While mouthwash is not an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, it can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are several different types of mouthwashes available, and all of them will help do different things for your smile. The most common types of mouthwashes are:

• Fluoride – fluoride is the most used type of mouthwash available, and is used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth while preventing cavities and tooth decay.
• Antiseptic – an antiseptic mouthwash is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. Most commonly used before and after a dental surgery, antiseptic mouthwashes can also help to fight gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Antiseptic mouthwashes can affect your sense of taste and may stain the teeth, so it is recommended that you consult your dentist before using this type of mouthwash.
• Combination – a combination mouthwash is designed to help prevent tooth decay, freshen the breath, and maintain the health of your smile.
• Prescription – for patients with gum disease, or any signs of gum disease, you may need a prescription mouthwash. Prescription mouthwashes, like Peridex of PerioGard, are used to treat gingivitis, and other forms of decay.

There are also many different brands of mouthwash. Some common brands include:

• Scope
• Listerine
• Act
• Crest
• Tom’s of Maine (all-natural)
• Plax (anti-plaque rinse)
• Breath Rx
• Orajel
• Targon (special mouthwash made for smokers)
• Rembrandt (whitening mouthwash)

If you are curious about which kind of mouthwash would work best for you, be sure to ask us at your next appointment. If you have a favorite mouthwash, let us know by posting a comment for others to read!

–- Childers Orthodontics

There are a variety of foods Dr. Kyle Childers recommends you avoid while wearing braces. Some foods can occasionally damage braces, but certain foods can bend the wires or even break the brackets on your braces. If you’re wearing braces, you should avoid starch, sugar and gummy foods, as these foods can be difficult to remove during brushing. Foods that are high in sugar and starch tend to cause plaque, cavities and even tooth decay.

Avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Also, chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give Childers Orthodontics a call or ask our staff during your next visit. You can also view the short video below for more information about what foods you should avoid while wearing braces.

Dr. Kyle R. Childers and our team know having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step—or two—as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you’re 14 or in your late forties. Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, doing it often can even help you live longer, according to previous studies!

If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment at Childers Orthodontics. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s most advanced correction techniques can straighten your smile!

Don’t hide your smile any longer—give us a call today to schedule yours or your child’s orthodontic consultation.

Many folks consider the beginning of a new year a time to not only reflect on the year that was, but also to set personal goals for the upcoming year. How are you planning to improve your health and happiness in 2012? Dr. Kyle R. Childers and our team recommend that you make a New Year’s resolution to benefit your oral health!

It is important that New Year’s resolutions are reasonable and attainable, and that they improve your overall quality of life—for example, did you know that flossing every day is the very best way to prevent periodontal, or gum, disease? Using a straw when drinking sugary beverages can also help prevent cavities. There are many small steps that you can take to prevent cavities, oral infections and bad breath.

Be sure to give us a call if you need a few suggestions on ways to improve your oral health—we want to hear from you! After all, we know your oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile.

Happy New Year!

—Your friends at Childers Orthodontics

At Childers Orthodontics we believe that every patient is unique. Through state-of-the-art care, one trusted orthodontist, and three convenient locations, we are the orthodontic specialists people easily trust their smiles to. Today, we wanted to share some of the feedback that we recently received from one of our patients.

Reed and I never have to wait for our appointment. I am really impressed by how smoothly your office runs. I wish all Drs. offices were like yours.

I love how professional everyone is and yet still friendly. 

Everyone always has a smile on their face.

I have already referred a friend and will continue to do so. We are thrilled with our experience.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed a program called Donated Orthodontic Services (DOS). This program has been active in Illinois for a little over a year. Currently, 99 orthodontists in Illinois have volunteered to donate one or two cases per year to help qualified disadvantaged children. Dr. Kyle Childers signed up to volunteer with DOS last year.

At this time, DOS allows for 93 children in Illinois to pursue orthodontic treatment who would not have had the opportunity otherwise. Many patients will finish treatment in the upcoming months, and enjoy the lifelong benefit of a beautiful smile provided by a DOS volunteer orthodontist. Unfortunately, this program is in such high demand that 166 children are still waiting to be assigned to an orthodontist.

Although Dr. Childers currently provides free treatment to 8 children a year through our "Smile for a Lifetime" program, he feels it is important to support this state sponsored program as well. "I hope other orthodontists will join us and sign up for this worthwhile program. The gift of a new smile is truly priceless," said Dr. Childers.

