Monday, December 9, 2019

Have Braces? Avoid Candy Canes

The holidays are just around the corner and Christmas is less than a month away! Certain holiday treats can damage braces and cause wires to come loose. It's best to stay away from, candy canes. Whether you love them or don’t, candy canes are everywhere during the holidays. However you feel about candy canes, if you have braces, you may want to avoid candy canes this holiday season. 

Candy canes are one of the worst foods for teeth. Candy canes, are 100% sugar. Sugar can lead to cavities, tooth decay and loss. Candy canes are also one of the hardest treats to eat. One of the types of foods you should stay away from if you have braces (during orthodontic treatment) are hard foods and candies and candy canes fit the criteria perfectly. 

Candy canes also take a while to eat, which give the sugar a reason to linger around longer and form into bacteria, leading to cavities.



Thursday, December 5, 2019

Avoid these Holiday Treats

The holidays are here and whether you are cozying up with hot chocolate or baking cookies, you may be wondering if there are any types of treats you should steer clear from, especially if you have braces. The answer is yes! Here are a few holiday treats that are not braces-friendly.
  • Candy Canes
  • Fudge
  • Popcorn 
  • Peanut Brittle 
  • Anything with nuts or crunchy crusts
  • Caramel - avoid this sticky treat that can easily get caught up in your braces.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

3 Benefits of Fixing an Open-bite

If your upper and lower teeth don't touch when your mouth is closed, your doctor calls this an open bite. An open bite affects the way we eat food. With orthodontic treatment this can be corrected. Here are three benefits of fixing an open bite.
  1. Your teeth will be cleaner. When your teeth become straighter, it is easier to clean in between teeth and keep your smile healthy.
  2. In many cases, red and swollen gums are a direct result of teeth that are too widely spaced or too crowded, which can be minimized by straightening your smile.
  3. As a key part of your mouth, your teeth play an important role in your speech. Gapped, protruding, or crowded teeth can affect your speaking patterns. Straightening your smile can help.


Choosing to straighten your teeth is a big decision that affects not only your appearance but your lifestyle as well and the benefits of having properly aligned teeth extend far beyond a confident smile. Straightening your teeth can significantly affect your overall dental health. Schedule an appointment today.

Monday, November 18, 2019

What is Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses jaw and facial changes and tooth straightening. The major advantage of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic and comfortable result that will remain stable. In some cases interceptive treatment prevents adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

Interceptive orthodontic care is one of the most rewarding treatment options that we offer to our patients. Interceptive care is exactly that, intercepting a problem before it gets out of hand. Treatment occurs at a younger age than conventional orthodontic care and is not typically as long. The idea is to shift teeth, manipulate growth, create space for unerupted teeth, break habits and prevent trauma before it is too late. Children between the ages of 7 and 10 are best suited for this sort of treatment. They are flexible, compliant and their growth potential is still at a maximum. Treatment usually lasts 4 to 12 months after which the child is monitored and the decision as to the need for a second phase is made. Most children will require a second, more comprehensive, phase of treatment in order to create a completely stable, functional and aesthetic occlusion.

Second phase treatment begins once most of the adult teeth have erupted. This phase usually requires 12 months with braces on all of the teeth. After the second phase of treatment retainers will be worn in order to hold the teeth in the correct position.

Sunday, October 6, 2019

2 Facts about 2 Phase Treatment


Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses jaw and facial changes and tooth straightening. The major advantage of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic and comfortable result that will remain stable. In some cases, interceptive treatment prevents adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

Second phase treatment begins once most of the adult teeth have erupted. This phase usually requires 12 months with braces on all of the teeth. After the second phase of treatment retainers will be worn in order to hold the teeth in the correct position.


  1. Moving baby teeth is not done for the sake of their appearance. While baby teeth can move during Phase One orthodontic treatment, their movement is part of the process to ensure sufficient space for permanent teeth.
  2. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is for kids, but it’s not for all kids. Most orthodontic problems can be treated in one phase of comprehensive treatment, however there are a few exceptions.


Friday, October 4, 2019

2 Ways Your Smile Changes when you get Older


As we grow older, our teeth shift. If you had orthodontic treatment as a teen or child, chances are as an adult your teeth will shift. Here are two ways your smile changes as we all get older.

1. When the lower and upper jaw don’t align, it is called a malocclusion in orthodontic terms. Simply, you may have a bad bite. A bad bite can cause headaches, a bad speech, clicking and popping jaw joints and can cause you to possibly grind your teeth.

