Benefits Beyond a Straight Smile

At McClellan Orthodontics in Kenilworth, IL, we have a tradition of creating great smiles by providing unparalleled orthodontic health care. Dr. Mart McClellan and our team strive to accommodate the needs of our patients and create a positive orthodontic experience. Hear what our awesome patients are saying about their experience here.

You may be wondering whether orthodontic treatment is right for you. Besides a beautiful smile, did you know there are other health benefits to straight teeth? Here are 2 things, straight teeth can prevent or help.

1. Decreases Risks of Injury: 

Did you know the benefit of straight teeth is the decrease of risk in an injury? Crowded or protruding teeth are most likely to break in an accident such as with sports.

2. Prevent Jaw and Neck Pain: 

Orthodontic treatment can help prevent bad bites that cause an abnormal chewing pattern. You may not know it, however the bad bites and crowded teeth may be stressing out your jaw and neck. A pain in these areas and headaches could be a sign and orthodontic treatment can help you feeling healthy.

The strength of our office is not only Dr. McClellan’s backgrounds but our exceptional, professional staff. Our staff receives frequent continuing education in order to ensure that we provide the most up-to-date care possible. All patients will receive the same care as our own children, spouses, and relatives—our best! Schedule a consultation today.

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!

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

DIY Braces are Dangerous

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.

New Year, New You

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.

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/

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!

August Charity Of The Month

August is here! For many, this means the end of summer vacation and back to school, but for McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics, this means a new charity of the month. This month, with your help, we will be supporting Doctors Without Borders.

ABOUT THE CHARITYDoctors Without Borders is an international humanitarian organization founded in 1971. This charity is known to respond to emergencies around the world, saving and impacting lives daily. The funds allow the organization to impact those in need of help; they go where patients are. They generally work in conflict zones after natural disasters, epidemics, long-term care settings, and more. Funding is a crucial part of this charity as the crew works on so many projects worldwide, we want to help.

JOIN US IN SUPPORTING DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS

McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics is a Check-in 4 Charity Member. That means, whenever you check-in at our office on Facebook, a donation will be generated for the charity of the month. Check-in at your next appointment and together we can join forces to give back to this amazing charity during the month of August.

Do You Have New Braces For School This Year?

Caring for braces especially for students in school can be quiet hectic due to the restrictive devotions to maintain the braces and for this reason, McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics has decided to put up an article which will make caring for orthodontic braces easy in school. As a student who just had an orthodontic treatment, you should be rest assured that it is the best that can happen to give you the perfect smile again but the care for your teeth and gums help make it very effective. Take a look at your new braces, you can notice a lot of nooks and crannies that can trap food and plaque and that means a great risk of tooth decay is imminent if not properly cared for, therefore you need to pay special attention to cleaning your teeth. This might look hectic but right here the team of McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics has few great tips to keep your braces in top condition.

1. WATCH YOUR DIET
As an orthodontic patient with braces, it is very important for you to select your diet with caution. We know that there are several foods in school which tastes great but don't look great in your braces. Certain foods can either break a bracket or some foods are sugary and can have negative effects on the natural ability to brush behind the bracket. Be sure to make decisions on foods based on what is healthy, tasty, and won't harm your brackets.

Food to avoid: As an orthodontic patient we would advise that you desist from:

• Sticky or gooey foods 
• Hard foods 
• Sugary foods 
• Acidic drinks 

2. WEAR A MOUTHGUARD
With braces on your teeth, you might be wondering if you should desist from sports or retire from being the captain of your favorite sports team, but the truth is orthodontics does not affect your ability to play sports. You can keep on with your braces and sports if and only if you have your mouth guard on. Mouth guards are safety measures that can mean the difference between just a bruised, fat lips and thousands spent in orthodontics repair work. While you are in any kind of physical activity (including gym classes), it is advisable that you wear a mouth guard which can protect your teeth and braces from flying sports balls, swinging elbows or an accidental fall or hit.

3. BRUSH AND FLOSS REGULARLY
Braces can easily trap food, and this trapped food can lead to other inimical dental problems. Because of this, it is very important to brush your teeth after every meal and to floss at least once a day.

5. DON'T CHEW ON PENCILS
Pencils, pen, and rulers are all hard objects and most times when you get bored, anxious or plainly destructive you are tempted to chew on them in class. Obviously, this can be destructive in the moment and can be grossly inimical over time. It is important that you don't practice these habits while wearing braces.

We know that maintaining braces in school is can be tough. That is why we ensure to give you the best plans of action to help you out.

For more questions and inquiries that you may have, we are always at your service. You can always contact McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics.

JULY Charity Of The Month

Did you know McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics is a member of Check-in 4 Charity? Check-in 4 Charity is a program designed to help businesses work together with their patients to make a difference. Every time you check-in on Facebook at our office, a donation is generated for the charity of the month! This month, we are supporting the SPCA International. 

About the SPCA International
McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics is excited to encourage patients to check-in at our office this month to support the SPCA International. This charity has a mission to improve the lives of animals around the world and advance the safety and well-being of animals. With generous donations, the SPCA International works to save animals from cruelty and neglect. Won’t you check-in to help us support this cause?

Need Help Checking-In?
If you have any questions about checking-in on Facebook at McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics, please ask us at your next orthodontic appointment. Also, don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook!

Benefits Of Early Orthodontics

Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb sucking habits.

