Drs. Battistoni & Beam talk orthodontic emergencies

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can't take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment with Drs. Richard Battistoni and William Beam.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with our office.

The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:

Poking Wire: Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.

Loose Bracket or Band: If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.

Loose Wire: Using a tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.

Loose Appliance: If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.

Headgear Does Not Fit: Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, headgear becomes more comfortable the more it's worn, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.

General Soreness: When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.

Remember, after alleviating your discomfort, it is still very important that you call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here at Drs. Battistoni+ Beam Ltd, we are very thankful for all of our amazing patients! Our doctor and team would like to wish everyone a fun and safe Thanksgiving. We also want to remind everyone to brush and floss after indulging in the big meal.

If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to post them on our Facebook page or give us a call!

It's time to think PINK with Drs. Battistoni and Beam!

At Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd, we love connecting with our patients through contests, events, and fundraisers, both in the office and online. Today, we would like to update all our patients that the Breast Cancer Fundraiser is going great! As of this week, 163 patients have already gotten pink rubber bands. Wow! We would like to thank all of you that have chosen to help the Foundation, and we would like to encourage more patients to do the same.

Thank you,

-Drs. Battistoni and Beam

Staying connected with Drs. Battistoni and Beam

At Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or sharing pictures from our Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser on our Facebook fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Drs. Battistoni and Beam and our staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Fighting breast cancer with Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Drs. Battistoni and Beam will be providing our patients with the opportunity to help raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. For every patient that chooses to wear pink elastic bands now through October, Drs. Battistoni and Beam will donate $1 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. We appreciate your consideration, and look forward to seeing everyone in pink elastic bands this month!

As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment.

Thank you,

-Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd.

Drs. Battistoni and Beam raise $350 for the Pets and Pals charity

Thank you to all of our amazing patients for your votes and support during the La Grange, IL Rain Barrel Auction last Friday, Sept. 10th. Drs. Battistoni and Beam won the barrel and raised $350 for the Pets and Pals charity. We appreciate everyone who took the time to vote for our "Em-BRACE the Summer" rain barrel, as well as Caitlin O'Mahoney's Art Class at McClure Jr. High School, who painted the barrel.



For more information about the Rain Barrel Auction, feel free to give us a call, or visit our Facebook page for the complete event photo album.

Thank you,

-Drs. Battistoni and Beam

Have you voted for Drs. Battistoni and Beam to "Em-BRACE the Summer?"

You may remember that earlier this summer Drs. Battistoni and Beam had encouraged all of our patients to help us "em-BRACE the Summer" by voting for our barrel in the Rain Barrel auction. Our office sponsored the barrel, in partnership with Caitlin O'Mahoney's Art Class at McClure Jr. High School, who painted the barrel. The action is this Friday, so if you haven't yet had a chance, please check out barrel #59 and vote for it as your favorite!

We invite all of our patients to attend the barrel auction this Friday, Sept. 10. Proceeds will benefit Pets & Pals and other nonprofit organizations.

Thank you,

-Dr. Battistoni & Dr. Beam

Ask Drs. Battistoni and Beam: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Often, people wonder why Oak Park and La Grange, IL orthodontists Drs. Battistoni and Beam work so hard to provide our patients with beautiful, straight teeth. Did you know that straightening your teeth at Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Drs. Beam and Battistoni can help you decide if orthodontic treatment is right for you.

Ask Jackie: If you weren't a Clinical Assistant at Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd, what profession would you pursue?

Hello, everyone! If we haven’t me already, my name is Jackie and I’m a Clinical Assistant at Drs. Battistoni and Beam’s office. Although I love my profession, if I were to choose another ideal job (other than helping make our patients' teeth straight and healthy) it would be in an entirely different field. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to swim with dolphins; it was an amazing experience, and one I remember so fondly. So, if I had to choose an ideal job, it would be to work with them in their training. There was such a peacefulness that came with swimming with them and a mutual trust as well.

