Happy New Year from Team SR

The year is almost over, so we wanted to ask what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, from Team SR!

Safety first this holiday season! From Team SR

Winter is officially here, and with it comes not only the holiday season, but also sometimes unpredictable and inclement weather. This week, Drs. Sellke and Reily and our team would like to share a few winter safety tips that we found on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website. These tips include everything from what to wear outdoors to tips for winter snow sports. Enjoy!

• Older babies and young children should generally be dressed in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions
• Several thin clothing layers will keep an infant or child dry and warm. Warm boots, gloves, mittens, and a hat are necessities!
• A cold air humidifier, saline nose drops, and petrolatum will help a child that suffers from winter nosebleeds.
• It is important for children to wash their hands frequently, and to use the bend of their elbow if they need to sneeze or cough to prevent the spread of colds and flu.
• Never ski or snowboard alone. Adults should supervise young children participating in winter sports.
• When sledding, it is preferable to separate young children from older children, and to avoid crowded areas.
• The AAP recommends that children under age 16 not operate snowmobiles and that children under age 6 never ride on snowmobiles.

We hope that these tips help keep you and your loved ones stay safe and sound this winter season. Please give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment at Team SR.

With Team SR, 24/7 access to your account

At Team SR, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located in Grayslake and Antioch.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall here at Team SR, a time when all across the country, the leaves begin to change colors and the air becomes crisp.

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment within the Grayslake and Antioch areas. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

Cold and Flu Season is Here - Replace Your Toothbrush!

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Sellke and Dr. Reily will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Team SR and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! We also want to remind everyone to brush and floss after indulging in the big meal.

If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to send them along or call our office and ask how.

Gobble Gobble!

Dr. Sellke & Dr. Reily's top ten tips for keeping your teeth healthy and sparklin' clean

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right Dentist for you, feel free to contact Team SR - we’d love to help!

Team SR honors and thanks America's veterans

Have you thanked a veteran lately? November 11 is Veterans Day - the perfect holiday for thanking and honoring our country’s military. In celebration of Veterans Day, Dr. Reily and Dr. Sellke and our team would like to share a few fun facts about our flag, this national holiday, and our country’s history!

• There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.
• The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777
• Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values- red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth
• Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump
• Veterans Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.
• When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).
• There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania
• The VA healthcare system now has 171 medical centers, 126 nursing home care units, and 35 live-in care facilities
• President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day
• Take a Veteran to School Day is a program that was developed by HISTORY in 2007 to connect students and veterans.
• Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veterans Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served and currently serve our country.

Why do you choose Dr. Terry Sellke & Dr. Donald Reily?

Antioch and Grayslake, IL orthodontists Dr. Terry Sellke and Dr. Donald Reily strive to provide our patients with superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Today, we encourage you to share your experience at our practice.

Whether you and your family have been visiting our office for weeks, months, or years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review here on our Google Place page. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page!

Thank you,

-Team SR

Ask Team SR: Am I too old for braces?

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff at Team SR read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics.

Orthodontic treatment with Drs. Reily and Sellke can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Drs. Reily and Sellke would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please visit our website to schedule your appointment!

Getting social with Team SR!

At Team SR, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas and event photos on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Drs. Sellke and Reily and our staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Halloween Safety Tips, from Team SR

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Team SR would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give Dr. Sellke and Reily and our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Can you believe October is already upon us? October happens to be National Orthodontic Health Month, and this month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you happen to damage your braces, please give Team SR a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone. Loose brackets or wires can usually be made more comfortable by applying some wax until the you can come into our office.

Looking for a delicious braces-friendly fall dessert? We’ve got a great recipe!

You have braces, and you’re probably wondering what to eat. You can’t have gum, popcorn or other delicious but braces-unfriendly foods. But fear not! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have a delicious recipe that will satisfy both your sugar craving and hunger when the weather gets cold.




Apple Bombolini

Ingredients:
Rustic dough
• 9 ounces cake flour (about 3 cups)
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch sea salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into large pieces
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoon cold water

Apple sauce filling
• 4 Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 vanilla bean, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon water

Diced apples:
• 4 Granny Smith apples
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• ½ lemon, juiced

Directions:
For the dough: In a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, add the dry ingredients and mix for 5 seconds to blend. Add the butter and vanilla and mix until the butter is about the size of peas. Add the cold water and blend until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a roughly shaped ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.

Applesauce filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Put the apples with the rest of the ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat, and cook until the apples are very soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, cool, and refrigerate.

