Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry Blog

What Are Some Common Problems for Braces Patients?

February 13, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 9:32 pm
Teen smiles with braces

While braces are a time-tested orthodontic method that can straighten out smiles even in complex cases, they require a significant amount of effort on the part of the patient. These orthodontic appliances require their wearers to carefully and rigorously clean them every day while abstaining from certain foods and beverages. While braces aren’t always completely comfortable to wear, patients can take special measures to keep any discomfort at a minimum. Here are a few common problems with braces and a few tips for resolving them.

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What Are Some Tips for Wearing Invisalign?

January 12, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 12:59 am
Woman thinks something over

Many patients report that oral care with Invisalign is much easier than with traditional metal braces, but patients will still need to follow a few basic rules to keep their teeth healthy and their treatments on track. Without proper care, a patient’s teeth might become discolored or shift out of alignment. Here are a few things you should know about wearing Invisalign, including a few dos and don’ts to help you protect your teeth and ensure your treatment is effective.

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5 Tips for Eating Holiday Meals with Braces

December 1, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 1:30 am
person wearing braces

‘Tis the season for delectable delights! From Halloween candies to Thanksgiving pies, the last few months of the year offer a plethora of tempting treats. While indulging in these seasonal delights is a joy, it can be a bit different for those with braces. So, if your little one is currently undergoing this orthodontic treatment, continue reading to learn about invaluable tips on navigating holiday meals with braces.

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Invisalign Inquiry: Why Aren’t My Teeth Moving Like They Should?

November 14, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 7:16 pm
Nose to chin view of a woman with brown hair removing her Invisalign with her thumb

Invisalign has become a popular alternative to traditional braces because it can straighten your teeth without bulky metal brackets. These clear plastic aligner trays are customized to fit snuggly over your pearly whites to gently move them to their ideal positions over time. Your dentist will provide you with new aligners every 1 to 2 weeks to account for movement in your teeth throughout treatment.
Some patients are surprised to realize, however, that they’re simply not seeing the results they anticipated. If this sounds like you, keep reading to learn 3 reasons why this might be happening so you can get back on track!

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No Tricks, Just Treats: The Top Orthodontist-Approved Halloween Treats

October 27, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 1:56 pm
A big bucket of Halloween candy that may not be great for braces

Halloween is the one time of year when parents ease off the sugar throttle and let it go wide open. But if you wear braces, you may not be able to enjoy all of your favorites. It can also be difficult to sort it all out at the end of the night to see what you can and can’t enjoy. After all, you don’t want to end up back at your orthodontist the next morning!

If you want a great list of Halloween treats to enjoy while wearing braces, continue reading.

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A Parent’s Guide to Dental Care Milestones

September 8, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 1:04 pm
A child finger painting, smiling to show off her good dental health

So, you’ve just found the time to take a rest from supervising your new bundle of joy and poke around the internet to answer your burning questions. If you’ve made your way here, then you’re probably wondering about dental care for your young one as they age.

The good news is that it’s never too early to start. If you’re curious as to how to begin your child’s oral health routine and continue it going forward, continue reading.

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Do I Need Clear Aligner Refinements?

August 16, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 2:22 pm
Smiling woman with brown hair and purple nails holding clear aligner tray in the foreground in front of a blurry green background

Clear aligners have become a popular alternative to traditional metal braces for those looking to straighten their teeth. They work by covering your teeth to gently move them into their ideal placement. As teeth shift, new trays will be necessary to account for the changes. That means that every week or two, patients need to replace trays in order to progress. Sometimes, though, refinement trays are necessary if your teeth aren’t moving as anticipated. Keep reading to learn more about how and why!

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6 Children’s Books That Help with Dental Anxiety

July 11, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 9:07 pm
Man smiling while reading storybook to girl on lap as she laughs

Whether your child is scared of going to the dentist or not, broaching the subject can feel complicated or intimidating. You don’t want to scare them, but you also want them to know exactly what to expect. If you’re not sure how to prepare your child for a trip to the dentist’s, you’re not alone. Here are 6 children’s books that help with dental anxiety and make this conversation easier for both of you.

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Addressing Tooth Sensitivity in Children

June 7, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 8:37 pm
child suffering from oral sensitivity touching cheek

If your child has been complaining about tooth sensitivity while brushing or even during regular activities, it’s essential not to overlook their discomfort. Though it might not appear urgent, it could indicate an underlying problem, and it’s important to address it to ensure your child’s comfort and well-being. As a caring parent, you should seek to understand the issue and learn how to treat it, allowing your little one to return to smiling happily without irritation. Keep reading to learn about the causes of tooth sensitivity in children and provide valuable tips for managing the problem.

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Creating Comfortable Dental Visits for Children with Autism

May 11, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 3:52 pm
a pediatric dentist looking at a child's teeth

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that impacts an estimated one in every 54 children. In some cases, it may lead to sensory processing differences and behavioral characteristics that make a task like visiting a pediatric dentist an uncomfortable and negative experience, keeping your child from wanting to go to their appointments altogether. Read on for some tips and tricks on how to create a more welcoming environment for your little one with their dentist.

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