Unlocking the Benefits of Adult Orthodontics

McClellan Orthodontics

For many, the idea of braces conjures images of adolescents with metallic smiles. However, the world of orthodontics has evolved significantly, and now more adults are turning to braces and other orthodontic treatments to achieve the smile of their dreams. Adult orthodontics offer numerous benefits beyond aesthetics, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking not only a beautiful smile but also improved oral health.

The most apparent benefit of adult orthodontics is the transformative effect it can have on one's appearance. Many adults have lived with misaligned teeth or other dental issues for years, and orthodontic treatment offers a chance to correct these concerns and attain a beautiful, straight smile. Whether through traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, orthodontics can discreetly and effectively enhance the aesthetics of your smile.

A beautiful smile can do wonders for one's self-esteem and self-confidence. Many adults may have felt self-conscious about their teeth for years, avoiding smiling or covering their mouths when laughing. Adult orthodontics can be life-changing, giving individuals the confidence to smile freely and feel more comfortable in social and professional settings. Improved self-confidence can lead to enhanced mental well-being, positively impacting various aspects of life.

Beyond the cosmetic advantages, orthodontic treatment also significantly impacts your oral health. Misaligned teeth can create numerous dental issues, including difficulty in cleaning and uneven wear on teeth surfaces. Over time, these problems can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even jaw pain. Orthodontic treatment aligns the teeth properly, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene and reducing the risk of dental problems, leading to better overall oral health.

Orthodontic treatment can also address functional issues. For instance, malocclusions (bad bites) can cause problems with speaking, biting, and chewing. Chewing is the first step in the digestion process, and misaligned teeth can hinder this crucial function. Adults with crooked teeth may not be able to chew their food thoroughly, leading to poor digestion and potential gastrointestinal issues. Orthodontic treatment can correct bite problems, facilitating proper chewing and allowing individuals to enjoy a more varied and nutritious diet, contributing to better overall health.

One of the great advantages of modern orthodontics is that age is no longer a barrier to treatment. Whether you're in your 20s, 40s, or beyond, you can benefit from orthodontic correction. With various discreet options available, such as clear aligners, adults can undergo treatment without drawing attention to their orthodontic journey.

Investing in orthodontic treatment is an investment in your oral health and overall well-being. If you have been living with misaligned teeth or other dental issues, consider scheduling a consultation with McClellan Orthodontics to explore the treatment options available for our adult patients. Embrace the journey to a healthier and more confident smile and discover the life-changing benefits of adult orthodontics. Remember, it's never too late to achieve the smile you've always dreamed of!

 

 

The Benefits of Invisalign

McClellan Orthodontics

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, you’re probably trying to decide between traditional metal braces and Invisalign. You have most likely heard that Invisalign looks better, but does Invisalign work as well as metal braces?

Not only is Invisalign just as effective as traditional metal braces, but the aligners are nearly invisible and can be worn without detection. This is an especially great option for patients of all ages who want to live life without the brackets and wires associated with traditional braces.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?

• Virtually Invisible
• Effective
• Comfortable
• Fewer Office Visits
• Shorter Treatment Times
• No Food Restrictions
• Easier Oral Hygiene
• Covered By Most Insurance Plans

The results speak for themselves. Invisalign leads to beautifully straight teeth and a wonderful smile. If you want a straighter smile but don’t want to spend years wearing traditional metal braces, Invisalign may be the perfect option for you. Invisalign is the only clear option that is free of brackets and wires. Invisalign allows you to work, eat, and participate in social situations worry free! All while giving you a perfect smile.

If you are considering Invisalign treatment, please call our conveniently located office in Kenilworth to schedule your initial Invisalign consultation with Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger and learn how you can benefit from Invisalign!

Only an orthodontist who has been trained and certified by Align Technology can diagnose and treat using Invisalign. At McClellan Orthodontics, we are an Invisalign Provider and have years of experience permanently correcting alignment issues with Invisalign Clear Aligners.

 

Summertime is the Best Time for Braces

McClellan Orthodontics

Contrary to popular belief there is no wrong time to get your child or teen started with orthodontics, and your decision should depend on many personal factors, including scheduling and finances. However, there is one time of year that is proven to be better than the rest for starting the orthodontic journey…summertime!

