The Dangers of Chewing Ice

McClellan Orthodontics

Chewing ice is an incredibly common habit. Some people chew on ice after finishing a drink, while others do it to cool off in the summer heat. Chewing ice may also help relieve stress or aid in relaxation. No matter what the reason people chew ice, just like many other hard foods, chewing ice can cause a myriad of oral health issues, and even cost you an expensive trip our office or your general dentist.

If you already have fillings, crowns, or veneers, or if you wear braces, use a retainer, or have expanders, chewing ice makes you particularly vulnerable to tooth damage.

Why Chewing Ice Can be Dangerous

Broken or Fractured Teeth - Teeth may seem tough and sturdy, but they aren’t designed to crunch extremely hard objects like ice. Chewing ice can easily lead to a cracked or chipped tooth, which will require an emergency dental visit to repair the broken tooth.

Cracked Tooth Enamel - Breaking or chipping a tooth is not the only outcome of chewing ice. Often times, people will crack their tooth enamel without knowing it. Tooth enamel is the first line of defense against cavities. If tooth enamel is damaged by chewing ice, it can leave a tooth more vulnerable to acid attacks and tooth decay. That’s because acids produced by bacteria can penetrate the softer layer of the tooth, the dentin, much more easily and cause tooth decay. Cracked tooth enamel can also lead to hot and cold sensitives and tooth pain.

Damaged Dental Fillings - Chewing ice can damage existing dental work like fillings, crowns, and veneers. Damaging your dental work will require an immediate trip to your dentist for a repair. Something as simple as filling a cavity may be the solution, but other times root canals and crown replacements are necessary to repair the damage done from chewing ice.

Destroyed Oral Appliances - Oral appliances like braces and retainers play a vital role in developing healthy smiles. Despite their sturdy construction, chewing ice can cause severe damage to brackets, wires, and aligner trays resulting in extra visits to ouroffice.

Although there are much worse habits to have, Dr. McClellan and his team recommend breaking this habit as soon as you can.

If you love chewing on ice and need some ideas to shake the habit, try these tricks:

• Let Ice Cubes Melt in your Mouth: Instead of chewing on the ice cubes, try holding them in your mouth and letting them melt. The satisfying cool sensation will last longer, and you won’t damage your teeth or gums.

• Say No to Ice: Skip ice altogether. If it’s not in your glass, the temptation to chew it is gone.

• Choose a Crunchy Alternative: When you feel like you need a satisfying crunch, reach for carrot sticks, cucumber, or apple slices instead of ice…you will get the same crunch without any tooth damage. Also, chewing on healthy fibrous foods will stimulate saliva production, which acts as a natural mouthwash.

As with any habit, the first thing you should do is make yourself aware. If you are concerned about your oral health or if you chew on ice frequently, make sure you schedule an appointment with your general dentist to have your teeth and gums evaluated. If your teeth are damaged, your dentist will know exactly what to do to help.

Did you know?

The intense craving to chew on ice is sometimes categorized as pagophagia. Pagophagia, or compulsive ice chewing, is a particular form of pica that is characterized by ingestion of ice, freezer frost, or iced drinks. It is usually associated with iron deficiency anemia. Not everyone who loves chewing ice has pagophagia, but studies show that some people who have the desire to chew ice also have an underlying health issue that has not yet been resolved.

 

A Retainer Keeps Your Teeth in Place

McClellan Orthodontics

It is important to remember that your orthodontic treatment isn’t over once your braces have been removed. Retainers need to be worn following the removal of your braces to prevent the teeth from shifting. It is vital to follow Dr. McClellan’s instructions carefully after you have had your braces have been removed to ensure long-standing results.

Unfortunately, braces do not guarantee that your orthodontic treatment results will be permanent. In fact, teeth have a natural tendency to move back into their original place after the forces holding them have been removed. Without a retainer, it is likely that your teeth will go back to their prior misalignment shortly after having your braces removed. A retainer helps to keep your teeth aligned until they have set firmly into place.

The amount of time that you must spend wearing your retainer will depend on how long it has been since you had your braces removed. In most situations, you will be required to wear your retainer as often as possible for the first 3 to 6 months after your braces have been removed. After that, it is recommended that you wear your retainer nightly for the next 1 to 3 years.

It is important to keep your retainer clean and in good condition. Remember to rinse your removable retainer in cool water before and after use. Store your removable retainer in a plastic case whenever it is not in your mouth. If you have a fixed retainer, you will need to follow the same processes to clean it as you did with braces.

At McClellan Orthodontics, we are enthusiastic about your smile. To learn more about how to keep your smile straight and beautiful, visit our website or give one of our friendly team members a call.

Braces Treatment at McClellan Orthodontics

McClellan Orthodontics

Your smile has an effect on your whole life, at McClellan Orthodontics, we offer three types of braces to help transform your smile.

1. Damon Silver Braces - Damon Silver Braces are a good, cost-effective option for kids, teens, and adults. Because of their durability and cost-effectiveness, they are the most popular braces used in orthodontics. These brackets are made up of a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals…this makes the brackets very durable and helps prevent breakage. Damon brackets are bonded to the front of your teeth. The brackets hold the orthodontic wire in place. The wire is what actually causes the teeth to move, with the bracket serving as an anchor site on each of your teeth. As you move along in your treatment, the wires will be changed out to straighten teeth to your desired result.

2. Damon Clear Braces - Damon Clear Braces are a growing option to correct your bite and straighten your smile. Ceramic braces work just like traditional silver braces, however, they are made of a tooth-colored ceramic material and are nearly invisible. Many people opt for clear ceramic braces because they’re less noticeable on your teeth. This can be a huge advantage if you’re considering braces and don’t want to feel self-conscious about wearing them. Clear braces are recommended if all of your adult teeth have come in and you’ve mostly stopped growing. Damon Clear Braces are a good choice if you want your braces to be subtle.

3. Invisalign Clear Aligners - Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens your teeth without the use of metal or ceramic brackets. Invisalign is a series of custom-made clear braces that cover your teeth and gently pull them into the proper position over time. Because they are clear and can be taken on and off, they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces. With Invisalign clear braces there are no metal brackets or wires to detract from your smile while undergoing treatment. Invisalign clear aligners are made from BPA-free plastic, and they are far more comfortable than traditional silver braces. Both teenagers and adults can wear Invisalign. These clear aligners are used to close gaps between teeth, as well as treating overbite, underbite, open bite, crossbite, and overcrowded teeth.

Dr. McClellan is committed to determining which treatment solution is best suited for you. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and smile with confidence tomorrow.

It's time for a New Toothbrush

McClellan Orthodontics

The toothbrush is your number one oral hygiene accessory.  Toothbrushes help keep your teeth and mouth clean, but how long should you keep a toothbrush?

Replacing your toothbrush is essential since it is constantly being exposed to germs and bacteria. At McClellan Orthodontics, we recommend that you switch out your old toothbrush for a new one every 3 to 4 months. People who wear braces should change their toothbrushes more frequently because braces break down and fracture bristles which makes the toothbrush lose its effectiveness. If you notice the bristles of your toothbrush have become worn that's a clear sign you need a new toothbrush.

3 Reasons to Change Out Your Old Toothbrush:

1. Bacteria - Your toothbrush is a tool for removing bacteria from your teeth…but it doesn’t actually kill bacteria. No matter how well you store your toothbrush, it’s still going to harbor bacteria in between brushings. Same goes for everyone else’s toothbrush.This means if your toothbrush comes in contact with somebody else’s, it’s liable to pick up some of the germs from that neighboring toothbrush.

2. Bristles - Like any tool, a toothbrush wears down. Worn bristles are tough on your enamel and can wear it away over time. If your toothbrush’s bristles can no longer stand up straight, that’s a surefire sign it’s time to buy a new brush. Bent, frayed, or excessively worn bristles simply aren’t going to be as effective at removing plaque and other particles from your teeth compared to bristles that are in better shape.

3. Illness - Always change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick, even if it’s not “technically” time to switch out your toothbrush. you should also replace your toothbrush if you have dropped it. Even if your toothbrush lands somewhere it shouldn’t for just a few seconds, that’s enough time for it to pick up all sorts of nasty bacteria. No matter whether you drop your toothbrush on the floor, in the sink, or anywhere else, the introduction of foreign bacteria into your mouth from your toothbrush could provoke illness. Better to be safe than sorry.

Having a clean mouth is important. It gives you fresh breath and a nicer-looking smile. Brushing removes a thin sticky film of bacteria that grows on your teeth. This sticky film, called plaque, is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease. Replacing your toothbrush on a regular basis is one of the best ways to ensure it does its job to the best of its abilities.

Pro Tip: Put that old toothbrush to work doing odd jobs around the house. Old toothbrushes are great for cleaning around facet fixtures and in between tile. They can even be used to clean tools, computer keyboards, and tennis shoes.

Brush Your Teeth: 2 Minutes 2 Times a Day

McClellan Orthodontics

Seeking orthodontic treatment is a great way to make sure your oral health is in good shape. However, there are other factors that affect the status of healthy teeth. Brushing, flossing and eating habits are just as important.

When treating your teeth Dr. McClellan and his staff want to be sure they are working with healthy teeth...and developing healthy habits start at a young age.

Did you know that the baby teeth that appear in the first 3 years of a child's life have been there since birth, in the baby’s jawbones? Those baby teeth are key for chewing, speaking and appearance. They also hold space in the jaws for upcoming adult teeth. Even though they fall out, baby teeth are important and you need to take good care of them.

In an effort to help Keep Kids' Mouth's Healthy, The Ad Council has started the 2min2x Children's Oral Health Campaign. For healthier teeth, good breath and fewer cavities kids need to remember to brush their teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. Adopting these healthy brushing habits can help save children from a lifetime of tooth pain.

Helpful Brushing Tips  

• Brush with a fluoride toothpaste.  
• Place the toothbrush at an angle against the gums.  
• Make sure to move the toothbrush back and forth, gently, in short strokes.  
• Brush the tongue to remove germs and freshen breath. 

...For more tips please visit 2min2x.org.

At McClellan Orthodontics we care about the overall oral health of all of our patients. If you have any questions about your oral health, please contact our office today.

We Have the Technology

McClellan Orthodontics

 

A smile is often the first thing people notice about you. And no matter where you are in Illinois, a nice smile is like a warm hello.  If you have been thinking about your smile and not feeling very confident, there are many ways to ensure that your smile is at its best.

Technology has come a long way in orthodontics. New 3D technology captures various images of your mouth and creates an accurate 3D model of your teeth and gums. These models help us develop the appropriate treatment plan that is completely customized to each individual patient.

Our practice offers advanced treatments with Invisalign invisible braces, Invisalign Teen, and Damon System Braces. We take your safety and health seriously by meeting and exceeding sterilization requirements and staying in contact with your family dentist throughout your treatment to help you maintain your oral health while wearing braces.

Whether it's Invisalign or traditional braces, our team will ensure your treatment is as smooth as possible and your end result leaves you smiling. Using the latest in orthodontic technology, Dr. McClellan will work to ensure your first visit is informative and that you have all the necessary information to choose the treatment plan that is best for you.

We are committed to determining which treatment solution is best suited for you. Using convenient and efficient technology continues to ensure we put our patient's needs first. Schedule your complimentary consultation at our Kenilworth orthodontic office today and start smiling with confidence.

 

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.