Maintain Your Perfect Smile

McClellan Orthodontics

Congratulations, you've completed your orthodontic treatment and achieved that beautiful, straight smile you've been working towards! However, the journey to maintaining your new smile isn't quite over. Wearing your retainer after orthodontic treatment is a crucial step that ensures the longevity and stability of your results.

After your braces or aligners have done the hard work of shifting your teeth into their proper positions, it's time for the finishing touch...retainers. Retainers prevent the teeth from gradually shifting back to their original positions, which is a natural tendency even after orthodontic treatment.

Why Wearing a Retainer Matters

• Prevents Relapse: The tissues and ligaments around your teeth take time to adjust to their new positions after orthodontic treatment. Wearing a retainer helps stabilize these tissues and keeps your teeth from reverting to their old positions.
• Maintains Bite Alignment: Retainers not only keep your teeth straight but also help maintain proper bite alignment. This ensures that your teeth fit together harmoniously, preventing issues like teeth grinding or discomfort.
• Prevents Crowding: Without a retainer, your teeth might gradually shift back, causing crowding or overlapping. Wearing your retainer prevents these undesirable changes and the need for further orthodontic treatment.
• Preserves Investment: You invested time, effort, and resources into achieving your perfect smile. Wearing your retainer protects this investment, saving you from the need for additional treatment down the line.
• Long-Term Confidence: A well-aligned smile boosts your self-esteem. Wearing a retainer ensures that your confidence remains high as you proudly show off your beautifully aligned teeth.

Tips for Successful Retainer Wear

1. Follow Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger's Instructions: Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger will provide specific instructions on when and how to wear your retainer. It's crucial to follow these guidelines diligently.
2. Consistency is Key: To maintain your results, wear your retainer consistently. Skipping even a few days can lead to shifting.
3. Clean Your Retainer: Keep your retainer clean by brushing it gently with a toothbrush. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the retainer.
4. Store Properly: When you're not wearing your retainer, store it in its case to prevent loss or damage.
5. Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with McClellan Orthodontics will help monitor your progress and ensure that your retainer is fitting correctly.

Wearing a retainer after orthodontic treatment is a commitment that ensures the longevity of your beautiful smile. It's a small effort that yields significant rewards, from preventing relapse to maintaining your bite alignment. Remember, the investment you made in achieving your straight teeth deserves to be protected. By embracing the importance of wearing your retainer, you're taking proactive steps towards maintaining your newfound confidence and the smile you've always dreamed of.

 

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!

 

 

Eating With Braces

McClellan Orthodontics

Teeth move best in a healthy environment and in individuals who maintain excellent overall health. Make sure you choose a well-balanced diet.

Braces 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.

Foods and drinks that may cause cavities should be restricted while you’re wearing braces. Sticky foods are to be avoided because of the increased risk of dental decay and appliance breakage. Sticky foods can get wrapped around your brackets and cause them to break or come loose.

Also, minimize sugary foods as they cause tooth decay and related problems. High-sugar and high-acidity drinks, when mixed with saliva, create a sticky film that coats the teeth and is difficult to remove completely, even with brushing. Please make sure that careful brushing and rinsing take place immediately afterward.

Some foods are fine to enjoy, if they are cut into smaller pieces which won’t damage your braces. Between-meal snacks should be confined to foods that lack refined sugar and should be followed by brushing or vigorous rinsing.

Please do not eat hard foods, including nuts, ice, crisp taco shells, whole apples, and carrots (cut them into pieces first), hard French bread crust and rolls, spareribs, corn on the cob (cut the corn off the cob before eating) and popcorn! These foods can cause breakage of the brackets and wires. Also beware of nail-biting and pen- or pencil-chewing habits since these can damage your braces. Do not eat sticky foods like taffy, caramels, bubble gum or sticky candy of any sort. Use common sense about most foods. Excessive breakage due to careless eating habits may result in additional charges for repair.

Check your braces regularly to make sure that nothing is bent, broken, or loose. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, please call the office immediately to arrange an appointment for repair.

For most situations, common sense will tell you the specific foods to avoid. If you are unsure, please ask one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members to make sure that the food in question is safe to eat.

What is AcceleDent?

McClellan Orthodontics

One of the most asked questions when patients get their braces on is… “How long will my treatment last?” While there is no quick fix, there is a way to speed up your orthodontic treatment.

The AcceleDent System is an innovative technology designed to decrease the time you are in braces by increasing the rate of tooth movement. The appliance, used daily for 20 minutes, applies patented technology to gently vibrate the teeth and surrounding bone. The microvibrations increase the rate of bone remodeling and allow the teeth to move 38-50% faster. The rate of tooth movement depends on the speed at which the bone surrounding the teeth changes. Studies have shown that orthodontic forces coupled with micovibrations safely accelerate tooth movement.

