Is Invisalign Right For You?

Kelly Orthodontics

If you want a straighter smile but don’t want to spend years of wearing traditional metal braces, Invisalign may be the perfect option for you. Kelly Orthodontics is a Certified Premier Invisalign Provider, and our team has years of experience permanently correcting alignment issues in a shorter time with Invisalign clear aligners.

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using custom-made clear aligners created just for you. These aligners are smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements Dr. Kelly has planned out for you.

Not only is Invisalign effective, but the aligners are nearly invisible and can be worn without detection. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed instantly and easily. Invisalign makes it easy to eat whatever you want, whenever you want, and you never need to worry about your meals interfering with your orthodontic treatment.

More people are seeking orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear aligners, and it's not hard to figure out why. The aligners that are barely noticeable have been developed to give patients a more discreet choice when it comes to orthodontic treatment. With the Invisalign System, you’ll achieve a great smile with little disruption in your daily life.

Did you know… Only an orthodontist who has been trained and certified by Align Technology can diagnose and treat using Invisalign. Invisalign is not appropriate for everyone. Only Dr. Kelly can determine if Invisalign treatment is an effective option for you. To see if Invisalign can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted, contact our St. Charles orthodontic office to make an appointment today.

 

Do You Have Gum Disease?

Kelly Orthodontics

More than 80 percent of Americans are living with periodontal or gum disease, which most often than not, goes unnoticed.

February has been designated “Gum Disease Awareness Month” in a national and global effort to raise public awareness of gum disease. The awareness program was launched in 2012 by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, a non-profit educational and research center dedicated to providing evidence-based clinical training in advanced laser dentistry therapies.

At Kelly Orthodontics our goal is to continually raise awareness of the prevalence of gum disease while encouraging patients to take an active role in better oral health through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Gum disease is something that most people will experience at some point in their lives. But because the symptoms of gum disease are so subtle and painless, most people just shrug it off. If gum disease is left untreated, the consequences could be severe.  Gum disease has been linked to a host of general medical problems, including: Heart disease, Endocarditis, Lung problems, Alzheimer’s disease, Colorectal cancer, Diabetes, and Kidney, pancreatic and blood cancers in men.

According to the American Association of Periodontology (AAP), you may have gum disease if:

• Your gums are red, swollen, and sore to the touch. 
• Your gums bleed when you eat, brush or floss. 
• You see pus or other signs of infection around the gums and teeth. 
• Your gums look as if they are "pulling away" from the teeth. 
• You frequently have bad breath or notice a bad taste in your mouth. 
• Your teeth are loose or feel as if they are moving away from the other teeth.

A great oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits are the absolute best way to take a preventative measure against gum disease. The American Dental Association (ADA) site recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush that fits your mouth comfortably, so it reaches every tooth surface adequately. Plaque begins to re-form with 24 hours after brushing and flossing, so daily care is essential. Be sure to floss every day to ensure your gums are healthy and pink.

With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, you can keep your teeth for a lifetime and avoid many significant health problems.

If you have any questions regarding the health of your teeth and gums, please don't hesitate to give Kelly Orthodontics a call.