2 Facts about 2 Phase Treatment

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses jaw and facial changes and tooth straightening. The major advantage of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic and comfortable result that will remain stable. In some cases, interceptive treatment prevents adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

Second phase treatment begins once most of the adult teeth have erupted. This phase usually requires 12 months with braces on all of the teeth. After the second phase of treatment retainers will be worn in order to hold the teeth in the correct position.

1. Moving baby teeth is not done for the sake of their appearance. While baby teeth can move during Phase One orthodontic treatment, their movement is part of the process to ensure sufficient space for permanent teeth.
2. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is for kids, but it’s not for all kids. Most orthodontic problems can be treated in one phase of comprehensive treatment, however there are a few exceptions.

November Charity of the Month - International Fund for Animal Welfare

We hope you all had a wonderful Halloween! It seems like just yesterday that the school year began, and now here we are with Thanksgiving just around the corner! We’re so thankful for the opportunity we have this month to support another wonderful charity, the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

ABOUT THE CHARITY
For more than 40 years, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has saved animals in need all around the world. Their work strives to connect animal welfare and conservation, demonstrating that healthy populations, naturally sustaining habitats, and the welfare of individual animals are intertwined.

While their scope is international, they also have local expertise and leadership in each of their field offices. Through strong international coordination, the IFAW leverages regional campaigns and projects to achieve global influence and impact.

The IFAW team is comprised of rescue workers, conservation specialists, rural community development experts, wildlife crime prevention and enforcement professionals, veterinarians, policy experts, campaigners, scientists, and educators all driven by a determination to help animals in need.

JOIN US IN SUPPORTING THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR ANIMAL WELFARE
McCllelan and 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 November.

If you’d like to learn more about the International Fund for Animal Welfare, click here to head to their website.

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.

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.

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.

3 Top benefits of Invisalign

If you want a straighter smile but don’t want to spend years of wearing traditional metal braces, Invisalign is the perfect option for you. At McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics we are a top provider of Invisalign and have years of experience permanently correcting alignment issues in a shorter time than traditional braces.

Keep reading to discover 3 Top benefits of Invisalign and why more people are opting for this alternative.

Invisalign is clear.
Not only is Invisalign effective, but the straighteners are nearly invisible and can be worn without detection. This eliminates the negative impacts of anxiety or low self-confidence that usually comes with traditional metal braces.

You can remove them.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed instantly and easily. You can take them in and out without compromising your treatment.

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 never worry about your meals ruining your orthodontic treatment.

For more information regarding Invisalign, visit our website or give us a call.

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.

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.

Sports Equipment That Helps Prevent Injury

Now that spring break has passed, many of our patients are ready to begin the spring sports season. Because many of our patients are active athletes, the time is perfect for McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics to remind everyone that April has been designated as National Facial Protection month and to encourage everyone to observe spring sports safety.

Here are 4 pieces of equipment you can add to your sports bag to stay safe during the sports season.

1. A mouth guard can protect your smile. A mouth guard is less expensive than an injury, and it is not painful to your mouth or wallet. Keep your smile safe and prevent your orthodontic appliances from injury by habitually wearing a mouth guard during sports.

2. A helmet can protect your head and neck. Helmets can prevent damage to the head and neck, so be sure to wear one when it is needed.

3. Protective eyewear can make a difference. Keep your 20/20 vision with sports eyewear that will keep your vision clear and your game at its best.

4. Face shields can protect you from trauma. If you are a hockey, football, or baseball player, face shields can prevent severe damage to your face.

Make The CLEAR Choice

Contrary to popular belief, traditional metal braces are only one of multiple choices when it comes to orthodontic treatment. At McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics, we want you to know there are other options out there…and clearly, we are excited about it!

Traditional metal braces include metal brackets attached to the teeth and connected by metal wires, which is the most common treatment option to date. However, as orthodontics has progressed we now have less visible options. 

Deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment to improve your smile not only affects your appearance, but it affects your lifestyle as well. Largely for adults, the stigma of traditional metal braces has deterred many from seeking treatment. And that is why we want you to know about the Invisalign System.

The Invisalign system offers you the convenience and flexibility to live life without the hassle associated with other types of treatment. Invisalign aligners are made of a virtually invisible plastic. There are no irritating brackets or wires to worry about and no food restrictions that will change your eating habits. Plus with fewer doctor visits, Invisalign fits conveniently into your busy lifestyle.

Esthetics are the number one reason for choosing to go clear, and Invisalign is designed to be discreet, comfortable and easy to keep clean. Invisalign uses advanced computer technology to create a series of custom calibrated aligners. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and only taken out to eat, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to move gradually, week-by-week, until the final alignment prescribed is attained. Then you'll be smiling like you never have before!

So if you are an adult who has dreaming about having the perfect smile…the choice is clear!

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.

How To Choose The Right Floss

Similar to several oral hygiene products, choosing the best dental floss to use is dependent on the consumer's preference. The fact is there is a ton of different floss options on the market with a variety of flavors, coatings, and other variations. Essentially, they all do the same thing and the most important thing to remember is to buy the most functional floss for your teeth, and use it daily. If you want to know what the best dental floss is, the answer is the kind that enables you to successfully and regularly clean the areas between your teeth. To help you find the right type of floss for you, here are some options.

FlossersFlossers usually consist of a plastic instrument with a floss strip and a pick on the opposite end. This option can be both effective at cleaning the areas in between your teeth and scraping off plaque. These flossers also come flavored in mint and various other varieties.

Gentle Dental Floss
Some people will find that dental floss is too harsh on their gums. For that reason, some companies make floss with soft coatings that are less abrasive on the gums. Typically, these types of floss are just as effective as regular floss and ideal for those looking for a more sensitive approach to flossing.

Flavored Dental Floss
Most regular flossers buy a flavored dental floss because it will freshen their breath even more than unscented floss. The latter can also take on the smells associated with bacteria in your mouth which can be pretty bad from case to case. We suggest if flavored dental floss is what you prefer, and it allows you to floss your teeth regularly, then it is automatically best for your mouth.

Of the options, it is difficult to name an absolute best type of floss because the answer varies from patient to patient. However, Dr. McClellan, Dr. Sagun, and our team say that the type of floss that works best for you, giving you the greatest chance of succeeding at regular flossing, is the best choice. For more information on floss, or flossing with braces, contact McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics located in Kenilworth, IL.

Health Benefits Of Braces

It’s no secret that a majority of those interested in orthodontic treatment are striving for a straighter smile that will make them more confident. Of course, the doctors and staff at McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics deliver straight beautiful smiles to all of our patients, but we want to inform those who are looking into orthodontic treatment that there are greater benefits to wearing braces. Are you aware of the health benefits of braces?

Braces can do more than just give you an attractive smile. Check out the following oral health problems that can be assisted when being treated by an orthodontist.

• Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
• Digestion
• Difficulties with Speech
• Bone Erosion

McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics staff are happy to explain more to you if you have further questions about the benefits of braces.

Check-in At Our Practice & Help Make-A-Wish

McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics is now a Check-in 4 Charity member! Check-in 4 Charity is a program for businesses such as ours to partner with our patients by getting them to check-in on Facebook. Each check-in helps us generate donations for different charities every month. It is fun, easy, free for you to participate in, and allows us to work together with you to achieve the goal of donating monthly to charities.

This month, with your help we are supporting Make-A-Wish International! All you have to do is check-in at McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics to help us generate donations that will help make a difference.