Your Orthodontic Treatment Options

McClellan Orthodontics

A variety of orthodontic options exist today for people looking into getting braces. From traditional silver braces to clear aligners, it can be a challenge to decide which choice is the best. At McClellan Orthodontics, we know about all of the treatment options on the market, and which is the best option for your specific orthodontic problem.

Silver Braces - These are the most common type of braces. Silver braces are made of sleek surgical steel and titanium and are comfortable to wear. Silver braces are bonded to the teeth and connected with a metal archwire. The wire is brought into place with tiny elastic bands. They give Dr. McClellan the control he needs to move the teeth in small increments at a time. Silver braces require periodic tightening every 4-6 weeks. The steady pressure will gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw over time. Silver braces can correct a wide variety of issues, including jaw problems, crooked teeth, and bite misalignments. Silver braces are a proven method for getting a lifelong, healthy bite.

Ceramic Braces - These tooth-colored braces are less visible than silver braces. They are comprised of the ceramic brackets, which are typically more rounded than metal brackets, metal archwires colored to blend in with your natural smile, and elastic bands to help pull your teeth into correct alignment over time. Ceramic braces are like silver braces in their application, duration of treatment, and removal but offer a more discreet appearance to patients who want to avoid noticeable silver braces. Ceramic braces are used to correct the same dental issues as metal braces and invisible aligners. Since ceramic braces are designed to blend seamlessly into your smile, Dr. McClellan will select the perfect shade to match your natural tooth color. For those with naturally whiter teeth, a clear ceramic is used to render the brackets almost invisible. Those with darker tooth shades have the option to select colored ceramic matched to their teeth for best aesthetic results. The metal archwire is similarly colored to complement your teeth, and the elastic bands are typically clear.

Clear Aligners - Unlike silver and ceramic braces, clear aligners, like Invisalign, use clear trays to help you achieve a straight smile. Because the aligner trays are clear, they are practically invisible to those around you. The clear aligner trays are removable, which means that when you need to take them out, you can. It also means that you can continue to take care of your teeth normally and continue to eat the wonderful foods you love. Typically, clear aligners work faster than traditional braces, meaning that you can effectively straighten your teeth faster. Each set of aligner trays are designed to fit your mouth and your teeth comfortably. Clear aligners have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.

Which orthodontic treatment option is right for you?

Dr. McClellan uses of the full range of orthodontic appliances to get you a great outcome in the shortest possible amount of time. Based on his specialty education in orthodontics and clinical experience, he will recommend the treatment option he believes is the best fit for you and your lifestyle.

Book an initial consultation with McClellan Orthodontics to talk about your options regarding orthodontic treatment. We look forward to speaking with you!

 

 

5 Tips for Loving Your New Braces

McClellan Orthodontics

If you just got braces…you may not be super excited about it.  Your mouth is most likely sore and you're probably wondering if it is ever going to get better.  We know what you are going through and we are here to remind you that as with any change, adjusting to your new braces can be a little overwhelming. 

That said, the team at McClellan Orthodontics has put together a few tips to help you love your braces.

Tip #1:  Give Yourself Time - Your braces may not be what you expected, but after a while, when your teeth start shifting you will notice how incredible your teeth and smile look.

Tip #2: Be Confident - Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be embarrassed to smile with your braces. Depending on the type of braces you are treated with, people may not even know you're wearing braces. Be proud and know that your smile will look amazing very soon!

Tip #3: Smooth Things Over - Initially, your braces may feel like they stick out. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your new braces and your tooth alignment improves, this sensation won’t be a concern. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed, until the cheek tissues have toughened, you may find it helpful to use a small piece of orthodontic wax around the bracket that is creating the irritation. Rinsing with warm salt water several times a day is also very soothing to your gum and cheek tissues.

Tip #4: Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods. You don’t want to do anything that could cause your braces or orthodontic appliances harm, so do your best to steer clear of sticky or hard foods that can break a bracket or wire.

