In severe situations, permanent tooth removals may be required to create the necessary space for others. However, no one enjoys having their teeth extracted and we try to avoid this option whenever possible. Fortunately, there is another way. By using a child’s natural growth spurts, a savvy orthodontist can avoid the need for tooth extractions if he evaluates a patient at an early age.

Children usually have a couple of predictable growth spurts. The first generally occurs around 8 or 9 years of age, right before puberty. Another one will typically follow during puberty itself, which falls between 11 or 12 years. During these growth spurts, the face and jaw will grow. The strategy is to harness this natural growth and combine it with braces and/or appliance to create more room for teeth if needed.

Since timing is everything, it is important to have your child evaluated by an orthodontist at a young age. It is generally difficult to know for sure if your child will need orthodontics until his or her permanent teeth begin to erupt. However, important forecasting clues can be understood by a trained orthodontist.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that your child be examined by an orthodontist at age 7 to determine if early orthodontic treatment is needed. Treatment is much easier if evaluated and started before problems worsen and vital growth spurts are lost.

It is not necessary to be referred by your general dentist for a complimentary orthodontic evaluation at Honey Orthodontics. Be proactive and contact our office to schedule an appointment. If your child does not require early interceptive treatment, Dr. Oana Honey will continue to monitor your child’s dental and growth development in our complimentary supervisory program to determine the right time to begin treatment, based on your child’s needs.

Understanding the physiology of the human body explains why gentle forces are used to move teeth. (read more about tooth movement). When braces put pressure on teeth, it causes cells known as osteoclasts to break down the bone in the path of the tooth movement, similar to a ship moving through sand. At the same time, other cells called osteoblasts are at work on the other side of the tooth. Their job is to make new bone to fill in the space left behind the teeth, like sand filling in behind the ship as it moves, changing direction.

Bone cells work together during orthodontic treatment to make sure the teeth are stabilized in their right place in the bone when treatment is completed. Tooth movement is most effective when slow, deliberate, and guided by Dr. Oana Honey. The ideal amount of movement is about one millimeter a month. This rate of speed moves the teeth as quickly as the bone cells are able to do their work effectively.

Each orthodontic patient at Honey Orthodontics is different and so is treatment time based on individual problems. Some patients require only limited treatment to realign teeth for approximately a year, others with a more severe problem due to a “bad bite” (also known as a malocclusion), generally need braces for 18 to 24 months to correct the problem and attain a healthy occlusion. A properly aligned bite is very important to help maintain good dental health over a life time. It prevents future problems such as premature wearing of teeth, tooth decay, and chronic jaw pain if left untreated.

Treatment time varies with each individual problem and teeth may be moved at any age as long as there is proper bone support to allow tooth movement, allowing the bone cells to regenerate. A healthy new smile achieved at the end of treatment is well worth the time it takes Mother Nature and your orthodontist to correct the problem.

At Honey Orthodontics we are pleased to provide you with this helpful information and to offer you the finest orthodontic care for you and your family. For more information, please contact our office for a complimentary orthodontic consultation.

However, the benefits of straight teeth do not end with just your appearance.
• Crooked teeth can interfere with proper chewing, a problem which is with you at every meal if not confronted.
• Good oral hygiene (such as regular brushing and flossing) can be much more difficult and ineffective with crooked teeth. When your teeth are not straight and evenly spaced, there is a much higher likelihood that there will be hard-to-reach spaces that do not receive the proper treatment from your daily cleaning routine. As a result, unwanted plaque and tartar can build up unnoticed. Over time, this can lead to such serious consequences as tooth decay, gum disease, or even tooth loss. Since no one enjoys spending time in the dentist’s chair having root canals, fillings, and oral surgery, it is important to stay on top of your oral hygiene.

The good news is that at Honey Orthodontics we specialize in creating beautiful smiles and fixing crooked teeth. Orthodontics (which comes from the Greek words orthos “straight or proper” and odons “tooth”) is a special field of dentistry that concerns itself with the study and treatment of irregular bites.

An abnormal bite can be the result of uneven teeth, a jaw that is out of proportion or misaligned, or both. Crooked teeth can be brought into alignment using traditional metal braces; although they are not used as much today as they have been in the past. More popular currently are the alternatives available which are less noticeable, so that orthodontic patients do not have to sacrifice their looks in the short term to have a beautiful smile forever. These less conspicuous treatment options include clear ceramic braces and Invisalign™. Invisalign is a type of removable and virtually invisible aligner that fits over the teeth instead of wire being held in place by brackets.

There are a variety of orthodontic options out there today, many of which are less intrusive and visually obvious than they used to be in days past. Whether you are a parent of an adolescent with crooked teeth that need to be straightened or if you yourself are seeking improvement in your smile, we encourage contacting our office today. The benefits are many; you will be glad you did!

