Happy New Year from Meehan Orthodontics

The 2010 holiday season is upon us, and our team at Meehan Orthodontics would like to wish all our patients and their families the merriest of holidays and best wishes for the New Year.

We thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, from all of us at Meehan Orthodontics!

More happy patients at Meehan Orthodontics!

Meehan Orthodotnics, serving Palos Heights, IL and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Meehan and team!

"Dr. Meehan and staff have been very supportive throughout my MANY years of going to them. I started visiting the office when I was 10 for braces consultation when Dr. Meehan shared the reception area with Dr. Nicorata next door. During my consultations and eventual braces, spacers, retainers, the office grew from 3 staff to much more and into the new building, but their quality of care and attention to my needs never changed. Even after I stopped visiting, my younger siblings still have the same experience." ~Paige

"I like that everyone is known by name and that you care about that persons well being and what's right for them." ~Tracy

Happy Holidays, from our entire team at Meehan Orthodontics!

Why do you choose Meehan Orthodontics?

From your very first visit to Meehan Orthodontics our doctor and team strive to provide high-tech, versatile treatment in a friendly, caring environment. Have you had a great experience at our office?

Share your story with the world!


Just select the “Write a Review” button to write a review on our Google Place Page. We look forward to receiving your feedback!

Thank you,

-Dr. Meehan and team

The benefits of dairy, from Dr. Meehan

Dr. Meehan wants to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call.

Understanding cavities

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities while undergoing orthodontic treatment with Dr. Meehan:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth and brackets where your toothbrush can’t reach (visit our website to view our Patient Oral Care Video)
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

As always, don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about proper oral care, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Meehan.

Happy Thanksgiving, from Meehan Orthodontics

Here at Meehan Orthodontics, we are very thankful for all of our amazing patients and their families! Our doctor and team would like to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. We also want to remind everyone to brush and floss after indulging in the big meal.

What are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page!

Friday Fun Facts with Meehan Orthodontics!

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Meehan Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Cool kids get braces at Meehan Orthodontics!

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. New technologies such as Invisalign, 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 Dr. Meehan, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Meehan Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Dr. Meehan asks: Would you like to win a $50 gift card?

Did you spend Halloween this year as a ghost, goblin, or witch? Our team at Meehan Orthodontics would love to see your Halloween spirit! Share your Halloween photos on our Facebook page, through email, or by bringing them into our office for a chance to win a $50 gift card.

Our Halloween Costume Contest ends Monday, Nov. 8, so don't hesitate to submit your Halloween photo! You can also "like" our Facebook page to see the complete photo album of Halloween at Meehan Orthodontics.

Dr. Meehan, reminding patients about our upcoming Halloween Costume Contest!

Trick-or-treat!

In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Meehan and our team would like to invite all of our patients to participate in our Halloween Contest.

Now through Nov. 8th, we encourage our patients to post their Halloween photos on our Facebook page, email them, or bring the photos into our office. We will be giving away two $50.00 gift cards for the Best Costume and Most Creative Costume!


As always, we encourage patients to give us a call if you have any questions about the Halloween Contest, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Meehan.

Invisalign® tips, from Meehan Orthodontics

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, Dr. Meehan 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 Meehan Orthodontics, give us a call!

Halloween Safety Tips, from Meehan Orthodontics

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Meehan would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give Meehan and our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

A braces-friendly recipe, in celebration of National Orthodontic Health Month!

Did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month? Dr. Meehan and our team know how tempting this time of the year can be for your sweet tooth. With all of the caramel, candy corn, and lollipops that are often passed around to trick-or-treaters, we know that it can sometimes be hard to find hard candy alternatives.

However, there is good news! Today, we would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman. This Spider Bites recipe is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this is a cookie that won’t bite back!

Spider Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 1 Tsp. vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa
• 1 Tsp. salt
• ½ Tsp. baking powder
• 1 package black rope licorice, cut into 1-inch pieces**
• 1 small tube of white (or color of choice) frosting
• Toothpicks

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, water, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add eggs into the mixture and blend. Slowly mix in flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder using low-medium speed. Drop tablespoon helpings of mixture onto ungreased cookie sheets and roll each helping into a ball.

Bake 9 minutes at 375 degrees. The batch should produce around three dozen cookies.

Let cookies cool for about 10 minutes. Then using a toothpick, create four small holes in either side of the cookie. Still using the toothpick, push one end of a piece of the cut licorice into each hole, creating the “legs” of the spider. Once all eight pieces are in place, create eyes or decorate at will using the white frosting. Then eat and enjoy!

**Licorice can sometimes stick to braces; parents should monitor

Meehan Orthodontics invites our patients to participate in our Halloween Contest!

Dr. Meehan and our team are excited to announce that now through Nov. 8th will be hosting our Halloween Contest online. We will be giving away two $50.00 gift cards for the Best Costume and Most Creative Costume to patients who post their Halloween photos on our Facebook wall, send them to us through email, or bring them in to our office. We can't wait to see all of your festive holiday photos!

As always, feel free to give us a call at 708-761-6065 if you have any questions about the Halloween Contest, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment at our office.

Ask Dr. Meehan: Are those rumors about braces really true?

In short, probably not.

Dr. Meehan is well-aware that there are quite a few myths about orthodontists circulating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, he thinks you should get the facts! Our team at Meehan Orthodontics came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

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

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. Meehan 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 Dr. Meehan 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 708-761-6065 to schedule an appointment at Meehan Orthodontics.

