Technology That Enhances Your Orthodontic Experience

Kelly Orthodontics

Technology has come a long way in orthodontics since the days of bulky brackets, goopy impressions, and embarrassing appliances. From the types of braces to digital impressions, today there are so many more options for your orthodontic care and treatment is much more effective and comfortable to go through.

It is important to Dr. Kelly that our team stays up to date with changes in the field of orthodontics and that we offer the latest in digital technology to enhance your orthodontic care experience. Here are some of the top advances in orthodontic technology that you can find at our St.Charles, IL office:

• Digital X-rays: Digital X-rays give Dr. Kelly the opportunity to provide advanced, personalized care for each patient. Thanks to the immediate access to the images, Dr. Kelly has the time to review your x-rays with you in detail at your initial complimentary consultation. Another great benefit of digital x-rays is that there is less radiation exposure for the patient.

• iTero Scanner for Digital Impressions: Beautiful smiles start with healthy teeth, and the digital technology used at Kelly Orthodontics makes it easier than ever to give our patients both. Our iTero scanner makes the impression process easier and more comfortable for our patients. In under 5 minutes we can scan a patient’s mouth and create a set of 3D digital models of their teeth. We can then use these models to have appliances like retainers and expanders made. In addition, digital impressions are more accurate reducing the number of fit issues with the braces.

• Nickel and Copper-Titanium Wires: Instead of stainless-steel wires, more orthodontists are now using nickel or copper-titanium wires because they respond to the heat in the mouth and will naturally tighten and bend as the teeth shift. Nickel and copper-titanium wires also apply more moderate pressure, reducing the pain and cutting down the patient’s need for more tightening appointments.

• Invisalign Aligners: Unlike the traditional stainless-steel brackets, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible inside your mouth. Invisalign aligners were designed with patient comfort in mind. You can remove them on your own for short periods of time, like when you want to eat or drink or when you are brushing and flossing your teeth.

When choosing an orthodontist, it is important to find one that is up to date on all of the current technology as well as one that is skilled at the different methods of orthodontic care. For the best results, you want an orthodontist who is experienced and has proven success in treating different orthodontic issues.

Our number one priority here at Kelly Orthodontics is the patient experience. We want you to leave here with a healthy, beautiful smile and the feeling that you were given the best possible treatment and care available! Give our office a call to schedule a complimentary consultation to find out what we can do to help you on your journey to the smile you have always wanted!

At Kelly Orthodontics, we take your safety and health seriously by meeting and exceeding sterilization requirements and staying in contact with your family dentist throughout your treatment to help you maintain your oral health while wearing braces.

 

The Types of Braces Your Orthodontist Uses Matters

Kelly Orthodontics

Your smile has an effect on your whole life. At Kelly Orthodontics, we offer three types of braces to help transform your smile.

Victory Series Braces Low Profile Braces - Metal braces are the most common type of braces used in our practice because they are robust and remarkably effective. However, unlike earlier metal braces, the Victory SeriesLow Profile Braces System incorporates a low-profile approach that enhances both aesthetics and patient comfort. Since the brackets and tubes come with a pre-applied, light-sensitive adhesive that enables patients to have controlled, efficient bonding with less waste, trouble and time, the Victory Series is popular with our patients. The bonding pads curve to match the shape of your tooth to provide exact results. The brackets are also color-coded to help your Dr. Kelly quickly and effectively treat each tooth individually.

Clear Aligners - Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth without the use of metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear trays 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 braces. With Invisalign clear aligners there are no metal brackets or wires to detract from your smile while undergoing treatment. Invisalign clear aligners are made from BPA-free plastic, and they are often more comfortable than traditional silver braces. Clear aligners are used to close gaps between teeth, as well as treating overbites, underbites, open bites, crossbites, and overcrowded teeth. However, certain types of orthodontic problems still require braces on the teeth to be corrected. Children, teenagers, and adults can wear Invisalign.

Clarity Ceramic Braces - Ceramic braces work just like traditional silver braces, however, they are made of a tooth-colored ceramic material and are nearly invisible. Clarity Ceramic Braces offer the ultimate combination of aesthetics and performance to our patients. They are ultra-small translucent brackets, made of an innovative ceramic material for an attractive appearance. They are designed to blend with your natural tooth color and are resistant to staining and discoloration throughout treatment. Clarity Ceramic Braces also have dome-shaped design to aid in patient comfort.

At Kelly Orthodontics we are serious about getting the best possible result with the least amount of discomfort in the fastest time possible. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and smile with confidence tomorrow.

Orthodontic Treatment Options

Kelly Orthodontics

A variety of orthodontic options exist today for people looking to correct their smile. From traditional metal braces to Invisalign aligners, it can be a challenge to decide which choice is the best. At Kelly Orthodontics, we know about all of the treatment options on the market, and which is the best option for your specific orthodontic problem.

