dentist orthodontist

What Is an Orthodontist?

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Are Dentists and Orthodontists the same? Dentists and orthodontists are trained physicians that are in related fields but serve very different purposes. Dentists take care of the general health of the teeth, gums, and mouth. Orthodontists are dentists that go further and receive special training in the alignment, positioning, and placement of teeth and jaws and if necessary, can correct any serious issues with any of those problems.  Read more…

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Top ten tips for keeping your BRACES sparklin’ clean!

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Top ten tips for keeping your Braces 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:  Read more

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How long does orthodontic treatment take?

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Orthodontic treatments are used to correct malocclusion, a condition more commonly known as a bad bite. The length of treatment time varies depending on the severity of the bite problem.

What is a “bad bite”?

A bad bite occurs when spacing or alignment problems are present. This often includes teeth that are protruding, crowded, or crooked. Sometimes teeth appear straight but have an uneven bite because the upper and lower jaws do not align properly. Teeth that are irregularly spaced – either too far apart or too close together – can also cause bite problems.

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When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

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Orthodontic treatments vary from dental treatment, in that they primarily address malocclusions, jaw spacing and tooth alignment, rather than the actual health of the teeth. That is why it is often more difficult for parents to determine when a child needs orthodontic treatment than dental treatment. So how can you know it is time to take your child to the orthodontist?
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Dentist Referral

What questions should I ask during my orthodontic consultation?

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Are you thinking about orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth or correct jaw alignment? Consider making your first step for an orthodontic consultation by contacting Childers Orthodontics at (618) 438-2815. During the consultation, we will address your questions, concerns, and talk about a treatment plan that would best suit your situation. Read more

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The Evolution of Braces

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Evolution of Braces
Did you know that even in ancient times, people wanted to improve the look and function of their smiles? We think of modern orthodontic appliances as sleek, efficient technology, but this was not always so! Take a look at the highlights in the evolution of braces.

The Evolution of Braces

Ancient Times: From Greece to Rome

• According to The Angle Orthodontist, Aristotle and Hippocrates first thought about methods for straightening teeth between 400 and 300 BC.
• The Etruscans, in what we now know as Italy, buried their dead with appliances that maintained spaces and prevented collapse of their teeth and jaws during life. Archaeologists have discovered mummified remains in various locations that have metal bands wrapped around the teeth.
• A Roman tomb has also been discovered where the teeth of the dead are bound with gold wire, including documentation on the wire’s use as a dental device. Read more

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How do you accommodate a child with special needs?

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child with special needs?

 

Patients with special needs, conditions and disabilities deserve a team of professionals who are experienced and willing to work with them to create a comfortable, relaxing environment. We warmly embrace special needs patients in our office, and as a result, have enjoyed their unique talents and gifts. Some of our most amazing and compliant patients are special-needs patients. We are careful with each patient and always make sure that the parents and patient are well-informed on the treatment and progress. If your child is initially skeptical about orthodontics or even just plain scared, we recommend that you bring them in once a month until your child feels comfortable with Dr. Kyle Childers, our staff, and our office environment. By seeing your child monthly, we are building a relationship with them, thus ensuring their comfort.

We encourage you to ask any questions while you are in our Benton, Harrisburg or Herrin, IL office. You can also give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kyle Childers. We look forward to serving your family!

How do you accommodate a child with special needs?

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Smile with Invisalign Teen®!

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Invisalign Teen is designed with today’s youth in mind. These clear, removable orthodontic aligners can straighten your teeth without the need for metal wires and brackets. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are comfortable, nearly invisible, and removable, which allows you to remove them as you eat your favorite foods and brush and floss your teeth. Invisalign Teen motivates teenagers to enjoy life without restrictions while promoting better overall dental care. Read more

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Foods that are Safe for Braces

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Foods that are safe for braces
Orthodontic braces are used to straighten the teeth, which not only creates a more pleasing appearance but also helps prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems. However, Braces are only effective when they are properly cared for. Certain foods, for example, are better suited for individuals who have braces, as opposed to hard and sticky foods that can cause damage. So, what types of foods should you or your kids eat to protect dental appliances?

Foood and Braces

The best foods to eat with braces are those that are not high in sugar and do not require excessive chewing. For breakfast, try eggs, yogurt, bacon, wheat toast, or oatmeal. Lunch may steer toward a banana rather than an apple, a salad without nuts, and a glass of water. If you are looking for some after-school snacks for your kids, consider baked tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole, or try string cheese with fruit. Read more

Dr. Kyle Childers Family

What’s so great about an orthodontist?

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A lot of our patients are curious about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. In fact, one of the most common questions we hear at Childers Orthodontics is, “Dentists and orthodontists are all the same, right?”

A general dentist is your primary dental care provider. Dentists diagnose, treat, and manage your overall oral healthcare needs, including gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, and bridges. Read more