Having been an audience member in dolphin shows a few times, I also remember how happy I was watching the relationship between the trainer and the dolphins. I realized how much time and effort must have gone into each jump or trick.

In reality, this does relate to the relationship between me and our patients. We have a special relationship built on trust. My favorite days are ones in which we are able to tell patients, especially those that have been working so hard to create their beautiful smiles, that it’s time for their braces to come off! Today, Drs. Battistoni and Beam want to know, if you were to pursue another profession, what would you want to do?

Hey, Karron! "What's new at the office of Drs. Battistoni and Beam?"

At Drs. Battistoni + Beam we make every effort to continuously improve service to our patients. Your response to our customer surveys is very important to us and as a result of your responses we have increased our telephone hours of operation to make it easier for you to reach us. In addition, if you happen to call when we are out of the office, and you do leave a message, we will make every effort to return your call the next business day.

We will also be expanding our hours for patients appointments September through May. Our offices will be open two Saturdays each month.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our customer survey. We appreciate your business and value your input to help us improve our service. As always, don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions!

Drs. Battistoni and Beam recommend regular checkups!

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day during your orthodontic treatment with Drs. Battistoni and Beam? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your dentist every six months in addition to brushing and flossing your teeth (and visiting our office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health.

Your general dentist can look for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, and treat oral health problems.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in the greater Oak Park and La Grange, IL area!

More happy smiles at Drs. Battistoni and Beam!

Our team at Drs. Battistoni and Beam in La Grange and Oak Park, IL are dedicated to creating specialized treatment plans, which are customized towards the individual needs of our patients. Have you recently begun treatment or are considering treatment options with Drs. Battistoni and Beam? Check out all of the great patient photos on our Facebook page! To receive all of the latest office updates, event information, and pictures, take a moment to "like" our Facebook page.

While we’re taking a little time to research and decide how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients:How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please give us a call today! Or, you can connect with us through our Facebook page.

Have a great week,

-Our team at Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd.

Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up

Often, parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd for a consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Drs. Battistoni and Beam 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 are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd. to schedule an appointment.

Hey, Moms! Drs. Battistoni and Beam invite you to take the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge!

At Drs. Battistoni and Beam, we value your winning smile, and we want to help protect you from unpleasant and damaging sports injuries. The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) has introduced the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge as a way of ensuring that children are using proper facial protection equipment.

Mouth guards are vital to protecting your teeth from sports related injuries while participating in sports, such as football, soccer, baseball, hockey, and basketball, to name a few. The Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge is a way for moms nationwide to make a commitment to protecting their kids’s smile from facial injuries.

In past entries, we’ve discussed the importance of using facial protection when exercising to prevent injury. Today, we at Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd. are inviting moms to take action by visiting the Moms for Mouth Guards website and taking the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge. For each mom that takes the pledge, Moms for Mouth Guards will donate a mouth guard to National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS).

Have a safe week everyone!

- Your friends at Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd.

Invisalign® tips, from Drs. Battistoni & Beam

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 Invisalign aligners, Drs. Battistoni + Beam wants you to 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 necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky 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 simple: 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. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at our Oak Park & La Grange orthodontic offices, give us a call!

Drs. Battistoni & Beam Reminding You to Smile Wide and Live Longer!

Folks with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. We have known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you perfected your smile with us? If not, give Drs. Battistoni and Beam a call!

Celebrities get braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Drs. Battistoni & Beam.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give us a call at either our Oak Park or La Grange, IL offices!

Drs. Battistoni & Beam, supporting National Smile Month

Now that we’re in June, our staff at Drs. Battistoni & Beam thought we’d tell you June is National Smile Month, and a good time to remind all our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to see Drs. Battistoni & Beam.

Below are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment with Drs. Battistoni & Beam.
* Visit your dentist regularly (every 6 months)!

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call. We hope you enjoyed the long holiday weekend!

Your pal, fluoride

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists’ office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

--Drs. Battistoni + Beam

When should you call Drs. Battistoni + Beam?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call our office. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth


Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call as soon as possible!

Hope this helps,

Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd.