Thursday, December 8, 2016

"Twas the Night Before Braces."

  


During this busy holiday season, we wanted to take a moment to thank all of our wonderful patients and their families. It is truly an honor for us to help perfect smiles, and we know that without such caring and devoted patients, none of it would be possible.

One of our awesome patients, Abbey G., wrote this award winning holiday poem and we wanted to share it with all of you. 


"Twas the night before braces"

Twas the night before braces, when all through the house
No kids were crying not even one ounce
The Motrin prepared with very good care
In hopes that soft foods will soon be there

Smoothies, french fries, and soft food for days
We need lots of groceries and many x-rays
The siblings all prepared to treat me with care
I'm waiting for the orthodontist ready to be there

I'm asking what time the big day will be
I'm jumping for joy and cheering with glee
I'm getting prepared for the big day to come
After I get braces I can't chew gum

I think I'm ready and it's getting quite late
If I don't go to bed I'll be dead bait
When I'm all ready for bed
I dream of floating braces in my head.

As always, we are so grateful for the support, the dedication, and the warmth that our patients show us every day, We sincerely appreciate every patient that walks through our doors.

Have a happy holiday season from all of us at Prose Orthodontics.






Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month!


Everyone knows that we celebrate Halloween in October, but not everyone knows that October is 
National Orthodontic Health Month.  


While every month at Prose Orthodontics we strive to raise awareness of the importance of good orthodontic health, National Orthodontic Health Month aims to recognize the dedicated work of this country's orthodontists and other dental professionals.  



We love Halloween at Prose Orthodontics, but we would like to remind all of our patients with braces to avoid those Halloween goodies that can damage or break your brackets or wires.  Even though it is tempting to eat hard, crunchy, gooey treats on Halloween, those types of candies are "brace-busters!"  Click here to view a great "treat" list that won't play a "trick" on your braces!

Have a safe and fun Halloween!
#AwesomeProseSmiles


Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Scheduling Appointments



At Prose Orthodontics our patients are seen about every 8-10 weeks for regular visits.  These appointments typically take 15-30 minutes and can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for you - in the morning, after school or work, or during lunch.  

At certain times during orthodontic treatment, we may need longer appointment time.  Examples of these visits are: initial placement of braces, adding braces, replacing a loose brace, and removal of braces.  While we make every effort of provide convenient scheduling options, these longer appointments are scheduled during each day, usually in the morning or early afternoon.

We realize that everyone has busy schedules.  Therefore, we make every effort to be on time for our patients, and ask that you extend the same courtesy to us.  While every appointment is crucial to the success of your treatment, we understand that sometimes events may cause you to change or overlook an appointment.   If you can't keep an appointment or are running late please call to let us know as soon as possible. We will offer you our next available appointment.  Keep in mind that missed appointments can extend your treatment time.

You will always receive an automated appointment reminder as long as we have your current phone number.  If you would you like to receive email or text reminders please register with T-Link by clicking here, text: drprose to 622622 or scan the QR code below.








Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Orthodontic treatment and rubber bands


Wearing rubber bands during your orthodontic treatment

There may come a time during your orthodontic treatment when you are asked to wear rubber bands.  They are an important part of your treatment and it is important to follow the instructions given to you.  

These small, elastic bands add the needed force to align teeth, correct an overbite, or correct an underbite.  The rubber bands or elastics come in many different sizes, strengths, and colors and are fit specifically for you.  You will be instructed on where to place the rubber bands and also how many hours per day they are to be worn.  They can be removed to eat and also to brush your teeth.  After you brush, always remember to replace your rubber bands with new ones that Prose Orthodontics supplies for you.

If you are instructed to wear them full time, that means 21-22 hours per day. 
Think of the rubber bands as the force that pushes a car uphill - the continued force the faster the car will get up the hill. If you stop the force the car will roll back down the hill and you will be back where you started.  

Teeth can't guess where they are supposed to be in your mouth.  Their position is a result of force over a continued period of time.

Keep your orthodontic treatment on schedule and make sure to wear your rubber bands as instructed!  Please ask anyone at Prose Orthodontics for more information regarding rubber bands.



Thursday, July 21, 2016

Prose Orthodontics knows that a clean mouth is a happy mouth!!!




Nothing makes us happier than when we see your smiling face and your clean teeth and braces! 


Clean teeth and braces means that you have been working hard to prevent food from getting trapped under your wires and in between your teeth.  Always be thorough when you brush.  Here are some tips to keep your teeth (and us) smiling proud...

  • Tooth brushing is all about angles.  
  • Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down.  
  • Brush the bottom of your teeth and braces with the brush angled up. 
  • "Christmas tree" or interproximal brushes are great for reaching the tiny spots around your braces and under your wires.
  • Brush after every meal.  You don't want to leave food sitting on your teeth or braces because it will turn into plaque if left long enough.  Plaque is a sign of an unhappy mouth!
  • Don't skip flossing!  Use floss threaders to make the job easier and try to floss after every meal.
Visit our website for more helpful hints.

http://proseorthodontics.com/braces/#brushing  

Thursday, June 9, 2016


TIPS FOR AVOIDING AND HANDLING ORTHODONTIC EMERGENCIES


Taking care of your braces throughout your treatment is the best way to avoid orthodontic emergencies.  However, emergencies happen, and not always at the best time!   Sometimes no matter how careful you are or how well you care for your braces, the wires get long, brackets come loose, or you experience orthodontic discomfort.  

