Preparing Your Child for Their First Visit

McClellan Orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. By that age, a child will have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and the orthodontist will be able to recognize orthodontic problems…even in their earliest stages.

The first time your child is seen at our office, they will get to meet Dr. McClellan and a few of our team members. After your arrival, you and your child will be escorted to an area where Dr. McClellan conduct his initial exam.

In order for Dr. McClellan to be able to accurately diagnose your child’s orthodontic problem, x-rays may be necessary. An accurate diagnosis allows Dr. McClellan to plan every step of your child’s treatment so that your child finishes treatment with a healthy bite.

This visit is the time for the Dr. McClellan to listen to concerns that you and your child may have, and to answer questions such as whether treatment is needed, when treatment should begin, and the type of treatment that is recommended. If no problem is found, Dr. McClellan may suggest periodic visits so that your child’s growth and development can be monitored and ensure that permanent teeth are coming in at the right time and in the right sequence.

What happens if an orthodontic problem is found during this visit?

Dr. McClellan will talk with you about when it will be best for your child to begin treatment, and the type of treatment that is recommended. For some children, early intervention may be in their best interests. Different people have different kinds of problems, so other children may get the greatest benefit from treatment by waiting until most or all of their permanent teeth are in. Everything depends upon the individual and what is best for them. For some patients, Dr. McClellan will be able to achieve treatment results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Once we have decided on a treatment plan, our treatment coordinator will itemize the costs associated with your child’s particular treatment and you can proceed with a payment plan. You can be confident that our dedicated and experienced team will guide you and your child through every step of the process. We are dedicated to giving your child a beautiful, straight smile that will last for a lifetime.

Your First Orthodontic Visit

McClellan Orthodontics

At McClellan Orthodontics, we are proud to offer affordable orthodontic treatment options with exceptional results to patients of all ages.

Your initial consultation is one of the most important appointments you will have at our office. We will 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 you are ready for treatment, an appointment for diagnostic records is made. If you are not yet ready for treatment, we may recommend that you be placed into an observation phase where we will follow growth and development to determine the appropriate time for treatment.

When you arrive at our Kenilworth office, you will be greeted by one of our staff members and a complimentary, no obligation orthodontic exam will be done. This thorough exam helps Dr. McClellan determine what type of treatment would benefit you most. He will provide a complete clinical diagnosis, a written summary of his findings and a detailed plan that outlines your treatment, goals, and estimated fees.

Following your exam, Dr. McClellan may recommend treatment. If treatment is needed, this could start right away, or he may suggest that you return for periodic checkups. The timing of orthodontic treatment will depend on the developmental stage of the teeth and jaws along with the severity of the problem.

Whether you will be beginning treatment now or later, this first orthodontic visit is the best time to ask any questions you have about the orthodontic process. Our treatment coordinator will go over the treatment choices available to you and help you understand what to expect during the various stages of your orthodontic care.

You only get one smile! Trust it to a qualified orthodontic expert like Dr. McClellan. If you haven’t already scheduled an initial consultation with us, call our office today and take the first step towards the smile you have always wanted!

 

How to Schedule an Orthodontic Appointment

McClellan Orthodontics

If you are trying to schedule your initial appointment with McClellan Orthodontics but are not sure about the specifics, such as how to request an appointment or exactly what you need to be seen for, don’t worry…these are common concerns that many of our patients share. At McClellan Orthodontics, we want to make scheduling an appointment with our Kenilworth office as simple as can be.

Visiting our office should be done anytime you have a concern or issue with the placement of your teeth, jaw, or general alignment within your mouth. Whether you need to schedule an appointment for braces, a retainer, or other orthodontic issues, Dr. Mart McClellan and his team will investigate any abnormalities that you or your dentist may have noticed to give a better vision for the future of your teeth.

At McClellan Orthodontics, we have a tradition of creating great smiles by providing unparalleled orthodontic health care. We strive to accommodate the needs of our patients and create a positive orthodontic experience. McClellan Orthodontics has been a respected provider of orthodontic care in our community for over 65 years and is looking forward to educating you on your best options for creating your new smile.

When it comes to scheduling an appointment at McClellan Orthodontics, you have a few options.

Call Our Office. Give us a call and discuss how to set up an appointment with Dr. McClellan. Calling our Kenilworth office is an effortless way to find a time that works with your schedule.

Request Online. Requesting an orthodontic appointment online via our website is another easy way to fit an appointment into your schedule. Simply fill out the form on our Request an Appointment page and one of our team members will contact you to finalize and confirm your appointment.

