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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

Happy Holidays from Drs. Sellke and Reily

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as Drs. Sellke and Reily and their team at SR Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2010? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to
getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at SR Orthodontics

SR Orthodontics want to know: What did you do in November?

Believe it or not, we’re almost in December – and in full holiday mode! But before you go celebrating, Drs. Sellke and Reily and team want to know: Did you do anything exciting this month? Do you have plans for Thanksgiving? If so, we'd love to hear all about it!

You may share your stories with us here, on our social networks or by giving us a call!
--The team at SR Orthodontics

Now that I have braces, what can I eat? SR Orthodontics Explains

You just got braces and SR Orthodontics has informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!

Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter "sit" for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
•3 cups flour
•2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
•1 tsp salt
•2 Tbl sugar
•4 cups milk
•4 eggs
•1/2 cup vegetable oil

In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don't want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

We hope you enjoy this braces-friendly recipe! From the team at SR Orthodontics.

Helping you prepare for cold and flu season, from SR Orthodontics

Traditionally cold and flu season starts in Fall, but this year it seems to have started much earlier and with the number of patients canceling appointments because of flu and H1N1 symptoms SR Orthodontics is taking additional precautions to help prevent the spread of germs.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• 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 toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps! Stay healthy!

--The team at SR Orthodontics

What’s So Sweet About Xylitol? SR Orthodontics Has the Answer...

At SR Orthodontics we have known for some time that certain types of chewing gum, cough drops, toothpaste, mouthwash and candy have been found to help prevent tooth decay. Believe it or not, the sugar substitute “Xylitol” was found to be the culprit, helping to prevent bacteria growth that often contributes to cavities. This research was focused on permanent teeth.

But what about baby teeth? Our doctors wanted to share with you a study that found Xylitol in an oral syrup was found to have a significant effect on cavity prevention in children between 9-15 months of age.

Remember, before using Xylitol products you should ALWAYS consult your dentist first!

Hope this helps. Give us a call if you have any questions!

Write a Review of Drs. Sellke or Reily!

Whether you have visited Drs. Sellke or Reily 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. It only takes a moment!

You may write your reviews here or here.

Thank you and have a great rest of the week!

--The SR Orthodontics team

BOO! Ghosts, Goblins, and National Orthodontic Health Month!

Trick-Or-Treat! October is National Orthodontic Health Month! And in honor of Halloween, the American Association of Orthodontists has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips and treats for a ghoulishly good time!

BOO! Spooky recipes for a “braces friendly” Halloween

Frightfully Fabulous Cupcake Sandwiches

Ingredients:
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 cup warm water
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup superfine sugar
2 cups cake flour, sifted
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 can of chocolate frosting or store-bought chocolate mousse
1 container of whipped topping

Assorted “braces-friendly” candy pieces such as chopped peanut butter cups, chocolate bars and melt-in-your-mouth candies.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Fill a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners and set aside.

Combine cocoa powder, water, and mix until smooth. Fold in mayonnaise. (Make sure cocoa mixture is not to hot to prevent breaking of mayonnaise). Add vanilla and whisk until smooth.

In mixer, combine sugar, cake flour, baking soda and salt and mix slowly until well incorporated. Add wet cocoa mixture, mix on medium-high until well blended. Scrape down the sides and blend for 30 seconds.

Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 way full of batter. Bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool on rack.

Slice each cupcake in half, horizontally, and serve the halves with chocolate mousse or frosting, whipped topping, and assorted candy pieces. Kids build the sandwiches by spreading one-half of a cupcake with mousse/frosting or whipped topping, sprinkling on candy pieces and placing the other half of cupcake on top.

Halloween Safety Tips

•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

And be sure to visit our web site; and have a great rest of the week!

--Drs. Sellke and Reily

Softly Brushing Your Way to Clean Teeth

Just as there are so many different types of toothbrushes to choose from, each brush also has a different type of bristle! There are generally three different types of bristles; hard, medium, and soft. We always recommend that our patients, especially children and seniors, use a soft bristled toothbrush.

Using a hard and medium bristled brush can actually harm your teeth and gums by stripping the enamel from the teeth and irritating the gums so that they become red and sore, and can even cause gum recession. If you do use a hard or medium bristled brush as a personal preference, we recommend using an electric toothbrush.

Soft bristles are much gentler on your teeth and gums, and while patients of all ages are recommended to use soft bristled brushes, they are particularly great for children, seniors, patients recovering from a dental procedure, and patients wearing braces.

Soft bristles, and even extra-soft bristles are every bit as effective when it comes to cleaning your teeth; in fact, if you currently use a hard or medium bristled brush, try a soft bristled brush next time you buy a toothbrush and we bet you won’t even notice a difference!

--Drs. Sellke & Reily

National Dental Hygiene Month

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? Fall is here, and Halloween is coming soon, but now it is more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats can damage your teeth and braces too! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! After eating these candies, be sure to wash your mouth out with water, drink milk or eat a few slices of cheese. These will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

Besides cavities and tooth decay, many people do not realize that good oral health and hygiene are important to your overall health too! Research is discovering 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: see your dentist every six months, brush and floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash.

Make a resolution to improve your oral health for October, the National Dental Hygiene Month!

--Drs. Sellke & Reily

Invisalign Tips

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invialign aligners, ask yourself the following questions:

1.) Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.
2.) Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.
3.) Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits.

--SR Orthodontics

Imagining Your Life With Invisalign

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Following are a list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit your office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Dr. Sellke will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.