A bad bite can be corrected at any age and through various ways such as Invisalign or braces.  An estimated 1.61 million adults underwent orthodontic treatment in the U.S. in 2018.

2. Retainers are so important after orthodontic treatment because teeth may shift. After orthodontic treatment a retainer is needed to maintain teeth in position. As we age, if teeth are restored or lost, new proper fitting retainers will be needed to prevent unwanted change.


Wednesday, September 11, 2019

2 Summer Tips to Take into Fall


Summer is officially over and as a new season approaches, we are excited for new smiles and new seasons. We shared some great tips for a bright summer smile. As fall rolls in to our Kenilworth community, here are 2 tips to take into fall.

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.

Switch out Your Toothbrush:
Switching out your toothbrush is an often overlooked tip that can make a difference in our smile. It is recommended to switch out your toothbrush every 3-4 months. As a new season rolls around, this is a perfect opportunity to switch out toothbrushes for the whole family.

If you are using an electric toothbrush, switching out the toothbrush head is recommended.

Monday, September 2, 2019

National Mouthguard Day in Kenilworth


Today is #NationalMouthGuardDay! As everyone has gone back to school and fall sports are about to begin, it is a perfect opportunity to remind our Kenilworth community the importance of wearing a mouthguard during activities, especially during orthodontic treatment!

Wearing a mouthguard ensures our teeth and overall smile is protected. During the ages of 7 to 11 years old children are most vulnerable to sports related mouth injuries. 67% of parents surveyed by the American Association of Orthodontists said their child does not wear a mouthguard, yet 70% said their biggest fear is their child getting hurt when playing sports.


Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Your First Visit at McClellan Orthodontics

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.

At your first visit, you will be greeted by one of our staff members and a complimentary, no obligation orthodontic exam will be done. During this time, we evaluate many things relating to your face, your smile, the fit of your teeth and the amount of room for all of your teeth. From this initial visit, if a you are ready for treatment, an appointment for diagnostic records is made.

If a patient is still developing and is not yet ready for treatment, we will recommend the patient be placed into an observation phase where we will follow growth and development to determine the appropriate time for treatment. Often, treatment fees, general payment options and insurance benefits are discussed.


Monday, August 19, 2019

Acceledent Has Helped Kenilworth Smile Brighter

The AcceleDent System is a new technology designed to decrease the time you are in braces or Invisalign by increasing the rate of tooth movement. Results from a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial, conducted at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, demonstrate that tooth movement could be increased by 38-50%.


The rate of tooth movement greatly depends on the speed at which the bone surrounding the teeth changes. Studies have shown that orthodontic force coupled with microvibrations, generated by the AcceleDent System, safely accelerates tooth movement.

 

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

2 Health Consequences of Gapped Teeth


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.

Gap teeth are a common reason some people are unhappy with their smile. Also referred to as spacing issues, “gap teeth” refers to instances in which a person has extra space between at least two of their teeth.

Gapped teeth can cause you to have gums that are tender, sore and uncomfortable. Over time, people will spacing issues may also suffer from gum disease as a result of their gapped teeth.

Gapped teeth can also cause problems with speech, especially in young children.

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

National Fresh Breath Day


Happy National Fresh Breath Day! Today is National Fresh Breath Day, are you keeping your smile fresh and healthy?

One incredible way to keep your smile healthy is by switching up your toothbrush. Most homes often forget to replace toothbrushes. The simple act of replacing your toothbrush can have a valuable impact. The Academy of Dental Association, recommends switching out your toothbrush every 3-4 months for health reasons and because the bristles can become too stiff, which can be too hard for your teeth and enamel. This simple step will keep your mouth and teeth feeling healthy and your breath fresh.

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. Schedule a consultation today.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Pool Safety and our Smile


Summertime is always a great time for family, fun in the sun and lounging by a pool. While the season is filled with good times, it can also present certain risks such as mouth/facial injuries. Pool safety is important to know how to keep our smiles healthy. Pool related tooth injuries are very common in the summer. Be sure to stay safe.

Many of the summer oral injuries are due to a pool accident. Running on a slippery pool decks, diving into shallow waters or bumping the pool ledge with their mouth causes many children to either chip or knock a tooth loose.

Monday, July 22, 2019

Orthodontist Answers 3 Common Questions


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.

Why do you need braces if teeth are straight but 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.

How long do I have to wear my 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.

Do I continue to see my Dentist for regular visits during Orthodontics Treatment?
Yes, you should continue to visit your dentist every 6 months for teeth cleaning and regular checkups.

kenilworth


Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Thankful for our Kenilworth Community


Thankful for our Kenilworth community and all of our patients. We are incredibly grateful for the kind words and reviews. 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.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Summer Health Tips



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.