Tip #5: Floss - We know that it can be hard to floss around your braces, but flossing is the best way to prevent gum disease and other oral health problems. If you find flossing with braces difficult, don’t give up on it. There are tools that can help. Ask us about Floss Threaders. Floss Threaders make flossing with braces much easier.

If you are having a hard time getting used to your new braces, give the McClellan Orthodontics Team a call.  Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help.

 

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.

Pool Safety and our Smile

Summertime is always a great time for family, fun in the sun and lounging by a pool. While the season is filled with good times, it can also present certain risks such as mouth/facial injuries. Pool safety is important to know how to keep our smiles healthy. Pool related tooth injuries are very common in the summer. Be sure to stay safe.

Many of the summer oral injuries are due to a pool accident. Running on a slippery pool decks, diving into shallow waters or bumping the pool ledge with their mouth causes many children to either chip or knock a tooth loose.

National Oral Health Month

June is Oral Health Month. A good oral hygiene routine is the foundation to a healthy smile, especially for young children. For parents, leading by example, should establish healthy habits like brushing, cleaning between your teeth and seeing your dentist. This ultimately leads to the big difference in the health and happiness of your entire family and in children, less fears about visiting their dentist.

Here are 2 tips from the American Dental Association that are a great reminder to enforce.

Start a Routine and Stick to It:
You may be tempted to let your child skip brushing after a long day or during times when your normal schedule is off (like vacation), but keep at it. The more second nature brushing becomes the easier it will be to make sure your child is brushing twice a day for two minutes.

Kids Need to Floss: 
It doesn't matter if you clean between ​your child's teeth before or after they brush as long as you clean between any teeth that touch. You can use child-friendly plastic flossing tools to more easily clean between your child’s teeth until your child learns to do it.

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!

2 Benefits of Braces You Didn't Know About

Fear of the unknown is human nature and some nervousness is to be expected prior to starting orthodontic treatment or if you are thinking of getting orthodontic treatment of any kind. Braces can make one nervous, yet the benefits of braces, goes beyond a beautiful smile.

1. Helps Prevent Gum Disease:
It's no secret the dangers of gum disease and the drastic negative effect it has on your overall health. Braces help space your teeth out correctly, which helps you brush and floss in between your teeth.

2. Prevents Bone Erosion
Did you know your teeth and mouth effect your overall health? Bone loss can also be a problem due to misaligned teeth. This is caused by bacteria that begins eating away at bones. Braces helps realign the teeth to prevent this.

What You Need to Know about 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 of which you will be proud.

The advantage to Invisalign is the range of issues it can fix including: Overly crowded teeth, Widely spaced teeth, Overbites, Underbites, and Crossbites. This is the major benefit to invisalign. You can continue to live your life and your aligners are mostly invisible.

• Clear, virtually invisible aligners
• Removable, will not get in the way of your activities
• Easy to remove to eat, brush, and floss
• Graduate to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks
• Easy to monitor your progress with regular appointments

Not everyone is a candidate for the Invisalign aligner system. Please give our office a call to schedule a complimentary consultation.

The Foundation of a Great Smile

A good oral hygiene routine is the foundation to a healthy smile, especially for young children. For parents, leading by example, should establish healthy habits like brushing, cleaning between your teeth and seeing your dentist. This ultimately leads to the big difference in the health and happiness of your entire family and in children, less fears about visiting their dentist.

Here are a few tips from the American Dental Association that are a great reminder to enforce.

Start a Routine and Stick to It:
You may be tempted to let your child skip brushing after a long day or during times when your normal schedule is off (like vacation), but keep at it. The more second nature brushing becomes the easier it will be to make sure your child is brushing twice a day for two minutes.

Toothpaste:
Learn how to apply the right amount of toothpaste for your child.

First Visit: 
Every parent celebrates the milestones in the first year, first words, first steps, first teeth.

Do You Know these Orthodontic Terms?

When it comes to orthodontics, there are few things you may not know. One being terms and what they mean for you and your health.

Two Phase Treatment - 
Two phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.

Banding - 
The process of fitting and cementing orthodontic bands to your teeth.