Three Reasons Why Summertime is the Best Time for Getting Braces

1. Time to Adjust - Orthodontics has come a long way in recent years, but the process still involves moving teeth and that can be quite uncomfortable, especially at first. It’s no secret that getting braces can be daunting to the self-esteem of a teenager. Giving them a few months to get used to their braces without being surrounded by their peers at school can make a dramatic difference in their confidence overall.

2. Time to Break in the Braces – At McClellan Orthodontics our orthodontic technologies minimize most of the physical discomfort of getting braces, but young gums and growing teeth can still feel a bit tender shortly after the initial placement and there is going to be an adjustment period after getting braces. Summertime gives kids the time necessary to relearn how to do some of those tasks. Plus, being at home will make it easier for teens to deal with initial discomfort, establish hygiene routines, and have easy access to brace-friendly foods.

3. Easier to Focus on Oral Hygiene - Having a clean mouth is important. It gives you fresh breath and a nicer-looking smile. Braces require you to completely change how you brush your teeth as it is much harder to keep your teeth clean with braces. Food becomes caught in the brackets and betweenyour teeth. During the summer, your teen will have more time in the morning and evening to get into the routine of thoroughly brushing their teeth.

Getting braces with McClellan Orthodontics is easy. We offer our patients the option of getting traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign. We pride ourselves in the courteous service we provide to each patient. We strongly endorse interceptive care for our younger patients, but no matter what your age, we are committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve. If you think your child may need orthodontic care, give our Kenilworth, IL orthodontic office a call. If you have any questions or concerns about our practice or any orthodontic procedures, our friendly team will be happy to assist you any way we can.

Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign

McClellan Orthodontics

Advancements in orthodontics have given our patients more options for achieving the smile they have always wanted! At McClellan Orthodontics, we offer the latest in orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners, like Invisalign! Invisalign clear aligners allow Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger to achieve the same results as traditional braces but without any brackets or wires. If you are thinking about improving your smile but can’t picture yourself in braces…Invisalign clear aligners might be the perfect option for you.

What are Invisalign Clear Aligners? Invisalign clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment option that straightens teeth without the use of metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that cover your teeth and gently push 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.

What are Invisalign Clear Aligners Made of? Invisalign clear aligners are made from BPA-free plastic, and they are far more comfortable than traditional metal braces.

How Do Invisalign Clear Aligners Work? When you receive your aligners, you will place the clear trays over your teeth. You will wear each set of aligners for two weeks and then switch to the next set of aligners. You will wear your aligners all day, every day, except when you eat, floss, and brush your teeth. Every six weeks or so, you will have an appointment in our Kenilworth office to check your aligners and the progress of your treatment. These checkups also help Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger determine if any adjustments need to be made to the aligners or to your treatment plan.

Are Invisalign Clear Aligners Expensive? As Invisalign aligners have become more popular over the years, they have also become more affordable. Invisalign aligners tend to cost about as much as traditional braces. However, the cost of your orthodontic treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan.

How Long Does Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment Take? Each patient’s orthodontic problem is unique, and each patient responds to treatment differently, so there is no universal answer for how long your Invisalign treatment will take.

What Happens After Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment Is Completed? After any orthodontic treatment, whether it’s Invisalign clear aligners or traditional braces, we recommend that you wear a retainer. A retainer is designed to keep your teeth in alignment. Without it, your teeth can gradually move back to their former position.

There is a lot to love about Invisalign clear aligners, but Invisalign clear aligners are not always a good fit for every patient. If you would like to learn more about how Invisalign clear aligners can transform your smile, give McClellan Orthodontics a call to schedule a consultation. Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger will assess your smile to determine if Invisalign clear aligners are the right orthodontic option for you.

 

Teenagers and Braces

McClellan Orthodontics

At McClellan Orthodontics, we understand and respect the feelings teens have about braces. Our team members can relate to the concerns about how braces can affect appearance, interfere with eating our favorite foods, or restrict the playing of sports or other activities.

One of the best ways to help your teen get used to the idea of braces is to clearly explain the benefits of orthodontic treatment. When teeth are straight, they are easier to clean, which means less risk of developing cavities. Straight teeth also mean the jaw is properly aligned, which minimizes the likelihood of grinding or clenching teeth.

