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.