Breaking bad habits

At Childers Orthodontics, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. Childers.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr. Childers if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.

We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Childers Orthodontics or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook!

Top ten tips for keeping your BRACES sparklin’ clean

Dr. Childers will tell you that keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right Dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Hope this helps!

Friday Fun Facts!

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 Childers 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.

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. Childers 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. Childers 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 Childers Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

Why do you choose Childers Orthodontics?

Has your experience at Childers Orthodontics been GREAT?

Would you like to let others know?

Write a review on Google– it’s easy to do! Just select the "Write a Review" button below to write a review on our Google Place Page.


Do you already have a Google account? Great! Just click "Write a Review" to leave your message.

Don’t have an account? Sign up for one–it’s easy and takes only a minute or two!

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience! We really appreciate it!

Celebrities get braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Childers.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Childers Orthodontics a call.

Stay cool with a braces-friendly summer treat!

Summer is here! Kids and adults alike will now be spending more time outside being active and enjoying the hotter temperatures. What’s better on a hot summer day than a delicious treat that will cool you down after doing something active in the summer sun? Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have just the thing, Watermelon Sorbet! You can find the complete recipe below:

Watermelon Sorbet

Ingredients
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 to 3 cups watermelon, diced, no seeds or rind

Directions
In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and lime juice on medium high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Chill this “syrup” at least 20 minutes. In the meantime, place the watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender and liquefy them. Add the chilled syrup to the watermelon puree and blend. Freeze sorbet in an ice-cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve immediately.

Happy Summer!

-Dr. Childers and team

Orthodontic emergency care with Dr. Childers

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can't take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment with Dr. Childers.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with Childers Orthodontics.

The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:
Poking Wire: Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.

Loose Bracket or Band: If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.

Loose Wire: Using a tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.

Loose Appliance: If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.

Headgear Does Not Fit: Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, headgear becomes more comfortable the more it's worn, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.

General Soreness: When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.

Remember, after alleviating your discomfort, it is still very important that you call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem.

Childers Orthodontics Asks: What are your 4th of July plans?

This coming Monday, July 4th, is Independence Day and the United States of America will be turning 235 years old! It’s a day to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and also a time for every American to pay homage to our soldiers, past and present, who have placed themselves in harm’s way so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom.

Dr. Childers and team will be celebrating this Monday and we would like to know, what are your plans for the 4th of July? Will you be out in the sun? Have you stocked up on fireworks? Are you going to grill up your favorite summer foods? Are you staying in town or heading somewhere else? If you have a 4th of July tradition, we would love to hear about it.

Whatever you plan to do, Childers Orthodontics hopes you have a fun and safe holiday! Feel free to upload your 4th of July photos to our Facebook page and let us know how your Independence Day turned out this year.

Two-Phase Treatment at Childers Orthodontics

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. But in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

If you would like to learn more about two-phase treatment with Dr. Childers, we encourage you to check out this short video from Mattie. She just started her the second phase of orthodontic treatment last week.

Can you dance like a Childers Orthodontics ROCK STAR?

If you have a passion for rock 'n' roll and the dance moves to match, then Dr. Childers and our team have a great opportunity for you. We're currently hosting an online contest to determine who will co-star in the next Childers Orthodontics video. To enter, simply share a video clip (30 seconds or less) of your best Rock Star moves on our Facebook page. The three videos that receive the most likes by June 30th at 4pm will get to co-star in our upcoming video.

The video will be partially filmed at our Patient Appreciation Party in July. The song is a remake of a Hair Band classic, so let us see you ROCK!

Smile! June is National Smile Month!

According to the American Dental Association, a person's smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature, which is why it's important for our team at Childers Orthodontics to support National Smile Month this June.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Here's a helpful video showing you how to brush with your braces on.
* Floss every day to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Childers.
* Visit your dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call.

Flossing with braces, from Dr. Childers

Dr. Childers will tell you that keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and could possibly reduce your treatment time.

