The Power of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

McClellan Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment isn't just about straightening teeth...it's about creating healthy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing smiles that stand the test of time. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is an advanced approach that addresses orthodontic issues in two distinct stages, offering a comprehensive solution for children with complex dental concerns.

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is designed for children whose oral development presents unique challenges that can't be effectively addressed with a single phase of orthodontic care. This approach recognizes that certain issues are best corrected during specific stages of dental growth. By strategically timing treatment, Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger can guide the growth and alignment of the jaw and teeth, achieving optimal results.

The first phase of two-phase treatment, often referred to as early intervention or interceptive orthodontics, typically begins between the ages of 6 and 10. During this phase, orthodontists focus on addressing skeletal discrepancies, bite issues, and oral habits that, if left unaddressed, could lead to more severe problems later in life.

Common goals of Phase 1 treatment include:

Guiding Jaw Growth: Early intervention allows Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger to influence jaw growth while the child's facial bones are still developing. This can help prevent more complex issues from arising in the future.

Creating Space: In cases of severe crowding, Phase 1 treatment can create space for permanent teeth to erupt properly, reducing the likelihood of extractions later.

Correcting Habits: Thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, and other oral habits can impact dental development. Phase 1 treatment helps correct these habits to promote healthy growth.

After the initial phase, there's typically a resting period during which the child's remaining permanent teeth erupt naturally. Once most of the permanent teeth are in place, Phase 2 begins. This phase involves traditional braces or aligners to fine-tune tooth positions and create a harmonious bite.

Benefits of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

• Maximized Effectiveness: Addressing problems early can prevent them from becoming more complicated and challenging to treat later. This proactive approach minimizes the need for more invasive procedures.
• Healthier Development: Two-phase treatment promotes proper oral and facial development, ensuring a balanced bite, comfortable function, and a beautiful smile.
• Shorter Overall Treatment Time: By taking advantage of a child's growth, two-phase treatment can lead to shorter overall treatment durations compared to a single-phase approach.
• Reduced Need for Extractions: Phase 1 treatment can create the necessary space, often eliminating the need for permanent tooth extractions.
• Enhanced Self-Esteem: Addressing orthodontic issues early can boost a child's self-esteem by preventing or minimizing potential aesthetic concerns.

Two-phase orthodontic treatment isn't suitable for every child. To determine whether your child could benefit from this approach, it's essential to schedule a consultation with McClellan Orthodontics. They will assess your child's dental development, discuss any concerns, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on their individual needs.

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a comprehensive strategy that focuses on more than just straightening teeth; it addresses the root causes of orthodontic issues to create a lasting, healthy smile. By intervening early and guiding dental development, Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger can set the stage for a lifetime of confident smiles and optimal oral health. If you're considering orthodontic treatment for your child, explore the benefits of two-phase treatment and consult with Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger to make an informed decision that supports your child's dental well-being.

The Benefits of Brushing for 2 Minutes

McClellan Orthodontics

Your mouth is the gateway to your overall health, and an unhealthy mouth can be linked to diabetes and heart disease. Did you know that dental decay is the most common chronic childhood disease? More than 16 million children in the United States suffer from untreated decay.

The 2 Minutes 2 Times a Day campaign was created by the Ad Council for The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives, a coalition of nearly three dozen dental health organizations, including the American Dental Association.

Together with the American Dental Association (ADA), McClellan Orthodontics recommends that kids, as well as adults, brush their teeth in a soft, circular motion for two minutes, twice a day, and floss daily.

Two minutes twice daily is the optimal prevention brushing regimen as it takes two minutes for the tooth enamel to uptake the fluoride in toothpaste. In addition to allowing time for fluoride to work, there is the physical massage of the tooth surfaces that removes the plaque and makes a clean surface for the fluoride to do its job. When the enamel absorbs fluoride, it makes the tooth surface harder and more resistant to the bacteria-produced acids that cause tooth decay.

The benefits of brushing for 2 minutes:

• Clean teeth 
• Healthy gums 
• Nice breath

Beginning with the eruption of the first tooth, parents should begin brushing their child’s teeth with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives recommends that parents supervise their child’s brushing until age 8. Supervising your child’s brushing gives you an opportunity to teach them how to brush. Please remember that a baby or toddler should never use fluoride toothpaste unsupervised or independently.

It is also important to floss at least once a day, to clean in between the teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. Parents should start flossing their child’s teeth as soon as they notice that teeth are touching…which could be as early as two years of age.