Thursday, June 20, 2019

National Oral Health Month


June is Oral Health Month. A good oral hygiene routine is the foundation to a healthy smile, especially for young children. For parents, leading by example, should establish healthy habits like brushing, cleaning between your teeth and seeing your dentist. This ultimately leads to the big difference in the health and happiness of your entire family and in children, less fears about visiting their dentist.

Here are 2 tips from the American Dental Association that are a great reminder to enforce.

Start a Routine and Stick to It:
You may be tempted to let your child skip brushing after a long day or during times when your normal schedule is off (like vacation), but keep at it. The more second nature brushing becomes the easier it will be to make sure your child is brushing twice a day for two minutes.

Kids Need to Floss: 
It doesn't matter if you clean between ​your child's teeth before or after they brush as long as you clean between any teeth that touch. You can use child-friendly plastic flossing tools to more easily clean between your child’s teeth until your child learns to do it.

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Protect Your Enamel


Your tooth enamel is the hard, outer surface layer of your teeth that serves to protect against tooth decay. In fact, tooth enamel is considered the hardest mineral substance in your body, even stronger than bone. Your tooth enamel acts as a protection shield against your teeth. There are several actions you can do to prevent enamel damage such as decaying or discoloration.

Preventing 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.

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!

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

First Day in Braces


The adhesive used to attach the braces to your teeth cures rapidly, but takes several hours to completely cure. You can eat any time after leaving our office, however, we ask that you remember the list of foods that may be harmful to your braces. Until you become accustomed to eating with your new braces, you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of all soft foods.

Initially, the braces feel like they stick out. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and tooth alignment improves, this sensation will cease to be a concern. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed, until the cheek tissues have toughened, you may find it helpful to use a small piece of orthodontic wax around the bracket that is creating the irritation. If your supply of wax runs out, call our office for more. The wax may also be purchased at a local drug store.

You will probably notice some discomfort beginning a few hours after your braces are placed. Some teeth, usually the front teeth, may be tender and sensitive to pressure. Occasionally, patients report that they experience no discomfort, but most patients have some soreness beginning during the first few hours and dissipating within a day or two. Exactly when the discomfort ceases is impossible to predict and differs with each patient. Non-prescription pain remedies are recommended for discomfort. For maximum effectiveness, it may be best to take such medications before the discomfort begins.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Common Bites in Orthodontics


Our smiles are uniquely ours. However so is our bite. “In orthodontics, “bite” refers to the way the upper and lower teeth come together. A bad bite, called a “malocclusion,” happens when teeth meet improperly, or they don’t meet at all,” according to the American Association of Orthodontist.

There are various bites that affect how we speak, eat and our overall mouth. Two common bites, orthodontic treatment can fix is a crossbite and underbite.

A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. Can be caused by misalignment of teeth or a misalignment of the bone; can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth. Your jaw may shift to one side if not corrected and wears down on your tooth enamel.

An underbite happens when the lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw. An underbite impacts tooth wear and adds a stress on your jaw joints. Through orthodontic treatment, these bites can be corrected and help keep you healthy, beyond an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Summer Smiles

Have we mentioned we love what we do. 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. Check out a few of our summer smiles



Wednesday, May 1, 2019

5 Reasons Why Summer is the Perfect Time to get Braces.


1.) There is more time to learn how to care for braces.
2.) Dealing with the soreness of new braces is more manageable at home.
3.) It's helpful to be home when adjusting to eating with new braces.
4.) It's easier to schedule appointments with more flexibility.
5.) It's helpful to adjust to braces before school starts.

Summer will be over before you know it! Call to schedule your appointment today. New Patient consultations are always complementary.

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Protect Your Smile

Wearing a mouthguard is the safest way to protect your teeth while playing sports or just enjoying sports related activities. Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer a teeth related injury if they’re not wearing a mouth guard.

Here are the three types of mouth guards you can wear, especially if you are currently in orthodontic treatment.


  • Custom fitted mouth guards - these are made by your dentist and can be molded to fit your smile perfectly 
  • Stock mouth guards - these type of mouth guards are  performed and may be a bit bulky
  • Boil and bite mouth guards - are mouth guards that are softened by boiling water and then insert your mouth, to form to the shape of your mouth. 



National Facial Protection Month from AAOMS.org on Vimeo.

