Why Do Straight Teeth Matter?

 Straight teeth provide more than a great smile.

Teeth are like gears on a wheel. They are made to fit together in a certain way to do a certain job. If they don’t fit together, they can’t do their job, and this may lead to a variety of oral health problems.

For starters, straight teeth are easier to clean. You can remove plaque more easily when teeth are aligned. Crooked teeth offer more places for plaque to hide and get missed when brushing. Plaque buildup can result in cavities, gum inflammation(puffiness and bleeding) and ultimately, gum disease.

Even if your front teeth appear straight, there can be a problem with your bite – how all your teeth fit together.

Teeth that protrude, especially at the front of the mouth, are more prone to injury.

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.

Research also suggests jaw position and size may be the root of some sleep issues including sleep apnea.

The benefits of straight teeth and jaw alignment are truly important to your overall well-being.

The good news is there is a way to set yourself up for success. Dr. Prose will develop a plan with you on how to get straight teeth and ensure a healthy bite is achieved by repositioning teeth within the jaw bones and ensuring they function properly.

Call us today to schedule your complimentary orthodontic evaluation

at 630-584-6555.

Know what you are drinking...

 The more you know...

Healthy you in 2022!

 

Know the facts when considering
orthodontic treatment as an adult.

It’s a new year, you have made your resolutions, and on the top of your list
is looking (and feeling) healthy! 

As a part of looking healthy and with the understanding that on-camera meetings are here to stay, you may be curious about straightening your teeth. You are not alone,  according to a recent study conducted by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), adult (18 years+) patients now outweigh teens/kids in treatment.

A common misperception is that you may be too old for orthodontic treatment or your situation is too difficult to consider treatment but this is NOT the case. The deciding factor on whether a patient is a good candidate for treatment is the health of their teeth and gums NOT their age. 

If the convenience of taking a selfie and receiving your orthodontic treatment by mail is attractive, you should be aware of the mail-order treatment process and the potential hidden dangers of a one-size-fits-all treatment plan

An in-person consultation is the best way for you to get the proper diagnosis and treatment which will be customized just for you.

Also, being actively monitored by Dr. Prose, An AAO orthodontic specialist, throughout your treatment will help to ensure that your treatment goes smoothly and you will be able to have the opportunity to have your questions answered by Dr. Prose. Your health history and habits need to be discussed so that you receive the best treatment possible. 

Items to think about when meeting with Dr. Prose:

• Fillings
• Missing Teeth
• Misshapen or worn teeth
• Dental disease
• Periodontal disease 
• Medications
• Habits like smoking, clenching or grinding teeth

All of these items can affect the outcome of your treatment.  Plus, for some adults to reach optimal dental health, your dentist and Dr. Prose will work in partnership and may need to call in other dental specialists such as oral surgeons, periodontists, and endodontists.

In short, NO, you are never too old for orthodontic treatment as long as you have healthy teeth and gums.

Dr. Prose is an expert in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – properly aligned teeth and jaws – and possess the skills and experience to give you your best smile. 

'Tis the Season

 

At this time of year, we take the time to reflect on all of the wonderful things we have...like having you and your family as part of
our orthodontic family.

We appreciate you choosing to work with us to perfect your smile & hope that the holidays and the coming year bring you and your family
every happiness & success!

Dr. Prose, Linda, Dave, Jen, Pauline, Mel, Nikki,
Margaret, Meredith, & Angie

New X-ray Technology

Smile...New X-ray Technology

Introducing the ProMax X-ray Machine

The ProMax X-Ray Machine is a new addition to our office, giving us the ability to optimize treatment plans and maximize the safety of our imaging procedures. This unit complies with the "best practices in dentistry" by following the American Dental Association's ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) radiation principal.  
The unique features of the ProMax X-Ray Machine allow us to focus imaging on specific teeth and facial anatomy, significantly reducing unnecessary exposure.
This unit, in conjunction with state-of-the-art software, provides you with the best patient care possible.

Please brush and floss your fangs after you have enjoyed your braces/aligner approved treats!

 

Back to School 2021

 

Now that the start of school is right around the corner, Prose Orthodontics would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs, sports, & family commitments, we know that it can be challenging to schedule orthodontic appointments.  We ask that follow up appointments are always made while the patient is still in the office. We strive to accommodate everyone's busy schedules and scheduling in advance allows for a larger selection of appointment times.  

Please give us at least 24 hours notice when possible, if you are unable to make your regularly scheduled appointment.  Understand that rescheduling appointments are difficult to find similar times because most appointments are made in advance.

