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!

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!

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!

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!

The advantage of SureSmile® at SR Orthodontics

A couple of weeks ago, Drs. Sellke and Reily posted a blog about SureSmile technology featured on the popular ABC show "The Doctors."

If the thought of having braces bring you down, remember Drs. Sellke and Reily specialize in SureSmile, high-tech braces that are revolutionizing the orthodontic industry. SureSmile, which combines digital 3-D imaging, has computer-aided treatment planning and customized archwires to straighten teeth about 40 percent faster than traditional braces. The SureSmile program calculates the exact shape and pattern of the teeth and bends and cuts the braces wires, with more precision than traditional braces.

There are three steps. First, Drs. Sellke and Reily identify the initial tooth position with the patented OraScanner, a wand with a tiny camera attached. The OraScanner creates a precise 3-D digital model of your mouth, which is then uploaded into software that lets Drs. Sellke and Reily view your mouth and teeth from any angle. Next, the SureSmile system allows us to create your entire treatment plan prior to treatment, using special computer software to analyze the 3-D model of your mouth and develop a custom archwire treatment. Finally, SureSmile’s robotic technology bends Shape Memory Alloy archwires, which can “remember” your prescription.

And the results?

With SureSmile’s specially programmed archwires, your teeth move more directly into their intended positions. The result for our patients is shortened treatment time and a more comfortable experience in braces.

Once the braces are on it’s only a matter of time before they are taken off revealing beautiful, straight, healthy teeth. With traditional braces a patient is expected to schedule 18 to 20 office visits over two years. With SureSmile, patients average seven to 10 visits and can have their braces off within half the time!

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, and braces are on the horizon, give us a call! Happy New Year from the entire team at Sellke Reily Orthodontics!

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

SureSmile makes the rounds on ABC’s “The Doctors” - Drs. Sellke and Reily

On a recent episode of ABC's "The Doctors," Dr. Thomas Lee of Oxnard, California, was interviewed in front of a live audience and demonstrated SureSmile technology and discussed treatment benefits for orthodontists and their patients. Dr. Lee's 14-year-old patient, Nina, who had just completed SureSmile treatment, was part of the segment as well, and spoke positively about her SureSmile treatment experience.

SureSmile is a software program that facilitates the precise positioning of a patient’s teeth placement for orthodontic braces. Did you know Drs. Sellke and Reily are certified SureSmile providers? Give us a call and ask for more information!

Have a great weekend!

Patient reviews for SR Orthodontics

Drs. Sellke and Reily love getting patient reviews. And lately, SR Orthodontics, serving Antioch, Grayslake and surrounding communities, has been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! We thought we'd share some with you today! Happy Thursday!

"They are conveniently located, they are on time, very friendly and the office is so easy going. They Drs. are awesome too." ~ Ken P.

"Dr. Reily has always been extremely efficient, knowledgeable and courteous. The staff has always been very helpful, friendly and patient." ~ Allen M.

"They are very friendly and put my daughter at ease. I trust their judgment when it comes to which treatment is most appropriate." ~ Gayle D.

"We love the friendly, helpful doctors and staff. They are always very helpful with any questions and they go out of their way to make sure every aspect of both my children's treatments are 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. Your whole team is wonderful!" ~ Lisa J.

"Excellent reputation within community; friendly & caring staff; professional office atmosphere." ~ Sandy F.

A great braces-friendly fall recipe! From SR Orthodontics

Fall is here, and sometimes we here at SR Orthodontics just feel like a hot delicious meal is in order. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) fall dish that is sure to delight. Drs. Sellke and Reily would like to remind you that a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Pasta Pomodorini
Ingredients:
•¾ pound spaghetti or spaghetti
•¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
•¼ cup sliced garlic
•½ teaspoon finely minced Calabrian chilies, or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
•1 pint small cherry tomatoes, stems removed, crushed between your thumb and forefinger
•Sea salt, preferably gray salt
•½ cup fresh basil leaves, each torn into 2 or 3 pieces
•Wedge of Parmesan cheese

Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta. While the pasta cooks, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook until the slivers are golden brown and crisp, then add the chilies and cook for about 30 seconds. Raise the heat to high and add the tomatoes. Simmer briskly to soften the tomatoes and thicken the juices, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. When the pasta is al dente, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the warm pot off the heat. Add the sauce and the basil and mix well. Add some of the reserved cooking water if the pasta seems dry. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and grate Parmesan over the top to taste. Drizzle with a little more olive oil. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Enjoy this great fall dish and have a great rest of the week!
--The team at SR Orthodontics

Cardiodontics: The Heart Mouth Connection from Sellke & Reily Orthodontics

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or periodontitis), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease! Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. So we at Drs. Sellke and Reily's office want to let you know some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis – an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:
--redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
--halitosis, or bad breath
--gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
--"pockets" between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
--loose teeth
Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a putrid, festering infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through ulcerated and bleeding gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:
--Heart disease: Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
--Stroke: Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries
--Diabetes: People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
--Premature births: A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

Combating Periodontal Disease

--See your dentist! See your dentist every six months for a checkup! Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a lifesaver!
--Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!
--Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria.
--Straighten your teeth. Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease.