A recent online article outlines the link between keeping your teeth clean and overall body health. Many may not realize that there are strong links to the bacteria that we have in our mouths and heart disease and diabetes.

It is very tempting to compartmentalize the mouth, and assume that cavities, gum disease, and periodontal disease (disease of the bone around the teeth) are only problems of the mouth. In countless research articles, this temptation is refuted, and many show an ever-increasing impact on total body health.

As an orthodontist, it is also my belief that the difficulty keeping the teeth, gums, and surrounding bone clean due to crooked teeth is a solvable problem. Most of these studies have focused on adult patients, and the increasing number of adults receiving orthodontics could help the overall heart health and reduce the risks associated with diabetics. Now is a great time for adults to consider braces or Invisalign an option for their health.

- Dr. Kyle Childers

I recently had the pleasure of gathering with six of the most talented and well respected orthodontists in the country at the office of Joel Gluck in Nashville, TN. We are all members of the Schulman Super Group, which is a group of 125 orthodontists from around the United States and Canada. The seven of us have formed a close relationship over the past years and decided to visit each others' offices. We represent practices in Ohio, Michigan, Texas, Tennessee, Illinois, and Indiana.

Twice a year we pick someone's office to visit. Our mission is to "learn by sharing." Dr. Gluck allowed us to see every aspect of his office and interact with all of his patients. We all take notes during during the day and meet at night to discuss our thoughts. The hosting orthodontist is looking for suggestions from the group on how he can improve the practice. We discuss everything such as the decoration and layout of the office, how the staff functions, how instructions are given, the efficiency of the treatment provided, etc... Although the hosting orthodontist probably gains the most information, I have never failed to leave an office without a whole list of things I would like to incorporate into my office.

I feel like a lot of my success is from the information I learn from others. Having a resource like this will continue to help me provide the best in orthodontic care to my patients. I am truly blessed to have a group of people like this to learn from.

-Dr. Kyle Childers

Recently our team at Childers Orthodontics committed to participate in the Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk for Arthritis! The Jingle Bell Run/Walk is the Arthritis Foundation's annual nationwide event that raises awareness and funds to fight arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. It is a tremendous opportunity to help improve the lives of the 50 million men, women, and children doctor-diagnosed with arthritis.

Dr. Childer's staff volunteered to support this cause and we are so proud of them! They have already raised over $800!! Look for us on December 3rd at Rend Lake College. The team name is Childers Tinsel Team!

Dr. Kyle Childers and our team at Childers Orthodontics would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to post them on our Facebook page.

Gobble Gobble!

We love when patients ask us that question! Now that you’re wearing braces, it’s just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen as you did before prior to your orthodontic treatment.

Braces are known to trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or remove plaque, which is why Dr. Kyle Childers and our team at Childers Orthodontics recommend that you brush and floss after every meal. We also encourage you to use a proxabrush to help with the smaller areas where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. We encourage the use of fluoride rinse as well; just ask us for a recommendation!

When your braces are initially placed, your teeth are likely to be very sensitive. You may experience discomfort for up to 3 or 5 days, which is why we encourage you to eat soft foods during that time. Remember, the less pressure you put on your teeth, the less discomfort you will have.

You may also be thinking, “Okay, so what can I eat?” We would encourage you to avoid eating sticky, hard, crunchy or chewy snacks that can stick to your teeth.

Dr. Childers and team will tell you it’s crucial to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, please call our office immediately to schedule an appointment for repair.

Lastly, in addition to visiting Childers Orthodontics during your orthodontic treatment for adjustments, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.

Questions? Please let us know below or on our Facebook page. You may also give us a call!

Cold and flu season is here yet again. The folks at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Kyle Childers and our entire staff 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 at Childers Orthodontics, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay Healthy!

Thank you to all of our patients who participated by referring your friends to Childers Orthodontics.

A special congratulations to Hillary, our $250 Visa gift card winner. Hillary referred her friend Sesley to our practice in October. Sesley called us to schedule an appointment, mentioned that Hillary had referred her and used the phrase we love to hear, "Childers rocks!"

At Childers Orthodontics, we strive to create a comfortable, family-friendly environment and enjoy the opportunity to work with each of our patients. We appreciate your kind words, your support, and most of all - your smiling faces!

We hope to see everyone soon at our Benton, Harrisburg or Herrin offices!

With gratitude,
Dr. Kyle Childers

Do you like to shop? Through the month of October, Dr. Kyle Childers is running a new patient referral contest and the winner will recieve a $250 Visa gift card!

To be entered in the drawing, simply refer your friends and family to Childers Orthodontics by having them call and schedule a new patient consultation for themselves. When they are setting their appointment, they must tell us you referred them and say, "Childers rocks!"

Each scheduled new patient referral is an entry to win the $250 Visa gift card.

Only current patients are eligible. The contest runs through October 31. Give us a call if you have questions and we look forward to hearing, "Childers rocks!"

There was a power outage at Childers Orthodontics this afternoon, but that didn't stop us from serving our patients! We were able to use our McGuyver-like skills to see all of our patients during their scheduled appointments--even those who were getting their braces on and off! Our committment to our patients prompted us to use our resourcefulness to make the beginning of treatment and the removal of braces happen. There were some team members holding flash lights, using bulb syringes for suction, and working while standing. We have a great team at our office, as well as some amazing patients, who are able to continue their orthodontic treatment without electricity.

At Childers Orthodontics, we know orthodontic emergencies are never convenient nor timely. If you are a patient of record, Dr. Kyle Childers and our team are committed to your dental health and are more than willing to see you after hours or over the weekend. 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 to resolve the problem. If you have a orthodontic emergency after regular office hours, please give us a call. If you are calling us after hours, please follow the emergency prompts to learn how you may be able to solve the problem yourself, or, if you cannot, how to contact Dr. Childers and team.

Common issues include:

*Broken Brace
*Broken Wires
*Tie has come off of a Brace
*Loose Expander
*Poking Wire Tie
*Sharpness Felt on the Tongue Side of a Brace
*Loss of a Separator
*Initial Soreness
*Wire Poking

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you visit our office.

Does the thought of having braces bring you down? The team at Childers Orthodontics understands that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment.

But you’re in luck, because Dr. Childers specializes in SureSmile, high-tech braces that are revolutionizing the orthodontic industry. SureSmile, which combines digital 3-D imaging, has computer-aided treatment planning and customized archwires to straighten teeth about 40 percent faster than traditional braces. The SureSmile program calculates the exact shape and pattern of the teeth and bends and cuts the braces wires, with more precision than traditional braces.

There are three steps. First, Dr. Childers identifies the initial tooth position with the patented OraScanner, a wand with a tiny camera attached. The OraScanner creates a precise 3-D digital model of your mouth, which is then uploaded into software that lets Dr. Childers view your mouth and teeth from any angle. Next, the SureSmile system allows us to create your entire treatment plan prior to treatment, using special computer software to analyze the 3-D model of your mouth and develop a custom archwire treatment. Finally, SureSmile’s robotic technology bends Shape Memory Alloy archwires, which can “remember” your prescription.

Results

With SureSmile’s specially programmed archwires, your teeth move more directly into their intended positions. The result for our patients is shortened treatment time and a more comfortable experience in braces.

Once the braces are on it’s only a matter of time before they are taken off revealing beautiful, straight, healthy teeth. With traditional braces a patient is expected to schedule 18 to 20 office visits over two years. With SureSmile, patients average seven to 10 visits and can have their braces off within half the time!

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, please contact Childers Orthodontics today!

Childers Orthodontics is pleased to announce our Patient Referral Contest for the month of October. If a patient that you referred to our office calls for a consulation and says "Childers Rocks," we will enter you into a drawing to win a $250 Visa Gift Card! You get one entry per consultation, so the more patients you refer, the more chances you have to win!

This contest runs from October 1st until October 31st! Good luck!

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!

Many people know that Invisalign is a great alternative to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Kyle Childers wants you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also simple: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Childers Orthodontics, give us a call!

You just got braces at Childers Orthodontics and Dr. Childers has informed you that during your orthodontic treatment you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that will allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care!

Recipes include main dishes, side dishes and even yummy desserts! After all, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps the patient achieve the best possible results from orthodontic treatment.
If you have any questions about the recipes listed or about the foods you should be avoiding during your orthodontic treatment, please give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Enjoy!

Would you like more to finish your orthodontic treatment in less time with better results? Thanks to SureSmile, Dr. Childers is now able to offer our patients this option!

SureSmile, which combines digital 3-D imaging, has computer-aided treatment planning and customized archwires to straighten teeth about 40 percent faster than traditional braces. The SureSmile program calculates the exact shape and pattern of the teeth and bends and cuts the braces wires, with more precision than traditional braces.

