If you think you or your child would benefit from orthodontic treatment simply call us at 708-448-3131.

No. Once the consultation is complete Dr. Meehan will communicate with your dentist regarding your orthodontic needs.

The doctor will complete a brief, but through exam. Appropriate x-rays may be taken to allow us to make proper diagnosis. There are six essentials that will be covered at the initial consultation:

• Is there an orthodontic problem and if so, what is it?
• What must be done to correct the problem?
• Is this a good time to start?
• How long will the treatment take to complete?
• Will any teeth need to be removed?
• How much will the treatment cost?

There is a $25 fee for your first visit, however if you begin treatment with our office, it will be credited towards the total treatment fee.

It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until the doctor has actually met with you or your child.

Yes. We offer a variety of payment plans. We allow payment to extend over the length of treatment without finance charges. Payment plans can be structured to fit your financial needs.

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. This is called Phase One or early treatment. If Dr. Meehan considers the problem not severe enough to warrant an early intervention, we will place your child in our recall system. Our recall or observation system sends out appointment reminders every 6-12 months. This allows the doctor to closely monitor your child's dental development. There is no charge for these recall visits.

This is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. If necessary, treatment usually lasts about 12-18 months. The primary objective is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe, and to improve self-esteem and self-image. Basically, Phase One or early treatment is designed to greatly reduce significant orthodontic problems.

It's best to assume that they will need braces after a Phase One treatment. The majority of children that require a Phase One treatment have more severe orthodontic problems. Early treatment will greatly reduce these problems. The period following Phase One treatment is where growth and tooth eruption are closely watched.

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Twenty to twenty five percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.

Appointments are based on individual patients needs. Most patients are seen every six to eight weeks.

Yes. Invisalign® straightens your teeth, not with brackets and wires, but with a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. Invisalign uses the latest 3-D technology to create these customized aligners.

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleanings and dental checkups.

Yes. There is no reason to miss school.

Yes. When treatment starts we will go over a list of foods to avoid. Some of these foods include sticky foods, chewing on hard candy, and chewing on ice.

Patients should brush their teeth at least three to four times each day after each meal and before going to bed.

No. Shots are not necessary with orthodontics.

If something breaks give our office a call at 708-448-3131. We will be happy to assist you in any further help.

No. We believe that every patient should receive their own braces.

You have the choice between clear (ceramic) or metal (silver) brackets. Both brackets systems work the same way. The difference is that the clear bracket is very esthetic. It blends in to your teeth making it difficult to notice.

Alastics look like tiny rubber-bands. They hold the wire to the bracket. They come in many different colors. It is these alastics that give color to the braces. Every time the patients come in for their periodic adjustments they are able to choose a new color if they want.

Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. If the patient is not ready for treatment we will keep them on a recall to observe them.

The clear braces themselves don't stain, but the clear alastic ties sometimes stain with the use of nicotine and coffee products. These alastic ties are changed at every visit.

No. You don't want to bleach your teeth while the braces are on because the enamel under the brace will not get bleached. This will cause your teeth to have different tones. It is best to wait until after the braces are removed to lighten them.

Rubber bands are important for the added force to move teeth and jaws into correct positions. Achieving the perfect bite is dependent upon the use of rubber bands. They don't work without good patient compliance. The tenderness you may experience at first will go away after a few days.

We have mouthguards available in our office that we supply our patients with.