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At Michael P. Meehan, D.D.S., M.CI.D., P.C., we know image is everything, especially for today’s teenagers. 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.

Dr. Meehan and our team will tell you one of the great ways to improve your confidence is to improve your smile. And that begins with a consultation at Michael P. Meehan, D.D.S., M.CI.D., P.C.. After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood than coming in for a consultation with Dr. Meehan?

We are happy to treat today’s image-conscious teens, and invite you to give us a call to schedule an initial consultation at our convenient Palos Heights, IL office!

The fact is, most of us aren’t born with a red carpet smile. And that’s where Dr. Meehan and our team at Michael P. Meehan, D.D.S., M.CI.D., P.C. can help. Of course, orthodontic treatment help make your teeth stay strong, healthy and become perfectly-aligned. But did you know you can get the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted without braces?

We are proud to offer a clear alternative option for straightening teeth called Invisalign, which uses a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you’re wearing. Today, we thought we would answer some of the most common questions we hear about Invisalign!

Q: How is Invisalign treatment different than traditional braces?

A: Not only does Invisalign effectively straighten teeth, Invisalign aligners are comfortable and durable, and provide patients the opportunity to enjoy their favorite activities such as sports and playing instruments, activities that can be challenging while wearing braces. Also, Invisalign's near-invisibility is a popular feature; treatment is very inconspicuous, making it easier to fit in rather than call attention to treatment. And because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients can take remove them at meal times, as well as to properly brush and floss to maintain healthy hygiene during treatment. Finally, Invisalign treatment has fewer emergenies because there are no wires or brackets to break or stick the patients.

Q: How does Invisalign work?

A: Using a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, we use proprietary 3D computer imaging technology to map the complete treatment from start to finish. When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause your teeth to gradually shift from their current position. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process, ultimately giving you the smile you've always wanted.

Q: Is Invisalign as effective as regular braces?

A: Yes. Depending on the case Invisalign maybe more effective than braces but in certain cases braces may be the optimal appliance. We recommend that you get a consultation with Michael P. Meehan, D.D.S., M.CI.D., P.C. to see if your case will be best treated with Invisalign.

Q: How long does treatment take?

A: The length of treatment depends on the severity of each case and can only be determined by a visit to Michael P. Meehan, D.D.S., M.CI.D., P.C. during a consultation with Dr. Meehan.

We hope this helps! If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, please give us a call at our Palos Heights, IL office to schedule your initial consultation.

During the early days of the environmental awareness movement, those who demonstrated against pollution, toxic chemicals, and the general public health were known as hippies. The early 1970s were a time of change, and assertions that we needed to pay more attention to the Earth's atmosphere were generally dismissed. But within a couple decades, it had become clear that the previous generation was right; the citizens of the world needed to become more environmentally conscious.

Many people feel that they can't make a difference if they don't do something big. But caring for the environment doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing concept. In fact, the little things you do can add up to make a great impact, especially in our community. Here are a few ways you can help the environment on Earth Day, April 22nd and all year around.

Four Small Ways to be Environmentally Friendly

• Recycle Your Textiles. Nearly 21 million tons of textiles are added to American landfills each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Donating your unwanted clothing to a secondhand store or an organization that repurposes fabric helps cut down on solid waste and conserves natural resources.
• Reduce Usage of Disposables. Plastic bottles and bags, disposable diapers and other things we can use and toss out are convenient, but they're not necessary. Simply choosing to replace one of type of disposable with a reusable product can help you cut down on waste that has a large negative impact on our environment.
• Conserve Water. If everyone in the United States turned off the water while brushing their teeth, more than 1.5 million gallons of water could be conserved. Turn the water on long enough to wet your toothbrush for brushing and rinsing, and then immediately turn the water off again.
• Turn Off the Lights. Flip the light switch to "Off" if you're going to leave a particular room for 15 minutes or more. This will conserve energy on incandescent light bulbs and cut down on cooling costs.

It's not necessary to be an activist or install solar panels all over your home to help the environment. Although you can do these things, the little everyday measures make a big difference in helping to conserve energy and the environment, while reducing your carbon footprint. Our team at Michael P. Meehan, D.D.S., M.CI.D., P.C. wants to remind you to celebrate Earth Day and help the environment, knowing that it will benefit your and your children's generation.

Invisalign, which we happily provide at our office, is a great alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment if you are hesitant about the look and feel of metal braces. During your initial visit at our office, the first thing we do is take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Invisalign treatment, which consists of a series of aligners that you switch out approximately every couple of weeks, can help patients with crowded teeth, crossbites, overbites, underbites, and more. Invisalign gradually shifts your teeth into place, creating the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted. During treatment, patients wear the aligners all day and night, except for during meals and when they’re brushing and flossing; cleaning your teeth and eating are a snap since you can easily remove your aligners! And because they’re clear, no one will know that your teeth are gradually straightening!

To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, we invite you to give us a call to schedule an initial consultation with our team.