4 Ways Your Smile Can Change As You Grow Older

McClellan Orthodontics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

3 Steps to Looking Younger

McClellan Orthodontics

People are continually looking for ways to turn back the hands of time. Be it buying a cool new wardrobe, getting a new haircut or even plastic surgery…men and women alike are on the hunt for ways to make themselves look and feel younger.  

Despite all of the gimmicks out there, studies show that your smile can do more to make you look younger than anything else!

“Just as white, straight teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, worn, or missing teeth is associated with an aged look,” says Edmond Hewlett, DDS, professor of restorative dentistry at UCLA's School of Dentistry.

3 Easy Steps to Take 10 Years Off of Your Appearance

Step 1: Oral Hygiene - The way to take years off of your appearance is to practice good oral hygiene. Maintaining good oral health throughout your life doesn’t just preserve the appearance of your smile, but it can preserve your overall health too. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly promotes healthy teeth and gums and keeps your smile looking and feeling clean.

Step 2: Whiten Your Teeth - Teeth naturally darken as we age. One reason is that your teeth absorb color from food and drinks. Even if you take fantastic care of your teeth, they will eventually yellow over time. Micro-fractures, thinning enamel, and built-up stains all make your teeth look duller and older. Ask our team about how you can whiten your teeth with custom whitening trays. Custom whitening trays are the best way to achieve a deep and thorough color change that can take years off your appearance.

Step 3: Straighten Your Teeth - Even if you start out with perfectly straight teeth, something called mesial drift will cause them to shift over time. Crowded teeth are an instant giveaway of age and straightening your teeth can often take 10 to 15 years off your appearance. Crowded teeth also increase the risk of tooth decay, premature tooth loss, and gum recession, all of which guarantee looking old.

Beautifully straight, symmetrical glowing white teeth cannot only make you look younger, but they can dramatically improve your confidence.

If you have any questions about how we can help give you a healthier, younger looking smile, give our Kenilworth orthodontic office call to schedule an appointment with Dr. McClellan today.

And remember…One of the best ways to appear more youthful is to smile more!

The Damon Braces Difference

damonbraces.com

At McClellan Orthodontics, we combine key components, which when used together, deliver faster treatment, greater comfort, and consistent high-quality results. Our practice offers advanced treatments such as Damon System Brackets.

The Damon System is not just about revolutionary braces and wires, it's an entirely new way of treating our patients. This clinically proven treatment approach aligns your teeth and enhances your facial aesthetics without extractions or palatal expanders, giving you a smile that is full and natural…the type of smile preferred by more than two-thirds of adults.

Smiles with a broad arch show more teeth and fill the corners of the mouth more fully. The result is a more natural and appealing smile. A broad arch also provides facial support, which reduces dark triangles at your mouth’s corners and improves your overall facial profile which may help provide a more youthful look.

Damon braces are designed to be discreet, comfortable and easy to keep clean. The passive self-ligating brackets eliminate the need for elastic or metal "ties". With these tie-less braces you can experience treatment without tightening.The unique design of these braces also helps to reduce the buildup of food particles and debris that tend to get lodged in the brackets of traditional metal braces. Thus, eating with Damon braces can actually be easier because your cleaning job is simpler.

Damon Braces give you a broader and healthier smile in less time and with greater comfort than conventional braces. If you are curious about Damon Braces or if you have specific questions about how they can help you acheive your best smile, please contact our McClellan Orthodontics Kenilworth office anytime!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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!

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/

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.

Check Out This Month’s Check-In for Charity

The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries and is supported by more than one million members in the United States and close to five million globally. WWF's unique way of working combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level from local to global, and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature.

Together, in partnership with foundations, governments, businesses, communities, individuals and our more than six million members, we can conserve many of the world’s most ecologically important regions. Join us during the month of March in supporting this organization.

Spotlight on This Months Check-In 4 Charity: Smile for a Lifetime

Just like that the warm summer months are winding down and September is here! For all of us at McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics, this also means a new charity of the month! With your help we will be supporting Smile for a Lifetime.