Most teenagers don’t realize that they do have options when it comes to braces. Options include:

Traditional Metal Braces - One of the most common types of braces for teens are metal braces. They hold the teeth together using metal brackets and wires. Our modern metal braces are smaller and less obvious as compared to older braces, but they work exactly the same way.

Clear Ceramic Braces - Clear braces are a popular choice for teens who want to make a less noticeable statement with their commitment to a healthier smile. The natural look of these smooth, sculpted and completely clear ceramic braces are strong and will not stain or discolor. Their comfortable, sculptured design and attractive translucent appearance help provide the self-confidence that comes from wearing braces that look as good as they perform.

Invisalign Teen - Invisalign Teen is the clear way to straighten teeth without metal braces. The aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. You simply switch to a new set of aligners every few weeks to shift your teeth into the desired position. You can still eat and drink what you want. Also, you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth, and there are no wires, metal or brackets to cause mouth abrasions.

Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger use the most advanced technologies available to get your teen smiling faster than ever before! The average treatment time at our office is about 18 months but it varies for each patient.

Braces Are Far Easier to Wear Today Than They Once Were

• Today’s braces are much less noticeable than treatment used decades ago. 
• Today’s braces are specially designed to straighten teeth faster. 
• Today’s braces move teeth more gently, but just as effectively. 
• Today’s braces can be personalized using different color brackets and bands.

At McClellan Orthodontics, we believe that 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.

Why Braces

McClellan Orthodontics

There are many reasons to get braces. One of the most important is to improve your oral health. Your oral health directly contributes to your overall health. If your mouth isn’t feeling good, chances are that your entire body isn't feeling good either. When your teeth are crooked, overlapped, or otherwise misaligned, you place an uneven amount of pressure when you bite down. That leads to pain, and it can cause your teeth to wear down, chip and even break. Not only that, poorly aligned teeth are also harder to clean properly which can lead to decay and gum disease.

Braces will straighten your teeth, fix bite issues, and improve the overall appearance of your smile. Best of all, braces give you results that last a lifetime.

It’s no secret that dental issues can cause you pain in your everyday life. When you develop issues such as TMJ, you can start to experience painful headaches and jaw pain. Braces are great for correcting issues such as these. Through aligning your mouth and teeth, you can prevent that pain from appearing. Braces are also a great way to prevent these issues from developing in the first place.

Have you ever heard of diastema? Diastema is the term used for the spaces that occur between your teeth. Braces work to shift your teeth so that they move into a straighter position. This in turn will eliminate any gaps that are present. If gaps are a concern for you, this is a great reason to get braces.

Crowded teeth cause a lot of mouth issues as well. It’s also very difficult to clean the areas where crowding occurs. This leads to tartar build-up that can cause tooth decay and heart problems later in life. By correcting crowding with braces, the teeth will become easier to clean and much healthier. Clean teeth mean a happy mouth and a healthy body.

Did you know that misaligned teeth can affect your breathing? Often, misaligned teeth will cause you to start breathing from your mouth. This can develop into other problems such as sleep apnea or snoring. Correcting misalignment with braces will give the tongue more room to relax properly. This in turn allows for proper breathing through the nose.

Smiling is contagious. Nothing feels better than having a beautiful smile that you’re proud of. It’s a proven fact that a beautiful smile leads to higher self-esteem. At McClellan Orthodontics, we believe that no matter what the reason for seeking orthodontic treatment, everyone deserves a smile they can be proud of.

 

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.  

 

Why You Need Orthodontic Care

McClellan Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment helps ensure proper function of teeth and creates beautiful healthy smiles.

In the simplest terms, orthodontics refers to straightening your teeth. While this may not sound important, it actually has a significant impact on your oral health and appearance. People who have crowded or crooked teeth often develop issues with their gums and jawbones which can lead to pain and discomfort. If the teeth are crooked, they can begin to grow in funny ways. This can lead to more issues down the line such as chipped or worn tooth enamel. Gum recession and fractures around the roots of your teeth where it attaches into your jawbone can also occur. You may even discover worse problems with decay from food being trapped between uneven surfaces.