With Meehan Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

At Meehan Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Palos Heights, IL.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Take a look at a few patient reviews about this service:

"I just had my braces put on in August and I was able to look at my before pics and see the progress that my teeth have made. It is also great to be able to see both the payments that I am making and the insurance." ~David

"I actually got to see my son's teeth online. Do you know how hard it is to get a teenager to show you his teeth?" ~James

"We can see payments that we've made at the exact times and amounts that they were given. We don't have to call the office for questions that can be easily answered. We can just go online and look at the frequently asked questions page." ~Walter

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics, from Meehan Orthodontics

Trust us when we say Dr. Meehan and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Meehan Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.

Ask Dr. Meehan: Why are straight teeth so important?

Some people wonder why Palos Heights, IL orthodontist Dr. Meehan and our team work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Meehan Orthodontics 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. Dr. Meehan can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Thanks to Invisalign® with Meehan Orthodontics, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!

Hey parents! Are you focusing on your kids'oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff at Meehan Orthodontics can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Ask Dr. Meehan: What can I expect during my consultation?

Our main goal at Meethan Orthodontics is to provide our patients with the best orthodontic treatment possible. When you first come in for your initial complimentary consultation, Dr. Meehan will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you.

Your orthodontic evaluation will consist of an oral and facial examination to assess your oral health. Dr. Meehan will have you take intraoral and facial photographs as well as panoramic and cephalometric X-rays to help determine the proper orthodontic treatment method. Then, an impression of your teeth and bite will be taken to construct a model of your mouth. (This will help Dr. Meehan when examining your diagnostic records).

At your second appointment, Dr. Meehan will discuss your options with you. Our team feels it’s important to take the time to carefully examine your diagnostic records after your consultation so that Dr. Meehan can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment at Meehan Orthodontics. This additional preparation will ensure that you receive the best orthodontic care possible. At this time, we encourage you to ask us any questions you may have about your treatment.

If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, our staff asks that both you and your child attend the initial consultation. We feel it is important that both you and your child completely understand Dr. Meehan’s recommendations before we proceed with treatment.

Give us a call today and schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you!

Dr. Meehan asks: Is your child nearing their seventh birthday?

Dr. Meehan will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Meehan to assess what the best age for treatment is.
Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!

Meehan Orthodontics is going social!

How do you use social media? Dr. Meehan and team love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook page. For social media to work, conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social media is hugely popular these days, we know it is unpredictable and ever-changing.

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? Send us your thoughts or give us a call!

-The team at Meehan Orthodontics

What are patients saying about Meehan Orthodontics?

Last week, our team at Meehan Orthodontics asked you, our amazing patients, what you most enjoy about your experience at our office. Well, our team received some great reviews! Today, our team would like to share a few with you. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Dr. Meehan and team love getting patient testimonials!

"He is friendly, easy to talk to, and confident about his work. He looks for solutions that are best for the patient, not just trying to achieve the "perfect" bite for everyone." ~David

"He's very good at what he does, he has a wonderful personality and is always very patient in answering any questions I may have. His staff is a wonderful group, smiling and positive. I always look forward to going to the orthodontist because of the great staff and doctor. Also, I like the fact that Dr. Meehan is a younger doctor who is familiar with all the latest technology." ~Marianne

"We really like Dr. Meehan and would refer anyone looking for an orthodontist to him." ~James

"Dr. Meehan is very good at explaining what is to be expected from the treatment, and what he expects from the kids as their part of their treatment. He is very patient with my kids, and they are very comfortable and happy that we choose Dr.Meehan as their orthodontist." ~Bernard

What do you love about Meehan Orthodontics?

From your very first visit to Meehan Orthodontics our doctor and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. From our professional and helpful staff, to our innovative treatments, our goal is to provide you with the very best orthodontic treatment. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Meehan's work? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,
The team at Meehan Orthodontics

Ask Dr. Meehan: Is Invisalign® right for me?

Invisalign is a very customized treatment, which is part of why it is so effective, says Dr. Meehan. At Meehan Orthodontics, we use basically a three step process to determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign orthodontic treatment. First, we take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next, we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Meehan is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call! We would love to schedule you a complementary consultation with Dr. Meehan.

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. Meehan was born and raised in the Rocky Mountain region. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Meehan was inducted as member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society while attending Creighton University. Following a one year general practice residency and one year in private practice, Dr. Meehan completed a 3-year orthodontic residency from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada.

Along with certification in orthodontics, Dr. Meehan earned a Master of Clinical Dentistry degree for his research pertaining to the cements used to bond orthodontic brackets to teeth. His research work was published in the prestigious American Journal of Orthodontics and Dento-facial Orthopedics. Dr. Meehan is board certified and a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists. He is one of a few orthodontists in the state of Illinois to have completed a two-year post-graduate program with the Roth/Williams Institute for Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment Mechanics.

As a private practice orthodontist and resident of Palos Heights, Dr. Meehan believes that community involvement is very important. Dr. Meehan is active in Saint Alexander Church, and stays very busy coaching youth sports. When not in the office, Dr. Meehan enjoys spending time with his wife, Debbie, and their four children, Patrick, Colin, Madeline, and Catherine.

Dr. Meehan enjoys working with both children and adults, helping them achieve beautiful smiles. It is his goal to provide high quality orthodontics in a friendly and caring environment. He wants orthodontic treatment to be a positive experience for everyone.