy.

We offer a variety of treatment options that are designed for different age groups, including adults. The variety of treatment options allows adults to live their life uninterrupted by orthodontic treatment. So weather you choose to get Invisalign or braces, our priority is to ensure you are comfortable and satisfied throughout the entire treatment process.

We want you to smile confidently and orthodontic treatment can do that for you! Not only will your smile shine brighter, orthodontic treatment will improve the health of your teeth and gums. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint pain.

National Pepperoni Pizza Day

Today is a day for everyone to rejoice! Yes that includes you, who just go braces! Today is National Pepperoni Pizza Day! Don’t let the beginnings of braces let you not enjoy this day.

Getting used to life with braces means learning what you can and can’t eat. When you get braces, you’ll need to change some of your eating habits. Eating certain foods, such as nuts or hard candy, can damage or break your braces. Biting into hard foods can pull away the brackets and wires, which can be painful and prolong the process of getting that beautiful smile.

For National Pepperoni Pizza Day, we’re sharing a healthy recipe that's safe for your teeth and all “brace-wearers” will enjoy!

Pepperoni Spinach Pizza:

• Prepare a batter of spinach. Keep it aside.
• Boil some spinach and drain it.
• In a pan, cook onion and green chilies for a minute.
• Add the boiled spinach to this mixture, with salt to taste.
• Add paneer and cream.
• Take pizza bread, spread the mixture on it and grate cheese.
• Cook it in pre heated oven for 10 minutes.

Mushroom Pepperoni Pizza:

• Take a non-stick pan and sauté garlic and onion for 2 minutes, and then add capsicum to it.
• Cook for a while.
• Add tomato puree and bring to a boil. Now add boiled pasta and macaroni mix them well; add salt to taste.
• Spread the ready mixture on pizza bread, grate cheese on top of it and bake for 10 minutes.

Check-in 4 Charity

Habitat for Humanity, is a national charitable organization whose mission is to help families build and improve places to call home. The national organization, partners with people in our community, and all over the world, to help them build or improve a place they can call home. McClellan and Sagun Orthodontics, believe in a world where putting good out in the universe is beautiful because the good always comes back and that giving and kindness starts with ourselves. This month, every time you Check-in on Facebook from our office, a donation is made on your behalf. It’s that simple, you check-in with a photo, status update or review and we make the donation on your behalf.

Common Orthodontic Questions Part 2

Do I need braces if my teeth are straight but my bite is off? Orthodontics isn't only for pretty teeth. A good healthy bite helps eliminate other health problems in later years. It also helps save teeth from premature wear. Does orthodontic treatment hurt? Thanks to technology and our expertise, orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically. As a rule, braces make your teeth tender and sore for a few days, but it is not painful. Today’s braces are more comfortable and use technology that reduces the discomfort.

How long do I have to wear retainers? Typically retention is based on how long the patient was in treatment. Remember, retention is a lifetime endeavor. You are going to love your smile. How long does Orthodontic treatment last? Every patient varies on how long orthodontic treatment will last, it depends on the orthodontic treatment plan and patient. However, braces may be on between 6 to 30 months or, in rare instances, longer. This depends on the development of the dentition, the severity of the problem, patient cooperation, and the degree of tooth movement required.

New School Year, Same Orthodontist

The final weeks of summer are among us and the fall season is quickly approaching. Kids have returned back to school and the normal routines have begun. As summer comes to an end and fall season returns, it can be a busy time for parents and their children. New activities and new routines, it’s easy to forget simple check-ups to the orthodontist.

Why is it important for a check-up during back-to-school season? 

This is the time to schedule an appointment to measure the progress of your child’s orthodontic treatment. This will ensure your child's treatment is on schedule.

If your child is playing fall sports, be sure to get a mouthguard specifically designed for your child. This is the perfect time to ensure your child is on the road to a healthy beautiful smile. Our office is conveniently located to serve the communities surrounding Kenilworth, such as Wilmette, Winnetka and Glencoe, IL. Call us today for your initial orthodontic consultation! We look forward to meeting you and working with you as we continue our tradition of creating the best smiles!