Be sure to check out this very interesting video to learn more about how, exactly, SureSmile is able to move your teeth directly into their intended positions. We also encourage you to visit SureSmile's new About Braces Blog for more information.

As always, please don't hesitate to contact Dr. Childers and our team if you have any questions or if you would like to schedule a consultation at our office!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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 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!

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!

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, 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!

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!

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

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.

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!

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!

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!"

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!

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!

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.

The 2010 holiday season is upon us, and our team at Childers 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 Childers Orthodontics!

Congratulations Hannah! She was a Damon System patient and completed treatment in just 25 months at Childers Orthodontics. We love her beautiful new smile!

For more information about Dr. Childers, and orthodontic treatment options in Benton, Herrin, and Harrisburg IL be sure to visit our website, or give us a call today!

Childers Orthodontics, serving Benton, Harrisburg, Herrin, IL and surrounding areas, provides our patients with a one-of-a-kind treatment plan that is guaranteed to make you smile! Have you had a great experience at our office?

Share your story with the world!

Just select the "Write a Review" button above to write a review on our Google Place Page. We look forward to receiving your feedback!

Thank you,

-Dr. Childers and team

Dr. Childers is excited to share that we have selected the winner of the Childers Orthodontics T-Shirt Contest! Congratulations to Alexis for her great t-shirt design. The competition was tight, but her design had the most "likes."

Be sure to keep an eye out for the t-shirt this January!

We received many GREAT design entries that may also be used them in the future. Thank you to everyone that participated!

-Dr. Childers and team

Some people wonder why Illinois orthodontist Dr. Kyle Childers and our team work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly-aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Childers Orthodontics can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Childers can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Childers and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great Thanksgiving food!

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!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Childers and our team love getting patient reviews. And lately, Childers Orthodontics, serving Benton, Harrisburg, and Herrin, IL and surrounding communities, has been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! We thought we'd share some with you today! Happy Friday!

"I appreciate the fact that appointments run on schedule. I also truly appreciate the friendliness of the staff." ~Boyd

"It is very laid back and VERY professional. Normally dentist offices' are stressful - this experience was stress-free from the beginning!!! The staff are great and very friendly." ~Tracie

"I love the caring staff and the way that they take their time with you. I also love the office location for us, but most of all, I love that I can finally have straight teeth again thanks to my new braces. Thank you all." ~Siara

"Dr. Childers seems to be very up to date with new trends and very precise about his work. He is very child friendly as well." ~Gary

Have you thanked a veteran lately? November 11 is Veterans Day - the perfect holiday for thanking and honoring our country’s military. Today, we encourage you to show your support of those Veterans you know by posting their name and what branch of service they are or were in on our Facebook page. In celebration of Veterans Day, Dr. Childers and our team would also like to share a few fun facts about our flag, this national holiday, and our country’s history!

• There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.
• The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777
• Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values- red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth
• Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump
• Veterans Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.
• When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).
• There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania
• The VA healthcare system now has 171 medical centers, 126 nursing home care units, and 35 live-in care facilities
• President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day
• Take a Veteran to School Day is a program that was developed by HISTORY in 2007 to connect students and veterans.
• Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veterans Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served and currently serve our country.

Dr. Childers, your Benton, Harrisburg, and Herrin, IL orthodontist, enjoys providing a pleasant and friendly atmosphere while creating your ideal smile! That's why we recruited your help for our special edition patient t-shirts in our Childers Orthodontics T-Shirt Contest. Our team was overwhelmed by all of the great t-shirt designs that we received. Now, it's time for you to vote for your favorite!

We encourage our patients to "like" their favorite t-shirt design on our Facebook page, so that we can determine the winning design! The contest winner will receive a $50 gift card to the store of their choice, as well as their design on limited edition t-shirts beginning this January.

Don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about the Childers Orthodontics T-Shirt Contest, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment. Thank you!

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Childers would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give Dr. Childers and our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

From the moment that you step in the door of Childers Orthodontics, it is our passion to provide a fun and friendly environment while creating your ideal smile! With convenient orthodontic offices in Benton, Harrisburg and Herrin, Illinois, Dr. Childers and our talented staff work hard to create a one-of-a-kind treatment plan that is guaranteed to make you smile!

Today, we would love to hear about your experience at Childers Orthodontics. Whether you and your family has been visiting our office for weeks, months, or years, would love to hear your feedback about Dr. Childers and team.