In addition to being uncomfortable or causing issues with eating and speaking, crooked teeth have been known to cause other health problems such as headaches from pinching on nerves. Crooked teeth can even cause back pain from a misaligned bite which puts pressure on the spine. In some cases, crooked teeth can also cause issues with your sinuses due to poor air circulation in and out of the nose. While these are not always directly related to crooked teeth, they may be exacerbated by them so it’s best to get crooked teeth straightened out!

Orthodontic care is particularly important to your overall oral health and well-being. Even if the only thing that bothers you about your smile or bite is a little bit of crookedness in a few teeth, it’s still worth getting them straightened out as soon as possible.

While the process for correcting crooked teeth can be lengthy, most people are pleasantly surprised by how rewarding their new smile feels in the end. If you have been putting this off your entire life, now may be the perfect time to take advantage of orthodontic care. The bottom line is that orthodontic care is not something you should avoid just because you think it’s expensive or inconvenient.

At McClellan Orthodontics, we offer more than just traditional metal braces. If you want to straighten your teeth more discreetly, we have Invisalign transparent aligners, ceramic clear braces, retainers and more. At McClellan Orthodontics, you can be sure to get a beautiful, straight smile and keep all of your teeth healthy and strong for years to come. Simply call our Kenilworth, IL office to schedule your free consultation!

 

Choose Your Look

McClellan Orthodontics

At McClellan Orthodontics, we help patients of all ages receive the professional orthodontic treatment they need to achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy, and straight smile. With orthodontic care, Dr. McClellan and his team will help to correct the alignment of a patient’s teeth and promote excellent overall oral health. With various types of braces and aligners, we can customize a treatment plan to help straighten your teeth for the smile you deserve.

Orthodontic brackets are an integral part of orthodontic treatment. McClellan Orthodontics provides many different types of orthodontic brackets for our patients, making it easy for everyone to have the best treatment option available to fit their unique goals and needs.

When most people think about visiting the orthodontist, they think traditional metal braces for teenagers is the extent of the orthodontic services provided. The reality is…today’s orthodontic options extend far beyond metal braces. At McClellan Orthodontics, we provide an array of orthodontic services to help straighten teeth. The services at McClellan Orthodontics include:

Metal Braces – Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Clear braces – Made of a translucent tooth colored material, clear braces are the most popular among adult patients. The natural look of these smooth, sculpted and completely clear ceramic braces are strong and will not stain or discolor. These ceramic brackets offer our patients the look they want, with all the functionality of traditional metal brackets.

Invisalign - 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 virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile you can be proud of.

AcceleDent - The AcceleDent System is a modern technology designed to decrease the time you are in braces or Invisalign by increasing the rate of tooth movement. The rate of tooth movement depends on the speed at which the bone surrounding the teeth changes. Studies have shown that orthodontic force coupled with micro-vibrations, generated by the AcceleDent System, safely accelerates tooth movement. AcceleDent works for a variety of cases and is safe for patients of all ages.

Tooth alignment issues are extremely common. Our team has the training and knowledge to provide the right treatment plan for you. Regardless of your age or concerns, we will evaluate your specific orthodontic issues to help you meet your goals.

Call us to schedule an initial appointment and discover the treatment plan to help straighten your teeth today.

Invisalign Teen

McClellan Orthodontics

Is your teen bummed out about the thought of having to wear braces?

Invisalign Teen is a new generation of clear aligners that are more comfortable to wear and offer more options for our teen patients.

Invisalign Teen is an innovative orthodontic treatment option that uses clear aligners to straighten your teen’s smile. The aligners are comfortable and durable. They fit in with any extracurricular activity. Whether swimming a 50-meter race, throwing the winner touch down, or playing the clarinet, your teen does not have to worry about braces getting in the way. And…unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are removable, which means your teen can eat all the things they love without worrying about breaking a bracket bending a wire.

Braces can be inconvenient for teenagers who are always on the go, but Invisalign Teen makes it easy to keep up with dental care. Since the aligner trays are removable, cleaning is super easy.

Invisalign Teen can be used on teenagers with minor to complex malocclusions. Invisalign offers the best results for teenagers committed to straightening their smiles quickly and efficiently and are willing to wear their aligners as required. Invisalign Teen is a patient-centered treatment, which means that the success of treatment is dependent on the active participation of the patient. Ideally, Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day with no exceptions. Failure to wear the trays the required number of hours daily could result in an extended treatment period.