2min2x.org has videos to help your child brush the recommended 2 minutes each time. It can be fun to play the video for your kids to watch while brushing to get them started with this healthy habit.

If you need additional tips and tricks for better brushing habits, feel free to contact our Kenilworth Orthodontic office.

 

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.

Early Orthodontic Treatment

McClellan Orthodontics

Timing is everything…especially when it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment. “Early” treatment, also called “interceptive” treatment, means treatment that is performed while some baby teeth are still present.

Early intervention can make a dramatic impact on establishing the proper way the teeth move against each other during function. For each patient, a healthy bite is paramount for dental treatment success. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s first check-up with an orthodontist be performed when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, but no later than age 7. By age 7 your child has enough permanent teeth for Dr. McClellan to evaluate the developing teeth and the jaws.

Early intervention is one of the most rewarding treatment options that we offer to our patients. An early exam allows us to determine how and when a child's jaw and/or dental problems should be corrected for optimal results. There are generally three outcomes of an early exam:

1. No treatment is expected to be necessary.
2. Treatment may be needed in the future, so the child will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to grow. 
3. There is a problem that lends itself to early treatment.

While there are many orthodontic problems that are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in, early treatment can be in your child’s best interests if their problem is one that could become more serious over time. The major advantage of early treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic, and comfortable results that will remain stable throughout your child’s life. In some cases, early treatment prevents adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

Early Treatment may be recommended if your child has any of the following orthodontic issues:

• Underbite
• Crossbite 
• Crowded Teeth 
• Excessively Spaced Teeth 
• Extra or Missing Teeth 
• Thumb or Finger Sucking that is Affecting the Teeth or Jaw Growth

Early orthodontic treatment can take many forms. Dr. McClellan may prescribe a fixed or removable appliance to move teeth, change the position of the jaw, or hold teeth in place in order. Regardless of how treatment goals are reached, the bottom line is that some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.

To give your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile, visit McClellan Orthodontics today. No referral needed! Our office provides an initial consultation at no cost and with no obligation.

When you choose McClellan Orthodontics for your child’s orthodontic treatment, you can be assured that you have selected a specialist in orthodontics. Dr. McClellan and his team possess the skills and experience needed to give your child their best smile. Visit our website to learn more.

 

 

More Than a Pretty Smile

McClellan Orthodontics

The benefit of straight teeth is not only for aesthetics.

Straight teeth are easier to clean. When teeth are rotated and overlapped, more nooks and crannies exist where plaque bacteria can build up. Even with proper brushing and flossing, some areas may be difficult to clean and will have a higher risk of forming a cavity. Straighter teeth allow for easier cleaning and lower cavity risk.

Because misaligned teeth are more difficult to keep clean, the build-up of plaque bacteria can cause gum inflammation that may potentially lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. Also, gum recession can occur in areas with crowding due to difficulty with brushing.

Even if your teeth appear straight, there can be a problem with your bite. Added wear of teeth, chipping of teeth, and teeth grinding are very common problems when an improper bite is present. Jawbone and joint problems can also develop, leading to breakdown of the bones that support your teeth as well as TMJ pain, headaches, and migraines.

When teeth are crooked or the bite is off, it can change the shape of the face. Teeth with extreme overbite can make the lower jaw and chin look unpronounced, and underbite can make the chin look overly pronounced.

The benefits of straight teeth and jaw alignment are important to your overall well-being. If you are interested in straightening your teeth or have any questions about your options, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment. At McClellan Orthodontics, our team can develop a plan to ensure your teeth are not only straight, but a healthy bite is achieved.

 

 

Should You Get Invisalign?

McClellan Orthodontics

 

At McClellan Orthodontics, our top priority is to provide you with the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. Having straight teeth is important not only for children but for adults as well. Straightening your teeth with the Invisalign system can treat common orthodontic problems thereby helping you maintain your dental health. 

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 Invisalign aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements Dr. McClellan plans out for you.

The Benefits of Invisalign Treatment

1. Invisalign is Removable - This means you can take your Invisalign trays out when you eat and brush your teeth. Being able to take your trays out means you are able to eat without the normal restrictions of braces.

2. Invisalign is Almost Invisible - The aligners look pretty much invisible when they are in your mouth. People may notice that you have something on your teeth because the trays do make your teeth slightly shinier, but it's not nearly as noticeable as traditional braces.

3. Invisalign Can Treat More Complicated Problems - Using attachments, like clear buttons attached to your teeth as anchor points, helps your aligner get a better grip so it can pressure other teeth to move. Rubber bands work too, just like with metal braces, to make corrections to adjust malocclusions and other issues.