Diced apples: Peel, core, and cut the apples into large slices. Toss with the sugar, vanilla and lemon juice and set aside.

Assemble the bomboloni: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll out to1/4-inch thick round. Cut into 6-inch rounds. Place about 1/4 cup of the Apple Sauce Filling onto the center of each round. Top with a few pieces of the Diced Apples. Pull the sides up towards the center to form a bundle, pinching the dough together towards top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour before baking

Bake the bombolonis: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Remove the bombolonis from the refrigerator and place them on a greased or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Makes 5 servings.

Protecting your mouth during sports, with Team SR

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s already fall! The fall months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Drs. Reily and Sellke for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as football, soccer, lacrosse and others. Be sure, however, to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Drs. Reily and Sellke. And don’t forget to ask us—we will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Team SR.

What are patients saying about Team SR?

Drs. Sellke & Reily, serving Antioch and Grayslake, IL and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Team SR!

"The staff is amazingly professional and courteous. From my first phone call to the office, I was impressed. Every single person we have dealt with has been nice and pleasant. Our appointments have always been on time, too."
Parent: Cathy Parrish, Patient: Bryan Parrish

"There are many things I like about the office environment. There are games and books to keep kids busy, even kids that are not there for an appointment. I have never seen an office staff that is so very friendly, understanding, and helpful. I think your office has an excellent environment and my daughter loves to come. Thank you!"
Parent: Debbie Smith, Patient: Alissa Botimer-Gurak

"You are all on top of things. You know each patient individually and that's what makes you all special. Thanks!"
Parent: Nancy Knippen-Carreno, Patient: Diana Carreno

Thank you to everyone for your great reviews! As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment.

Kids getting braces at a younger age

Drs. Sellke and Reily will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Drs. Sellke and Reily to assess what the best age for treatment is.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!

Thanks to Invisalign®, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff at Team SR Orthodontics can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

What do you love about Team SR?

Team SR, serving Antioch and Grayslake, IL and surrounding areas, loves hearing about your experience with Drs. Sellke and Reily and staff! Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can tell us by posting on our Facebook page, or you can give us a call!

Thank you,

-Team SR

Ask Drs. Sellke and Reily: How can Invisalign® benefit my oral health?

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Team SR than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Drs. Sellke and Reily the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

Team SR, supporting Moms for Mouth Guards

Hey, Moms! Have you signed the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge?

Here at Team SR, we care about your pearly whites, and we want to help keep you protected from sports injuries that can be damaging to your beautiful smile. As a way of ensuring that children are using proper facial protection equipment, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontics have introduced the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Drs. Sellke and Reily will tell you that mouth guards are vital to protecting your teeth from sports related injuries while participating in sports, such as football, soccer, baseball, hockey and basketball, just to name a few. The Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge is a way for moms nationwide to make a commitment to protecting their children’s smile from facial injuries.

We’ve discussed the importance of using facial protection in the past. Today, we thought we’d invite moms to take action by visiting the Moms for Mouth Guards website and taking the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge. Have a safe week everyone!

Ask Drs. Sellke and Reily: What’s so bad about nail biting?

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, Team SR found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.
Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:

• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?

Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Drs. Sellke and Reily or visit this article for more tips on how to break a nail biting habit.

Invisalign with Drs. Sellke & Reily: How, exactly, does it work? [Video]

If you've ever wondered how Invisalign treatment at Team SR Orthodontics manages to straighten teeth without using braces at all, we encourage you to check out the above video! Invisalign is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our convenient Antioch and Grayslake offices. In addition, we have plenty of resources on our website to check out about Invisalign, or give our office a call this week to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

Drs. Sellke and Reily are Certified Invisalign Providers. We hope you had an enjoyable weekend! See you soon!

Ask Team SR: "What's so cool about getting braces?"

Braces, are in fact, “cool,” "hip" and, dare we say say “fun” these days. These were among the findings of a nationwide survey this year of moms whose kids are going through or have had orthodontic treatment recently. New technologies such as SureSmile and iBraces, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces make orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child visited Team SR Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile this summer!

Team SR present: Fourth of July fun facts!