Some orthodontic patients need more time than others to adapt. At Honey Orthodontics, we understand each patient is different. If your child goes with the flow under most circumstances, than wearing braces will be a piece of cake. But if you have a drama king or queen when it comes to everyday trials and tribulations in life, “brace” yourself for a few rough days ahead.

Here are few tips to smooth out the wrinkles or unruffled the feathers of patients finding it more difficult to adjust:

Be sympathetic the first few days. Even though the actual placement of the braces is not uncomfortable, once the teeth start moving initially, teeth do become tender. The discomfort will stop in a few days, but fear of the unknown can make it worse. Every patient’s tolerance level is different… keep that in mind.

Take Advil or Tylenol with you to the setup appointment and dispense immediately before leaving the office. These analgesics work better if administered before the discomfort sets in for best results, rather than late.

Plan a brace friendly meal for lunch or dinner ahead of time. Not only does the patient need to adjust to a new diet, you will have to adjust when planning meals. There are many nutritious foods available that don’t require a lot of chewing or won’t damage the braces. Stay away from salads the first few days. Not only do they collect in the braces, lettuce is difficult to chew once the teeth start moving. Macaroni and Cheese, homemade soups, protein shakes with lots of fruit, and yogurt will provide the calories needed for good nutrition. Who says you can’t have scrambled eggs and pancakes for dinner?

Ask the doctor or one of the staff about prescribing Tylenol or Advil in school during the first week, if needed. Better safe than sorry is a good motto to follow. Dispensing any type of medication requires parents and patients to jump through hoops in the nurses office. Having Tylenol available anytime during the day will help take off the edge of discomfort if needed.

And last but not least. Shore up their insecurities with positive feedback. Watch this video to see how it’s done. Feel free to share your own tips on how to best handle the first few days wearing braces. Write a comment below to share with others.

In a bi-lateral crossbite, (meaning one side only), the top teeth on one side close either outside or across the bottom teeth. This happens because the lower jaw shifts from side to side when the mouth is closing in an attempt to correct for the mismatch of the upper jaw and the lower jaw. This shift creates a misalignment of the teeth.

Another problem with a crossbite has to do with the damage it does to the teeth themselves. Since the teeth are coming into contact with one another at an unnatural angle, the enamel on the teeth is gradually worn off. Enamel is the outer layer of the teeth and serves as the protection against tooth decay. As enamel is scraped away by a crossbite, permanent damage to the teeth becomes more and more likely. This situation gets even worse when combined with regular sugar intake, which also destroys tooth enamel. The end result can be a need for massive dental reconstructive surgery, which is both costly and unpleasant.

Luckily, a crossbite can be fixed with orthodontic treatment. Braces and special appliances can gradually bring the teeth back into alignment. However, the enamel on your teeth cannot be replaced. If the mouth is restored to its naturally intended symmetry, all of the problems just described can be avoided if treated in time.

If you think your teeth or your child’s are out of alignment in any way, it pays to talk to an orthodontist about solutions. Contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Oana Honey. Take a lesson from nature—there is beauty in symmetry!

In order to fight the common sugar addiction, keeping track of the foods you eat every day would be enlightening. You may be surprised at how many foods commonly considered “healthy” are dangerously loaded with sugar. Here are examples of 7 foods to avoid, as well as some suggestions to keep your sweet tooth happy and all your teeth well to preserve your beautiful smile.

*Smoothies

The idea of blended fruit and ice is considered a healthy drink, but in many situations may not be the case. Menus at popular national smoothie bar chains often contain over double the recommended daily sugar intake. As you watch them make the drinks, notice few only use fresh or frozen fruit. Most use sugar flavored fruit syrups from a bottle that contain high amounts of sugar.

Tip: Request nutrition information about menu items at your local smoothie bar and opt for the lower carb selections. Making a fresh fruit smoothie at home is usually the better choice.

*Fancy Coffee Drinks

When visiting your barista, don’t order the more decadent selections. Many contain high amounts of sugar and cream.

Tip: Stick to basic coffee or green tea and limit your sweeteners. Both of these options have health benefits in addition to being lower in sugar.

*Beverages masquerading as juice

Just because a drink on your grocer’s shelf has the name of a fruit in its title does not necessarily make it a healthy choice. All too often processed “juices” contain small quantities of actual juice and large amounts of processed sugar.

Tip: Only purchase products containing 100% juice, and definitely stay away from anything containing high fructose corn syrup that causes tooth decay. “Mother Nature” knows best.

*Pre-packaged children’s lunches

Products such as “Lunchables” certainly have much to offer as far as convenience is concerned, but they can be a real dietary nightmare. The varieties that include both a dessert and a drink are double trouble.

Tip: Pack your child’s lunch yourself; the extra time will be worth the peace of mind knowing their sugar consumption is within reasonable limits to promote long term physical and dental health.

*Sugary glazes or sauces

Chinese restaurants often offer healthy foods that become not so healthy when the meat is coated in glaze or sauce made almost entirely of sugar.

