Why Is It So Important To Have Straight Teeth?

Some people wonder why we work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque – the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to decay – and because they are easier to keep clean. Plaque can lead to cavities and can increase the risk of gum disease.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call at 847-251-6228 to set up a consultation. Or, feel free to email us at: info@mcclellanortho.com. Dr. Mart McClellan can help you decide whether you could benefit from orthodontic treatment.

What to Eat?!

Now that you have your new braces on, you might just want to know "what can I eat?" Just like a new pair of shoes, braces have a brief adjusment period too. New shoes need to be worn before they feel super comfortable, and the same goes for braces; so for the first few days of having your new braces you will want to stick with soft foods, like pasta, to let the braces firmly fasten to your teeth. Once you are used to the feel of chewing with your braces you will be able to eat and chew like normal! However, you will still need to protect your appliance while eating!

Here is a list of foods to avoid during your orthodontic treatment:

• Chewy foods: bagels, dinner rolls, licorice



• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips



• Sticky foods and candies: caramel, gum, Skittles, Gummy Bears, Starbursts



• Hard foods: nuts, hard candy, pizza crust, granola bars



• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, ribs, apples, carrots



• Chewing on hard things: pens, pencils, fingernails

Always remember to brush your teeth thoroughly after eating. Damaged braces will cause your treatment to take longer and requires extra visits and possibly additional charges. If you have any questions about what to eat and what not to eat please call Dr. McClellan at 847-251-6274.

Contest winners!

WINNER OF THE TOOTHBRUSHING & BREAKAGE-FREE CONTEST!!!
CHARLIE LAUER

WINNER OF THE SEASHELL CONTEST
DONALD CONKEY

WINNER OF VIDEO GAME CONTEST
JUSTIN NITTO

The Damon™ System - Kenilworth, IL (Illinois)

New High Technology Braces

The Damon System (clear or metal) uses very light forces to provide, for some patients, remarkable advantages over traditional orthodontic approaches - more physiologically gentle tooth movement, greater patient comfort and sometimes faster treatment times.

Clear Damon Brackets

Damon brackets do not require plastic or metal ties and, therefore, operate with less friction. Less friction means lower forces and faster tooth movement. In addition, the plastic ties utilized with traditional braces tend to trap plaque and bacteria, which can lead to increased gingival inflammation or enamel decalcification.

Dr. McClellan will let you know if this high-technology system is appropriate for you or your child's teeth.

Learn more about the Damon System on their web site at www.damonbraces.com

Click here to view a multimedia presentation about Damon Brackets.