4. Invisalign Provides Faster Results - With Invisalign you don’t need to wait for a long time to see the results. You can even see the outcome after a couple of months.

5. Invisalign Can Help Whiten Your Teeth - Anything you eat can stick to your aligners and keep things on your teeth. Similarly, if you brush with whitening toothpaste, that whitening toothpaste will stick to your aligners and to your teeth…helping to whiten your teeth throughout treatment.

Now that you know a few of Invisalign’s benefits, give McClellan Orthodontics a call to see if Invisalign is right for you. We're ready to answer all your Invisalign questions and schedule you for a consultation in our Kenilworth Orthodontic Office.

 

The Perfect Age For Braces

McClellan Orthodontics

When we think of braces, most of us think of teenagers. But nowadays, people of all ages are getting braces. So…what is the perfect age to start braces treatment? 

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

Children: Traditionally, orthodontic treatment begins when a child has lost most of his or her baby teeth, and a majority of the permanent teeth have grown in. That said, it's a good idea to get an orthodontic evaluation by the time a child is 7 years old. You make think that 7 years old is too early to put your child in braces, however, this interceptive approach can help to spot potential orthodontic problems related to jaw growth and eruption of adult teeth before they get out of hand.

Teens: Most orthodontic problems are ideally treated during a child’s teenage years. 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.

Adults: Although childhood is a good time to make changes to the mouth and jaw, more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment for missing or crooked teeth, TMJ, and more. 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.

The truth is...there’s no specific age at which a child should first visit the orthodontist. The best choice for you and your child will largely depend on the severity of your child's dental problems. A visit to McClellan Orthodontics should happen when you feel it is needed. Often, your family dentist will be the one to recommend the visit, especially if he or she notices problems with your child’s bite or tooth alignment.

If you are considering braces for yourself or your child, give McClellan Orthodontics a call and schedule your initial consultation. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will take the time to address your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you through any treatment process.

 

Two-Phase Orthodontics

McClellan Orthodontics

Orthodontics 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.

Two-phase orthodontics starts with interceptive orthodontic care (phase one treatment). This interceptive phase can make a dramatic impact on establishing the proper occlusal foundation as it allows Dr. McClellan the opportunity to intercept a problem before it gets out of hand. Typically, phase one treatment starts with younger children in order to shift teeth, manipulate growth, and create space for unerupted teeth. Phase one treatment, can create a better environment to idealize the occlusion for the child or possibly create an environment to elevate treatment in the future.

The best age for phase one treatment is between 7 and 10 years old. Typically, this first phase will be about 4 to 12 months and will address a specific problem. Once phase one treatment is completed, your child will be monitored by Dr. McClellan until they are ready for phase two.

Phase two treatment begins once a majority of the adult teeth have erupted. The average treatment time of second phase is about 12 months with retainers being worn after treatment to hold the correct position of the teeth.

It is important to have your child evaluated by Dr. McClellan from an early age as early diagnosis and treatment can have a lasting improvement on the function of your child’s teeth and their overall appearance. Feel free to contact our Kenilworth orthodontic office or visit our website to schedule your child’s initial evaluation. Our exceptional and professional staff looks forward to making your child’s Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment as efficient and rewarding as possible.

Give Your Teen Something To Smile About This Summer

McClellan Orthodontics

If you ask any teenager...they’ll most likely tell you that there is never a good time to get braces. At McClellan Orthodontics, we disagree...because  summertime is actually the perfect time to get braces.

Getting braces during the summer allows your teen the time to adjust. It’s no secret that getting braces can be tough on a teenagers self-esteem. Giving them a few months to get used to their braces without being surrounded by their friends at school can make a huge difference in their confidence. 

Summertime is also the best time to break in the braces. Braces can sometimes make talking and eating difficult. Braces can also initially disrupt school sports and extra-curricular activities. The break that summertime provides allows your teenager the time to become accustomed to their braces and tooth alignment before heading back to school.

But the main reason summertime is the perfect time to get braces is because during the summer most teens have far fewer responsibilities than they do during the school year. No homework, no projects and fewer sports commitments makes scheduling adjustment appointments a lot easier. 

At McClellan Orthodontics, we believe that no matter what the reason for seeking orthodontic treatment, everyone deserves a straight smile. Give your teen a smile to last a lifetime...a smile they can be proud of! Visit our website to schedule your teen’s orthodontic appointment today.

McClellan Orthodontics is conveniently located in Kenilworth, IL. We offer orthodontic appointments Monday through Thursday and do our best to accommodate your schedule.