Here is a very concise video explaining the proper way to floss your teeth with braces. Give Childers Orthodontics a call if you have more questions about flossing. Enjoy!

At Childers Orthodontics, happy smiles are our specialty!

Childers Orthodontics, serving Benton, Harrisburg, Herrin, Marion and all surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what one of our current patients has to say about Dr. Childers and team!

"My son just received his braces on Thursday 5-19-11. On Friday EVENING (of course) he complains that a wire had been poking him ALL DAY. I read through the information folder and tried using the eraser and tweezers to bend the wire. With no luck, I called the office and retrieved a cell number. When I called I was informed I could drive to the Benton office or try to clip the wire with wire cutters. We clipped the wire which seemed to help out. On Saturday we received a phone call from the employee of Dr. Childers just checking to make sure things were going okay. It was nice to know that someone was available AFTER HOURS to help us. Most things happen on FRIDAYS and/or the WEEKENDS!!!" ~Charles B.

Win a gaming system of YOUR choice and a car detailing for DAD!

At Childers Orthodontics, we truly love our dads. To show our appreciation for all of the amazing dads who visit our office, we are currently hosting a Father's Day Contest. The contest winner will be awarded a gaming system of their choice, while dad will receive a car detailing.

To enter our contest, simply post a picture of you and your dad on Facebook and finish this sentence: My Dad is the COOLEST because ______! The patient whose photo receives the most likes between May 2 and May 31 at 4pm will WIN! You must be a patient to enter, but anyone can vote.

Good luck!

-The team at Childers Orthodontics

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month!

Did you know the month of May is designated National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? In 1983, President Ronald Reagan encouraged Americans to incorporate more physical activity into their lives, and the reminder is even more significant in this day and age, as kids everywhere are distracted more and more by television, social networking and video games. Kids living an active lifestyle can improve their health, productivity and overall well-being, and best of all? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided these public health guidelines for your convenience. The guidelines call for children and teens to exercise for at least one hour each day of moderate intensity physical activity (such as playing sports or brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (jogging, dancing and jumping rope).

At Childers Orthodontics, we always encourage our patients to stay fit by exercising or participating in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of facial protection when playing sports. To learn more about how often your child should exercise, we recommend you check out this series of helpful articles about kids and exercise, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.org.

May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month

At Childers Orthodontics, we know image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having braces may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. Well, May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month, and during this time, parents are encouraged to act as positive role models, help stop negative self-images, and improve confidence and security among teenagers.

One of the great ways to improve your confidence is to improve your smile. And that begins with a consultation to Childers Orthodontics. After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood than coming in for a consultation with Dr. Childers?

We proudly provide traditional braces, the Damon System and Invisalign Teen for today’s image-conscious teens.

We invite you to give us a call to schedule a consultation or ask us on Facebook!

Ask Dr. Childers: What can Invisalign® do for my oral health?

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Childers Orthodontics than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Childers the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

Childers Orthodontics, taking steps to reduce our environmental impact

We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Earth Day is this Friday, April 22nd, and we thought this would a great time to discuss the things that Childers Orthodontics does to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Did you know that we offer patients account access 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Our office has convenient and secure online services with Sesame 24-7™. Patients can also appointment reminders through email or text messages. Since this information is submitted electronically, we eliminate the use of large amounts of paper and printing materials.

Dr. Childers and our team would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or you can also visit our Facebook page and post something on our wall.

Happy Earth Day!

A Mother's Day to remember, from Childers Orthodontics

Mother's Day is a day to honor mothers, motherhood and all of the amazing women in your life. Dr. Kyle Childers and team are celebrating this Mother's Day with a very special Mother's Day patient contest.

Would your mom enjoy a relaxing a massage? Better yet, would you enjoy a new iPad? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you'll want to enter the Childers Orthodontics Mother's Day contest. Here's how you can enter:

Step 1: Post a picture on our Facebook page wall of you and your Mom (does not have to be recent) and tell us why she IS THE BEST!