The average length of Invisalign Teen treatment is between 12 and 18 months. However, the time frame depends on tooth misalignment severity, with severe alignment problems taking longer.

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

• Clear 
• Removable 
• Comfortable 
• Customized

The technology stands out as a clear alternative to traditional braces. If your teen is conscious of their appearance and distressed at the thought of wearing metal braces, Invisalign Teen may be the perfect solution.

Give McClellan Orthodontics a call to schedule an Invisalign consultation for your teen today!

 

No More Goopy Impressions

McClellan Orthodontics

At McClellan Orthodontics we have made orthodontics treatment even easier with the use of our iTero Digital Impression Scanner. This state-of-the-art scanner allows our well-trained team members to take accurate 3D digital images of your mouth. By taking digital scans we eliminate the need for traditional putty impressions, putting you on the fast track to starting your orthodontic treatment.

The iTero scanner is all about patient comfort. It delivers digital impressions that are much more accurate than traditional dental impression. The iTero scanner is completely safe and does not expose our patients to any sort of radiation. The best part is…the iTero scanner is fast and accurate.

Traditional dental impressions can be unpleasant because the patient needs to wait for several minutes, with their teeth held in place while the alginate material sets. Patients with a strong gag reflex may struggle with this traditional procedure. The putty material is not strongly flavored, but it may prove to be too much for some patients, which can cause gagging or throwing up while the goopy putty sets.

iTero Digital impressions eliminate the goopy impression material and increase productivity, efficiency, and accuracy. During the impressions process, your mouth is scanned with a radiation-free laser, and in as little as two to three minutes, the laser renders a digitally perfect, 3D impression of your teeth and soft tissue structures. This 3D model of your mouth that can be used for all your orthodontic treatment needs. And rather than needing to mail off impressions made using the traditional alginate, Dr. McClellan can send the impressions over to the laboratory almost immediately.

iTero Digital Impression Benefits

• Improved quality impressions ensure better fitted orthodontic appliances 
• No goopy and gaggy putty alginate  
• Whole mouth scans can be completed in under 10 minutes 
• An eco-friendly solution that eliminates the need for plastic trays and the materials used for traditional impressions

Improving the patient experience is one of the top priorities at McClellan Orthodontics and the iTero Digital Scanner helps us create the best possible orthodontic care for our patients.

Speed Up Your Orthodontic Treatment

McClellan Orthodontics

When patients are told that they need orthodontic treatment, the first question they ask is, “How long will I have to wear braces?”. Fortunately, advances in technology have made orthodontic treatment time quicker than ever before. Results that used to require 2-3 years of treatment can now be achieved in a little over a year!

At McClellan Orthodontics, we offer the latest technology in orthodontics to ensure you receive the absolute best results and highest quality care available. We are proud to offer a product which can help you complete treatment even faster. It’s called AcceleDent, and it can help your teeth move up to 50% faster when worn for 20 minutes a day.

The AcceleDent System is a product designed to decrease the time you are in braces or Invisalign by increasing the rate of tooth movement. The rate of tooth movement depends on the speed at which the bone surrounding the teeth changes. Studies have shown that orthodontic force coupled with micro-vibrations, generated by the AcceleDent System, safely accelerates tooth movement.

How Does It Work? AcceleDent is a portable, removable, hands-free mouthpiece. The mouthpiece connects to an activator and gently vibrates using patented SoftPulse technology. These gently vibration speed up tooth movement and increase the rate of bone remodeling compared to constant, static pressure.

How Do I Use It? AcceleDent is easy to use. You attach the mouthpiece by plugging it into the activator. Turn on the activator, place it in your mouth, and bite down firmly to hold it in place. You will use the mouthpiece for a continuous 20-minute session each day at about the same time. Because you don’t need to use your hands to keep it in place, you can read, watching television, listening to music, do schoolwork, surf the Internet, or check your email while you’re using it. As a bonus, the FastTrac Usage report provides a daily usage graph and summary so you can hold yourself accountable.

How Do I Clean It? Take the mouthpiece off the activator to clean the device. Rinse the mouthpiece after each session with lukewarm water. Every so often you can gently brush it with a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. Wipe the activator with a soft cloth to keep it sparkly clean. Keep in mind…The activator isn’t waterproof so don’t get it wet.

