How to Schedule an Orthodontic Appointment

McClellan Orthodontics

If you are trying to schedule your initial appointment with McClellan Orthodontics but are not sure about the specifics, such as how to request an appointment or exactly what you need to be seen for, don’t worry…these are common concerns that many of our patients share. At McClellan Orthodontics, we want to make scheduling an appointment with our Kenilworth office as simple as can be.

Visiting our office should be done anytime you have a concern or issue with the placement of your teeth, jaw, or general alignment within your mouth. Whether you need to schedule an appointment for braces, a retainer, or other orthodontic issues, Dr. Mart McClellan and his team will investigate any abnormalities that you or your dentist may have noticed to give a better vision for the future of your teeth.

At McClellan Orthodontics, we have a tradition of creating great smiles by providing unparalleled orthodontic health care. We strive to accommodate the needs of our patients and create a positive orthodontic experience. McClellan Orthodontics has been a respected provider of orthodontic care in our community for over 65 years and is looking forward to educating you on your best options for creating your new smile.

When it comes to scheduling an appointment at McClellan Orthodontics, you have a few options.

Call Our Office. Give us a call and discuss how to set up an appointment with Dr. McClellan. Calling our Kenilworth office is an effortless way to find a time that works with your schedule.

Request Online. Requesting an orthodontic appointment online via our website is another easy way to fit an appointment into your schedule. Simply fill out the form on our Request an Appointment page and one of our team members will contact you to finalize and confirm your appointment.

Stop By. If you are in the Kenilworth, Illinois area, stop in and set up your appointment in person. You can get a feel for the office and ask any questions you may have about the appointment that you are requesting to schedule.

Always remember…you are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Dr. McClellan is an expert in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. He possesses the skills and experience needed to give you your best smile. Visit our office today.

 

Is Pain in Your Jaw Giving You a Headache?

McClellan Orthodontics

As a Certified Specialist in Orthodontics, Dr. Mart McClellan doesn’t just make straight teeth, he also deals with the bite as a whole…including the jaw. If you touch your face right in front of your ears while opening and closing your jaw, you’ll feel your temporomandibular joints at work.

The temporomandibular joints are the 2 joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. More specifically, they are the joints that slide and rotate in front of each ear. The TMJs are among the most complex joints in the body. These joints, along with a few muscles, allow the mandible to move up and down, side to side, and forward and back. When the mandible and the joints are properly aligned, actions such as chewing, talking, yawning, and swallowing, can take place smoothly and without issue. However, when these structures are not aligned several problems may occur.

While people often refer to problems with the temporomandibular joints as TMJ, that’s the name for the joints themselves and TMJ pain is a TMJ disorder and part of a larger category of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). TMD involves the temporomandibular joint or its associated structures, such as the discs, muscles, cartilage, and ligaments.

In many cases, the actual cause of TMD may not be clear. Sometimes the main cause is excessive strain on the jaw joints and the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing, and speech. This strain may be a result of habitual, involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth. But trauma to the jaw, the head, or the neck may cause TMD.

The most common TMD symptoms include:

• Jaw discomfort or soreness 
• Headaches 
• Clicking or popping of the jaw 
• Locking of the jaw 
• Limited mouth motions 
• Clenching or grinding of the teeth

Left untreated, TMD can lead to inflammation, swelling, or chronic pain. It can also contribute to progressive dental problems, such as premature tooth wear and periodontal disease.

If you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms associated with TMD, give our office a call to receive a proper diagnosis and the appropriate treatment from experienced orthodontist like Dr. McClellan.