Step 2: Tell Your Friends! Get the most LIKES on your Mom’s photo. Then, WIN AN iPAD for yourself and a MASSAGE for MOM!

Step 3: Brag about your new iPad!

Contest entires will only be considered if posted by patients between April 1st-30th. Anyone can "like" a contest entry, or comment on contest entries. Good luck!

Another happy patient at Childers Orthodontics!

Our team at Childers Orthodontics, serving Benton, Harrisburg, and Herrin, IL, provides a fun and friendly environment while creating your ideal smile. Our practice is both professional and fun. Just see what one of our patients has to say!

"I was greeted at the front desk and had a very pleasant encounter with setting up a new appointment. She was informative and helpful in her knowledge. We cant wait to see how our appointment will go and find out the treatment plan!" ~Jenny

The benefits of open communication at Childers Orthodontics

The most important thing a patient or parent can do to aid in the success of orthodontic treatment is to communicate openly with Dr. Childers and our team. At Childers Orthodontics, we are always willing to explain procedures and treatment for patients. If a patient is unsure of treatment, or has questions, it is imperative that they ask the doctor and staff for a better explanation. Dr. Childers feels it is always best if the patient understands completely what is taking place during treatment.

Additionally, it is important for parents and patients to answer treatment questions openly and honestly. It is difficult to customize the treatment plan for a patient when they are not always truthful about how they are wearing elastics or retainers. Orthodontists spend a lot of time trying to understand if a procedure is ineffective, or if the patient is simply not following the doctor's directions as requested. If an orthodontist is given incorrect information, they can potentially alter a patient's treatment in such a way as to adversely affect the teeth.

If Dr. Childers were to give a list of an ideal patient's qualities, it would be as follows:
1. Asks questions concerning treatment
2. Reads all material givien by the office
3. Arrives on time for appointments
4. Maintains excellent oral hygiene
5. Uses common sense about eating with braces
6. Calls the office if something is broken.
7. Follows directions about wearing elastics and retainers (and communicates honestly when not able to comply)
8. Does not frequently change or miss appointments
9. Answers all questions from the doctor and staff honestly
10. Likes to smile!

Cool kids get braces at Childers 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 SureSmile and the Damon System 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. Childers, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

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

A Festive and Braces-Friendly Recipe to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

If you're planning to spend St. Patrick's Day celebrating your Irish heritage, or just enjoying the festivals, food and "wearing of the green"- we've got a treat for you! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have a tasty and braces-friendly recipe that is perfect for today. Corned beef casserole presents a twist on the traditional St. Patrick's Day corned beef and cabbage, and will surely become a family favorite!

Corned Beef Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) package medium egg noodles, uncooked
• 1 (12-ounce) can corned beef
• 1 (10.5- to 14-ounce) can cream of celery soup, undiluted
• ¾ cup milk (use just ½ cup if using larger soup can)
• 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
• ¼ cup bread crumbs (seasoned or toasted plain)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a saucepan, cook the noodles just until tender; drain. In a large bowl, chop the corned beef into a coarse crumbly texture.

Stir in soup, milk and onion. Grease a 2-quart casserole. Add the noodles and the corned beef mixture and stir together well. Sprinkle the bread crumbs on top.

Bake covered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Serves 6-8 people.

Try serving the casserole with petite whole green beans from the freezer…or add 1 cup of finely chopped purple cabbage, 1/4 cup diced onion and 2 teaspoons fennel seed or powder for some true Irish flavor.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, from all of us at Childers Orthodontics!

Dr. Kyle Childers featured in the Herrin Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight

Dr. Kyle Childers, your Herrin, IL orthodontist, is proud to announce that our office was featured in this week's Herrin Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight. A servant of our Herrin, IL community, Childers Orthodontics strives to provide patients with exceptional orthodontic care in a comfortable and team-oriented environment. As stated in the article, "from the Keurig coffee pot to the legos, everyone can be entertained in the patient waiting areas!"

