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At Flanagan Orthodontics in Rockford, IL, Dr. Dennis Flanagan embraces the age-old saying, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Applying this wisdom to our daily dietary choices can fortify and enhance the strength and brightness of our teeth, promoting a healthier smile.

While treatments such as veneers, crowns, and fillings play a role, the cornerstone of a healthy smile is built upon practicing excellent oral hygiene and making thoughtful dietary selections. In this blog post, we’ll share five dietary recommendations that can substantially enhance the well-being of your smile.

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Are you ready for the spine-tingling spookiness of Halloween? The costumes, the parties, and the haunted houses await. But lurking beneath the surface of this candy-coated holiday is a frightful menace – tooth decay! Yes, you heard it right, there’s nothing scarier than the thought of cavities creeping in like ghosts in the night.

If you’re rocking braces, an appliance, or Invisalign aligners, brace yourself for the Halloween season. The combination of poor oral hygiene and a candy overload can be scarier than any horror movie. But don’t fret; we’ve got your back. Join us as we uncover the secrets to keep tooth decay at bay this fall, brought to you by Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.Read More

October is known for cooler weather, pumpkin patches, and Halloween, but did you know it’s also National Orthodontic Health Month? This month celebrates the important role that orthodontics plays in improving both oral and mental health. While straightening your teeth may seem like a minor concern, the benefits can have a significant impact on your future well-being.

Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS are highly trained experts in tooth alignment and general dentistry. To become an orthodontist, they must undergo additional residency programs that can take up to three years to specialize in orthodontia and occlusion. They also attend conferences and continuing education courses to keep up with the latest technologies and techniques to provide the best possible care to patients.Read More

Orthodontics is a constantly evolving field that sees advancements in technology and practices regularly. As a patient, it’s important to stay up to date on what’s new in orthodontics and how these changes can benefit you. Keep reading to learn more about these exciting advancements from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a great example of how innovation can lead to better orthodontic treatment. Invisalign was the first company to pioneer this technology, and since then, millions of patients have seen great success with clear aligners. One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners is their invisible nature, which makes them ideal for patients who are self-conscious about their appearance. Additionally, clear aligners are associated with cutting-edge 3D technology and digital imaging treatment software that helps create the most accurate and best-suited tools for treatment.

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If you’re considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you might be wondering if you can get it without seeing an orthodontist. While some companies offer mail-in orthodontic services, it’s important to choose a licensed orthodontist for your treatment. Keep reading to learn more from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS about the benefits of getting Invisalign Treatment from an Orthodontist.

Expertise and Training

Orthodontists are highly trained professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating issues with teeth and jaws. They have completed dental school, a specialized master’s program, and a residency in orthodontics. They also participate in ongoing education to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and technologies.

In contrast, mail-in orthodontic companies may lack the same level of expertise and training. While they may use technology to create clear aligners, they may not have the knowledge to diagnose underlying issues with your bite or teeth.

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Pregnancy is a time of great change in a woman’s body, and oral health is no exception. While it may not be the first thing on your mind, your dental health is critical for a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause chemical imbalances throughout your body, leading to changes in vitamin and mineral levels. In this post, we’ll cover what you need to know about oral health during pregnancy, including how pregnancy affects your gums, whether pregnancy causes tooth decay, and what vitamins you need more of from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

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