There are many ways that you can share your story about our practice with the rest of the world. You can write a review on our Google Places page for our Benton, IL office, Harrisburg, IL office, or our Herrin, IL office. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,

-Dr. Childers and team

Benton, Harrisburg, and Herrin, IL orthodontist Dr. Childers enjoys creating a fun and friendly environment at our office. Spirit Weeks are one of the many ways that our team is able to make our patients' smile when they come in for an appointment.

It was recently Twin Day at our office, and within the Benton Consolidated High School District (BCHS), which is why we would like to invite everyone to join in and share your spirit. We encourage all of our patients to post their twin pictures on our Facebook page wall. Any pictures that you post on Facebook will be added to our Spirit Days 2010 Facebook album.

We can't wait to see your spirit!

-The team at Childers Orthodontics

Did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month? Dr. Childers and our team know how tempting this time of the year can be for your sweet tooth. With all of the caramel, candy corn, and lollipops that are often passed around to trick-or-treaters, we know that it can sometimes be hard to find hard candy alternatives.

However, there is good news! Today, we would like to share a few braces-friendly holiday foods with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO. These treats are delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, these foods will not cause damage to your beautiful smile.

Orthodontic-Friendly Treats
• Soft, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates
• Peanut butter cups
• Milk shakes
• Gelatin
• Peeled, thinly sliced apples
• Ice cream

To better serve our phenomenal patients with the highest quality orthodontic care possible, Dr. Childers attended a Treatment Coordinators meeting with the Schulman Study Group in St. Louis last week. The Schulman Study Group is an association of nationally prominent orthodontic practices from among the top 1 percent of all offices.

Because we are committed to continuing education, one of the ways that Dr. Childers and our remarkable staff improve our service is by attending important conferences, meetings and seminars about the always-exciting world of orthodontics. Our treatment coordinators, Michelle and Sherry, also attended the Treatment Coordinators meeting.

The Treatment Coordinator's meeting is a great way for our doctor and staff to learn from other orthodontists that are amoung the top in the nation. Our friends, Dr. Chmura, Dr. Kay and Dr. Gluck also attended the Schulman Study Group meeting.

With conveniently located orthodontic offices in Benton, Harrisburg, and Herrin, Illinois, Dr. Childers and our talented staff work hard to build healthy and beautiful smiles for our patients. For more information on Dr. Childers and our practice, feel free to give us a call at 618-663-4442!

Dr. Childers and our team often receives questions from our patients about how their teeth will look and feel when they get their braces removed from their teeth. Our patients often wonder, "Will I be glad that I had braces?" Check out this short video clip to see firsthand what it was like for Bailie to get her braces removed by our team at Childers Orthodontics.

Don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about orthodontic treatment options in Benton, Harrisburg, and Herrin IL, or if you would like to schedule a consultation. Dr. Childers and our team uses the most advanced technology available, including traditional metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign (invisible) braces, Damon brackets, and even SureSmile!

I wanted to share a photograph that one of my employees took at a recent football game. The photo shows many of the players from both the DuQuoin and Harrisburg football team kneeling in prayer after the game. I can't express how touched I was at the picture. In today's day and age when both religion and sportsmanship are downplayed, it is heartwarming to see that both are still alive and present here in Southern Illinois. Most of us from SI realize how hard fought the game was between these two power house teams. What a wonderful testimony that they can come together like this after the game. I would love to know who the player or players were that first suggested this gathering. I wish you could encourage other football players from around the area to follow in you example. I am very proud of all of you.

Thank you,

-Childers Orthodontics

Are you an artist at heart? Now through October 29, 2010, Dr. Childers and our team will be hosting a T-Shirt contest for all of our patients. We are looking for a design to use on special edition patient t-shirts. These t-shirts will be given to patients when they begin treatment at our office.

The design winner will receive a $50 gift card to the store of their choice, as well as their design on limited edition t-shirts beginning this January. This contest is open to all of our patients, so don't hesitate to submit your creative designs! We will be voting on Facebook to narrow down our top three chosen designs this November. The winner will be the design with the most facebook “likes”.

As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about the Childers Orthodontics T-Shirt Contest, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment. Designs can be submitted by email to heather@childersbraces.com, mailed to 201 West Washington Street Benton, IL 62812, or dropped off at one of our three locations. We look forward to seeing your t-shirt designs!