Tomorrow night, Drs. Sellke & Reily, as well as our entire staff, will be busy celebrating America's 234th birthday. And because we know most of our patients love fun facts, we thought we'd provide you with some patriotic fun facts about Independence Day! Enjoy!!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- An estimated 2.5 million people lived in America in July 1776. Today, an estimated 309 million people reside in the United States.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn't want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- America's mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- The American flag patch is backwards on U.S. Army uniforms. The reason? The blue field on the flag (the part with the stars) faces forward to symbolize carrying the American flag into battle.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard this Independence Day weekend grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

Have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone! Have fun and careful with those fireworks!!

The importance of dental checkups, from Drs. Sellke & Reily

If you're brushing your teeth twice a day (and flossing) as recommended during your treatment, we think that's phenomenal! But, it’s also important to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day (and visiting Team SR regularly during your treatment). After all, regular checkups are key for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and signs of tooth decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss your teeth during your treatment at Team SR

During an oral exam, your dentist will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups also typically include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not been to the dentist in the past six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

If you don't have a general dentist in Antioch, Grayslake, Wonder Lake or nearby communities, please ask and Drs. Sellke or Reily will be happy to provide a few names for you to consider!

Team SR want to know: what's on your reading list this summer?

With summer only days away (it's true!), some of us at Team SR have been thinking increasingly about the importance of reading. Specifically, summer reading. Sure it’s easier for today's teens to go play ball or kick back and watch some TV, but Drs. Sellke and Reily will tell you that reading during the summer is a vital step in being prepared for school in the fall and maintaining your skill level.

Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us, and we'd be happy to provide a few book suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out these summer reading lists from Barnes & Noble that we came across this morning.

Let us know if you have any suggestions! Happy reading!

What are happy patients saying about Drs. Sellke and Reily?

At Team SR, we deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment, and make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what some of our patients have to say about their experience with Drs. Sellke and Reily!

"The service! When I go in I know I'll never wait long! The girls are wonderful, efficient meanwhile being as gentle as possible!" ~ Nancy U.

"Everyone is very friendly! They have been very helpful from the beginning! I especially appreciated the customized folder that was put together in the beginning that included everything that will happen while he has his braces." ~ Heather M.

"Everyone in the office is very courteous when I call or arrive. You have geared the office to the pleasure of your largest client base the children. They love it, and it really makes a difference in them wanting to do well with the braces and their attitude about braces. Our son couldn't wait to get his braces after seeing his sister do so well." ~ Bruce C.

"Everyone is SO VERY NICE...And seem to truly CARE! The staff and the doc's are the best of the best! Very professional, well educated, kind, courtous...A "well oiled machine"...It is truly amazing how everyone works together as a team, and everyone seems passionate about what they do...To make a difference in one's life! OUTSTANDING! AWESOME! FANTASTIC! EXCELLENT! TOP NOTCH! TRULY THE BEST! THANK YOU ALL!" ~ Tommy T.

"They are the best office on the face of the earth! I have been employed with them for approximately 5 years and just recently my father passed away. The doctors, as well as my staff members could not have been more understanding and supportive of the time I needed off. They are like my family and they treat me as if I were part of their family and I am so greatful to be a part of this amazing practice!" ~ Anne S.

Share your summer plans with SR Orthodontics!

As the school year comes to an end for a lot of our patients at SR Orthodontics, the days get longer and the temperatures begin to climb a bit, there’s no better way to beat the heat than jump into a pool and cool off under the shade. For a lot of people here in our area, summer brings a chance to get away from it all and escape every-day life, if only for a week or two - or three. For others, it means a season of relaxation and relief from homework and other duties.

What about you?

What are your plans for summer? Do you have any interesting plans for a summer vacation? Does your family have a vacation or family reunion planned? Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us on our Facebook page as summer 2010 rolls along!

Enjoy your weekend!

SR Orthodontics, wishing you a safe, relaxing and memorable Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend, a time for Americans everywhere to stop and remember our fallen troops, is also the unofficial start of summer. For a lot of folks in Grayslake, Antioch and surround areas, that spells sweet, sweet relief.

At SR Orthodontics, we know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s unofficially the start of summer 2010 and time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories with parents or friends.

What about you? What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend?

Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or just hanging out in the backyard this weekend, we’d like to hear all about it! Enjoy the long weekend and be safe!

SureSmile finds its way to CNN, from Drs. Sellke and Reily

Our staff at SR Orthodontics has blogged about SureSmile treatment in the past, and today thought we'd post a video of SureSmile being demonstrated on CNN this week!

In the video, Dr. Gupta profiles Jessica Thompson, a teenager from Maryland who wasn't really thrilled about having traditional braces, and opted for SureSmile as her treatment method. We at SR Orthodontics will tell you Jessica's not alone - more and more people are choosing SureSmile over regular braces!