The tiny high-tech AcceleDent device works in conjunction with a comprehensive app to monitor your treatment. This offers our patients more control over their orthodontic treatment. The basic features of the downloadable app are:

• Tracking of usage, including key metrics
• Easily accessible dashboards
• Can be used on several devices and from different locations
• Information is cloud-based
• Allows reminder notifications for daily usage
• Includes HIPAA compliant encryption to keep your data secure

AcceleDent works with any type of orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign and braces. If you have more questions about this treatment enhancement tool, please ask during your initial consultation visit.

When undergoing orthodontic treatment, the most important thing you can do is to choose an orthodontist who is highly trained and who has experience in treating orthodontic cases of all types. The skill level of your orthodontist is the number one factor in determining how long your treatment will last. No matter what products and technologies are introduced, if your orthodontist does not have the knowledge and skill required to offer scientifically backed treatment options, your treatment may not be as effective and may last longer than anticipated.

The Team at McClellan Orthodontics has years of experience providing the finest orthodontic treatment available anywhere. Paired with our scientifically backed approach, McClellan Orthodontics patients often see shorter treatment times, without added expenses. Call our Kenilworth orthodontic office to learn more.

 

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.

Prevent Enamel Erosion While in Braces

McClellan Orthodontics

Braces are a spectacular tool for straightening smiles and correcting jaw problems that impact self-confidence and overall oral wellness. Your wires and brackets are fundamental to the treatment process, but they also can make it difficult to remove food particles that get stuck under and between your brackets and wires. Unfortunately, if this food is left to fester, the acidic content of the food can eat away at your tooth’s vital tooth enamel.

If you have braces, your teeth and gums can be prone to many dental issues. One of those issues is enamel erosion. Enamel erosion occurs when acid attacks the teeth and wears down the enamel. This can make your teeth vulnerable to tooth fractures and cavities. To help you prevent enamel erosion while in braces treatment, Dr. McClellan encourages you to do the following:

Avoid Acidic Foods and Beverages: Consuming acidic products can expose your teeth to the acid that can harm them. So, it’s best to avoid consuming acidic foods and drinks as much as possible.

Wait to Brush Your Teeth: If you do happen to consume an acidic food or drink, please wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. Your enamel is extremely vulnerable immediately after eating acidic foods and the bristles of your toothbrush can worsen the damage.

Use Fluoride: Fluoride can strengthen your tooth enamel and help you avoid enamel erosion. So, make sure to expose your teeth to fluoride regularly. You can do so by using fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash, drinking fluoridated water, and receiving a professional fluoride treatment.

There are many oral health problems that can happen with braces if you are not focused on your orthodontic care and brushing/flossing of your teeth. Your diet can damage your teeth during your orthodontic treatment, which is why we want you to avoid certain foods and drinks. Overly acidic or sugary foods and drinks can lead to tooth decay and acid erosion that harms your tooth enamel. If you would like to learn more about how you prevent enamel erosion while wearing braces, the friendly staff at McClellan Orthodontics are available to train you in methods for keeping your teeth clean and strong.

 

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.

 

4 Things You Didn't Know About Your Teeth

McClellan Orthodontics

Learning how to take care of your teeth is as much a part of growing up. However, when it comes to our teeth, many of us still have a thing or two to learn. Here are 4 facts about your teeth that you might not know.

1. Your enamel is the hardest part of your body - The enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth. Like a hard shell, its primary purpose is to protect the rest of the tooth. Even though it is there to protect your teeth, your enamel can still chip or crack, and it isn’t safe from decay. Sugars and acids, like those found in soft drinks, interact with bacteria in your mouth and attack your enamel, which marks the start of tooth decay.

2. Yellow means decay - When you think of reasons your teeth might be looking yellow, your first thought likely goes to stains. And while teeth can get stained by foods, drinks, and other substances, these stains are not the only reason your teeth might change color. Enamel is partly responsible for your teeth’s white appearance, and when it decays, your teeth may start to appear yellow.

3. Your mouth is home to 300 types of bacteria - Plaque contains millions of bacteria, made up of 200 to 300 varied species. White and sticky, Plaque is constantly growing. If you don’t remove it regularly by brushing and flossing, it can cause tooth decay. Without removal, plaque hardens and develops into tartar. So, brush and floss at least twice daily and see your dentist for regular cleanings.

4. Your teeth can be an indicator of your overall health - One in 7 adults aged 35 to 44 has gum disease. For adults older than 65, that number increases to 1 in 4. Tooth decay and other infections in the mouth may be associated with health problems such as strokes and diabetes. People who have higher levels of gum disease also have a higher level of heart disease.

