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.

 

 

Are You Suffering From a TMJ Disorder?

Kelly Orthodontics

As a Certified Specialist in Orthodontics, Dr. Dan Kelly doesn’t just make amazing looking smiles, he also deals with the bite as a whole…including the jaw. If you touch your face right in front of your ear while opening and closing your jaw, you will feel your temporomandibular joint at work. When your temporomandibular joint working as it should, you can yawn or take a big bite of your favorite food without thinking twice. When your temporomandibular joint is off, yawning and opening your mouth wide can cause serious pain.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone on either side of the face. The temporomandibular joint is capable of both hinge and sliding motions, allowing us to shift the jaw side to side and forward and back to do things like chew, yawn, and talk.

While people often refer to problems with the joint as TMJ, that is the name for the joint itself and TMJ pain is actually a TMJ disorder and part of a larger category of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). TMD involves the temporomandibular joint or its associated structures, such as the discs, muscles, cartilage, and ligaments.

The most common TMD symptoms include:

• Popping, clicking, or a grating sensation when you open and close your mouth 
• Pain and tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders 
• A decrease in jaw mobility leading to trouble opening the mouth fully 
• Muscle spasms around the jaw 
• Frequent headaches, earaches, pressure, and pain behind the eyes

If TMD is left untreated, it can lead to inflammation, swelling, or chronic pain. It can also contribute to progressive dental problems, such as premature tooth wear and periodontal disease.

Treatment of TMJ disorders depends on the cause. Custom nightguards or oral splints can be an excellent way to get relief without medication. If TMD is due to malocclusion or an imbalance in bite forces, braces or Invisalign can align the teeth and jaws, which repositions the TMJ and surrounding structures.

There are other issues that can cause the symptoms most experienced with TMD, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even medical conditions like arthritis. That’s why it’s important to receive a proper diagnosis and the appropriate treatment from experienced orthodontist like Dr. Kelly. If you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms associated with TMD, give Kelly Orthodontics a call. 

 

Scheduling Orthodontic Appointments With Kelly Orthodontics

Kelly Orthodontics

For many of us, making doctor appointments is a troubling task. Easily forgotten and always hard to fit into our busy weeks, especially with schedules that seem to change frequently.

If you are trying to schedule your initial appointment with Kelly Orthodontics but aren’t sure about the specifics, such as how to request an appointment or what exactly you need to be seen for, don’t worry…these are common concerns that many of our patients share. At Kelly Orthodontics, we want to make every step as simple as can be.

Whether you need to schedule an appointment for braces, a retainer, or other orthodontic issues, Dr. Dan Kelly will investigate any abnormalities that you or your dentist may have noticed to give a better vision for the future of your teeth. Visiting our office should be done anytime you have a concern or issue with the placement of your teeth, jaw, or general alignment within your mouth. Keeping your teeth healthy, straight, strong, and beautiful is a joint effort between you and Dr. Kelly, so it’s important to be sure you are on the right track moving forward with your oral health.

Timing is everything, especially when it comes to your or your child’s orthodontic treatment.

Our team believes each smile is unique and feel that it is especially important to listen to your concerns, your specific needs, and your preferences. This is just part of what makes us one of the best orthodontic offices in the St. Charles, Illinois area. Kelly Orthodontics has been a respected provider of orthodontic care in our community for over 40 years and is looking forward to educating you on your best options for creating your new smile.

At Kelly Orthodontics, you have a few options for requesting your appointment. Below are the ways you can do this:

Call Our Office. Give us a call and discuss how to set up an appointment with Dr. Kelly. Calling our St. Charles office is one of the easiest ways to get your appointment finalized and is an effortless way to find a time that works with your schedule.

Request Online. Requesting an orthodontic appointment online via our website is another easy way to fit an appointment into your schedule. Simply fill out the form on our request page and one of our team members will contact you to finalize and confirm your appointment.

Stop By. If you’re in the St. Charles, Illinois area, stop in and set up your appointment in person. You can get a feel for the office when you're inside, and it makes it quite easy to ask any questions you may have about the appointment that you’re requesting to schedule.

Always remember…you are never too old for orthodontic treatment as long as you have healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Kelly is an expert in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. He possesses the skills and experience needed to give you your best smile.

Dr. Dan Kelly and the Kelly Orthodontic Team have a mission to not only give you a more beautiful smile but to also provide an extremely pleasant experience in our family-friendly environment. Visit us today!

 

Handling Orthodontics Issues at Home

Kelly Orthodontics

Even though you are careful, you may occasionally damage your braces or orthodontic appliance. While there are steps you can take to temporarily fix or alleviate discomfort and prevent additional damage, you should always notify our office if you have any issues or concerns. 

At Kelly Orthodontics, we want our patients to be informed of problems that may occur, and understand how to solve them, at least temporarily, until it is possible to return to our office. With the tools and supplies listed below, you will be prepared to handle the most common orthodontic issues at home.

• Orthodontic Wax
• Dental Floss 
• Tweezers
• Q-tips 
• Salt 
• Interproximal Brush 
• Toothpicks 
• Non-prescription Pain Reliever  
• Topical Anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel)

Below are some typical orthodontic issues and how you can solve them:

Discomfort - It’s normal to have some initial discomfort during orthodontic treatment as your teeth move. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may alleviate this discomfort.  If the discomfort lasts longer than a couple days, be sure to call our office.

