Trivial Pursuit -- Invisalign Edition

Got a few crooked teeth, or an overbite you’ve never liked? Been wondering if Invisalign might just be the best option for you? We at Dr. Sellke's office want to help you understand the facts. Brush up on the facts with our Invisalign trivia questions:

1. Each set of aligners in your series should be worn for approximately:

A – 2 days
B – 2 weeks
C – 2 months
D – 2 years

2. Your aligners are custom-created for your teeth based on:

A – A CT scan that produces a 3-D image of your teeth
B – A set of 24 high-resolution photos of the inside of your mouth and exterior jaw line
C – X-rays taken from the front, back, left and right of your head
D – bronze cast of your teeth

3. Which of the following is not recommended during Invisalign treatment:

A – Chewing gum
B – Smoking
C – Eating popcorn
D – Smiling

4. Invisalign treatment has been chosen by:

A – More than 1000 people
B – More than 10,000 people
C – More than 50,000 people
D – More than 500,000 people


How many did you answer correctly? Check your choices:

1. B – 2 weeks: In most cases, each set of aligners should be worn for approximately two weeks. As you replace each set with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the position we’ve prescribed. You’ll visit our office about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligner sets worn during treatment is between 18 and 30.

2. A – A CT scan: A CT or Computed Tomography scan is made from your dental impressions. The CT scan produces an extremely accurate, 3-dimensional digital model of your teeth. We then use Invisalign’s proprietary CAD (Computer Aided Design) software to simulate the movement of your teeth during treatment to create your unique treatment plan.

3. B – Smoking. We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored. (We also discourage smoking due to the dental and medical health problems it causes.) You are, however, able to eat any kind of food you like and smile with abandon during Invisalign treatment. The aligners are clear, so they don’t hide your pearly whites, and they’re removable, so you can take them out to eat, brush and floss.

4. D – More than 500,000 people. That’s right, more than half a million people have chosen Invisalign to brighten their smile. You could be next! If you are interested in Invisalign treatment, give us a call at Dr. Sellke's office to set up a consultation.

Dr. Sellke Patient Reviews

Dr. Sellke and his team provide a comfortable and fun orthodontic experience for people of all ages. Just see what their patients have to say about them!Every time I go see Dr. Sellke I am warmly welcomed and the people at the front desk remember my name--I don't even have to sign in and they call me by my first name and make me feel as if I'm their only patient when I know there are tons of other patients!
-Michael M.

Dr. Sellke talks directly to my daughter and explains everything to her very well!
-David U.

We love the friendly, helpful Drs. and staff at the Grayslake office. They are always very helpful with any questions and they go out of their way to make sure every aspect of each of my children's treatments is taken care of. They go so far as to remind you when the local farmer's market is in operation so you can arrive early for easier parking and assist by sending copies of receipts for flex spending. The whole team is wonderful!
-Lisa J.

Everyone at Dr. Sellke’s office is so friendly and makes us feel very welcomed! We really appreciate it!
-Brian S.

Dr. Sellke and his staff are very friendly and put my daughter at ease. I trust their judgment when it comes to which treatment is most appropriate.
-Gayle D.

Everyone in Dr. Sellke’s office is very courteous when I call or arrive. The office is geared towards the pleasure of the children, their largest client base. They love it, and it really makes a difference because they want to do well with their braces. Our son couldn't wait to get his braces after seeing his sister do so well.
-Bruce C.

Good Breath Gone Bad - Dr. Terry Selke

Bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you are out on a date with that girl or boy you’ve had a crush on all semester! However, bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as your doctor may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils the food the food releases, and smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are several myths around bad breath. Here are some common myths and the truth behind it all:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word! The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone. When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

#1 TRUTH: Brush your teeth twice a day (for at least 2 minutes), floss at least once and visit your dentist every six months…this way your breath will always be fresh! Not letting your nerves get the best of you on your date? That’s up to you!!!