With SureSmile treatment at SR Orthodontics, getting braces isn’t at all what it used to be - our patients get GREAT results in less time with this remarkable technology, and usually spend less time in braces, need fewer office visits or experience less discomfort.

To learn more about SureSmile treatment at SR Orthodontics, we invite you to give us a call.

Share your experience at SR Orthodontics with the world!

With Drs. Sellke and Reily, you can expect to receive complete orthodontic treatment that is tailored to meet your individual needs and desired results.

Our staff is always ready to help and stays dedicated to making each office visit a pleasant, comfortable experience. We offer convenient appointment times and strive to run on time – not occasionally, but every moment of every day. Our goal is to create for you or your child a "Simply Spectacular Smile” – that will last a lifetime!

Whether you have visited SR Orthodontics for a week or for years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how we're doing! Now with the Internet, it’s even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us on our Google Local page. It only takes a moment!

You may write your review here.

Thank you in advance and have a great weekend everybody!

Mother's Day is right around the corner!

Mother's Day - which falls next Sunday, May 9 - is special to all of us, isn't it? Everyone looks forward to this day to let our mom know how special she is to us. Tell Dr. Sellke, what are you planning on mom's special day this upcoming Sunday?

If you happen to be out of ideas, check out this helpful video about clever, inexpensive Mother's Day gift ideas, courtesy of a recent segment on Good Morning America. We're sure mom will love whatever you come up with!

Ten kids' health issues to look out for this year

Would you believe it, it's already May! This happens to be a great time to remind our parents about the various kids' health issues and how you can avoid them. In late 2009, KidsHealth.org published its annual list of “10 Kids’ Health Issues to Watch” in 2010 and what they mean to you and your child's health.

They include:

• Earliest Signs of Autism Identified in Babies

• Obesity and Kids: What Parents Should Understand

• Many Kids Missing Out on CHIP Benefits

• H1N1 Flu Pandemic Affecting Kids the Hardest

• Texting & Driving: Just Say No

• The Importance of Vitamin D

• The Toll of Constant Social Networking

• The Impact on Concussions

• Pregnancy, STDs Increasing Among U.S. Teens

and...

• Smoking: Good News and Bad News

Drs. Sellke and Reily and our staff encourage you to read the entire article in its entirety and share the information with your child. Have a great weekend!

SureSmile on the Science Channel! From SR Orthodontics

Our staff showed you a video clip last week, and thought we'd go with a video theme again. This time around, however, we'd like to show you a neat video of SureSmile treatment that was recently featured on the Science Channel. At SR Orthodontics, we love working with SureSmile technology, as it is faster and produces as good if not better results. Our technology-driven orthodontic process offers several important benefits that make the whole "braces experience" much easier for patients than conventional orthodontics!

Take a look at the video, and be sure to let us know what you think! Have a great rest of the week!

Drs. Sellke and Reily present: Mr. Bean goes to the dentist!

How about a treat today? Here's a little classic dental humor for you to enjoy, from the bumbling yet lovable British spy, Mr. Bean. Our staff loved it, and are pretty sure you'll get a laugh too. Enjoy "Mr. Bean Goes to the Dentist”!

If you have any other suggestions you think we should share with other patients, please let us know! Have a terrific weekend!

At SR Orthodontics, technology helps you relax

It used to be that people were terrified to see the orthodontist. And Drs. Sellke and Reily understand that some patients (and parents) are still nervous. But fear not! The days of fear and loathing when driving to an orthodontist appointment are long gone! And it’s all due to technology. That’s right, technology has allowed orthodontists everywhere - including ours at SR Orthodontics - to zero in on patient care and comfort.

For example, braces are much more comfortable and with certain new methods such as SureSmile, the treatment time has been reduced. In addition, the advances in the orthodontic field have permitted digital photos and X-rays of your mouth, patient charting and improved communications between doctor and patient.

If you have any questions about how Drs. Sellke or Reily use state-of-the-art technology, give us a call and ask! Have a great weekend everybody!

SR Orthodontics, helping you save face this spring

April is National Facial Protection Month, and it’s a good time to remind our young athletes about staying safe on the field this spring. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year. By simply wearing a properly fitted mouth guard, these accidents could prevent this along with other traumatic facial injuries.