How Do I Charge It? To care for your AcceleDent System, keep it clean and make sure it’s always charged. The LED indicator will quickly flash orange when it’s time to recharge the activator. Plug the activator into the wall using the power adapter or connect it to your computer with the USB cord. When you see it slowly flash orange, you’ll know it’s charging. When the LED light is green it’s ready to go.

Is AcceleDent Safe? AcceleDent has been cleared by the FDA as a Class II medical device and trials showed no adverse effects or tooth root damage. And the gentle vibrations may actually decrease the discomfort and sensitivity that occasionally results from wearing braces and having them adjusted and tightened.

AcceleDent works for a variety of cases and with most all orthodontic appliance and is safe for patients of all ages, from children to adults. It’s available by prescription only so be sure to talk with McClellan to determine if the Acceledent System would be a good fit for you.

 

Benefits of Invisalign Treatment

McClellan Orthodontics

If you want a straighter smile but hate the thought of wearing traditional metal braces, Invisalign may be the perfect option for you. Invisalign is the only clear option that is free of brackets and wires. Invisalign allows you to work, eat, and participate in social situations worry free! All while giving you a perfect smile.

Invisalign has many benefits for the wearer, such as comfort and flexibility. At McClellan Orthodontics we are a top provider of Invisalign and have years of experience permanently correcting alignment issues in a shorter time than traditional braces.

Invisalign is clear. Not only is Invisalign effective, but the aligners are nearly invisible and can be worn without detection. This is an especially great option for patients of all ages who want to live life without the brackets and wires associated with traditional braces.

The aligner trays are comfortable. Invisalign is custom made to fit your teeth and mouth. The aligner trays are made of smooth plastic making Invisalign much more comfortable than traditional metal braces.

You can remove them. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed instantly and easily. You can take them out when you are ready to brush and floss your teeth. The trays themselves can also be cleaned! To make sure there is no build up on your aligners just remove the trays and rinse or lightly brush them with your toothbrush.

You can eat anything. Because you can remove the Invisalign aligners at your leisure, you don’t have to avoid any foods like patients with traditional braces do. Invisalign makes it easy to eat whatever you want, whenever you want, and you never have to worry about your meals ruining your orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign saves time. With Invisalign you will be able to spend less time in our office as they only need to be maintained every 6 weeks on average. Other teeth straightening options can take much more time and many more appointments.

The results speak for themselves. Invisalign leads to beautifully straight teeth and a wonderful smile. Possibly the best reason to use Invisalign!

Now that you know some of the benefits of Invisalign give our Kenilworth, IL office a call to schedule your initial Invisalign consultationtoday and begin your journey to a perfect smile!

For more information regarding Invisalign, visit our website.

 

5 Helpful Tips for New Orthodontic Patients

McClellan Orthodontics

The braces are on, and you are now on your journey to a straighter smile! As a new patient at McClellan Orthodontics, we know that you may not be excited about wearing your braces, but we also know that when all is said and done, you will be thrilled with the results of your new smile.

Adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming. Fortunately, braces are pretty low maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to make your orthodontic experience more effective and comfortable.

1. Know What to Expect - When you first get braces, it’s perfectly normal for your teeth and mouth to be sore and/or tender. Your lips, cheeks, and gums may also be irritated for up to two weeks while they get used to the braces. Try a saltwater rinse or over-the-counter pain reliever to help reduce the amount of pain or discomfort you feel.

2. Give Yourself Some Time - Your braces may not be what you expected or wanted, but after some time, your teeth will start shifting and 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.

3. Avoid Bad Habits - When you have braces, you’ll have to choose between breaking your bad habits or breaking your braces. Biting your fingernails, chewing on pen caps or ice cubes, or not following proper oral hygiene instructions all pose threats to your brackets and wires. Continuing these habits can lead to costly orthodontic emergency appointments and may delay your overall treatment time.

4. Brush and Floss Often - Orthodontic patients should brush after every meal to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes and to reach the front, back, and top of each tooth. We also recommend that you floss every evening before bed so that food particles and germs don’t attack your teeth and gums. We want your teeth to be just as healthy after braces as they were before!

