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Now that many of the schools in Flossmoor and New Lenox, IL are back in session, Drs. Maoloni and Pope would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs, sports, and family duties to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Orthodontic Associates, LTD. this fall. In order to accommodate all of our patients’ busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with a convenient appointment time.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you’re unable to make your regularly scheduled appointment with Drs. Maoloni and Pope and our team. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment.

We’ll see you soon and hope summer is winding down nicely for you and your family!

Now that you have braces, it is more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene during your treatment, as Drs. Maoloni and Pope will tell you. While we trust you will continue brushing and flossing on a regular basis throughout your treatment at Orthodontic Associates, LTD., you also have to mindful of what you eat. While all those sweet, sour, and sticky candies may taste great, these treats can actually damage your teeth and braces!

Sour candies  can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them, resulting in tooth decay and cavities. If you do indulge in eating these candies at some point during your treatment, be sure to wash your mouth out with water, drink milk or eat a few slices of cheese. These foods will help neutralize the acid in your mouth.

Besides cavities and tooth decay, many people do not realize that good oral health and hygiene are important to your overall health, too; researchers have discovered the connection between periodontal disease and other major health concerns, such as heart disease. Therefore, it is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine just as you did before your braces. This includes visiting your dentist here in Flossmoor and New Lenox, IL every six months, brushing and flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash, as well as visiting Drs. Maoloni and Pope for your regular adjustment appointments.

For more questions about foods you should avoid while wearing braces, or if you have any general questions about your treatment, we encourage you to give us a call, ask us at your next adjustment appointment or ask us on Facebook!

Here at Orthodontic Associates, LTD., we know that image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to the teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! The team at Orthodontic Associates, LTD. thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

So how does Invisalign Teen work, you ask? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two-week period during which that particular tray is used. Once the indicator has faded, teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken, which is another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months, but can vary depending on each case. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us at our Flossmoor and New Lenox, IL office and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

At Orthodontic Associates, LTD., we proudly treat adults, teens, and children; no matter what your age, we believe you deserve a great smile. Our warm and welcoming team is known for their for their exceptional orthodontic skills. Drs. Maoloni and Pope and our talented team have been creating beautiful smiles for years, and today would like to ask: what do you love about your new smile? How has your smile improved your life?

Whether you’ve just come in for an initial orthodontic consultation with Drs. Maoloni and Pope or your family has been visiting office for years, we would love to hear your thoughts about your treatment. In fact, we encourage you to leave a few words for us below or on our Facebook page!

We look forward to reading your feedback!