Metal Braces - Metal braces are the most common type of braces because they are robust and very effective. Metal braces are made of sleek surgical steel and titanium and are comfortable to wear. Metal braces are bonded to the teeth and connected with a metal archwire brought into place with tiny elastic bands. Metal braces require periodic tightening every 4 to 6 weeks. The steady pressure will gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw over time. Metal braces can correct a wide variety of issues, including jaw problems,crooked teeth, and bite misalignments. Silver braces are a proven method for getting a lifelong, healthy bite.

Ceramic Braces - Clear ceramic braces are a popular choice for teens who want to make a lasting impression and adults who want to make a less noticeable statement during treatment. Ceramic Braces work like metal braces only better, because they blend in with your natural tooth color for a great look. Ceramic Braces are similar to Silver braces in their application, duration of treatment, and removal and are used to correct the same dental issues as metal braces and invisible aligners. Since ceramic braces are designed to blend seamlessly into your smile, Dr. Kelly will select the perfect shade to match your natural tooth color. For those with naturally whiter teeth, a clear ceramic is used to render the brackets almost invisible. Those with darker tooth shades have the option to select colored ceramic matched to their teeth for best aesthetic results. The metal archwire is similarly colored to complement your teeth, and the elastic bands are typically clear.

Clear Aligners - Unlike silver and ceramic braces, clear aligners, like Invisalign, use clear trays to help you achieve a straight smile. The clear aligner trays are removable, which means that when you need to take them out, you can. It also means that you can continue to take care of your teeth normally, and continue to eat the wonderful foods you love. Typically, clear aligners work faster than traditional braces, meaning that you can effectively straighten your teeth faster. Each set of aligner trays are designed to fit your mouth and your teeth comfortably. Clear aligners have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.

Which orthodontic treatment option is best for you?

Dr. Kelly uses of the full range of orthodontic appliances to get you a great outcome in the shortest possible amount of time. Based on his specialty education in orthodontics, Dr. Kelly will recommend the treatment option he believes is the best fit for you and your lifestyle.

 

Book an initial consultation with Kelly Orthodontics to talk about your options regarding orthodontic treatment. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

 

What is Invisalign First?

Kelly Orthodontics

Replacing the need for bulky metal expanders, headgear, or braces, Invisalign First was developed for children between the ages of 6-10 who experience issues with alignment, crowding, spacing, arch development, and expansion. 

Invisalign First aligners are:

• Designed to treat a broad range of teeth straightening issues in growing children, from simple to complex, including crowding, spacing, and narrow dental arches.

• Removable for easy hygiene, making it easier for growing children to brush and floss.

• Designed for comfort – which means no discomfort from rubbing brackets or poking wires.

• Can help with oral habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.

Invisalign First is a Phase 1 orthodontic treatment. Phase 1 treatment refers to orthodontic treatment at an age before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Phase I treatment can take advantage of growth potential and turn a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. Dr. Kelly can often correct major problems such as crossbites or severe skeletal issues, as well as incisor alignment, making Phase II treatment more productive to ensure better overall results.

An initial consultation is needed to determine if your child is an appropriate candidate for Invisalign First. If approved, Dr. Kelly can begin taking pictures, x-rays, and impressions of your child’s smile that same day. Information from the imaging, x-rays, and impressions will go to an Invisalign lab where a custom Invisalign First device, called an aligner, will be made for your child.

Depending on your child’s individual treatment plan, he or she may require a full pair of aligners or just one aligner. The aligners will provide gentle pressure to expand the jawline, with each new aligner moving the jaw and permanent teeth closer to the desired position. With Invisalign First, treatment time normally takes 6-9 months to complete.

Invisalign First is only available for growing children. For adults and teens who are seeking orthodontic corrections, Kelly Orthodontics offers alternative treatment options, such as Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, clear ceramic braces, and traditional metal braces. Visit our website to choose your look.

 

 

Selfies 101

Kelly Orthodontics

Selfies have been popular for years now…but do you know how to take the perfect one? At first it may have seemed a little ridiculous, all these people taking photos of themselves and posting them online. But did you know that taking selfies is a fantastic way to show off your personality and confidence…not to mention your Kelly Orthodontics smile?

Taking a selfie is an art form. A great selfie is more than just a quick camera click, it actually takes a level of skill to capture and edit the perfect picture. After some practice (using our tried-and-true techniques below) we know you will be a selfie master in no time at all.

