Dennis J Flanagan DDS MS Blog Rockford Winnebago IL

5 Tips for Going Back to School with Braces

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Dr. Dennis Flanagan

Bummed out that summer is almost over? At Dennis Flanagan DDS MS in Rockford and Winnebago, IL , we feel this is a great time of year to revisit the basics of caring for your teeth during orthodontic treatment. Starting a healthy routine at the beginning of the school year will go a long way towards achieving a beautiful, healthy smile. When done right, good oral care maintenance could lead you all the way to next summer and beyond.

Here are five helpful reminders to kick off the fall session with clean teeth and a happy mouth:

Follow the 2×2 Rule
Avoid Crunchy and Sticky Foods
Drink Lots of Water
Plan Your Meals and Snacks
Bring a Braces Care Kit

Should You Use An Electric Or Manual Toothbrush While You Have Braces?

Posted on August 16, 2018 by Dr. Dennis Flanagan

You’re just starting orthodontic treatment and it’s time to brush your teeth. Do you brush with a manual or electric toothbrush? The truth is that either type of toothbrush does an effective job of cleaning the teeth. For those of you not convinced, we’ve listed some features and benefits of each so you can decide for yourself.

Benefits of Using a Manual Toothbrush

It’s simple, affordable and easy to find.
Changing your brush every 3 months doesn’t hurt your pockets.
Depending on the type of brush and your brushing method, manual toothbrushes could be softer on the tooth enamel and gums.

Thinking About Mail-In Orthodontics? Read This First!

Posted on August 2, 2018 by Dr. Dennis Flanagan

Wouldn’t you love to simply take a selfie, and/or impression of your teeth or get your teeth scanned, and receive aligners that straighten your teeth in a few months without even leaving your home? Sounds too good to be true, huh?

This is exactly the type of convenience offered and advertised with direct-to-consumer orthodontics. Companies like SmileDirectClub, Smilelove, SnapCorrect, etc. are appealing because they address the concern most people have about orthodontics: time. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) advises you to take a step back and look at the overall picture before considering the latest alternative to straighten your teeth. Read More

Whitening Teeth – What You Need To Know – Dennis J Flanagan DDS MS

Posted on July 15, 2018 by Dr. Dennis Flanagan

Teeth whitening kits are available everywhere today; online, over the counter, and from your dentist. Studies report that bleaching or whitening products can improve the color of teeth that stain over time. But before you decide to embark on a whitening program, the orthodontic office of Dr. Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS would like to review some facts about these products and what results you can expect.Read More

The Truth About Wisdom Teeth

Posted on July 1, 2018 by Dr. Dennis Flanagan

Do Wisdom Teeth cause crowding of your front teeth?

How many times have you heard this? Did you know this all started after a paper was written on by an orthodontist over 50 years ago?

In 1961, orthodontist Dr. Leroy Vego published an article, “A Longitudinal Study of Mandibular Arch Perimeter” which examined the role of wisdom teeth on lower front tooth crowding. This study was run over six years with patients from ages 13 to 19. He reported that there was a significantly greater degree of crowding in patients with wisdom teeth. Dr. Vego concluded: “that the erupting lower third molar can exert a force on approximating teeth.”

Orthodontic Treatment – A Right Of Passage

Posted on June 15, 2018 by Dr. Dennis Flanagan

Ever thought about why you don’t see many seniors with braces in high school yearbooks today? Look at yearbook or prom pictures from the 1960s or ’70s and you’ll see many “tin grins”. You don’t often see that today. Why? Kids today undergo orthodontic care at a much earlier age in Rockford and Winnebago IL and treatment is usually completed before their junior year when most yearbook and prom photos are taken. Some patients, with special problems, begin orthodontic treatment as early as age 7 or younger.

The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that all children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This is when the permanent teeth begin to erupt and most orthodontic problems become apparent to general dentists and parents. If orthodontic treatment is indicated, the optimum time to determine the best course of treatment and timing to begin is when the teeth and jaws are still growing.Read More