Wednesday, January 23, 2019

How to Apply Dental Wax

dental wax

When it comes to braces, your first few days may be uncomfortable. It may even feel as if your braces are sticking out. Your gums may be sore and tender, but that does not have to stop you from living your life.

An important item to use for relief is dental wax. Dental wax is “a soft, harmless gum protector for children and adults with braces that can be used in a pinch to cover brackets and protruding wires with a smooth surface,” according to Colgate. Dental wax can provide relief when a wire breaks and pokes out. Just add some dental wax on your gums and can help prevent pain while your wait for your next appointment.

Dental wax is completely safe.

Step 1: Be sure you have dental wax, you can ask us for recommendations on which we feel is best.
Step 2: Wash your hands.
Step 3: Brush your teeth, where you want to apply the dental wax
Step 4: Pinch off a piece of wax about the size of a small pea
Step 5: Squeeze until it softens and roll it into a ball, then flatten the ball slightly
Step 6: Gently push the wax onto the problem area of the braces


If you want to remove the dental wax, you can use floss. Be gentle, not to damage your teeth or gums. If you have any questions over dental wax, or any other orthodontic questions, please feel free to call us at (630) 584-9666

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

3 Healthy Habits to Start in 2019

healthy habits

Happy New Year! It is another fantastic start to a new year and we are so excited for all the smiles that will be transformed at Kelly Orthodontics. With the new year it is exciting to adopt new healthy habits and keep your smile in check. Here are 3 of our favorite habits we are encouraging our patients to adopt in 2019.

#1) Switch Toothbrush: Switching your toothbrush is a big step, most people disregard. Replacing your toothbrush can have a valuable impact. The Academy of Dental Association, recommends switching out your toothbrush every 3-4 months for health reasons and because the bristles can become too stiff, which can be too hard for your teeth and enamel. This simple step will keep your mouth and teeth feeling healthy.

#2) Pledge to Floss: Your smile is what makes you, YOU! This year, pledge to floss more. It’s never too late to begin flossing. Flossing not only helps you get rid of food debris, it also helps your overall healthy by removing plaque buildup and fighting against cavities.

#3) Drink More Water: 
Drinking water has it obvious benefits for our overall health, but did you know drinking water has great benefits for our smile?

Drinking water prevents staining from our teeth, cavities and fights bad breath. It prevents from bacteria from growing when your mouth is dry. It is also a great source of fluoride, which is great for your pearly whites.


Monday, December 31, 2018

2018 in Smiles

We have seen many fantastic smiles from braces to invisalign, these are just a few of the great smiles we have seen.


Friday, December 28, 2018

Thank You for a Great 2018

It has been another fantastic year at Kelly Orthodontics. We love our Saint Charles community and love all the smiles we have seen transformed in our office. Thank you to all our patients and their families for entrusting us with their smiles.

kelly orthodontics

Monday, November 26, 2018

November Smiles


We are so thankful for the trust our patients place in us to make their smile a beautiful healthy smile. Here are a few of our extraordinary patients this month. Whether it's through Invisalign or braces, our goal is to ensure your smile is an extension of your best self. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see more of our smiles.






Thursday, October 25, 2018

Halloween Sweets and Your Teeth




Not only is October Halloween, but also National Orthodontic Health Month!

There is an endless amount of free sugar given out and will surely make you happy, however for your teeth, that is another story. These sugary treats can affect your teeth in different ways, especially when it comes to orthodontic treatment and the overall health of your teeth.  Halloween is about having fun, dressing up and eating candy. It’s important to stick to your routines and be sure to brush your teeth, floss and wear your retainer.

Here are common types of Halloween candy and their impact on your teeth. You might want to stay away from these types, especially if you have braces.

Sticky Gummy Candies: Sticky, gummy type candies are the worst type of candy for your teeth. It is harder to remove and stay longer on your teeth. This is especially bad for those who just received orthodontic treatment such as braces.

Hard Candies: You want to watch out for hard candies on Halloween and beyond. These can break your teeth and can be damaging if you have braces. On top of that, hard candies can cause the sugar to wash all over your teeth. This is due to having the hard candy for longer periods in your mouth.

Sour Candy: It’s no secret how important the enamel on your tooth is. Acidic foods are harmful to your enamel and can cause it to erode, exposing your tooth to being more vulnerable to cavities. You can pass on sour candy because of the acidity.

Popcorn Balls: These are often a big hit on Halloween night. You may find a couple of these in your child’s Halloween bucket. Have some floss on hand after enjoying these treats. Please be aware, if you have braces, these are probably not an ideal treat.


Thursday, October 4, 2018

World Smile Day


Today is World Smile Day. A day that celebrates smiles on everyone. A smile is the universal language and can transform lives. Here are some of our amazing patients and their extraordinary smiles.





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 ap...