Who may we thank for this awesome Artwork? THANK YOU 🙌🏻😘#mcclellanandsagun #braces #invisalign #smile #itsthelittlethings #bestpatients #kenilworth #backtoschool #blackboardart

A post shared by Mart & Tim (@mcclellanandsagunortho) on Aug 9, 2018 at 5:55am PDT

McClellan and Sagun Smiles!

At McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics in Kenilworth, IL, we have a tradition of creating great smiles by providing unparalleled orthodontic health care. Dr. Mart McClellan, Dr.Tim Sagun and their team strive to accommodate the needs of our patients and create a positive orthodontic experience. Our mission is to make the world a better place, one smile at a time.

From the first appointment to the final reveal of a beautiful smile, we love that we get to be there. Here are a few of our awesome patients this month.

Best birthday present EVER! Braces off on your birthday Elisabeth 🎂⭐️🎉🎊🎈 #mcclellanandsagun #kenilworth #braces #Invisalign #birthdaygirl #bestgiftever #bracesoff #bracesofftoday #beautiful

A post shared by Mart & Tim (@mcclellanandsagunortho) on Jul 25, 2018 at 10:46am PDT

McClellan and Sagun Gives Back

At McClellan and Sagun Orthodontics, we believe giving back to our community and around the world is part of who we are.

The way we give back is through our charitable giving program that’s so easy for everyone to participate. This month, we are supporting our International Fund for Animal Welfare! Every time you Check-in on Facebook from our office, a donation is made on your behalf. It’s that simple, you check-in with a photo, status update or review and we make the donation on your behalf.

Every month we will feature a new charity organization that are near to our hearts. They will be local and national charity organization that make a difference.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare’s vision is a world where animals are respected and protected. The international organization rescues individual animals, safeguard populations, preserve habitat, and advocate for a better future. Founded in 1969, IFAW has provided almost 50 years of global leadership, innovation and hands-on assistance to animals and communities in need.

Questions? We Have Answers!

What Is Orthodontics? 

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is “malocclusion,” which means bad bite. The practice of orthodontics requires professional skill in the design, application, and control of corrective appliances, such as braces, to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment to achieve facial balance.

What do you do when a patient comes in after hours, unannounced?... Doctor assisting another Doctor 😜 A doctors gotta do what a doctors gotta do😂 #mcclellanandsagun #kenilworth #braces #invisalign #smile #specialtreatment

A post shared by Mart & Tim (@mcclellanandsagunortho) on Jun 26, 2018 at 2:22pm PDT

What Causes Orthodontic Problems?

 Most malocclusions are inherited, and some are acquired. Inherited problems include crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra teeth, congenitally missing teeth, and a wide range of discrepancies of the jaws, teeth, and face. Acquired problems can be caused by trauma, thumb or finger sucking, airway obstruction by tonsils and adenoids, dental diseases, and premature loss of baby or adult teeth. Many of these problems affect not only the alignment of teeth but also facial development and appearance as well.


How Do I Know If My Child Needs Orthodontic Treatment? 

It is usually difficult for you to determine if treatment is necessary because there are many problems that can occur even though the front teeth look straight. Also, there are some problems that look intimidating and complex which will resolve on their own. Asking your general dentist is a good reference, but we are your best resource since orthodontics is all we do. Our initial exam is comprehensive and informative, and we would be more than happy to see your child and make any recommendations necessary.


What Age Should My Child See An Orthodontist? 

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that your child be evaluated by age seven. An orthodontic screening no later than age seven enables the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems that exist, advise if treatment will be necessary, and determine the best time for the treatment. Early detection of any orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later.

Welcome to Cici and Luca (and mom too of course) for joining the McClellan & Sagun gang-we are so happy to have them here! 😁#kenilworth #braces #invisalign #mcclellanandsagun #smile #happiness #newsmileinprogress #newsmileinthemaking

A post shared by Mart & Tim (@mcclellanandsagunortho) on Jun 12, 2018 at 3:31pm PDT

McClellan and Sagun Smiles!

At McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics in Kenilworth, IL, we have a tradition of creating great smiles by providing unparalleled orthodontic health care. Dr. McClellan, Dr. Sagun and their team strive to accommodate the needs of our patients and create a positive orthodontic experience. Whether you are just beginning treatment or on your final day, we want to share all the smiles that came through this month.

Congratulations go out to Katie who won our "Why My Pop Rocks" Father's Day Contest. Katie and her brother Jack will enjoy the basket of Pop Rocks and the whole family will enjoy going to a Cubs game. Your Pop rocks Katie but so do you!!

Welcome to Cici and Luca (and mom too of course) for joining the McClellan & Sagun gang-we are so happy to have them here

Cameron just had his braces removed and Dr. McClellan and mom are celebrating with him! We are so sad though because he is the youngest of their children and they are such a nice family! Maybe they will have another one 😛

Tips for an Awesome Summer Smile

Summer has finally arrived! Summers in Illinois mean BBQ’s, spending time with friends and family, family vacations and tons of fun for everyone. With all the adventurous excitement of summer, it might be easy to forget a few of our regular simple tips that keep your smile healthy.

Stay on routine: 
Summer screams vacation and fun times for children. It is also the time where it is easy for routines to slip and forget. Don’t forget the nightly and morning routines from simply brushing your teeth to flossing to getting check up from both your dentist and orthodontist, if it falls during the summer.

Resist the temptation of sugary drinks:
Say no to the sugary drinks that have a high volume of sugar. Not only is it bad for your teeth, it is also bad for your health. Instead stay hydrated with water. This summer watch your intake of lemonade, soda and sports drinks - which are summer staples.

Traveling: when in doubt brush with bottled water:
Summer means family vacations for most families. If you’re traveling outside of the country or are out in the wilderness - brush your teeth with bottled water. It will reduce your chances of getting sick and keep your smile healthy beyond summer.

Brush 2 x a day:
With an abnormal routine at times during the summer - be sure to not forget the important step in keeping your summer smile healthy, brushing your teeth! The American Dental Association, recommends everyone brush their teeth for 2 minutes, 2 times a day.

At McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics in Kenilworth, IL, we have a tradition of creating great smiles by providing unparalleled orthodontic health care.

Meet the McClellan and Sagun team! (Top left) Vanessa, Virginia, Cher, Cristina & Sandra. (Bottom left) Theresa, Dr.McClellan, Patti, Dr.Sagun and Virginia.

A post shared by Mart & Tim (@mcclellanandsagunortho) on Mar 20, 2018 at 1:36pm PDT

Patient Appreciation: Star Wars Night

We are so thankful for our patients, we always are providing the best orthodontic care possible. Last month, for patient appreciation night, we provided a private showing of the new Star Wars film, Han Solo. It was a fantastic night! Darth Vader was there to install some fear and fun along with Drs. McClellan & Sagun aka Luke Skywalker and Han Solo himself. Thank you to everyone who brought food in for the Northfield Food Pantry. We collected a lot of food to help local families in our community. We have the best patients. 

5 Tips - McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics

1. Avoid Teeth Whitening Products

Whitening products are great but not during braces. The reason you should avoid teeth whitening products is that they will only whiten some parts of your teeth, leaving you with patchy discoloration. That being said, this really only applies to traditional braces and ceramic braces. That means if you have Invisalign, you’re good to go. Otherwise, hold off on teeth whitening until after your braces come off.

2. Don’t Chew On Your Pens

The reason for this is twofold. Don't chew on anything. First of all, when you chew on hard objects that aren’t food, you run the risk of breaking a wire or popping off a bracket. Secondly, chewing on something like a pen will wear down your tooth enamel over time and can even damage the muscles in your jaw. 

3. If You Have Ceramic Braces or Invisalign, Avoid Foods That Will Stain

If you don’t want your ceramic braces or Invisalign trays to turn yellowish-brown in color, be sure to steer clear of foods that easily stain like tomato paste (like marinara sauce), mustard, coffee, or any other drinks that are dark in color. You’ll also want to avoid spices like turmeric and curry because they can turn your ceramic braces or Invisalign trays a bright orange or neon yellow color. 