Tip: Avoid dishes drenched in sugary sauces, and consider choosing mixed vegetables instead of rice when eating Chinese as a means of further cutting calories.

*Granola and granola cereals

Granola is another prime example of a food that is usually thought of as a healthy choice, when in fact the very opposite is closer to the truth. Although granola does offer useful fiber, any benefit is offset by the overwhelming amount of sugar coating the granola.

Tip: Limit your granola to a small amount mixed with yogurt and choose wheat-based cereals over their granola-sugar laden brother. Read the labels to determine sugar content before you buy.

*Fruit packaged in syrup

Eating plenty of fruit is certainly a desirable method to get your daily allowance of carbohydrates, but take care not to defeat the purpose by choosing canned fruit saturated in sugary syrup.

Tip: Choose fresh or frozen fruits instead, which are healthy choices without all that unwanted syrup.

Contact Honey Orthodontics with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment. What do you think about all the sugar in our diets today? Leave a comment below to share with others.

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of good oral health. Dr. Oana Honey supports the ADA in their efforts.

Attached are some fun activities you can use to engage kids of all ages regarding dental health. Download Here

February is also National Pet Dental Health Month.

Did you know that human toothpaste can irritate your animal’s stomach? Watch this video on proper oral hygiene for your pet's teeth.

Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay to keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical applied directly on the teeth or as part of your diet in a supplement. The most commonly used is the topical form found in toothpaste or in a fluoride rinse. The team at Honey Orthodontics recommends fluoride to help maintain healthy teeth for children, teens, and adults undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Fluoride used in an orthodontic or dental office is a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash you can buy over the counter at your local grocery or drug store. If your general dentist prescribes a fluoride product, it usually only takes just a few minutes to apply after your regular cleaning. Once applied, it is suggested patients not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride.

Your general dentist will determine how often to repeat the fluoride process; every 6 months – once a year, especially for kids who poor brushing habits. Additional in house fluoride products such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses are often prescribed by orthodontists for additional protect ion of your teeth during treatment to prevent decalcification or white marks around the braces due to poor brushing habits. So obviously, when all is said an done… fluoride is your friend during orthodontic treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness when using a dental product.

At Honey Orthodontics, we are pleased to provide you with this helpful information and to offer you the finest orthodontic care for you and your family. If you or someone in your family is interested more information about how we can help achieve the smile you deserve, contact our office for a free new patient exam.

The brackets of the braces are the equivalent of the cars of a train, and the track that they follow is the archwire. Once the brackets are placed on the teeth and the archwire is properly adjusted to create a path to great teeth, all that remains for our train is fuel to move in the right direction.

This orthodontic energy is often provided by elastics, the locomotive often commonly referred to as rubber bands. Elastics can be different sizes and strengths according the specific needs of each patient’s orthodontic journey. They are also available in a variety of different colored packets or creatively named animals to make it fun and easy to remember what size you are wearing.

It is important to wear the elastics, as prescribed by your orthodontist, in order to arrive at your final destination. If the elastics are not worn, the braces won’t move and you will not have your braces removed on time or worse yet… achieve a good result. The force exerted by the elastics may cause a bit of soreness at first, but the soreness goes away within a few days, if worn on a regular basis. Fresh elastics provide the most pull, so it is recommended you replace elastics daily to keep everything moving at the same speed for best results.

Traveling the tracks to a healthy smile can be intimidating at first, but understanding how it all works and with the guidance of your orthodontist, you can sit back, enjoy the ride, and be rest assured that you’ll arrive safely in no time at all!

At Honey Orthodontics, we are pleased to provide you with this helpful information and to offer you the finest orthodontic care for you and your family. If you or someone in your family is interested more information about how we can help achieve the smile you deserve, contact our office for a free new patient exam.

The Perfect Smile

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 any 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.

Most forms of malocclusion are inherited; meaning you were born with them through no fault of their own. In addition, thumb sucking and tongue thrusting can also create a malocclusion over time. Premature loss of baby or permanent teeth, accidents, or medically related issues such as allergies or breathing problems can also cause a bad bite.

Most people have some degree of malocclusion, although it usually is not enough to warrant orthodontic treatment. However, those with serious enough problems left untreated, malocclusions or poor bites can become worse. Crooked and crowded teeth are difficult to clean with normal brushing and flossing causing tartar and plaque buildup. This build-up, in turn, can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Also, a bad bite can wear down the enamel on tooth surfaces and create difficulty chewing and may eventually lead to chronic pain over time.

Malocclusions of one type or another are the main reason that people seek orthodontic treatment. Given all of the negative consequences just described, it is no wonder people want to get the problem “straightened out”. If you think you have a malocclusion, contact Dr.Oana Honey at Honey Orthodontics in Gurnee IL to schedule a complimentary consultation before the situation goes from crowded to worse!