Illinois orthodontics

You may have seen our previous posts about how it is highly recommended that children see an orthodontist by the time they are 7 years old. There are a couple reasons for this. An orthodontist, like Dr. Johnson, can periodically observe the growth and eruption of permanent teeth to make sure everything is coming in properly. And if teeth are erupting in positions that would cause issues in the future, early treatments can be done.

Here are a few options that orthodontists can do during the early years:

Palatal expander - In younger patients, palatal expansion may reduce the need for extractions or prevent impacted teeth. It helps make the upper jaw wider to help reduce crowding in abnormally narrow arches. Cases not corrected in growing patients could lead to surgery, bite problems, or more costly treatments down the road.

Early interceptive treatment - Sometimes a short time in braces can correct problems early and prevent larger problems later. An example of interceptive treatment is correcting an anterior crossbite.

Tooth removal - Sometimes removing baby or impacted teeth can help permanent teeth grow in better and encourage them to come in closer to their ideal position without orthodontic appliances. Dr. Johnson will suggest the best time for extractions, if they are necessary, to take advantage of your child's growth and development.

Remember, early visits are highly recommended but not all early visits result in orthodontic treatment. One of three things could result from your child's first visit:

1. There may be no need for treatment at the time.
2. Treatment may be needed in the future, so periodic appointments for observation would be recommended.
3. A problem already exists that would benefit early treatment and will be discussed during the consultation.

Source: aaoinfo.org

When you have braces there are certain foods that can cause them to break easily. It's best to try to eat softer foods that do not require biting into them to eat (like corn on the cob or ribs). Here is a list of foods that are sticky, chewy, or hard and dangerous for braces:

• ice
• nuts
• popcorn
• hard candy
• gum
• chewy candy like caramel or gummi bears
• whole hard fruit like apples and pears and hard, raw veggies like carrots
• corn on the cob
• hard pretzels
• peanut brittle
• pizza crust
• hard rolls or bagels
• ribs

You can get around some of these foods by cutting them into bite-size pieces or pulling the corn off the cob or meat off the rib bone. Along with these suggestions, try softer foods. Here is a list of some examples:

• scrambled eggs
• oatmeal
• soup with soft vegetables or pureed or cream soups
• soft cheeses, including cottage cheese
• smoothies and milkshakes
• pudding and custard
• meatloaf
• mashed potatoes
• sorbet and frozen yogurt
• tortillas (soften by microwaving or steaming)
• yogurt
• soft-cooked, shredded chicken and meat
• protein shakes
• tofu
• ripe fruits, such as peaches and nectarines, cut into bite-size pieces
• couscous, quinoa, bulgur, soft-cooked rice
• pasta and noodles
• polenta
• baked apples
• peanut butter
• chicken or tuna salad
• refried beans
• avocado
• applesauce
• macaroni and cheese
• pancakes
• soft bread
• saltines and matzoh
• mashed bananas
• cooked veggies
• hummus
• canned or cooked fruit

source: mouthhealthy.org

We want to wish everyone a lovely Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Dear Family and Friends,

I hope you and your family are doing well during these uncertain times. I wanted to reassure you that Johnson Orthodontics understands your worries. To date, our office has had 0 COVID cases. Our policies and procedures have worked very well and we are strictly following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), American Dental Association (ADA) and American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) guidelines in order to keep our patients and staff safe.

While some of our polices may appear overly cautious, we remain committed to doing our very best to ensure your safety. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with these procedures. As oral healthcare professionals, we are leaders in infection control and preventing the spread of disease. We have always had the precautions of using masks, goggles, gloves, sterile instruments and devices as well as handwashing, cleaning and disinfecting environmental surfaces.

During this pandemic, we have increased our efforts to keep our office sterile by adding plexiglass barriers and using the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face shields and gowns. We have also purchased a medical grade air purifier. We practice social distancing by seating our patients every other chair in the office since we reopened six months ago and we do not allow more than a few individuals in our reception area to prevent overcrowding. Our office also encourages a “one way in, one way out” policy to reduce the possibility of crowded pathways. Lastly, we have included the option of virtual consultations for new patients, emergencies, and Invisalign patients through our website.

While check-in may involve a few extra steps, it has helped ensure everyone’s safety. We ask screening and triage questions at the door and check temperatures of patients and staff. We understand that when you come to our office on a more regular basis, it can feel unneeded and repetitive to answer the questions and have your temperature checked. However, it appears to have helped us remain a safe and healthy place for our families.

The top priority of the office is our patients’ health. With these procedures in place, we have had minimal disruption in our services and 0 COVID cases in the office. This would not have been possible without the understanding, trust, and cooperation of our wonderful families. So a big heartfelt thank you to all of our patients and families for keeping everyone healthy!

With best wishes for your family’s health and safety,

 

Dr. Pamela Johnson

There are common myths about orthodontic treatment that are spread on a daily basis. We'd like to debunk these misconceptions.

1. Anyone who provides braces or aligners is an orthodontist.

False. Some general dentists or online companies can offer braces or aligners, but only after taking additional years of advanced schooling at an accredited residency can a dentist call themselves an orthodontic specialist. That's why it is important to see a specialist, like Johnson Orthodontics, to straighten your teeth as they will possess the skills, knowledge, and experience to give you the best smile.

2. Orthodontists are expensive.

False. Orthodontists customize their patients' treatment plans and as a result, the fees reflect the complexity of each case. For simple cases that take a short amount of time, to difficult ones that could take years, the benefits of having a professional provide orthodontic care will be well worth it. Johnson Orthodontics provides complimentary consultations and flexible payment plans, and we are willing to work with our patients in order to help them get their best smile.

3. Orthodontic treatment takes several years.

It depends. Orthodontic treatment requires time, pressure, and cooperation. Each case is different as simple cases may only take a few months to treat while difficult ones can take years. In order to straighten your teeth, Johnson Orthodontics will add an appliance to put constant pressure over time to move your teeth into position. Treatment also requires cooperation from the patient in continuing good dental hygiene and avoiding foods that could damage the appliance. Rest assured, Johnson Orthodontics has the training, experience, and skill to deliver an excellent result in the shortest time possible.

4. Orthodontic treatment is purely cosmetic.

False. While improved appearance is the most obvious result, there are many benefits to having orthodontic treatment done. When your teeth and jaws are aligned biting, chewing, and speaking could improve. There are also important health benefits. Crooked teeth allow plaque to build up which leads to cavities, gum disease, or bleeding gums. Teeth that stick out are also more likely to be injured or fractured and can lead to teeth grinding and chipping.

5. Orthodontists only offer metal braces.

False. Orthodontists have a full range of appliances besides metal braces to straighten your teeth. Here at Johnson Orthodontics we offer a variety including clear braces and Invisalign® for both teens and adults. Rather than pressuring a patient into using a particular product, orthodontists are craftsmen with a variety of tools at their disposal to help you get your new smile.

6. Orthodontic treatment is just for kids.

False. As mentioned earlier, we have Invisalign® for teens and adults, and we have other products that can be used to help adjust adult teeth. Age is not a concern when it comes to getting a healthy, beautiful smile. Patients of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Source: aaoinfo.org