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!