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Facial Protection Month Tips

April is National Facial Protection Month! National Facial Protection Month serves as a reminder over the importance of wearing mouth guards during sports, protecting your beautiful smile.

67% of parents surveyed by the American Association of Orthodontists said their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet 70% said their biggest fear is their child getting hurt when playing sports. The most effective way to protect your childs teeth and prevent injuries is to wear a mouthguard.

About 80% of traumatic dental injuries occur to the two front teeth. Injuries can happen at any age and any skill level. So when should you wear a mouth guard? Here are just a few.

  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • Football 
  • Soccer 
  • Skiing
  • Rugby
  • Softball
  • Tennis



Thursday, March 21, 2019

Do You Know these Orthodontic Facts?


Here are three random facts you may not know of orthodontics.

1. The word “orthodontics” is of Greek origin.
“Ortho” means straight or correct. “Dont” (not to be confused with “don’t”) means tooth. Put it all together and “orthodontics” means straight teeth.

2. Teeth move in response to pressure over time.
Some pressure is beneficial, however, some is harmful. Actions like thumb-sucking or swallowing in an abnormal way generate damaging pressure. Teeth can be pushed out of place; bone can be distorted.

Orthodontists use appliances like braces or aligners to apply a constant, gentle pressure on teeth to guide them into their ideal positions

3. Gold was the metal of choice for braces circa 1900.
Gold is malleable, so it was easy to shape it into an orthodontic appliance. Because gold is malleable, it stretches easily. Consequently, patients had to see their orthodontist frequently for adjustments that kept treatment on track.

Monday, March 11, 2019

2 Common Bites in Orthodontics



Our smiles are uniquely ours. However so is our bite. “In orthodontics, “bite” refers to the way the upper and lower teeth come together. A bad bite, called a “malocclusion,” happens when teeth meet improperly, or they don’t meet at all,” according to the American Association of Orthodontist.

There are various bites that affect how we speak, eat and our overall mouth. Two common bites, orthodontic treatment can fix is a crossbite and underbite.

A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. Can be caused by misalignment of teeth or a misalignment of the bone; can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth. Your jaw may shift to one side if not corrected and wears down on your tooth enamel.

An underbite happens when the lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw. An underbite impacts tooth wear and adds a stress on your jaw joints. Through orthodontic treatment, these bites can be corrected and help keep you healthy, beyond an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

National Nutrition Month: Smoothie Recipes



Here are at McClellan and Sagun Orthodontics, office-approved smoothie recipes that taste great and help you get the nutrients you need. We want to show you that eating healthy, delicious food is still possible after you’ve started your braces journey. Yes, there are certain points in your treatment process when your mouth might be more sensitive than usual, but that doesn't mean you don't get to enjoy a delicious meal or snack. Smoothies are the perfect solution for when chewing just doesn’t sound all that fun!

You can prep and freeze these 3 super quick and easy smoothie recipes. Choose your own base of yogurt, juice, milk, tea, or water and some ice to blend these ingredients up into something spectacular for your taste buds!

SWEET SUNRISE
1C Raspberries
1 Orange
1/2 Banana
1C Mango

KIWI REFRESH
1 Kiwi
1& 1/2C Watermelon
1 &1/2C Grapes

GREEN MONSTER
1 Grapefruit
1 Banana
1C Pineapple
1C Spinach

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

2 Benefits of Braces You Didn't Know About

braces kenliworth


Fear of the unknown is human nature and some nervousness is to be expected prior to starting orthodontic treatment or if you are thinking of getting orthodontic treatment of any kind. Braces can make one nervous, yet the benefits of braces, goes beyond a beautiful smile.

1. Helps Prevent Gum Disease:
It's no secret the dangers of gum disease and the drastic negative effect it has on your overall health. Braces help space your teeth out correctly, which helps you brush and floss in between your teeth.

2. Prevents Bone Erosion
Did you know your teeth and mouth effect your overall health? Bone loss can also be a problem due to misaligned teeth. This is caused by bacteria that begins eating away at bones. Braces helps realign the teeth to prevent this.

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

What You Need to Know about Invisalign

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 of which you will be proud.

The advantage to Invisalign is the range of issues it can fix including: Overly crowded teeth, Widely spaced teeth, Overbites, Underbites, and Crossbites. This is the major benefit to invisalign. You can continue to live your life and your aligners are mostly invisible.