We hope you have had a wonderful summer and made lots of great memories.

Please email or text us pictures of your summer smiles and they may be featured on Facebook or Instagram:)

 Keep your braces nice and clean this holiday weekend
by following this brushing guide...

 

Making your appointments...

We ask that you always try to make your next appointment before you leave the office to ensure you are able to choose a time that works best
with your schedule.  You can always text us at 630-584-6555 to ask for an appointment and we will text you back with our next available appointments.

Unexpected circumstances do come up, but we would highly appreciate
a 24 hour notice if you need to cancel.


Please text or call with any questions.

Patient Rewards Hub Information

 

HAVE YOU LOGGED INTO YOUR REWARDS ACCOUNT LATELY?

Did you know that when you refer your friends and familyyou earn more rewards points?
This month we have already awarded almost 600 rewards points 
to our patients for their referrals.

APRIL CONTEST:
Enter today for a chance to win a $50 gift card
to one of your favorite stores! The faster you answer the 20 true or false questions/statements the more points you receive.




BRING YOUR CARD TO EVERY VISIT:
Make sure to bring your rewards card to every visit & show it to the technician that works with you. Points are awarded at every visit.
Did you know there is an app you can download too?




Click here to login today!

Learn how our office air purifier creates a healthier indoor air environment for you and your family.

The IMPORTANCE of retainers!

 
How long do I need to wear my retainer after my orthodontic treatment?

Wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment is just as important as the treatment itself. Since teeth move your whole life, your teeth need support after orthodontic treatment in order to stay in place.

At Prose Orthodontics, we use removable retainers, which can be taken out for eating & cleaning and bonded retainers, which are attached to your teeth and are not removable.

Retainers stabilize your bones and teeth after the active orthodontic treatment, making sure that your teeth & bite do not change. 

This is why we recommend that retainers are worn every night, indefinitely.  

REMEMBER, retention is for life & it is your responsibility to wear your retainers as instructed to ensure that your teeth remain straight & keep your beautiful new smile for a lifetime!

If you experience any issues with your retainers please call or text the office as soon as possible at 630-584-6555.

Make sure you take care of your braces
to keep your treatment on track & avoid
extra office visits for repairs.

Please call or text the office with any questions!
630-584-6555

 

Halloween 2020

 

Timely tips to protect your fangs for a
spooktacular Halloween!

If you are wearing braces please avoid any candy that is sticky, hard, or chewy. These can damage brackets & wires and will require an extra appointment if something breaks.

If you are wearing clear aligners you will be happy to know
you can eat anything as long as you take out
your aligners while eating.

Please brush and floss your fangs after you have enjoyed your braces/aligner approved treats!

*Unfortunately, this year due to Covid concerns, we are not holding
our annual Halloween candy buy back.

Have a safe & fun Halloween!

Please call or text the office at
630-584-6555 with any questions, concerns,
or to schedule an appointment.

Spring Cleaning!

Spring is around the corner and it’s time for a little spring cleaning, which got us thinking about the importance of keeping our mouths healthy and clean.

This is especially important for orthodontic patients, because who wants to have straight teeth, but have bad breath and discoloration? 

Not us!

So whether you’ve got traditional braces or clear aligners, we’ve got the tips to make oral hygiene easy at home.

Cleaning Traditional Braces

There’s a lot of hardware involved with braces and that can pose a unique challenge in making sure your teeth are getting the clean they deserve.

1. Brush at least three times a day. It’s important to brush away food debris and plaque, and brushing after every meal makes overall cleaning easier.
2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Whether it’s manual or electric, having a toothbrush you can count on is the most important tool in your arsenal. Make sure you’re cleaning around the gum line, the tooth surface and around brackets.
3. Use an interproximal brush. More commonly known as a “Christmas tree” brush, this handy tool is great for cleaning the spaces between and around the brackets. These brushes are especially helpful for removing stubborn food particles.
4. Keep flossing. You might think that just because you have braces, you can’t floss. But you’d be wrong! Flossing is an important daily habit that helps remove plaque, which can give you healthy gums, fewer cavities and fresher breath. Try using a floss threader to make the process easier.

Cleaning Clear Aligners

While opting for clear aligners might seem like less work, there’s still a very important cleaning routine you’ll need to follow to avoid discoloration and odor.