Some common emergencies are loose brackets, poking wires, mouth sores, lost or broken retainers, and mouth injuries sustained playing sports.

WHAT TO EAT

It is very important to not eat foods that can damage your braces and wires.  All sticky, crunchy, chewy, and hard foods should be avoided during your entire treatment.  While it seems like a long time to go without, these types of foods can loosen the brackets and bend the wires.  

If a bracket comes loose or comes off of the wire, put the bracket in a bag, and call us at 630.584.6555 to set up a repair appointment.  If a wire comes out of a bracket you can try to put it back in or you can call us and we will be happy to fix it.  

DISCOMFORT

You will experience some discomfort after your braces are first placed or after your wires are changed. That discomfort should only last a few days and over the counter pain medication can help give you relief. If you are still experiencing discomfort after 4-5 days, however, it would be a good idea to call Prose Orthodontics.  

In between appointments your wires make get too long and start to poke.  Don't try to trim the wire yourself.  Please call the office to set up an appointment and we will take care of the poking wire for you.

PLAYING SPORTS

Sports related injuries to the mouth and jaw are common and the best way to protect your teeth and braces is to wear a mouthguard.  We have mouthguards in the office and will be happy to give you the appropriate one for your sport.

RETAINERS

Your retainers are so important to maintain your Prose smile.  If by chance a pet gets a hold of one of your retainers please call us to have it replaced for a fee. We will need to take an impression to make you a new retainer.  If your retainer develops a crack please call the office and set up an appointment to have your retainer evaluated.  

Your lower retainer will need to be repaired if it becomes loose.  If it happens to come out, please save it, and call us to set up a repair appointment.  

You never want to go too long without your retainers!


Most orthodontic emergencies do not require an immediate appointment. Please refer to http://proseorthodontics.com/braces/ for more information.  

If you have any questions or would like more tips please ask any team member at Prose Orthodontics.  

  

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

May is National Teen Self Esteem Month




National Teen Self Esteem Month is designed to focus attention on the importance of teens having a healthy outlook of themselves and figure out ways in which we can support them in that development.

Building and maintaining self esteem is a process that happens throughout the year and Prose Orthodontics is here to help.  Below are some interesting facts regarding straight smiles...

  • The Want List: Having an attractive smile is something important to many Americans. Close to three in five (57%) Americans would rather have a nice smile than clear skin. What's more, 87% would forego something for a year in order to have a nice smile for the rest of their life; more than one-third of these folks would give up dessert (39%) or vacations (37%).
  • Making a Lasting impression: It's important to have attractive teeth as part of a smile because pearly whites make a lasting first impression.Nearly one-third (29%) of Americans say the first aspect of someone's face they typically notice is his or her teeth, and 24% say this is also the facial aspect that they remember the most after meeting someone.
  • A Nice Smile Goes a Long Way: Nearly three in four (73%) Americans would be more likely to trust someone with a nice smile than someone with a good job, outfit, or car.  

Not all teens are that excited at the thought of metal brackets, however, metal brackets aren't the only option to achieve a beautiful smile. Invisalign is the clear alternative to metal braces that uses a series of virtually invisible and removable aligners that gradually move teeth over time.  Dr. Prose is a 2016 Preferred Provider of Invisalign.  

Please contact us today for more information on how we can work together to help develop a positive and healthy self image!


Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Spring is right around the corner.


Play it safe this spring!

Spring is almost here and we want to remind our patients at Prose Orthodontics to protect their faces and teeth while out on the playing fields.  Children, high-school athletes, and adults have more than 5 million teeth are knocked out in sporting events each year, according to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation.

If you are planning on, or playing in, a spring sport it is important to have a proper-fitting mouthguard.  Mouthguards can prevent chipped or broken teeth, lip and cheek injuries, jaw fractures, and even concussions.

If you are currently wearing braces we have mouthguards in the office that will fit over your braces and protect your teeth and brackets.  If you don't have braces you will want to protect your Prose smile with a custom mouthguard. Please call 630.584.6555 with any questions.





Tuesday, March 1, 2016

How to keep your orthodontic retainer clean.




Retainers are forever!

At Prose Orthodontics we want you to understand that the retainers you have been given at the end of your treatment are necessary to minimize the movement of your teeth.  There is no part of your body that doesn't change over time and teeth are no exception.  Since your retainers are part of your life now, here are some tips to keeping them clean. 


If you have a lower bonded retainer we have shown you how to floss around it.  The retainer can stay in place for as long as possible, however, if it were to become lose or completely come out, please keep it and call our office right away to schedule an appointment to have it repaired.  Your dentist will clean around it at your regular visits also.

