Month: November 2023

Congratulations on completing your orthodontic treatment and achieving a beautiful, healthy smile! Your retainer plays a crucial role in ensuring that your teeth stay aligned and your smile remains picture-perfect. To keep your retainer in excellent condition, follow these three essential tips:

• Protect and Store: Your retainer should only be in two places – your mouth or its case. It’s essential to store your retainer in a proper case when you’re not wearing it. This protects it from accidental damage, prevents it from being thrown away or misplaced, and keeps it safe from any curious pets in your household. Just as Batman relies on his utility belt to keep his tools secure, you can trust your retainer case to keep your oral health tool safe.
• Clean with Care: Proper cleaning is vital to maintain the hygiene and longevity of your retainer. Always remove your retainer before eating to prevent it from coming into contact with food particles, which can promote bacterial growth and cause plaque buildup. Follow the cleaning instructions provided by your orthodontist to ensure effective cleaning. Regular cleaning will help prevent unpleasant odors and the accumulation of harmful bacteria, keeping your retainer fresh and comfortable to wear.
• Handle with Caution: Your retainer is made of delicate materials, so it’s important to handle it with care. Avoid subjecting your retainer to extreme heat, such as leaving it in a hot car or placing it near direct sunlight. Exposure to high temperatures can cause the retainer to warp or lose its shape, compromising its effectiveness. Additionally, refrain from using harsh chemicals like bleach or alcohol-based mouthwash, as they can damage the plastic components of your retainer.

Remember, proper care of your retainer is essential to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment. Alongside retainer care, it’s crucial to maintain a regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing, flossing, and attending scheduled professional cleanings and exams. Our Palos Hills dental team is here to support you on your journey to a lifelong healthy and radiant smile. Schedule your next appointment with our office today to ensure your smile remains bright and beautiful.

Your dentist can offer the best services and cutting-edge technology, but if your child is gripped by fear at the mention of the dentist, it can overshadow all the positive aspects. At Paul DiFranco Orthodontics of Palos Hills, we prioritize the comfort and confidence of all our patients, regardless of their age. However, we can’t do it alone when it comes to children. Kids are highly perceptive and often take cues from their parents about how to feel. Here are some recommendations to help your child feel safe and secure during dental visits.

• Keep It Casual 

The best advice for parents is not to make a big fuss about your child’s dental appointments. If your child senses anxiety in you, they are likely to feel the same way. Treat dental visits as something routine and normal, similar to going to the grocery store. Children are often more receptive and resilient than we give them credit for. To normalize dental visits, start early by scheduling your child’s first appointment as soon as they get their first tooth. Positive experiences from an early age can prevent future anxieties.

• Meet and Greet 

Consider scheduling a brief 5-minute appointment for your child to meet the dentist and establish a relationship. If your child sees the dentist as a friendly figure, they will be more inclined to trust them with their oral care. Encourage this trust by discussing the dentist as someone who creates a fun and calm environment. Avoid using the dentist as a form of punishment, as it can associate the dental experience with fear, punishment, and pain.

• Less Talk, More Presence 

When accompanying your child to the dentist, your level of involvement may vary based on the anxiety you and your child are experiencing. Our experienced team has found that assuring your child of your presence nearby throughout the visit can be comforting. Depending on the situation, you may choose not to be in the room while your child’s teeth are being cleaned. If you have fears or anxiety about the situation, your child will pick up on it, and it may be better for you not to be present. Additionally, your presence can distract both the dentist and your child. However, for some children, your presence can be extremely helpful. Ultimately, you know your child’s needs best.

It is widely recognized by dentists that the success of treatments depends on the patient’s cooperation. Ensure that your child’s dental visits are beneficial and stress-free. Feel free to contact our Palos Hills office if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.