Author: Dr. Dennis Flanagan

Straight teeth help to create a beautiful smile. However, straight teeth actually do so much more than provide a great smile. Teeth are made to fit together in a certain way. If they don’t fit together properly, they can’t function properly, which can lead to a variety of oral health problems. To learn more about Read More

It is common knowledge that smoking tobacco is bad for our teeth and mouths. Smoking drastically increases your risk for several things, including oral cancer and gum disease. However, it is important to know these side effects do not go away with e-cigarettes. Read on to learn more about why vaping is bad for your Read More

Our teeth, and braces, can encounter a lot when we’re out living our lives. These activities are not limited to: sporting events, pizza crust, cake and ice cream at birthday parties, and maybe even a hot dog eating contest. Fortunately, our teeth are strong and often allow us to go through these activities without too Read More

The majority of people’s teeth will come through in a specific order and in specific positions. However, some people have missing teeth. They may have one or more gaps because the teeth that should have erupted and grown in simply aren’t there. This condition is known as hypodontia, and it can affect both baby and Read More

Did you know that early orthodontic care may help you avoid costly treatment in the future? Like most things in life, orthodontic health can be much more manageable if you get ahead of it. The American Association of Orthodontics suggests that a child visits the orthodontist by age 7 in order to keep their oral Read More

Braces are a great option for correcting several dental issues. These issues include overcrowding, misalignment, spacing, and overbites and underbites. A lot of people like braces because of the aesthetic change that they can make, however, braces can also fix non-aesthetic issues that are pertinent to the health of your teeth and jaw. Braces help Read More

Getting braces isn’t as simple as just putting them on your teeth as they are. In fact, there are several steps one must go through prior to getting the actual appliances on your teeth. First, you will need a thorough tooth cleaning to make sure there is a clean, healthy surface. In some cases, more Read More

Invisalign is on a constant rise as a preferred choice of orthodontic treatment by teenagers and adults. This cost-effective treatment gives you a healthy and beautiful appearance in a shorter time than traditional braces! Invisalign comes with numerous benefits, however, there are a few things you should take care of in order to ensure a Read More

With cold and flu season well underway, cough drops, tissues, and hot tea have probably become daily staples. Chances are your teeth and braces are probably the last things you’re thinking about! However, there are some things related to the cold or flu that can affect your oral health. Keep reading to learn some tips Read More

As fall begins in many parts of the country, temperatures begin to drop, and leaves begin to change. However, can the cooler weather also cause your teeth to hurt? Keep reading to learn more about how your teeth can react to cooler weather from Dr. Dennis J. Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS, MS. Do Read More

How we communicate through speech is a crucial part of our daily lives. Did you know that the alignment of your teeth can affect your speech? If you’re struggling with certain elements of speech, it could be attributed to your teeth. Keep reading to learn more about different speech problems and how braces can help 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

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