If food becomes stuck between your teeth, use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food. If you cut your gums, tongue or the inside of your cheek, apply finger pressure to the bleeding site for several minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, call your family dentist or our office.

Minor irritations and canker sores will heal more quickly if you apply Zylactin or Orabase according to the manufacturer's directions. You can purchase it over the counter at most pharmacies and convenient stores.

Loose or Poking Archwires - If a wire causes irritation, push the wire away from the area using the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-tip. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax or a cotton ball until you can see us for an adjustment.

If the main wire has come out of the tube on the back tooth, attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle-nose pliers or tweezers. If the wire is sticking you, place a piece of wax over the area. As a last resort, if you cannot come into our office, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or fingernail clippers close to the back of the last brace.

Loose Brackets or Bands - If a bracket becomes loose, it usually remains connected to the main wire by a little colored rubber ring or a small steel ligature tie. Tweezers can be used to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. Call our office and inform us of the problem. If a piece of your braces break, save the piece and call our office to schedule a repair visit.

There will be normal, day-to-day discomfort associated with wearing braces, if you have any questions about your orthodontic treatment, or if you think you may have a true orthodontic emergency, don’t hesitate to call our St. Charles orthodontic office…We are here help!

Is Invisalign Expensive?

Kelly Orthodontics

Orthodontics may seem like a purely aesthetic treatment for a more attractive smile, but that’s not the case. Crooked teeth are harder to keep clean, which puts you at risk of decay and periodontal disease.

When it comes to orthodontic treatment options, many people have a hard time deciding between Invisalign and traditional braces. Ultimately, every patient is different, and the best option comes down to your lifestyle, your preferences, and your orthodontic needs. If you want a treatment option that doesn’t draw attention to the fact that you’re straightening your teeth, Invisalign is the clear choice for you. But just how expensive is Invisalign treatment?

There are several factors that contribute to the amount you might pay Invisalign. Factors include:

1. Insurance: When Invisalign was first introduced, it wasn’t covered by insurance companies, making it a very expensive option for anyone who wanted it. Today, Invisalign is covered by a wide variety of companies and plans. Double check your insurance plan to see if Invisalign treatment is covered.

2. The Severity of Your Orthodontic Problem: Invisalign can treat the entire spectrum of teeth and jaw misalignments. However, more acute conditions take more time and supplies to correct. Therefore, a severe orthodonticproblem might end up with higher overall costs.

3. Patient Compliance: Invisalign’s efficacy depends almost entirely on whether you actually wear your aligners. The treatment itself recommends that the aligners be worn all day, every day. If you can't leave your Invisalign trays in because of an activity like playing a sport or playing an instrument, your teeth are not going to move as quickly. This means that your treatment time will take longer than originally planned, which could make your entire treatment more expensive.

Effective for a wide range of smiles. The Invisalign system has been successful in giving hundreds of thousands of amazing smiles to both teens and adults. While the cost of Invisalign is covered by most insurance companies, if cost is a concern, we can provide you with estimates based on your exact treatment plan.  

At Kelly Orthodontics, we believe that every patient deserves a beautiful smile, and we will make every effort to make your Invisalign treatment affordable. 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. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express and can easily arrange for automatic payment from your credit or debit card.

Not everyone is a candidate for the Invisalign aligner system. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kelly to see if the Invisalign system is right for you. 

 

 

Straight Teeth Matter

Kelly Orthodontics

The benefit of straight teeth is not only for aesthetics. Straight teeth provide more than a great smile.

For starters, straight teeth are easier to clean. When teeth are rotated and overlapped, more nooks and crannies exist where plaque bacteria can build up. Even with proper brushing and flossing, some areas may be difficult to clean and will have a higher risk of forming a cavity. Straighter teeth allow for easier cleaning and lower cavity risk.

Just like how misaligned teeth can cause cavities, they can also result in gum disease. Because misaligned teeth are more difficult to keep clean, the build-up of plaque bacteria can cause gum inflammation that may potentially lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. Also, gum recession can occur in areas with crowding due to difficulty with brushing.   

Even if your front teeth appear straight, there can be a problem with your bite. Added wear of teeth, chipping of teeth, and teeth grinding are very common problems when an improper bite is present. Jawbone and joint problems can also develop, leading to breakdown of the bones that support your teeth as well as TMJ pain, headaches, and migraines. All of this can make it difficult to talk and chew food efficiently and comfortably.

The most notable benefit of straight teeth is the improvement to facial aesthetics. Teeth in proper alignment look nice when talking and smiling. When teeth are crooked or the bite is off, it can change the shape of the face. Teeth with extreme overbite can make the lower jaw and chin look unpronounced, and underbite can make the chin look overly pronounced.

The benefits of straight teeth and jaw alignment are truly important to your overall well-being. If you are interested in straightening your teeth or have any questions about options, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment. At Kelly Orthodontics, our team can develop a plan to help you get straight teeth and ensure a healthy bite is achieved.