1. Make cleaning your aligners part of your morning routine. While you’re asleep, bacteria builds up on the trays and it’s important to start the day off right with clean teeth and clean aligners.
2. When you take your aligners out, always rinse them off. This prevents dry saliva and plaque from building up. Cleaning those trays can help protect you from bad breath and cavities.
3. Keep your case with you. When taking your aligners out, make sure you always have your case with you. The last thing you want to do is damage or misplace one of your trays. 
4. Keep your aligners sparkling. The best way to keep your aligners clean and clear is to soak them in either cleaning crystals or in a denture cleaning solution. Soaking helps maintain the crystal clear look of your clear trays, and isn’t that the point?
5. Take your aligners out for meals! Never eat or drink anything other than water when you’re wearing your trays. Many foods and drinks can stain and discolor your aligners and you should brush after every meal before putting your trays back in to protect them.

Above all, the most important thing to remember whether you’ve got braces or clear aligners, is to continue going to the dentist every six months for your cleanings! 

Always wear your appliances as instructed and keep in mind that orthodontics only work if you do. If you keep up the good work when it comes to your orthodontic needs,
 you can be confident that the smile on the other side of treatment is one you can be proud of!

www.proseorthodontics.com

Orthodontists vs. Dentists - Do you know the difference?

Do you know the difference between
what we do at Prose Orthodontics
and what your dentist does?  

Here is another helpful chart...




Please feel free to contact us at 630-584-6555 with any questions!

Invisalign Possibilities

Have you ever thought of what your smile would look like with 
Invisalign treatment? 

From your desktop use your phone's QR scanner or 
follow the link below to check out the possibilities...

https://providerbio.invisalign.com/sv/sprose

Treat your braces right!

To all our Ghosts and Goblins...

At this time of year we all love apple picking, pumpkin carving, & all of the fun family activities around the Fox River Valley area. But do you want to know what really give us a fright? Halloween candy! If you are wearing braces please avoid any candy that is sticky, hard, or chewy. These can damage brackets & wires and will require an extra appointment if something breaks. If you are wearing clear aligners you will be happy to know you can eat anything as long as you take out your aligners while eating. Please brush and floss your fangs after you have enjoyed your braces/aligner approved treats!

New Retainer? No impression necessary!

This blog was originally posted in 2017...

Is it time for a new retainer?

Retainers are an important part of your orthodontic treatment. 

At Prose Orthodontics, we recommend lifetime nightly retainer wear  

after your smile has been corrected through our Damon Braces or Invisalign.

The ligaments and tissues in your mouth need time to adjust to the teeth's new locations and hold them in place.  These ligaments are tempted to snap back into their original positions; taking the teeth with them slowly.  The retainer ensures that your teeth remain in their new location.

You will need to call us for a new retainer if yours falls into 1 or more of these categories:

1. It is broken or damaged.  Retainers are commonly damaged by getting stepped on, sat on, or chewed up by the family dog.
2. It is worn our from normal wear.  Most retainers last 2-3 years, or possibly much longer with the proper care and maintenance.  If you notice discoloration, calcium buildup, distortion, or a loose fit, it may be time for a new one.
3. It no longer fits correctly.  It's your job to minimize movement by wearing your retainer regularly; according to Dr. Prose's instructions. If your teeth shift so much that your retainer doesn't fit right, Dr. Prose may be able to adjust it. If not, it will need to be replaced.

New retainer? No impression necessary!

No more goop, gagging, or discomfort.  Using our Itero scanner we take a highly accurate digital image of your teeth.  This new technology completely eliminates the tray and putty impressions!

If your lower bonded retainer comes out or gets loose on one side. Please call our office at 630-584-6555 to schedule an appointment to have it repaired as soon as possible. 

As always please call with any questions!

We are so excited that the hot weather has finally arrived &
summer feels like it is finally here!

At Prose Orthodontics we want to make sure that you enjoy your summer while taking care of your braces, aligners, & oral care. 

While packing for a family vacation or summer camp, remember to bring along everything you need to take care for your braces or aligners.  Also, if you are in any summer sports make sure to have a mouthguard with you to protect your teeth & braces.

Forgetting to care for your teeth & braces can lead to various dental issues & could prolong your treatment time.  When your bags are getting packed make sure you bring along the following:

• Toothbrush 
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Christmas tree brushes
• Orthodontic wax
• Mouthwash
• Extra case for retainers/aligners

In case of an emergency make sure to have contact information for a local orthodontic office near where you will be staying.  If you can't visit an orthodontic office during your trip, make sure to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible to have the issue fixed.

At picnics or outings make sure to avoid summer treats like sticky/hard candies, corn on the cob, popcorn, or really hard pretzels & chips. 

Please call with any questions & have a great summer!