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!

 

Smile...It's 2022!

Kelly Orthodontics

It’s a new year! What better time than the New Year to focus on your well-being. This includes your orthodontic care. Addressing your orthodontic concerns in the new year not only leads to a new smile, but carries a host of other benefits, too.

For many adults and teens, crooked or imperfect teeth can have a negative impact on their self-confidence. If you are embarrassed by your smile, chances are the people around you are missing out on how approachable, confident, and knowledgeable you really are. By fixing your smile, you can boost your self-esteem and be more open and engaged with the people around you.

Moreover, what’s going on in your mouth is connected to your overall physical health. Studies have shown that gum disease is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and poor oral hygiene increases the risk of bacterial infections in the blood. The American Dental Association reports that misaligned teeth are also linked to strokes, pneumonia, and diabetes.

When your teeth are spaced correctly, those nooks and crannies that once were more prone to harboring bacteria are now more easily reached. With straighter teeth, you can more effectively clean against toothdecay, gum disease, and cavities.

At Kelly Orthodontics, we practice the most innovative orthodontic care with amazing results. We make the process of getting straight teeth as quick, comfortable, and stress-free as possible. Our orthodontic services include:

Invisalign - This popular orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear aligners that change the position of your teeth through steady pressure. The aligners are clear and difficult to detect during wear, perfect for adults and teens who want a subtle treatment solution. Invisalign can be used to treat some of the most common cosmetic dental problems, such as gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and mouth crowding.

Traditional Braces - Metal braces are the most common option for a variety of reasons, including durability and cost. While they have been around for decades, constant innovation means that metal braces are more advanced than ever before and are a great option for straightening teeth, especially in severe cases.

Ceramic Braces - While they work similarly to metal braces, ceramic braces are a popular choice among many patients because they are less visible due to their clear color. If you want spectacular results without the aesthetic concerns caused by metal braces, ceramic braces may be a great option for you.

When you look good, you feel good. It’s no secret that straight, properly spaced teeth help you face the world with more confidence. The team at Kelly Orthodontics knows that making the decision to have a healthy smile is a great start to the new year! Don’t let anything hold you back from achieving your dreams, especially not your less-than-perfect smile. Take the first step towards your New Year’s resolution by scheduling a complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr. Dan Kelly! Contact us today and start your journey to a beautiful new smile!

 

Handle Your Retainer with Care

Kelly Orthodontics

Like most patients at Kelly Orthodontics, you are probably counting down the days until you get your braces off. It’s no question that when that day comes, it will be exciting. But…it is important to remember that just because your braces have been removed, that doesn’t mean your orthodontic treatment is over.

Retainers will need to be worn following the removal of your braces to prevent the teeth from shifting. It is vital to follow Dr. Kelly’s instructions carefully after you have had your orthodontic treatment completed to ensure long-standing results.

Unfortunately, braces do not guarantee that your orthodontic treatment results will be permanent. In fact, teeth have a natural tendency to move back into their original place after the forces holding them have been removed. Without a retainer, it is likely that the teeth will go back to their prior misalignment shortly after having your braces removed. A retainer helps to keep your teeth aligned until they have set firmly into place.

Retainer use will continue indefinitely. The amount of time that you must spend wearing your retainer will depend on how long it has been since you had your braces removed. In most situations, you will be required to wear your retainer as often as possible for the first 3 to 6 months after your braces have been removed. After this, it is recommended that you wear your retainer nightly for the next 1 to 3 years. Failing to wear your retainer for a day or two won’t cause significant issues but failing to wear your retainer for extended periods of time will cause your teeth to move out of alignment.

There two main types of retainers and our team will discuss the best solution for retaining the alignment of your teeth with you.

Removable Retainers – These are retainers that you can remove and store when they are not in your mouth. This kind of retainer is often much easier to keep clean, because you can remove your retainer whenever you eat or brush your teeth. Removable retainers allow you to be more efficient with your oral hygiene routine. However, the main drawback to removable retainers is that you must remember to wear it according to Dr. Kelly’s specifications. Removable retainers are also easier to lose and damage, because they can be taken out of your mouth and misplaced.

Fixed Retainers - A fixed retainer is adhered to the teeth in much the same way as your braces. Fixed retainers consist of a thin wire that is positioned and bonded to the back surface of your teeth. Fixed retainers effective at keeping the teeth in place, but they can be more difficult to keep clean.

It is important to keep your retainer clean and in good condition. Remember to rinse your removable retainer in cold water before and after use. If you have a fixed retainer, you will need to follow the same processes to clean it as you did with braces. Store your removable retainer in a plastic case whenever it is not in your mouth. You will also need to wash your retainer with a specialized cleaner every few months.

At Kelly Orthodontics, we are passionate about your smile. To learn more about how to keep your smile straight and beautiful, visit our website or give one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members a call.

 

 

Affordable Orthodontic Care

Kelly Orthodontics

If you recently learned that orthodontic treatment is in your or your child’s future, remain calm and rest assured that Kelly Orthodontics will help you each step of the way.

Dr. Dan Kelly and his team are aware that people have finite budgets. Juggling expenses is a fact of life. Our office is accustomed to working with families and individuals to make orthodontic care affordable and budget friendly.

First…make an appointment with our St. Charles, Illinois office. New patient exams are always complimentary. During this initial exam, a comprehensive clinical examination will be performed to determine the need for orthodontic treatment. If Dr. Kelly feels treatment is necessary, he will explain appropriate recommendations and answer any questions you may have. One of the things that make Kelly Orthodontics unique is that the doctor performs this initial examination himself. We feel that this personalized approach makes our office very approachable and responsive to your questions.

It may be a pleasant surprise to learn how truly affordable orthodontic care is today. Monthly payments can be no more than the cost of your mobile phone plan…but the benefits last a lot longer. At the end of the day, orthodontic care is a lifetime investment in your or your child’s health and appearance, and payment plans make care quite manageable.

Do you have insurance to help pay for treatment? For your convenience, we assist you by verifying insurance coverage and submitting insurance claims pertaining to charges for care rendered in our office. Orthodontic insurance differs from general dental insurance in that each insured individual has a lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services. This benefit is paid as a percentage of the orthodontic fee and can offset the total treatment cost. We can even help you strategize how to maximize your benefits so you can minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

How can you afford braces without insurance? When it comes to paying for braces, you have options.

Choose a low-cost option. At Kelly Orthodontics, we offer affordable braces. Meaning, we have braces that require fewer office visits and braces that are made with more cost-effective materials. These more affordable options will help reduce the cost of your treatment overall.

Ask for a payment plan. We offer several payment programs including interest-free financing, prepayment discounts, and extended third party financing. We also have a multiple family member discount policy. These types of plans help tremendously when investing in affordable braces for you or your child.

Use your Flexible Spending Account. Even if your dental plan does not cover orthodontics, your employer might offer a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). The money you put into this account is not taxed, which means your dollars will go further. Contribute the maximum amount and use these funds to pay for expenses not covered by insurance, including braces.

Though orthodontics can come with a higher price tag, you do have many options to help you pay for your or your child’s orthodontic care. Start by having a conversation with Dr. Dan Kelly…then begin your journey toward an improved smile.