4. Avoid Chewy or Hard Foods

You don’t necessarily have to give up these foods altogether. Instead, we suggest modifying the way you eat. For instance, instead of eating an apple whole, cut it up into small pieces for a healthy & braces-friendly snack. Another example is cutting the corn off the cob to avoid any tricky braces situations. Nevertheless, you should still stay away from gum, hard candies, and nuts. 

5. Smile

Remember to be yourself and smile!

Tips for a Healthy Smile from McClellan and Sagun Orthodontics

5 Myths about Orthodontic Treatment

1. Braces Are Going to Hurt

This is not true! There are a variety of treatments available, all with the patient’s comfort in mind. Whether you choose to go for the traditional metal braces or Invisalign clear plastic aligners, the adjustment to wearing them will be minimum. 

2. I'm Going to Have Braces Forever!

Nope! There are so many more options when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Besides, the traditional metal braces, you can choose ceramic braces which are less noticeable in the mouth, Invisalign clear plastic aligners that are removable, and lingual braces which are adhered to the backs of your teeth instead of the front. Call us and we can help you achieve the best smile. Of course, each patient is case-by-case. 

3. My Teeth Will Never Shift Again

Unfortunately that is not guaranteed. Everyone's teeth will constantly be shifting a little throughout their life and sometimes there might be an accident or illness which affects the alignment of your teeth later down the line.The good news is that wearing a retainer at night can help keep your newly straightened teeth in place.

4. When Will My Braces Come Off? 

As soon as your braces are put on you are probably already wondering when you can expect treatment to be done. Keep in mind that while the orthodontist can give you a projected timeline of what to expect during your treatment there is no set deadline. There can’t be. There are so many nuances to shifting teeth that there is always some wiggle room to the length of treatment. Don’t get frustrated if it takes a little longer than initially expected. Your beautiful smile will certainly be worth the wait.

5. I Will Have to Give Up My Favorite Foods 

You do need to give up every single one of your favorite foods, you will just need to adjust and watch what you eat. Hard candy, popcorn and other foods that are hard or sticky are a big NO! This is because they can get stuck in your braces and cause problems. Certain drinks like wine and soda need to be limited as well because of how they can impact the conditions of your braces.

If you are unsure, you can always call and ask us what foods are safe to eat. 

Source: http://www.orthodonticslimited.com/orthodontic-treatment/10-myths-about-orthodontic-treatment/

We Support our American Heroes

We are taking part in the country wide support for our American heroes this month! Every time you Check-in on Facebook from our office, a donation is made towards the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fun is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing critically-needed medical facilities for treating United States military personnel suffering the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychological health issues.

About Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund:

• “The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF) is helping military personnel suffering the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) by building a series of facilities, called “Intrepid Spirit Centers” in which these injuries can be diagnosed and treated.”
• The mission of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is to support our military community, now specifically those who are suffering from traumatic brain injury and psychological health conditions.
• 100% of the proceeds donated, go directly to helping service members by building Intrepid Spirit centers

How can you join us in supporting American Heroes?

Because we are a check-in 4 charity member, you can show support for service members by checking-in on Facebook at our office. Each time you check-in, you participate in our donation to The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund in May. 

Learn more about the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund by visiting their website and social media at https://www.fallenheroesfund.org/

Can I Prevent Enamel Damage?

Can I Prevent Enamel Damage? 

Are you concerned about damage to your tooth enamel? Well put your worries aside because there are several things you can do to prevent enamel damage such as decaying or discoloring.

Avoiding enamel decay can be as easy as cutting out or limiting high-acidic foods from your regular diet. High-acidic foods include items such as blueberries, sugar, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, cranberries, and more. Another thing you can do is remove high sugar drinks from your diet in addition to acidic foods is also a good idea.

Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to prevent your enamel from discoloring or decaying. 

The easiest way to avoid decay is to steer clear of high-acidity foods. This may not always be possible, but eliminating sugary fruit juices and soda from your diet is a good start. 

Brushing your teeth after each meal and flossing frequently also preserves your enamel. Another good idea is to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating to wash away high-acidity particles.

Although enamel damage is common, it does not have to be an inevitable occurrence. Knowing the foods that harm your teeth gives you the tools to prevent discoloration and decay. With some easy preventive measures, your teeth will stay strong and white for years to come!