 
Your upper retainer will get dirty and wear out over time just like a pair of shoes. The key to keeping your retainer as clean as possible is to clean your retainer immediately after removing it from you mouth. Brushing your retainer can remove bacteria, but soaking your retainer in some form of anti -bacterial retainer/denture cleaner on a regular basis will help your retainer taste and smell better the next time you wear it.  

Keeping your retainers clean are very similar to keeping your teeth clean.  If you take care of your retainers, just like your teeth, they will look better and last longer.

Friday, February 5, 2016

What is the Best Age for My Child to See an Orthodontist?



Have you noticed more young kids with braces on these days?
Why so young? 
Don’t they still have baby teeth? 
When should I take my child to see the orthodontist for the first time? 


According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the best age for children to be seen by an orthodontist for the first time is 7. Why age 7?  Not every orthodontic problem can be treated at age 7, however, most problems can be identified by that age. 

Baby or "primary" teeth are usually lost in a fairly specific order. The 1st eight primary teeth are usually lost between the ages of 6 and 8.  These eight primary teeth are ideally replaced immediately by the permanent incisors.  The 1st four permanent molars emerge around the age of 6. If they come out in a different order there may be developmental issues that need to be addressed.

Around the age of 7 it is possible to determine if a child has excessive crowding or spacing problems.   Excessive spacing may mean that a baby tooth has been lost too early or a tooth never developed.  Excessive crowding means that there isn't enough room for all of the teeth and may require early intervention for the arches to be expanded.

At any age, teeth can be aligned.  However, crooked teeth are more prone to uneven wear or damage.  Also the gum tissues can be compromised.  Earlier intervention can prevent wear and gum issues and also a child's self esteem can  be positively impacted.

Prose Orthodontics recommends an exam at age 7 so these and other conditions can be identified and corrected as early as possible.  If treatment is not warranted at this age your child's growth and development will be monitored at 6 month intervals to determine to best time for orthodontic treatment. 

As always, our new patient exams are complimentary as well as the 6 month monitoring visits.  

No matter the age, you and your family will receive the highest quality care at 

Have you noticed more young kids with braces on these days? Why so young? Don’t they still have baby teeth? When should I take my child to see the orthodontist for the first time? - See more at: http://www.gregjorgensen.com/blog/2012/08/what-is-the-best-age-for-my-child-to-see-an-orthodontist/#sthash.J3Z78Dbr.dpuf
Have you noticed more young kids with braces on these days? Why so young? Don’t they still have baby teeth? When should I take my child to see the orthodontist for the first time? - See more at: http://www.gregjorgensen.com/blog/2012/08/what-is-the-best-age-for-my-child-to-see-an-orthodontist/#sthash.J3Z78Dbr.dpuf

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

2016 Resolutions - Brace yourself!


2016 New Years Resolutions: Brace yourself!

It’s hard to believe that 2016 is here. The beginning of the year gives Dr. Prose and his team time to reflect over 2015 and look forward to what 2016 has to bring. We’ve had a fantastic year and have enjoyed seeing many new and familiar faces in our office.

Many of us kick off the New Year with resolutions to improve and enrich our lives. That’s why we’d like to offer a few possible dental-related New Years resolutions that those of you wearing braces might want to make.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Family Dentist

Just because you’re a patient at Prose Orthodontics doesn’t mean that you should neglect to see your family dentist. In fact, when you have braces on your teeth, it’s more important than ever to see your dentist regularly for examinations and cleanings. This is because food debris and plaque can become trapped in and around wires and brackets can increase your risk of developing tooth decay and other problems.

Make a Commitment to Floss Daily

Many people fail to floss their teeth each day, including people wearing braces, because they feel it’s a hassle to floss or that it’s just not necessary.  Flossing your teeth is a very important thing you should do every day, especially if you’re wearing braces. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and in and around your appliances to help you avoid tooth decay. We recommend using a special floss threader that makes flossing your teeth easier.


Be Compliant with Your Elastics

The elastics that we have asked you to wear are used to help move your teeth into new positions. Poor compliance in wearing these elastics, like skipping days or not wearing them full-time as prescribed, may result in a longer treatment time and poorer than expected final results. Make a resolution to wear your elastics as directed so your treatment goes along as planned.

Cut Back on Sugar

Many studies have found that there is a direct link with how much sugar one eats and the amount of tooth decay he/she has. This is why it’s a good idea to make a New Years resolution to cut back on how much sugar you consume. For instance, if you drink sugary soda water, give it up for a healthier option like sugar-free bubbling water. And instead of reaching for candy when you have a sweet tooth, go for something healthier like yogurt or soft fruit.

These are just a few suggestions for New Years resolutions that patients wearing braces might wish to make. If you are thinking about seeing an orthodontist for a consultation,  Prose Orthodontics is ready to make your 2016 the year you take the big step! Our practice offers orthodontic care to patients of all ages using the most advanced orthodontic treatment options from metal braces for youngsters to Invisalign for teens and adults. Please contact us today to schedule your appointment!

Why Do Straight Teeth Matter?