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.

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!

How braces are now fashionable, from Drs. Battistoni and Beam

Here in Oak Park and La Grange, IL, Drs. Battistoni + Beam are pleased to announce that now-more so than ever-braces are “cool." This is among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as SureSmile, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Drs. Battistoni and Beam, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Drs. Battistoni + Beam for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Do you know: Who Owns Who?

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their child’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Our team at Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd are constantly striving to ensure that you and your family have an exceptional orthodontic experience, which is why that along with embracing the most cutting-edge of technologies, we also offer contests, sponsor community events, and-of course-the Wheel of Ortho. Have you heard of our latest contest, Who Owns Who? To participate, visit our office and take a guess at matching our assistants with their dogs based on photos. You could win a $50 gift card! The contest ends August 15th, and is just another way that our team is able to connect with our patients.

Has your child or teen visited Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

The SureSmile Advantage at Battistoni + Beam Ltd

Does the thought of having braces bring you down? The team at Battistoni + Beam understands that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment.

But you’re in luck, because we 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, we 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. Battistoni & Beam 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.

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, please contact our office today!