Stop By. If you are in the Kenilworth, Illinois area, stop in and set up your appointment in person. You can get a feel for the office and ask any questions you may have about the appointment that you are requesting to schedule.

Always remember…you are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Dr. McClellan is an expert in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. He possesses the skills and experience needed to give you your best smile. Visit our office today.

 

The Perfect Age For Braces

McClellan Orthodontics

When we think of braces, most of us think of teenagers. But nowadays, people of all ages are getting braces. So…what is the perfect age to start braces treatment? 

Orthodontists today can successfully correct most problems regardless of the patient’s age. But that doesn’t mean that the orthodontic treatment starting age does not matter. In fact, the starting age may play a significant role in the total time and expenses required for the completion of the orthodontic treatment.

Children: Traditionally, orthodontic treatment begins when a child has lost most of his or her baby teeth, and a majority of the permanent teeth have grown in. That said, it's a good idea to get an orthodontic evaluation by the time a child is 7 years old. You make think that 7 years old is too early to put your child in braces, however, this interceptive approach can help to spot potential orthodontic problems related to jaw growth and eruption of adult teeth before they get out of hand.

Teens: Most orthodontic problems are ideally treated during a child’s teenage years. Usually, all or most permanent teeth are present and patients are at one of their most active phases of growth. This is a great time to correct most problems, as the jaws are actively growing and their growth can be most easily modified during this time.

Adults: Although childhood is a good time to make changes to the mouth and jaw, more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment for missing or crooked teeth, TMJ, and more. As we grow older, our teeth may shift and it may be necessary for an improved smile through orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and it is never too late to improve your smile.

The truth is...there’s no specific age at which a child should first visit the orthodontist. The best choice for you and your child will largely depend on the severity of your child's dental problems. A visit to McClellan Orthodontics should happen when you feel it is needed. Often, your family dentist will be the one to recommend the visit, especially if he or she notices problems with your child’s bite or tooth alignment.

If you are considering braces for yourself or your child, give McClellan Orthodontics a call and schedule your initial consultation. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will take the time to address your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you through any treatment process.

 

Adjusting is Easy

McClellan Orthodontics

You may or may not be excited about wearing your braces, but regardless, we know you will totally be thrilled with the result of your new smile.  As with any change, adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming at times, so we are here to help with a few tips on adjusting to your new 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 alignment and smile look. Initially, your braces may feel like they stick out. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and 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.

Tip #2: 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're wearing braces. Be proud and know that your smile will look amazing very soon!

Tip #3:  Know What To Do

• Be sure you know what to do if you're experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave checkups:

• Using your finger and tongue, check to see that the wire ends do not extend into areas which might poke or abrade the cheek or tongue.

• Make sure you understand what you are to do until your next appointment. This could include wearing elastics as instructed, adjusting an expander or following specific hygiene and diet instructions.

• Make sure you have an adequate supply of dental wax, special cleaning aids, elastic bands, or other related materials you may need between appointments.

• Always schedule your next appointment before leaving the office. Postponing appointments is a common contributor to overtime treatment.

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 at our Kenilworth office.

Preparing For Orthodontics

McClellan Orthodontics

It’s completely normal to feel a bit apprehensive when you first consider going to an orthodontist. Whether your dentist has advised you to seek care from McClellan Orthodontics, or you’ve decided to do so on your own, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your initial exam at McClellan Orthodontics.

The first thing you should do to prepare for your initial exam is to learn more about orthodontics and understand your options. Start by visiting our website and familiarizing yourself with the different types of braces we offer and how they may or may not work for you.

Naturally when looking into orthodontic care several questions will arise. Be sure to ask Dr. Mart McClellan any questions you have as he is here to help you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the entire process, we’ve come up with a list of questions you may want to ask at your initial exam.

• Does getting braces hurt? Is there anything I can do to prevent or minimize pain?
• Is there an estimated length of time that I will likely require braces?
• How much should I expect to pay for my treatment? What are the payment options?
• Will braces prevent me from playing my favorite sport or musical instrument?
• How can I keep my teeth clean with braces?
• How often will I be expected to come in for checkups and other appointments?
• Is it likely that I will be wearing extra appliances in addition to braces to correct my overbite or other problems?
• Are there specific foods I will need to avoid when I get braces?

At McClellan Orthodontics, our team receives frequent continuing education in order to ensure that we provide the most up-to-date care possible. Our patients will receive the same care as our own children, spouses, and relatives. If any other questions arise during or after your exam, don’t be afraid to ask. The McClellan Orthodontics team is here for you and will be here for you throughout the entire orthodontic process.