5. 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 are treated with, people may not even know you are wearing braces. Be proud and flash those pearly whites often!

Lastly, be sure you know what to do if you are experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave checkups, feel for any poking wires so you can have us correct the agitation and avoid pain. If a problem arises after your appointment, do not 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 McClellan Orthodontics a call.

 

Foods That Can Harm Your Braces

McClellan Orthodontics

Teeth move best in a healthy environment and in individuals who maintain excellent overall health.

Certain dietary habits are known to cause breakage of orthodontic appliances, as well as increase the risk of dental disease. Dr. McClellan’s aim is to achieve treatment goals with as few disturbances as possible due to appliance breakage, and to minimize the side effects of poor diet choices.

Braces and other orthodontic appliances are attached to your teeth with a special orthodontic glue or cement that will withstand the normal forces of eating. However, brackets can be dislodged, and wires can be bent or broken after eating certain foods.

For most situations, common sense will tell you the specific foods to avoid.

To protect your orthodontic appliances, be sure to avoid:

• Hard and Crunchy Foods – These foods can break or damage wires and brackets, loosen cement under the bands or break the little brackets and tubes that are attached.

• Sticky and Chewy Foods – Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires, cling to bands, and pull appliances off. These foods can weaken the bond strength of the glue or cement for any appliance glued in your mouth.

• Sugary Foods – Foods and drinks that may cause cavities should be restricted while you are wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances. Whether you wear an orthodontic appliance or not, sugary foods can cause tooth decay and other related problems and should be avoided whenever possible. If you do eat them, brush your teeth immediately. If it is not convenient to brush, then rinse your mouth with clear water after eating sweet foods.

When taking care of braces or other orthodontic appliances, softer foods are recommended. Additionally, do not chew on non-food items such as pens, pencils, ice, or your fingernails.

It is beneficial to check your braces or other orthodontic appliances regularly to make sure that nothing is bent, broken, or loose. In the event of a loose or broken wire or bracket please call our office immediately to arrange an appointment for repair.

Remember, loose brackets or bands and bent or broken wires create longer treatment times and added fees. So please choose your foods wisely.

If you have any questions about dietary restrictions or healthy food choices, give our Kenilworth, IL orthodontic office a call!

 

5 Steps to the Perfect Selfie

McClellan Orthodontics

Selfies have been popular for years now. And taking selfies is a fantastic way to show off your personality and confidence…not to mention your McClellan Orthodontics smile.

Taking a selfie is an art form. A great selfie is more than just a quick camera click, it takes a level of skill to capture and edit the perfect picture. After some practice using our tried-and-true techniques below the team at McClellan Orthodontics knows you will be a selfie expert in no time!

5 Tips that will Help you to Take Flawless Selfies

1. Have Expression. You can never go wrong with smiling…but do not fake it. Think about something that really does make you smile. Play around with different smiles and expressions and have fun! Relax your mouth and breathe out. This will stop your smile from looking tense in your picture. 

 

2. Capture Your Best Angle. We all have a particular side or angle that we feel looks much better in selfies. If you haven’t yet found yours, try moving the phone around your face and snapping a ton of photos. Instead of taking pictures head-on, turn your head a little to the right or left, or hold your camera a little higher…try different angles to show off your best features. If possible, try and extend your head away from your neck. When you do this, you will then be able to create the look of a longer neck and smoother jawline. You can push your shoulders down if you want as this will help you to look more relaxed.

3. Focus on Lighting. Lighting is everything. They say that taking selfies using natural light is great. But the truth is that sometimes the rays can be too harsh on the face, so avoid snapping a shot during midday. You can always find a light source inside, just make sure that it is not located behind you and that there are no shadows on your face. When you are in the perfect selfie pose, slowly spin around until you can find the best lighting angle and then snap away.

4. Don't Use a Mirror. Just stretch your arm out, point the camera toward your face and click. Don’t hold your phone in front of you. Instead, hold it out to the side…this will help you to get the best angle.

5. Show Off Something New. If you decide to take a selfie to show off something new…like your braces, make sure that you frame the photo in a way that highlights the new accessory that has you so excited.

Now you are ready! Upload those selfies to all your feeds. Are you a patient of McClellan Orthodontics? Tag us in your selfies, we would love to see your smiling face!