ABOUT THE CHARITY
The Smile for a Lifetime Foundation is a charitable non-profit organization that provides orthodontics to individuals, ages 11-18, who may not have the opportunity to acquire assistance any other way. Launched in 2008, Smile for a Lifetime aims to reach individuals with financial challenges, special situations, and orthodontic needs. The Foundation sponsors the orthodontic care of hundreds of patients each year through local chapters. To date, they have donated services totaling more than $35 million dollars.

JOIN US IN SUPPORTING SMILE FOR A LIFETIME

McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics takes part in the Check-In 4 Charity program. Whenever you check-in at our office on Facebook, a donation will be generated for the charity of the month. Be sure to check-in at your next appointment and together we can give back to this amazing charity during the month of September.

How To Start Invisalign

Invisalign is a way to straighten teeth without traditional braces. Invisalign works best for adults but can be suitable for teenagers too. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are nearly invisible, and almost no one can tell you’re wearing them.

How Does Invisalign Work?

You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move little by little, week by week until they have straightened to the final position Dr. McClellan and Dr. Sagun has prescribed. You’ll visit McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

How to start Invisalign

Following your initial consultation, McClellan & Sagun Orthodonticsc will advise how Invisalign can work for you. A full treatment plan with all the alternative methods available will be provided. Once you are happy to proceed the working impression of your teeth is obtained and submitted to Invisalign.

Invisalign creates a virtual model of your teeth and carefully translates the treatment prescription into a sequence of stages. We then show you the planned tooth movements on the computer before finalizing the manufacture of your custom aligners to make your teeth straight.

You then wear each set of aligners for two to three weeks, moving your teeth gradually. We check you every 6-8 weekly to ensure your progress matches the predicted plan

Rainbow Smoothie Recipe

Here is everything you need to know to make your own rainbow smoothie! Enjoy!

Ingredients

RED LAYER

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• water or liquid for blending

ORANGE LAYER

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1/2 cup frozen peaches
• 1 small orange
• 1/4 cup frozen mango
• water or liquid for blending

YELLOW LAYER

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1 cup frozen pineapple
• water or liquid for blending

GREEN LAYER

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1 handful (or more) spinach
• 1 cup frozen pineapple
• water or liquid for blending

BLUE LAYER

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1 cup frozen pineapple
• small amount of blue food coloring
• water or liquid for blending

PURPLE LAYER

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1 cup frozen mixed berries
• water or liquid for blending

MAGENTA LAYER

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1/2 cup sliced beets
• 1 cup frozen strawberries or raspberries

FOR EACH SMOOTHIE

1. Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add more liquid to help it blend if it's too thick. 
2. Transfer the smoothie to a bowl or container, rinse the blender and prep the next smoothie. 

TO ASSEMBLE THE RAINBOW SMOOTHIE
Carefully layer each color smoothie in glasses in rainbow order. If desired, blend the smoothie using a straw or stir stick. Top each smoothie with a toothpick filled with leftover fruit.

The Clear Choice For Teens

Is your teen bummed out about the thought of having braces? Invisalign Teen aligners give adolescents a whole new way to wear braces for a clearly amazing smile!

Scenarios in high school like, the team game on Friday nights, homecoming dances, and yearbook pictures can leave many teens stressed about their smile Don't let your teenager stress; during Invisalign Teen treatment teens can achieve a straight smile without metal braces and without detection!

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

• Clear 
• Removable 
• Super comfortable 
• Customized 

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are removable, which means you can go ahead and eat all the things you love without worrying about breaking a bracket or losing a rubber band.

Invisalign aligners are really comfortable and very durable. They fit in with any of your extracurricular activities. So whether you're swimming the 50-meter race, throwing the football out on the field, or playing the clarinet with the school band, you don't have to worry about your braces getting in the way! Give McClellan and Sagun Orthodontics a call to schedule a consultation just in time for the new school year!