Author: Dr. Dennis Flanagan

For many of us, October can mean fall weather and the excitement of Halloween. However, for orthodontists, October is also a very special month because October is National Orthodontic Health Month. This month is a month to celebrate and recognize the beautiful, healthy smiles that orthodontists create. Here are some fun facts about orthodontics in Read More

Getting older isn’t a favorite topic of conversation, but it is important to understand how the body changes as it ages so you can continue to live a happy and healthy life as you grow older. One thing that changes as you age that people don’t often think about is your smile. Read on to Read More

The headline of this blog post is pretty shocking isn’t it? Many people are unaware of the link between asthma and tooth decay resulting from a dry mouth. Here is some more information from Dr. Dennis J. Flanagan DDS, MS. You may be wondering what does asthma have to do with cavities. When people aren’t Read More

We know that having metal in your mouth doesn’t always feel like the most natural thing. Fortunately, after you get your braces on and have your initial adjustment, most people don’t even notice their braces are there. However, sometimes a pesky wire will escape and remind you that your braces are there. Have no fear Read More

With many of us transitioning to the “new normal” of homeschooling our children, the change can be tough. Balancing work and home life can be challenging for any parent. But how can you make learning fun and engaging while social distancing? Don’t fret! Dr. Dennis Flanagan DDS MS has 5 activities you can do at home Read More

Virtual orthodontic appointments are nothing new, yet have become more common practice since the spread of COVID-19. As an alternative to meeting in-person, virtual orthodontic consultations are a great way to stay healthy while social distancing. If you or someone you know is considering braces or clear aligners, Dr. Dennis Flanagan DDS MS shares 4 benefits Read More

With the spread of COVID-19 rapidly changing our “new normal,” mail-order orthodontic is on the rise. From social media ads to TV commercials, the convenience of mail-order orthodontics becomes more appealing when you’re stuck at home. At Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS, we understand that everyone wants a smile they can be proud of. For Read More

Every patient has their own reasons for deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment. For teens, image has always been a key factor in social integration, and in today’s beauty-conscious society, a beautiful smile is high on their list of priorities. The ever-popular selfie gives teens a confidence boost and social media is the ideal platform to Read More

Part of maintaining good oral hygiene is making sure to brush your teeth multiple times throughout the day. While most of us know to brush after eating, how soon is too soon? In order to answer that question, the orthodontic practice of Dr. Dennis Flanagan DDS MS will first explain the science behind tooth structure. Understanding Read More

It’s no secret that the spread of COVID-19 has drastically changed how we all live today. Now that many businesses are finally allowed to re-open, it’s time to attend your first orthodontic appointment. To help you prepare for the “new normal,” Dr. Dennis Flanagan DDS MS will explain a few changes you can expect at your Read More

At Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS, we do our best to remain available for orthodontic emergencies. Please call our office if you think you are experiencing an orthodontic emergency. We don’t want you to feel like you’re on your own when it comes to your orthodontic treatment. That being said, sometimes our patients run into Read More

You’ve already been told a hundred times, but we’re telling you again: be very mindful of what you eat while wearing braces. Dr. Dennis J. Flanagan in Rockford and Winnebago, IL is a firm believer that taking care of your braces is crucial to getting a great orthodontic result! During the coronavirus quarantine, it is harder Read More

With the rapid spread of COVID-19 forcing many orthodontic and dental offices to temporarily close, it is more important now than ever to practice good oral hygiene. Although we may not be sure exactly when our practice will be able to open its doors again, your smile is still our priority. For those currently undergoing Read More

Elastics, also known as rubber bands, are a very normal part of orthodontic treatment. However, we know that people sometimes find them to be a nuisance or difficult to adjust to wearing. It is important to know that the orthodontic practice of Dr. Dennis Flanagan DDS MS has you wearing elastics because they are essential Read More

Who doesn’t love to catch some sun rays? Well sunshine lovers, the orthodontic practice of Dennis Flanagan DDS MS has news for you! A little sunshine actually HELPS your teeth during orthodontic treatment! Sunshine has been found to improve mood, our immune functions, and increases vitamin D production in our bodies. The Importance of Vitamin Read More

Everyone knows that garlic and onions are the usual culprits for bad breath. But do you know what other foods may be causing your stinky breath? For some people, bad breath can be genetic. However, whether you’re wearing braces or not, certain foods in your daily routine could be to blame. Read on to find Read More

We know that exercise is very important for both our mental and physical health. However, have you thought about the effects of running on your oral health? While those two things may seem unrelated, they’re actually not. Fear not. The orthodontic practice of Dr. Dennis Flanagan DDS MS will explain the correlation between running and oral Read More

Good oral hygiene is a crucial part of a person’s health. Thus, it is imperative that parents help teach their kids not only to brush their teeth twice a day but also how to do so effectively. Rather than making it a chore, try to make cleaning their teeth a fun and enjoyable experience. To Read More

Did you know that the alignment of your teeth can affect your speech? If you struggle to pronounce certain words, your teeth could be the reason why. Thankfully, orthodontics can help. The orthodontic office of Dr. Dennis Flanagan DDS MS can provide orthodontic treatment to resolve common oral problems such as: Lisp or Whistling Lisps or Read More

There are a lot of reasons you should be flashing those pearly whites more often – smiling is good for your health! According to Psychology Today, when you smile you activate neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness. As we close out the year, it is important to find reasons to smile and be Read More