Most children have lost all their baby teeth by age 13 and by the end of their teen years the jaw bones will harden and no longer continue to grow. Orthodontic procedures for adults often take more time and can involve tooth extraction and the possibility of oral surgery. As a child, receiving early orthodontic treatment can help prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult, leaving little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future.

If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics and schedule an appointment. Our team will provide your child with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child’s smile.

Don't DIY Orthodontics

McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics and the American Association of Orthodontists have a prompt announcement for consumers about “DIY” orthodontic treatment. It is with great urgency that we emphasize to you all to be cautious about the trending “DIY” orthodontic treatment because straightening your teeth on your own can lead to lifelong dental problems.

Do-It-Yourself videos and websites are popular among today’s culture, and while so many great ideas come from several of these outlets, there are some things that you just shouldn’t do yourself! Straightening your teeth or attempting to move your teeth as a “DIY” project is definitely one of the things you should not be doing. Moving and straightening teeth is a medical procedure that needs to be supervised by an orthodontist. It’s important for you all to be wary of any videos or websites that advise you to use objects such as rubber bands, dental floss, or anything else in order to get straight teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, “Moving teeth without a thorough examination of the overall health of the teeth and gums could result in the permanent loss of teeth, which may result in expensive and lifelong dental problems.”

If you have any further questions regarding “DIY” orthodontics or are curious about straightening your teeth, please contact us at (847) 251-6228.

Healthy Habits Are Important

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 Dr. Sagun want to be sure they are working with healthy teeth.

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 & Sagun 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.

New Patient Tips

Are you a new patient at McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics? You may or may not be excited about wearing your braces, but regardless we know you will be thrilled with the result of your new smile.  As with any change, adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming sometimes, so we decided to help you out with a few tips on adjusting to your braces. 

The first tip is to give yourself some time. Your braces may not be what you expected or wanted, but after a while when your teeth start shifting you will notice how incredible your teeth and smile alignment look. Pain may occur after your appointments, just give it a few days after each adjustment and you should feel more comfortable. 

Another thing to remember is to be confident. Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be afraid or embarrassed to smile with your braces. Depending on the type of braces you're treated with, people may not even know you're wearing braces. Be proud and flash those pearly whites often!

Lastly, be sure you know what to do if you're experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave checkups, feel for any wires poking out so you can have us correct the agitation and avoid pain. If a problem arises after your appointment, don't be afraid to call us; chances are it's a simple fix. For more information about adjusting to your braces, visit our website or give us a call.

It's Never Too Late For Braces

It's important for senior citizens to stay active and updated on their health in all aspects; this includes dental and orthodontics. Are you a senior who has considered orthodontic treatment? You may be surprised to know that seniors can benefit from adult braces.

If you are retired and considering adult braces in the communities surrounding Kenilworth, such as Glenview, Northbrook, Morton Grove, Skokie, and Evanston IL, we encourage you to visit McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics. You may not be aware but retirement age is the perfect time to do things you’ve always wanted to do, including getting braces. If your smile has been something that’s bothered you throughout the years, the time to change that is now.

When you compare getting braces as an adult to getting them as a child or adolescent, there are benefits. One example is children typically must use metal braces due to restrictions and the simple fact that a child’s jaw hasn’t solidified. When you’re an adult, you have a much wider variety of treatment options from traditional braces to clear aligners.

If you are a senior and you’re interested in straightening your teeth, visit our office for a consultation to discuss adult braces. At McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics, we can help you understand all of the benefits that you will take away, aside from a picture perfect smile.

Caring For Your Teeth With Braces Is Important

If you’re a patient at McClellan and Sagun Orthodontics you are used to visiting us for your regular adjustment appointment every 6-8 weeks. While our hygienist is in your mouth making those adjustments, it’s important for you to remember our team is working on your braces and trips to your general dentist are still very much needed.

When we work on your braces, we are not looking specifically for any cavities and anything we do notice is a by-product of monitoring your oral health from an orthodontic perspective. Even if we did find something suspicious we don’t have the facilities to correct it.

For this reason, we tell you to maintain your regular dental checkup schedule of once every 6 months.

Another important thing to remember is that your oral hygiene needs to be flawless. The appliances that are in your mouth are, unfortunately, a magnet for plaque buildup. If you are a bit lax with brushing and rinsing out your mouth after eating, you may just find that you have a beautiful straight smile with stained teeth.

While having braces does not increase the risk of cavities, not caring for your teeth and having braces does.If you have any questions regarding your oral hygiene click here to visit our website or contact McClellan and Sagun Orthodontics at our Kenilworth office at 847-241-6228.

Microwave Brownie in a Mug | Braces-Friendly Recipe

There are lots of mug cakes, mug brownies and mug cookies around the internet, so we know several people are in need a quick sweet tooth fix every once in a while. This recipe for a chocolate brownie in a mug is our favorite. It’s easy, quick and braces friendly. Also, this recipe makes one pretty generous brownie. 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted and not hot (melted butter, lightly flavored olive oil or neutral oil like grapeseed also work)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons coffee, at room temperature (water or milk — dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• Salt, optional

DIRECTIONS

• Sift the flour and cocoa powder together over a bowl.
• In another bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil, brown sugar, coffee, egg, vanilla and a very small pinch of salt together until blended then pour into the bowl with sifted flour and cocoa powder. Whisk until combined then carefully pour into the mug.
• Clean any drips around the edges of the mug then microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 1 minute and 45 seconds. Serve with a sprinkle of salt on top, if you like. Top with your favorite brownie topping — ice cream is always a good choice.

If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #McClellanandSagun - we love to see your creations on Facebook and Instagram