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.

The Clear Choice For Teens

Is your teen bummed out about the thought of having braces? Invisalign Teen aligners give adolescents a whole new way to wear braces for a clearly amazing smile!

Scenarios in high school like, the team game on Friday nights, homecoming dances, and yearbook pictures can leave many teens stressed about their smile Don't let your teenager stress; during Invisalign Teen treatment teens can achieve a straight smile without metal braces and without detection!

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

• Clear 
• Removable 
• Super comfortable 
• Customized 

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are removable, which means you can go ahead and eat all the things you love without worrying about breaking a bracket or losing a rubber band.

Invisalign aligners are really comfortable and very durable. They fit in with any of your extracurricular activities. So whether you're swimming the 50-meter race, throwing the football out on the field, or playing the clarinet with the school band, you don't have to worry about your braces getting in the way! Give McClellan and Sagun Orthodontics a call to schedule a consultation just in time for the new school year!

Benefits of Straight Teeth

There are several benefits of having properly aligned straight teeth that most people are unaware of. Although a majority of patients who receive orthodontic treatment do so for a more confident and cosmetically attractive smile, having straight teeth can positively impact your overall oral health.

We decided to highlight some benefits of straight teeth, check them out.

Improved Gum Health
· Lower risk of gum disease.

· Lower risk of tooth loss.

Better Overall Health
· Less tooth decay.

· Lower risk of heart disease.

· Lower risk of high blood sugar.

Lower Risk of Soft Tissue Injury
· Misaligned teeth can push against soft tissues in the mouth.

· Cuts, sores, and infections are a result of crooked teeth.

Increased Confidence
· More self-esteem at work or school.

· Confidence leads to a more successful attitude.

Easier Eating
· Crooked teeth compromise chewing.

If you are ready to take advantage of the benefits of straight teeth, contact McClellan & Sagun we offer affordable orthodontic treatments for all ages.

JULY Charity Of The Month

Did you know McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics is a member of Check-in 4 Charity? Check-in 4 Charity is a program designed to help businesses work together with their patients to make a difference. Every time you check-in on Facebook at our office, a donation is generated for the charity of the month! This month, we are supporting the SPCA International. 

About the SPCA International
McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics is excited to encourage patients to check-in at our office this month to support the SPCA International. This charity has a mission to improve the lives of animals around the world and advance the safety and well-being of animals. With generous donations, the SPCA International works to save animals from cruelty and neglect. Won’t you check-in to help us support this cause?

Need Help Checking-In?
If you have any questions about checking-in on Facebook at McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics, please ask us at your next orthodontic appointment. Also, don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook!

Don't DIY Orthodontics

McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics and the American Association of Orthodontists have a prompt announcement for consumers about “DIY” orthodontic treatment. It is with great urgency that we emphasize to you all to be cautious about the trending “DIY” orthodontic treatment because straightening your teeth on your own can lead to lifelong dental problems.

Do-It-Yourself videos and websites are popular among today’s culture, and while so many great ideas come from several of these outlets, there are some things that you just shouldn’t do yourself! Straightening your teeth or attempting to move your teeth as a “DIY” project is definitely one of the things you should not be doing. Moving and straightening teeth is a medical procedure that needs to be supervised by an orthodontist. It’s important for you all to be wary of any videos or websites that advise you to use objects such as rubber bands, dental floss, or anything else in order to get straight teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, “Moving teeth without a thorough examination of the overall health of the teeth and gums could result in the permanent loss of teeth, which may result in expensive and lifelong dental problems.”

If you have any further questions regarding “DIY” orthodontics or are curious about straightening your teeth, please contact us at (847) 251-6228.

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.

Microwave Brownie in a Mug | Braces-Friendly Recipe

There are lots of mug cakes, mug brownies and mug cookies around the internet, so we know several people are in need a quick sweet tooth fix every once in a while. This recipe for a chocolate brownie in a mug is our favorite. It’s easy, quick and braces friendly. Also, this recipe makes one pretty generous brownie. 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted and not hot (melted butter, lightly flavored olive oil or neutral oil like grapeseed also work)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons coffee, at room temperature (water or milk — dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• Salt, optional

DIRECTIONS

• Sift the flour and cocoa powder together over a bowl.
• In another bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil, brown sugar, coffee, egg, vanilla and a very small pinch of salt together until blended then pour into the bowl with sifted flour and cocoa powder. Whisk until combined then carefully pour into the mug.
• Clean any drips around the edges of the mug then microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 1 minute and 45 seconds. Serve with a sprinkle of salt on top, if you like. Top with your favorite brownie topping — ice cream is always a good choice.

If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #McClellanandSagun - we love to see your creations on Facebook and Instagram 

More on Dental 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.

Flossers
Flossers 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.

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.

Join Us In Supporting World Autism Month

McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics is taking part in the worldwide support for Autism this month! If you’re unaware, April is WOLRD AUTISM MONTH, so we want to go full force with our patients to support the amazing charity Autism Speaks.

What is Autism Speaks?
Autism Speaks is a charity with the goal to increase the public understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder. Aside from the amazing outcome of this charity, they are famous for their “Light It Up Blue” campaign. Wear blue to your appointments in April to show your support for Autism Speaks.

Facts about autism according to Autism Speaks:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates autism’s prevalence as 1 in 68 children in the United States. This includes 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls. 
• An estimated 50,000 teens with autism become adults – and lose school-based autism services – each year. 
• Around one third of people with autism remain nonverbal. 
• Around one third of people with autism have an intellectual disability. 
• Certain medical and mental health issues frequently accompany autism. They include gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures, sleep disturbances, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and phobias. 

How can you join us in supporting Autism Speaks?
Because McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics is a check-in 4 charity member, you can show support for Autism speaks by checking-in on Facebook at our office. Each time you check-in participate in our donation to Autism Speaks in April. Another fun way to get involved is to wear blue at your April appointments!

Easy Braces-Friendly Recipe

Making this Raspberry Peach Smoothie is super easy. All you need is some frozen raspberries, peaches, vanilla greek yogurt and vanilla almond milk. Blend it all together and you have a creamy, tasty smoothie to start your day! Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen raspberries
• ¾ cup chopped fresh peaches
• ¼ cup vanilla greek yogurt
• ⅓ cup vanilla almond milkInstructions

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth, adding a bit more almond milk as needed if the smoothie is too thick. Serve and enjoy!

For more braces-friendly recipes, tips, and tricks with braces subscribe to our blog or connect with McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics on Facebook!

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.

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