You use your teeth to bite, chew and talk countless times throughout your day. It's easy to take your teeth for granted, but healthy teeth and gums are critical contributors to your overall good health. If you have any questions about proper oral hygiene or your dental health, please give McClellan Orthodontics a call.

 

 

Give Yourself a BraceLift

McClellan Orthodontics

As we grow older, many of us turn to expensive and invasive cosmetic treatments in an effort to retain a youthful appearance.

Despite all of the gimmicks out there, studies show that your smile can do more to make you look younger than anything else! “Just as white,straight teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, worn, or missing teeth is associated with an aged look,” says Edmond Hewlett, DDS, professor of restorative dentistry at UCLA's School of Dentistry.

“Bracelift” treatments can help you look younger and feel more confident about your appearance. Of course, most people want a nice smile with straight, white teeth, but properly aligned teeth can do much more than just improve a smile. By enhancing the alignment and widening the arch of the teeth, orthodontic treatment can create better facial balance and aesthetics, lending the appearance of fuller cheeks and lips, smoother and higher cheek contours, and broader smiles.

We all know that healthy teeth are important to maintaining overall health. But we sometimes overlook the impact our teeth can have on our emotional well-being. Orthodontic treatment can provide a life-long improvement to your overall appearance...improving your self-confidence.

3 Easy Steps to Take Years Off of Your Appearance

Step 1: Oral Hygiene - The way to take years off your appearance is to practice good oral hygiene. Maintaining good oral health throughout your life doesn’t just preserve the appearance of your smile, but it can preserve your overall health too. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly promotes healthy teeth and gums and keeps your smile looking and feeling clean.

Step 2: Whiten Your Teeth - Teeth naturally darken as we age. One reason is that your teeth absorb color from food and drinks. Even if you take fantastic care of your teeth, they will eventually yellow over time. Micro-fractures, thinning enamel, and built-up stains all make your teeth look duller and older. Ask our team about how you can whiten your teeth with custom whitening trays. Custom whitening trays are the best way to achieve a deep and thorough color change that can take years off your appearance.

Step 3: Straighten Your Teeth - Even if you start out with perfectly straight teeth, something called mesial drift will cause them to shift over time. Crowded teeth are an instant giveaway of age and straightening your teeth can often take 10 to 15 years off your appearance. Crowded teeth also increase the risk of tooth decay, premature tooth loss, and gum recession, all of which guarantee looking old.

Beautifully straight, symmetrical glowing white teeth cannot only make you look younger, but they can dramatically improve your confidence.

If you have any questions about how we can help give you a healthier, younger looking smile, give our Kenilworth orthodontic office call to schedule an appointment with Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger today.

And remember…One of the best ways to appear more youthful is to smile more!

Meet Our Doctors

McClellan Orthodontics

At McClellan Orthodontics we have a tradition of creating great smiles by providing unparalleled orthodontic health care. Dr. Mart McClellan, Dr. Jessica Hedger and their team strive to accommodate the needs of our patients and create a positive orthodontic experience.

The strength of our office has a lot to do with Dr.McClellan’s and Dr. Hedger’s background. Both doctors undergo frequent continuing education in order to ensure that they provide the most up-to-date care possible.

Dr. Hedger completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. She went on to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago to obtain her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, Master in Oral Sciences degree, and Advanced Certificate in Orthodontics. She is thrilled to create beautiful, confident smiles alongside the awesome team at McClellan Orthodontics.

Dr. McClellan believes that getting an exceptional education is extremely important. His education in orthodontics has allowed him to consistently provide our patients with excellent care. Did you know that Dr. McClellan is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontists? This is an achievement that only 35% of doctors attain.

Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger believe that everyone deserves a straight smile. If you want a smile you can be proud of and a smile the will last a lifetime, Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger can help.

 

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.

 

Braces-Friendly Halloween Candy

McClellan Orthodontics

Halloween season is upon us and no matter how you plan to celebrate this year, we know there’s a good chance there will be some candy involved. However, if you’re one of our braces patients, you might be thinking…"Should I even go trick or treating? It’s not like I can eat any of the candy anyway". The good news is, yes, you can go trick or treating! Have fun because you might be surprised to learn that there is Halloween candy you can eat with braces!

Some of the best Halloween candies are actually safe to eat with braces! Here’s a list of some of the best candies and treats you can eat while wearing braces.