--Drs. Sellke and Reily

Oral Piercing: Is It Worth It? Sellke Reily Orthodontics Explain

Piercing, like tattooing, is one of today’s popular forms of “body art” and self-expression. If you’re thinking about getting a piercing – or if you already have one or more – we at Sellke Reily Orthodontics want to share some health risks you should know about.

Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection is a common complication of oral piercing. Just touching your mouth jewelry (tongue barbells and lip and cheek labrettes) can lead to infection. Many people who have piercings tend to regularly touch them – which is a perfect opportunity for bacteria from hands to enter piercing sites. Also, food particles that collect around piercing sites can lead to infection.

Pain and swelling are other possible side effects of piercing. Your tongue – the most popular piercing site in the mouth – could swell large enough to close off your airway! Piercing also can cause uncontrollable bleeding or nerve damage. Damage to the tongue’s blood vessels can cause serious blood loss.

The hoop, ring, stud, and barbell-shaped jewelry can hinder your ability to talk and eat. Some people also develop a habit of biting or playing with their piercings – which can lead to cracked, scratched teeth; gum damage and recession; and sensitive teeth. There may also be a need for restorations, such as crowns or fillings, and additional dental treatment due to piercings.

Consider the potential pitfalls of piercing carefully before getting one. Keep in mind that it will be an added responsibility to your life, and will need regular upkeep. Make sure that you’re committed to the task of taking care of it for the full healing period and beyond.

If you have an oral piercing, pay special attention to it. Clean the piercing with antiseptic mouthwash after eating, and brush the jewelry when you brush your teeth. Of course, let us know at Sellke Reily Orthodontics if you have any questions.

Parsley and Other Ways To Brighten Your Smile from Sellke & Reily Orthodontics

At Sellke & Reily Orthodontics we see lots of patients concerned about their bad breath. So we want to educate you about what you can do to really keep your chompers clean and breath minty fresh!

Naturally, good oral hygiene is the first set. With proper brushing and regular dental checkups you can keep bad breath (halitosis) in check.

Certain foods, medications, smoking, sinus issues, or even gum disease cause most bad breath. If the stink lingers for longer than 24 hours, you should see us at Sellke & Reily Orthodontics. It might be something more serious, like dehydration, zinc deficiency, diabetes, liver failure, kidney failure, or even certain kinds of cancers!

In the meantime, here are some home remedies to keep you smiling bright from Sellke & Reily Orthodontics.

--Spice Up Your Life
Snack on some cloves, fennel, or anise after each particularly odorous snack.
--Don’t forget the tongue
Lots of people brush their teeth regularly, but leave the tongue alone. One of the main causes of bad breath is food and plaque residue on the surface of your tongue. So give it a nice gentle brush-over too!
--Watch your drinking habits
The worst options are coffee, wine, whiskey, and beer.
--Frequent brushing
Carry a toothbrush with you so brushing after each meal is convenient and refreshing! Trust us, you’ll love the way it makes you feel. If you can’t brush, still swish around a couple sips of water to remove any lingering food.
--Make your own Gargle
Gargling with a home mixture of sage, calendula, and myrrh gum extracts four times a day should ward off that bad breath potential.
--Parsley’s there for a reason
Finish your parsley after you finish your dinner and you’ll find a refreshing breath enhancer. Hate the texture? Throw a couple sprigs in a blender to sip after each meal.
--Sugarless Gum
Always a good idea to carry some mints or sugarless gum for that quick spruce up before you meet the boss.
--Don’t cut that cheese
The stronger the cheese, the stinkier your breath can become. Think about blue cheese and Roquefort? They really get the party started in your mouth and it’s hard to make them leave!

Sellke & reily Orthodontics Make Pediatric Safety Fair Huge Success

Sellke & Reily Orthodontics joined Grayslake firemen, policeman, and the Flight for Life chopper to teach local Illinois children about safety.

The goal of the event is to teach children important tips about safety when they are young, and encourage them to speak with doctors, policemen, and such so that they are not intimidated to express themselves later in life.

Photographed is Jeanette L. of SR Orthodontics, showing siblings Emma and Ted the proper way to brush their teeth.

The event was hosted by Lake Forest Hospital and brought out 850 people from the Grayslake community.