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.