Blog

Everyone wants a full, toothy smile, but some people are missing teeth through no fault of their own. Whenever you see a person missing teeth, you probably assume that they have lost them somewhere along the line, either through an accident or neglect. However, that is not always true.

At the orthodontic office of Dr. Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS we sometimes see patients that are missing teeth because they failed to develop due to a family hereditary condition. Other times, the “missing” tooth isn’t really missing at all; it’s hidden underneath bone and gum tissue because it’s blocked or impacted by other teeth. In either situation, space must be created or closed, depending upon circumstances, to improve the bite and aesthetics. If not, then other teeth will gradually drift into the spaces, creating a bite problem and misaligned teeth. Luckily, both problems can be treated with orthodontics. Read More

Almost everyone has at least a slight misalignment of the “midline” or center of our front teeth and our nose. For most people, it is so slight that it is barely noticeable. However, some people have a midline that does not appear to be halfway between the centers of the pupils of the eyes, affecting facial symmetry and overall appearance.

Another common problem with the upper front two teeth is called “diastema” or gap between teeth, as seen below on Madonna. This generally happens when there is an unequal relationship between the size of the teeth, which are too small, and the size of the jaw which is too big, resulting in a space between teeth. It can be very unattractive. If it is combined with a misaligned midline, it can be especially distracting to your appearance.

Tom Cruise opted for clear ceramic braces to help improve his appearance during treatment. He was not considered an Invisalign candidate, at the time, in 2002. However, in the past fifteen years, there have been many improvements in the delivery of Invisalign treatment for patients looking to improve their appearance without wearing braces.

As one of Hollywood’s “beautiful people”, Cruise is constantly in the spotlight, and he made no effort to hide his braces during treatment. He was an inspiration to countless people considering orthodontic treatment who worry about how it would affect their jobs, social life, and appearance in the short term.

Concerned about your appearance when wearing braces to improve your smile? Contact the orthodontic office of Dr. Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS in Rockford or Winnebago IL for a complimentary consultation to find out how we can help you determine the best orthodontic treatment options available to correct your problem. How would you feel about wearing braces? Leave your comments below. Would love to hear from you!

The Team at the orthodontic office of Dr. Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS knows that there are many reasons why people want straight teeth. Not the least of these is the fact that crooked teeth are not the most attractive feature. While a nicely aligned smile can be the part of your looks that pulls everything else together, a crooked smile can draw attention away from an otherwise striking appearance. A great smile is vital to your self-confidence, which in turn can improve your outlook on life in general.

However, the benefits of straight teeth do not end with just your appearance. Read More

Have you ever given any thought to what it actually means to have a “perfect” smile? Most people when asked this question will conjure up mental images of models and Hollywood actors with dazzling teeth. However, there is an actual medical definition of the way the teeth are meant to fit together. The word “occlusion” refers to the alignment of the teeth and the way the upper and lower teeth fit together (bite). Ideally, all upper teeth fit slightly over the lower teeth, just like the top of a house sits over a basement. All teeth are lined up straight and spaced evenly. The upper teeth keep the cheeks and lips from being bitten and the lower teeth protect the tongue. Not all people are so lucky as to have this medically “perfect bite.”

There are many problems that can lead to a malocclusion or “bad bite”. For example, crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra or missing teeth, cross-bite, over-bite, and under-bite are all types of malocclusions. Also, various irregularities of the bone structure in the jaws and face can also lead to a malocclusion. Basically, a malocclusion is any misalignment of the teeth or incorrect relationship between the teeth of the two dental arches.

Read More

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Depending on what stage you are in of orthodontic treatment, smiling may be the last thing you want to do. Whether you’re just starting with braces or Invisalign or near the very end, your confidence may have taken a tumble. With a new year comes a new mindset and we’ve got 8 reasons to expose your beautiful smile to the world in 2018:

1. Smiles are contagious. Studies have shown that people have a difficult time frowning when someone else is smiling at them. In fact, they couldn’t help but smile themselves. Make a habit throughout the year to compliment the people you meet with a smile and watch them pay it forward.Read More

Happy Holidays to all from Orthodontist Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS! This is the time of year where giving means more than receiving. To see the joy on a loved one’s face as they look in their stocking or open a present is truly what giving is about. The Team at the orthodontic office of Dr. Flanagan would like to share some stocking stuffer ideas for your consideration. All of these suggestions apply to patients of different ages whether or not they are wearing braces or Invisalign.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Read More