Not only do mouth guards save teeth and protect jaws from breaks, but they also may protect against neck- and central nervous system injuries by decreasing the force transmitted through the jaw to the base of the skull. In addition to mouth guards, Drs. Sellke and Reily say it’s a good idea to wear a helmet, face shield and protective eyewear when playing sports this spring. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact SR Orthodontics. Stay safe and have fun!

Talking retainers, with Drs. Sellke and Reily

If you recently completed treatment at SR Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Sellke and Reily will provide—or have provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Drs. Sellke and Reily is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment with Drs. Sellke and Reily, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

Tell SR Orthodontics: What's on your mind?

Week after week, Drs. Sellke and Reily blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontics and your well-being. This week, we thought we’d step back and ask: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve been wanting to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and Drs. Sellke and Reily will try to answer any questions you may have!

Ask SR Orthodontics: When can I start my treatment?

Drs. Reily and Sellke will tell you any orthodontic problem can be treated at any age. But, our doctors want you to know that the need to extract teeth, the amount of treatment time, the cost of treatment, the complexity of treatment required and the quality and stability (permanence) of the final result are very much determined by the age of the patient. This is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven.

Children who aren't ready for braces will benefit from an early evaluation by having their growth and development monitored by a licensed orthodontic specialist at no charge. In the end, a spectacular smile, improved dental health, improved facial esthetics and a boost to self esteem should be the goal of everyone seeking orthodontic treatment at SR Orthodontics. Age should not be a factor in seeking treatment and achieving these goals. These benefits are available to anyone – young or old. Yes, adults can have beautifully straight teeth too!

Fun facts with SR Orthodontics!

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our dedicated team at SR Orthodontics thought you might enjoy. Have a great weekend!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.
• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.
• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.
• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.
• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.
• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.
• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.
• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

SR Orthodontics, supporting National Children's Dental Health Month

February may almost be over, but did you know this happens to be National Children’s Dental Health Month? Each February for the past 60 years, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. New options for braces such as Invisalign Teen, which is removable, make it easier for kids to maintain good oral health during orthodontic treatment.

If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Both Drs. Sellke and Reily are available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited SR Orthodontics lately? Give us a call and schedule an appointment!

Have a fantastic weekend!

At SR Orthodontics, easy and convenient access to your account

Full access to your account, any time you want. Sounds convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at SR Orthodontics enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our web site. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Just see what some of our patients are saying about this innovative service:

"Being able to visit the site and double check appointment dates/times is very convenient over having to call office; appreciate seeing account balance at a glance to help budget personal finances." ~ Sandy F.

"Easy and quick access to records." ~ Laura B.

"Very professional! Indicates that the office and staff are up to speed with technology." ~ Tommy T.

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions!

Reminding you to stay safe out there, from SR Orthodontics

With the intense weather conditions in our region the next few days, Drs. Sellke and Reily, as well as our entire team at SR Orthodontics thought it would be a good time to remind you, our dear patients (and parents) to be safe when out and about.

If you don't feel safe going out, you can always reschedule your appointment. At SR Orthodontics, our primary concern is our patients' well-being, and that includes staying safe on the roads during bad conditions! If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call!

SR Orthodontics want to know: What are you up to in January?

BRRRR! It may still be chilly outside (8 degrees tonight!), but can you believe we’re only a couple of months away from spring? Drs. Sellke and Reily and the team at SR Orthodontics want to know: What were you doing in January? What have you accomplished this year? Are you keeping up with your New Year’s Resolution? Any big mid-winter break plans? Anything exciting going on in your life?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or call our office and ask how! Have a great rest of the week!

Age 7, the magic number, from SR Orthodontics

Many parents assume they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Drs. Sellke and Reily, only to find that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Drs. Sellke or Reily to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age 7, give us a call at SR Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

Ask SR Orthodontics: Why Invisalign Teen™?

The team at SR Orthodontics realize image is everything. At an age when image is so important, just the thought of having metal brackets and wires attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But, there is a clear alternative to traditional braces! Drs. Reily and Sellke thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

For many teens, Invisalign Teen offers a trouble-free, clear alternative to traditional braces; and not only that, but it offers them the chance to have straight teeth without losing self-confidence!

So how does Invisalign Teen work? Invisalign Teen works in the same way 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 that particular tray is used and once it 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. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please give us a call, and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

What puts you at ease at SR Orthodontics?

Drs. Terry Sellke and Don Reily understand not everyone is thrilled to see their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about SR Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our friendly staff? Drs. Sellke or Reily themselves?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!