Blog

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 next visit.

No More Waiting Room

Instead of waiting for your appointment in the waiting area, you may be asked to simply wait in your car and call the office once you arrive. You will be notified once it is time to enter the office. Friends and family will no longer be allowed to attend appointments with patients and must also wait in the car during the duration of the appointment unless absolutely necessary. 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 problems or experience discomfort at a time when we can’t see them right away. We wanted to equip our orthodontic patients with some tricks and hacks that you can do at home, so you can ease discomfort and keep treatment on track until you are able to visit our office.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 than normal for an orthodontist to fix broken brackets or handle an orthodontic emergency. You know what they say: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! This holds true when taking care of your braces and avoiding orthodontic emergencies.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 orthodontic treatment, the orthodontic practice of Dr. Dennis Flanagan DDS MS can help. Here are a few ways in which you can maintain good oral hygiene and until your next orthodontic appointment: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 to the completion of the patient’s orthodontic treatment.

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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 D

While in braces, healthy teeth and gums are of vital importance. Vitamin D helps to support oral health in two ways:

• It helps our bodies to absorb and utilize calcium

Vitamin D has several major functions. One of its major functions is moderating other vitamins and minerals – including calcium. Calcium is crucial because it fortifies our teeth and supports jaw and bone strength. Several studies have shown greater cavity risk for people who live in regions with little sunlight – sometimes as much as double the risk.Read More