Bonding - 
The process of attaching brackets to your teeth using a special safe adhesive.

Interceptive Treatment - 
Orthodontic treatment that is usually done between the ages of 7 and 10. The objective of interceptive or early orthodontic treatment is to provide orthopedic intervention, so that later orthodontic treatment is less complex.

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.

It's been a Great 2018

Thank you for a great amazing year! It has been a fantastic year filled with progress and so many smiles. Everyone at McClellan and Sagun Orthodontics are happy to see everyone's smile progress. Whether it is beginning treatment or the final day, we thank you, our patients and family for entrusting us with your smile.

We can't wait to see all the beautiful smiles in 2019!

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Meet the McClellan and Sagun team! (Top left) Vanessa, Virginia, Cher, Cristina & Sandra. (Bottom left) Theresa, Dr.McClellan, Patti, Dr.Sagun and Virginia.

A post shared by Mart & Tim (@mcclellanandsagunortho) on Mar 20, 2018 at 1:36pm PDT

Christmas Treat to Avoid this Holiday

The Holidays are here and that means snow, endless sweets and of course no school for kids. The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate with family and also a time where we can slip up on certain foods to avoid, especially if we have braces. From sugar, to cookies to gingerbread houses, there is no end in the sweet treats. Here are three foods to avoid this holiday season.

1. Candy Canes: 
These beautiful perfect treats are one to avoid this season if you have braces. The hard candy could damage your braces and the stickiness of the peppermint candy can get stuck in between your orthodontic appliances.

2. Popcorn:
If you string popcorn around your tree, you know this how involves eating the popcorn as well. Popcorn is a great treat, however you may want to stay away from it this year. Popcorn is notorious for getting stuck in between teeth and your braces.

3. Caramel Sweets
Who doesn’t love the sweet caramel treats this time of year. From caramel apple to caramel drizzled on your popcorn to your Starbucks drink, seems like caramel is everywhere this time of year. Be sure to stay away from this sticky treat, because it can be damaging to your teeth and braces.

Dentist vs Orthodontist: What's the Difference?

There is a question most people seem to wonder when it comes to braces or invisalign. "Can my dentist give me braces or Invisalign?" The answer is a definite big NO! There is a major difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. 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.

An Orthodontist specializes in orthodontic treatment beyond the basic dental health care. The most common being, specialists in straightening teeth.

Our office is conveniently located to serve the communities surrounding Kenilworth, such as Wilmette, Winnetka and Glencoe, IL. Call us today for your initial orthodontic consultation! We look forward to meeting you and working with you as we continue our tradition of creating the North Shore’s best smiles!

Sore Mouth? Here are 2 Smoothie Recipes:

Congratulations on getting braces! Your on your way to a healthier beautiful smile. At first you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! The discomfort and soreness you are feeling is perfectly normal. Your teeth may be tender to biting pressures, which can make it tough to chew and eat solid food. Here are 2 delicious smoothie recipes that are delicious, healthy and filling.

1. Delicious Red Fruits and Oats Smoothie

This delicious smoothie will make it easy for you to consume, especially in your first few days after getting braces. The added oats, will fill you up.

• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1 sliced banana
• 1/4 cup raw almonds
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup

2. Peanut Butter, Banana and Flax Smoothie

This delicious combination will have you feeling full of creamy goodness. The yogurt and peanut butter will have you feeling full and the honey combined with bananas will leave you craving for more.

• 1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk
• 1/2 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ground golden flaxseed
• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ripe banana, sliced

A Healthy Halloween

Happy Halloween! We love all the costumes, sweet treats and pumpkin carvings. As Orthodontists we believe Halloween is a great opportunity to remind kids of the responsibility of taking care of their teeth. Here are three tips to have a healthy Halloween.

1. Choose the Right Candy: According to the American Dental Association (ADA), “the best types of treats are those that dissolve easily and don't produce residue that sticks to the teeth's enamel.” Choose candy such as chocolate that melts fast and does not stick to your teeth.
2. Candy Buy-Back: Look for a candy buy back programs that allows you to trade in your candy for cash. This is perfect for any kids saving for that perfect gadget. 
3. Healthy Alternative: You can cut Jack-o-lantern faces into clementines, or make frozen banana halves into friendly ghosts with chocolate chip eyes and mouths. Or, go food-free altogether and hand out stickers, glow sticks or temporary tattoos to support a cavity-free Halloween in your neighborhood.

Avoid these Treats on Halloween

Happy Halloween from everyone at McClellan and Sagun Orthodontics!

Halloween is the perfect opportunity to talk to remind them about the importance of sticking to their health routine. This includes brushing your teeth, flossing, wearing your retainers, using mouthwash and other health tips. If you recently received orthodontic treatment such as braces or in the middle of your treatment, we recommend you avoid these sweet treats.

• Popcorn Balls: These are often a big hit on Halloween night and a guarantee in your child's Halloween bucket. Have some floss on hand after enjoying these treats. Please be aware, if you have braces, these are probably not an ideal treat.  
• Hard Candies: You want to watch out for hard candies on Halloween and beyond. These can break your teeth and can be damaging if you have braces. On top of that, hard candies can cause the sugar to wash all over your teeth. This is due to having the hard candy for longer periods in your mouth.

National Orthodontic Health Month: 3 Benefits of Orthodontics

October is not only about Halloween and fun costumes; it is also National Orthodontic Health Month. We love to educate our patients on the benefits of orthodontic treatment, which exceeds beyond just a beautiful smile.

Here are 3 benefits of orthodontic treatment.

1. Prevent Cavities – Orthodontic treatment is the process that straightens teeth through various treatment plans such as braces and Invisalign. Straight teeth are easier to clean and therefore prevent bacteria that can cause cavities. 
2. Self-Esteem – A beautiful smile will allow you to shine and confidently live your life uninterrupted. Whether it is Invisalign, clear aligners or traditional braces, your smile will radiantly shine and stay healthy. 
3. Speech – We often do not understand that our teeth often impact our speech. When teeth are not straight, it can be tough for people to pronounce particular sounds. With straight teeth, it is easy to sound out words and pronounce sounds.

Check-in 4 Charity: October

Cancer affects more people than we realize. We all know someone or of someone that is affected by cancer, specifically breast cancer. We believe everyone can help in some way. At McClellan and Sagun Orthodontics, we are part of the Check-in 4 Charity program where every month, we feature a charity either locally or nationally to support.

All you have to do is check-in with an image or status update on Facebook and a donation is made on your behalf from us. This month were donating to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s mission is to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the world’s most promising research. “Breast cancer knows no age, gender or race. As the most common cancer in women worldwide and the second most common cancer overall, it remains a fact of life. Nearly 1.7 million women around the globe were diagnosed in 2012, and incidence rates are on the rise.”

New School Year, Same Orthodontist

The final weeks of summer are among us and the fall season is quickly approaching. Kids have returned back to school and the normal routines have begun. As summer comes to an end and fall season returns, it can be a busy time for parents and their children. New activities and new routines, it’s easy to forget simple check-ups to the orthodontist.

Why is it important for a check-up during back-to-school season? 

This is the time to schedule an appointment to measure the progress of your child’s orthodontic treatment. This will ensure your child's treatment is on schedule.

If your child is playing fall sports, be sure to get a mouthguard specifically designed for your child. This is the perfect time to ensure your child is on the road to a healthy beautiful smile. Our office is conveniently located to serve the communities surrounding Kenilworth, such as Wilmette, Winnetka and Glencoe, IL. Call us today for your initial orthodontic consultation! We look forward to meeting you and working with you as we continue our tradition of creating the best smiles!

Who may we thank for this awesome Artwork? THANK YOU 🙌🏻😘#mcclellanandsagun #braces #invisalign #smile #itsthelittlethings #bestpatients #kenilworth #backtoschool #blackboardart

A post shared by Mart & Tim (@mcclellanandsagunortho) on Aug 9, 2018 at 5:55am PDT