• Chocolate Bars without Nuts - Hershey’s Bars, 3 Musketeers, Kit Kat, Mounds
  

• Soft Candy - Reese’s Peanut butter cups, Peppermint Patties, Junior Mints
  

• Candy Pieces – Plain M&Ms, Peanut Butter M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, Hershey’s Kisses, Smarties
  

While these candies should be safe, remember to take it slow with anything that feels chewy or sticky. Be sure to break things like candy bars into small pieces and chew with your back teeth. When it comes to M&Ms and Reese’s Pieces, it’s a good idea to let them melt in your mouth a bit instead of eating them quickly and by the handful. Also, be sure to brush and floss your teeth afterward. Otherwise, the sugars can linger and become plaque and acids that can cause tooth decay.

In addition to candy, you can also have some Halloween favorites like:

• Soft-baked Cookies

• Cupcakes

• Cake Pops

Sticky foods like Tootsie Rolls and taffy can get stuck around your braces, which can loosen or break brackets. Nuts and hard candies can break wires. This usually means an emergency visit to our office for repairs.

Basically, if it’s hard, sticky, chewy, or extra crunchy, there’s a chance it could damage your braces…so avoid those foods. If you find these in your Halloween candy bag, find a friend to trade them for something from the list above.

Halloween Candies You Should Avoid:

• Chewy Candies - Tootsie Rolls, Skittles, Laffy Taffy, Sugar Daddies, Sugar Babies, Starburst, Candy Corn, Bubblegum

• Jelly candies - Sour Patch Kids, Dots, Swedish Fish, Jellybeans, Twizzlers, Red Vines, Licorice, Mike & Ikes

• Chocolate Bars with Nuts - Snickers, Almond Joy, PayDay
  

• Extra Crunchy Candy - Butterfinger, Heath

• Caramels - Milk Duds, Toffee, Rolo, Twix, Milky Way
  

• Hard Candies - Nerds, Jolly Ranchers, Butterscotch, Suckers, Now and Laters, Lemonheads

Since brackets and wires do trap food, and candy is filled with sugar, it’s best to eat candy with braces in moderation. The bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and starches forming plaque, which then releases acids that can erode the tooth’s enamel causing cavities. Your teeth will move most efficiently in a healthy oral environment and getting cavities will throw your treatment off track, so make sweets an occasional treat.

Additionally, after having Halloween candy, brush your teeth really well with a fluoride toothpaste. Give each individual tooth a little attention and clean around your brackets and wires. If you’re not at home and you forget your toothbrush, rinse your mouth out with water and brush as soon as you get home.

Now that you know all about the types of Halloween candy you can eat with braces, we hope everyone has an amazing Halloween! If you have any questions regarding the types of Halloween candy you can eat, please give McClellan Orthodontics a call.

 

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!

 

Eating With Orthodontic Appliances

McClellan Orthodontics

There are certain dietary habits that are known to cause orthodontic appliances to break, as well as increase the risk of dental disease. Teeth move best in a healthy environment and in individuals with excellent overall health, so be sure you have a well-balanced diet.

If you have orthodontic appliance, you must use caution when selecting foods to eat. Remember, Dr. McClellan aims to achieve your treatment goals with as few disturbances as possible. And damage to your orthodontic appliances due to poor diet choices may extend your overall treatment time. It’s up to you to ensure that you are eating healthy foods to keep your orthodontic appliances in proper condition and to improve your overall health. 

Orthodontic appliances, like braces, are attached to your teeth with an adhesive that will typically withstand the forces of eating. However, appliances can be dislodged, and wires can be bent or broken while eating certain foods.  

Foods and drinks that may cause cavities should be restricted while wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances. Sticky foods should also be avoided because of the increased risk of dental decay and appliance breakage. Between-meal snacks should be confined to foods without refined sugar and followed by brushing or vigorous rinsing.

It’s best not to eat hard foods, sticky foods, and foods high in sugar. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Minimize sugary foods as they can cause tooth decay and other related problems. You should also refrain from nail-biting and chewing on foreign objects such as pens. Below is a list of foods that may be appealing but are dangerous to eat during orthodontic treatment:

• Ice 
• Sticky food or candy of any kind
• Hard food or candy of any kind
• Foods high in sugar content 
• Foods that require biting into

While you will have to avoid certain foods if you have orthodontic appliances, there are still plenty of healthy and delicious food options available to you. Some of the best foods to eat if you have orthodontic appliances are:

• Yogurt 
• Bananas, grapes, oranges, strawberries, and other fruits without pits 
• Light crackers or cookies 
• Cheese 
• Mashed potatoes 
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• Ravioli, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, and other noodle dishes

If you are unsure about dietary restrictions or healthy food options, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at McClellan Orthodontics. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Remember, it is essential to regularly check your orthodontic appliances for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, call our office immediately to arrange for a repair appointment.

 

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.