Cavities, Braces and You!

If you’re a patient at McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics, you are used to visiting us for your regular adjustment appointment every 6-8 weeks. 

While our hygienist is in your mouth making those adjustments, it’s important for you to remember our team is working on your braces and trips to your general dentist are still very much needed.

When we work on your braces, we are not looking specifically for any cavities and anything we do notice is a by-product of monitoring your oral health from an orthodontic perspective. Even if we did find something suspicious we don’t have the facilities to correct it. For this reason, we tell you to maintain your regular dental checkup schedule of once every 6 months. Another important thing to remember is that your oral hygiene needs to be flawless.  

The appliances that are in your mouth are, unfortunately, a magnet for plaque buildup. If you are a bit lax with brushing and rinsing out your mouth after eating, you may just find that you have a beautiful straight smile with stained teeth. 

While having braces does not increase the risk of cavities, not caring for your teeth and having braces does. If you have any questions regarding your oral hygiene, click here to visit our website or contact McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics at our office (847) 251-6228

Adjusting to Braces! Tips from McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics

Are you a new patient at McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics?

You may or may not be excited about wearing your braces, but regardless we know you will be thrilled with the result of your new smile. As with any change, adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming sometimes, so we decided to help you out with a few tips on adjusting to your braces. 

Tip #1: Give yourself some time. Your braces may not be what you expected or wanted, but after a while when your teeth start shifting 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. 

Tip #2: 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're treated with, people may not even know you're wearing braces. 

Be proud and flash those pearly whites often!
Tip #3: Be sure you know what to do, if you're experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave checkups, feel for any wires poking out so you can have us correct the agitation and avoid pain. 

If a problem arises after your appointment, don't 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 us a call.

Autism Speaks - April's Check-In for Charity

McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics is taking part in the worldwide support for Autism this month! 

What is Autism Speaks?
Autism Speaks is a charity with the goal to increase the public understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder. Aside from the amazing outcome of this charity, they are famous for their “Light It Up Blue” campaign. Wear blue to your appointments in April to show your support for Autism Speaks.

Facts about autism according to Autism Speaks:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates autism’s prevalence as 1 in 68 children in the United States. This includes 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls. 
• An estimated 50,000 teens with autism become adults – and lose school-based autism services – each year. 
• Around one third of people with autism remain nonverbal. 
• Around one third of people with autism have an intellectual disability. 
• Certain medical and mental health issues frequently accompany autism. They include gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures, sleep disturbances, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and phobias. 

How can you join us in supporting Autism Speaks?
Because McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics is a check-in 4 charity member, you can show support for Autism speaks by checking-in on Facebook at our office. Each time you check-in participate in our donation to Autism Speaks in April. Another fun way to get involved is to wear blue at your April appointments!

Which Type of Floss is Best?

If you’ve visited the dental care aisle recently, the sheer number of options available can be overwhelming. We often have patients ask us which floss is the “best” type of floss. In essence, all of the options on the market today do the same thing, and at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference. We’ve listed a few of the options below.  

Flossers: Flossers are small plastic instruments with a single floss strip and a pick on the opposite end. This option can be both effective at cleaning the areas in between your teeth and scraping off plaque. These flossers come in flavored varieties as well. They are a great “on the go” option.

Gentle Dental Floss: Some people will find that regular dental floss is too harsh on their gums. For that reason, several options are available that have soft coatings that are less abrasive on the gums. Typically, gentle floss is just as effective as regular floss and an ideal match for anyone looking for a more sensitive approach to flossing.

Flavored Dental Floss: Flavored dental floss will freshen your breath while you floss! We suggest flavored dental floss if it prompts you to floss your teeth regularly.

Of all of the options, it is difficult to choose the absolute best type of floss.  However, Dr. McClellan, Dr. Sagun, and our team feel that the type of floss that works best for you, giving you the greatest chance of succeeding at regular flossing, is the ultimately best choice. For more information on floss, or flossing with braces, ask us at your next appointment. There are many ways to make it both easy AND effective.