5 Tips for the Perfect Selfie

1. Have Expression. You can never go wrong with smiling…but don’t fake it. Think about something that really does make you smile. Pull out a wonderful memory, relive it, and we promise that you’re going to have a beautiful facial expression in your selfie. Play around with different smiles and expressions and have fun! No matter what, a smile is the best expression you can wear.  
2. Capture Your Best Angle. We all have a particular side or angle that we feel looks much better in selfies. If you haven’t yet found yours, try moving the phone around your face and snapping a ton of photos. Instead of taking pictures head-on, turn your head a little to the right or left, or hold your camera a little higher…try different angles to show off your best features. Then pick the photos that you like most and remember the way you placed the phone and the way you turned your face. 
3. Focus on Lighting. Lighting is everything. They say that taking selfies using natural light is great. But the truth is that sometimes the rays can be too harsh on the face, so avoid snapping a shot during midday. You can always find a light source inside, just make sure that it’s not located behind you and that there are no shadows on your face. 
4. Show Off Something New. If you decide to take a selfie to show off something new, like…oh we don’t know, maybe your braces, make sure that you frame the photo in a way that highlights the new accessory that has you so excited. 
5. Don't Use a Mirror. Just stretch your arm out, point the camera toward your face and click. You can use your front facing camera to make it easier!

Ok, now you’re ready! Upload those selfies to all of your feeds…Instagram, Facebook, anywhere and everywhere. Are you a patient of Kelly Orthodontics? Then tag us in your selfies, we would love to see your smiling faces!

 

 

Benefits of Early Treatment

Kelly Orthodontics

Together with the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Dan Kelly recommends that your child’s first check-up with Kelly Orthodontics be performed no later than age 7. By age 7, your child has enough permanent teeth for Dr. Kelly to evaluate the developing teeth and the jaws to spot potential problems.

There are generally three outcomes from this first check-up:

1. No treatment is expected to be necessary. 
2. Treatment may be needed in the future, so your child will be monitored by Dr. Kelly periodically while the face and jaws continue to grow. 
3. There is a problem that lends itself to early treatment.

While there are many orthodontic problems that Dr. Kelly agrees are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in, early treatment can be in your child’s best interests. The goal of early treatment is to intercept developing problems, eliminate the cause, guide the growth of facial and jaw bones, and provide adequate space for incoming permanent teeth.

Orthodontic Issues that Dr. Kelly May Recommend Treating Early Include:

• Crossbites – Usually the result of a narrow upper jaw or abnormally wide lower jaw. A narrow upper jaw will often force a child to move their lower jaw forward or to the side when closing into a stable bite. When closed into this accommodating position, the lower teeth are located outside the upper teeth.

• Crowding - Crowding of the teeth is one of the most common orthodontic problems. Crowded teeth typically stem from a discrepancy between space in the jaw and the size of the teeth. Crowding can be the cause of, or the result of other problems such as impacted teeth, retained primary teeth, or teeth that do not naturally fall out.

• Spacing - Spaces between teeth is another common problem associated with the need for orthodontic care. Like crowding, spacing may be related to a tooth-to-jaw size disharmony. Tooth size discrepancies, such as smaller teeth or abnormally shaped teeth, can also create abnormal spaces between the teeth.

• Openbite - An anterior open-bite is the lack of vertical overlap of the front teeth and can usually be traced to jaw disharmony or habits such as thumb sucking or the thrusting of the tongue against the front teeth.

Early orthodontic treatment can take many forms. But…regardless of how treatment goals are reached, the bottom line is that some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.

To give your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile, visit Kelly Orthodontics. No referral needed! Dr. Kelly will provide an initial consultation at no cost and with no obligation. He will alert you to potential problems and recommend treatment when it is most appropriate for your child.

For additional information, visit our website. Then, give our St. Charles office a call to schedule your child’s initial consultation.

 

5 Reasons to Love Your Braces

Kelly Orthodontics

Your braces are an investment in your smile, your health, and your overall well-being. Braces can transform your teeth, give you a more comfortable bite, and give you a beautiful smile that will boost your confidence.

Braces can solve almost any orthodontic issue. Braces are customized to suit your needs and can help to improve a wide range of orthodontic issues. Whether you have a crossbite, crowding, or an overbite, braces treatment can help. Therefore, if you would really like to straighten your teeth, braces are your best option.

Braces enhance your natural teeth. Rather than covering your smile with veneers, braces can fix your natural teeth. Not to mention, braces are cheaper than most of these transformative cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Straight teeth are healthy teeth. Braces don’t just enhance your smile; they can improve your oral health too. Straight teeth are easier to clean. When your teeth are easier to brush and floss, you are less likely to develop cavities or infections. Oral health problems like worn enamel, gum recession, and side effects of grinding and clenching your teeth are also eliminated when teeth are shifted into proper alignment with braces.

Braces can be discrete. If you would like to avoid the metal brackets on your teeth, you have options. For example, Ceramic braces, work like metal braces…only better. Ceramic braces blend in with your teeth for a great look. You’ll be able to straighten your teeth without anyone noticing.

The results are incredible! With braces, you can get the beautiful straight smile you’ve always wanted. Not to mention, having straighter teeth can improve your facial profile, align your jaw, and fix your bite…drastically improving your appearance.

Remember, braces are temporary. If you want to learn more about how braces can improve your smile, call Kelly Orthodontics to schedule an appointment. From conventional metal braces to Invisalign Dr. Kelly and his team have you covered!