  • Clear, virtually invisible aligners
  • Removable, will not get in the way of your activities
  • Easy to remove to eat, brush, and floss
  • Graduate to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks
  • Easy to monitor your progress with regular appointments


Not everyone is a candidate for the Invisalign aligner system. Please give our office a call to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Friday, February 1, 2019

Just Got Braces? Friendly Foods

orthodontics


If you just received braces any holiday, especially The Super Bowl could be tough, finding which foods you can and can not eat. If you are heading to a Super Bowl watch party try to stay away from these foods and enjoy these Superbowl friendly foods below.

First thing’s first, which foods are off limits? Stay off and avoid these types of foods:


  • Hard nuts, candies, hard fruits (like apples and pears)
  • Hard vegetables (like carrots and corn on the cob)
  • Chips
  • Taco shells
  • Pizza crust
  • Pretzels
  • Sticky stuff like taffy, gum and caramels
  • Foods high in acidity that could cause discoloration like lemons, limes and sodas.


Superbowl Friendly Foods:

  • Burger Sliders
  • Mashed Potatoes 
  • Guacamole
  • Meatballs 
  • Smooth potato salad
  • Cole slaw
  • Soft Tacos
  • Ice cream
  • Cupcakes
  • Cream-pies
  • Soft pastries
  • Soups
  • Pasta

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

The Foundation of a Great Smile

healthy smile


A good oral hygiene routine is the foundation to a healthy smile, especially for young children. For parents, leading by example, should establish healthy habits like brushing, cleaning between your teeth and seeing your dentist. This ultimately leads to the big difference in the health and happiness of your entire family and in children, less fears about visiting their dentist.

Here are a few tips from the American Dental Association that are a great reminder to enforce.

Start a Routine and Stick to It:
You may be tempted to let your child skip brushing after a long day or during times when your normal schedule is off (like vacation), but keep at it. The more second nature brushing becomes the easier it will be to make sure your child is brushing twice a day for two minutes.

Toothpaste:
Learn how to apply the right amount of toothpaste for your child.

First Visit: 
Every parent celebrates the milestones in the first year, first words, first steps, first teeth.

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Do You Know these Orthodontic Terms?



When it comes to orthodontics, there are few things you may not know. One being terms and what they mean for you and your health.

Two Phase Treatment - 
Two phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.

Banding - 
The process of fitting and cementing orthodontic bands to your teeth.

Bonding - 
The process of attaching brackets to your teeth using a special safe adhesive.

Interceptive Treatment - 
Orthodontic treatment that is usually done between the ages of 7 and 10. The objective of interceptive or early orthodontic treatment is to provide orthopedic intervention, so that later orthodontic treatment is less complex.


Monday, January 14, 2019

DIY Braces are Dangerous

braces


There is a growing dangerous trend that is increasing in popularity with social media and among young teens. This trend is do-it-yourself (DIY) braces. These DIY braces are dangerous and can lead to gum damage and tooth loss, among other consequences.

What Are DIY Braces?
DIY Braces are braces people make out of household items such as rubber bands, dental floss, fishing line, paper clips and others that people think will get their teeth to move. People take these items and put them in their mouth, where they think their teeth will shift.

“Straightening teeth isn’t just about closing gaps between your teeth; braces align the upper and lower teeth to reduce pressure on the jaw and keep teeth from wearing on each other over time. If kids try to move their own teeth, they are not taking into consideration other areas of the mouth that professional braces correct.” - Dental Associates Blog

Unhealthy Consequences:
“Braces involves slowly and cautiously moving teeth through bone and influencing bone growth.” There are ligaments that hold your teeth to your bone and when moved, these ligaments begin to break. DIY braces can damage your enamel, cause tooth loss, damage to your gums and bacteria from the household items can affect your overall health.


On you first visit, you will be greeted by one of our staff members and a complimentary, no obligation orthodontic exam will be done. During this time, we evaluate many things relating to your face, your smile, the fit of your teeth and the amount of room for all of your teeth. From this initial visit, if a you are ready for treatment, an appointment for diagnostic records is made.

Friday, January 4, 2019

New Year, New You

oral hygiene


It’s a new year, and that means new opportunities for adopting healthy habits, that will help our teeth. We love encouraging our patients to create a healthy oral hygiene routine. Here are 2 healthy habits to start doing everyday in 2019.

Floss - Floss, floss and more floss. We have all heard how flossing is beneficial, let’s all pledge to floss more in 2019. Getting kids involved in flossing will help them understand from a young age the importance of this healthy routine.

Change Your Toothbrush - When was the last time you switched out your toothbrush? American Dental Association recommends changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months. By switching out our toothbrushes, we can prevent bacteria, keep our mouth fresh and healthy.