Have a great weekend everyone!

Connect with the Braces Brigade!

At Childers Orthodontics, our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. The blog will serve as a source of guidance for others as the patients undergo orthodontic care.

Our team at Childers Orthodontics encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Dr. Childers!

A great patient review for Dr. Childers and team!

Dr. Childers, your Benton, Harrisburg, and Herrin, IL orthodontist, loves getting patient testimonials! Today, we would like to share a great testimonial that we received for Childers Orthodontics. Thank you, Lana!

Dear Team Orthodontics,

You've got quite an operation going on. Dr. Childers & the Team are even more to rave about. They all carry out their duties both competently and enthusiastically. High quality one on one service by Dr. Childers feeds the high morale of the team.
During my round of visits, Dr. Childers & Team Orthodontics brainstorming sessions filled my care with fond memories instead of fear. Today I have a beautiful smile, compliments of the quality, knowledge, & rarity of Dr. Childers and his extra polished Team Orthodontics.
Such talent is indeed an asset to the Orthodontics field.

Regards,

Lana

Childers Orthodontics Pizza Party Contest

Would you like to win a PIZZA PARTY for your class? Dr. Childers is excited to announce that we will be giving away a pizza party to one of our patients and their entire class. Simply tell us why your teacher is the BEST, and your class might win!


You can enter the contest by commenting here, on our Facebook page, or by emailing your response to heather@childersbraces.com. You can also submit your entry the next time you're in our Benton, Harrisburg or Herrin office! Just remember-all entries must include your name, contact information, teacher and school name. The contest ends March 31, 2011, so don't delay! We will be announce the winner through our Facebook page on Monday, April 4, 2011.

Brag About Your Dentist Contest

What do you LOVE about your dentist? Dr. Childers and our team know how important it is for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Childers Orthodontics, of course). Your dentist is the office that cleans and checks your teeth before, during, and after orthodontic treatment with Dr. Childers. Regular dental visits are very important to your oral hygiene, which is why we encourage patients to enter our Brag About Your Dentist Contest.

Simply complete the form below about your dentist for a chance to win a $50 gift card to the store of your choice. You can post your answers on our Facebook Page, email them to heather@childersbraces.com, mail them, or drop them off at Childers Orthodontics. Entires will be accepted through April 29, 2011, so don't delay in submitting yours!

What Do You LOVE About Your Dentist?

Childers Orthodontics Assistant Cailey Takes Third Place at the Barrel Race!

Orthodontic Assistant Cailey at Childers Orthodontics recently competed in the Missouri Flickerwood Arena barrel race. Cailey ran the race in 15.3 sec, which is she and her horse Bling's best time to-date. They finished third place in 1D. Congratulations, Cailey!

Dr. Kyle Childers and team are changing lives one smile at a time!

Childers Orthodontics, serving Benton, Herrin, and Harrisburg IL, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what one of our current patients had to say about their experience with Dr. Childers and team!

No Longer Scared of the Dentist
"I love the service at Childers Orthodontics. The helpers are so nice! I heard all these horror stories about getting braces on, but when I did, I didn't feel one pinch. I'm no longer afraid of the dentist!"

Preparing for Cold and Flu Season, from Dr. Childers

It’s that time of year to start thinking about protecting yourself and your family from the flu. Here are some simple steps you can take to help yourself avoid colds and the flu this season.

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Kyle Childers and our team give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Hope this helps and give us a call if you have any questions! Stay healthy!

With Childers Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

At Childers 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 offices conveniently located in Benton, Herrin, and Harrisburg 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:

"You all at the offices are very kind and I don't think that there is any other way you can serve me and my family." ~Siara

"So far, service at your offfice has been outstanding!" ~Olga

"I can't think of anything to change." ~Tracie

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!

Dr. Kyle Childers, helping combat the myths about orthodontics

Trust us when we say Dr. Kyle Childers 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 Childers Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.