Palos Hills Dentist | We’re Digital!

Orthodontist Palos Hills

At Paul DiFranco Orthodontics, we use modern technology to perform precise and accurate orthodontic procedures.  We utilize advanced, digital x-rays that use 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays. Digital x-rays help to magnify and enhance your teeth for better diagnosis of orthodontic treatment.

Once the x-ray is taken, an image of your teeth is placed into an imaging program and projected on a screen instantly for us to view. This helps Dr. DiFranco get the information he needs to plan the most effective orthodontic treatment.

We are proud to bring this modern technology to you and encourage you to call our office if you have any questions.  We can help you get your oral health back on track!

Palos Hills Orthodontist | Healthy Lunch Ideas for Both Children and Adults

Palos Hills OrthodontistSeptember is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. It is also a time when our schedules become busy with school, after-school activities, work and social gatherings. When short on time it can be tempting to buy convenient lunch foods, which at times lack nutritional value. We’ve put together a list of healthy lunch and snack foods to promote oral and overall health of our community.

Apples & Pears

Firm, crunchy fruits are high in water content. This dilutes the effects of the sugar they contain and help to stimulate saliva production, making them excellent for oral health.

Water & Milk

Water and milk are far better choices than sugary juices and sports drinks, which contribute to decay. If you choose to allow sugary drinks, save them for an after school snack and encourage brushing after consumption.

Cheeses & Nuts

The calcium and phosphorus found in these foods help to re-mineralize teeth by strengthening the tooth’s enamel.

Carrots & Broccoli

Replace a bag of chips with colorful vegetables and a low-fat dip. This will encourage your children to make a habit of snacking healthy and help them to get the vital vitamins and nutrients needed for oral and overall health.

Childhood obesity and childhood caries are of the most common ailments effecting American children today. Help your children by making healthy food available every day.

We welcome both children and adults of all ages to our dental practice. Don’t forget to make brushing and flossing an important part of your child’s routine, as well as regular visits to our Palos Hills orthodontic office.

Orthodontic treatment can do more than just straighten your teeth…

Palos Hills OrthodontistMost people want to achieve a better smile by having straight teeth. However, most don’t know that there are greater benefits to orthodontic treatment than just having perfectly aligned teeth. Orthodontic treatment can actually work to improve your quality of life.

Prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Crowded teeth can lead to oral health issues because they are difficult to clean. Bacteria and plaque can easily buildup between these areas, eventually leading to tooth decay and gum disease. When you have tight spaces between your teeth, flossing may be impossible and brushing may not remove all the tartar and plaque. With orthodontic treatment, your teeth will become properly aligned and spaced, which allows for more effective brushing and flossing.

Prevent bone erosion. Bone and gum tissues begin to erode when teeth are poorly aligned or are spaced far apart. Too much pressure on the jawbone due to a bad bite can contribute to bone erosion. With orthodontic treatment, the bones and tissues are less likely to erode and can continue to support the teeth.

Fixed speech. Did you know that the alignment of your teeth can contribute to the way you speak? When your teeth are out of line, it can affect your speaking. Braces can realign teeth and you can end up with a much clearer speech pattern.

Easier digestion. Straightening your teeth can improve the way you digest. If teeth are misaligned, they may not be breaking down food as effectively as they should. Having straight teeth allows for optimal alignment for chewing food.

If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment, be sure to contact our Palos Hills orthodontist.