Here is a little known fact about me, I am an Artist at heart. I enjoy painting and many other types of expressive art. That got the team at the office thinking...there are probably a lot of our patients that are artists too! As it turns out it is also time to redesign our t-shirts. We put two and two together and came up with a fun contest idea. The instructions are below. I can't wait to see some of the designs we get!

Are you a budding artist, creative thinker or graphic designer in the making? If so WE NEED YOUR HELP! We are looking for tee shirt designs for a Special Edition patient shirt. The tee’s are given to every patient that begins treatment. If you win not only will you get a $50 gift card to the store of your choice, we will use your design on our patient tee’s beginning January 2011!!!!

The rules are simple: you must be a patient of Childers Orthodontics to enter; designs must be on a solid color tee and entries must be received in the office by Friday October 29th 2010.

Create your design and submit it by e-mail to heather@childersbraces.com, by regular mail to 201 West Washington Street Benton, IL 62812 or drop off at any of our three locations. We prefer you submit the actual design but you can submit a detailed design idea if necessary.

From the entries received we will choose the top three. Once those are chosen we will post the designs on our facebook page. ANYONE can vote on a winner by choosing like on the posted design. Voting will begin November 1st 2010 and run through November 30th 2010. The winner will be the design with the most facebook “likes”. We will announce the winner by facebook post on Friday December 3rd. Now, show us what you've got!

Have you had a chance to see this great video from the Childers Orthodontics 2010 Patient Appreciation Party? There was A LOT of dancing! Chase and Aiden, the sons of staff members Michelle and Heather, got the party started with a little free-styling! We will be posting more videos from the party in the upcoming weeks, so be sure to check back with out YouTube channel for all of the latest updates! Watch out, So You Think You Can Dance contestants!

-Childers Orthodontics

If you haven't yet, don't forget to bring school supplies in to your next appointment at Childers Orthodontics for our School Supply Drive. All school supplies will be donated to shelters in our community. The drive ends at the end of August, so don't hesitate to participate today!

Donations made on your behalf will benefit your Swipe-N-Smile card points, so be sure to bring your card in to your next appointment. You can view your points anytime on the our website homepage. It's simple. just click on the Swipe-N-Smile icon and enter your 16 digit reward card number and the 4 digit pin number. Then, you will be provided with your points total and your gift options. As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about the Swipe-N-Smile program, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment!

Thank you,

-Childers Orthodontics

Lately, Dr. Childers and our team in Benton and Harrisburg, Il have receiving a lot of questions about braces. That's why we created this great video, to address all of your questions and concerns! Watch to learn more about what you can and can't eat, how to brush and floss, what wax is for, and how to address orthodontic emergencies! As always, feel free to give us a call or connect with us on our Facebook page if you have any questions. We hope that this helps!

Have a great week!

-The team at Childers Orthodontics

When you first come in for your initial consultation, Dr. Childers will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you.

Your orthodontic evaluation will consist of an oral and facial examination to assess your oral health. Dr. Childers will have you take intraoral and facial photographs as well as panoramic and cephalometric X-rays to help determine the proper orthodontic treatment method. Then, an impression of your teeth and bite will be taken to construct a model of your mouth. This will help Dr. Childers when examining your diagnostic records.

At your second appointment, Dr. Childers will discuss your options with you. Our team feels it’s important to take the time to carefully examine your diagnostic records after your consultation so that Dr. Childers can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment at Kyle R. Childers, DMD, MS. This additional preparation will ensure that you receive the best orthodontic care possible. At this time, we encourage you to ask us any questions you may have about your treatment.

If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, our staff asks that both you and your child attend the initial consultation. We feel it is important that both you and your child completely understand the recommendations of Dr. Childers before we proceed with treatment.

Give us a call today and schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you!

Just wanted to give a great big THANK YOU to all the patients, friends and parents that made our annual Patient Appreciation Party the biggest and best yet! It was so exciting to give out prizes to all of the winners as well as spending time with all of you. The appreciation shown by all who attended and their parents was so heartfelt and amazing! My team and I enjoy having fun every year with our patients. We have so much fun that my family comes along to help. This year even my Mother-in law joined in the fun!

The Photo Booth was a huge hit as well as the blow up slides. You showed your groove on the dance floor and how about that Limbo contest! Hopefully you were able to get the colored hair spray washed out and all the stick on tattoo and face painting off the next day:) It was a great evening of bowling, pizza and fun!

It is hard to believe that this is our 20th year creating smiles in Southern Illinois. I can not even to begin to find the words to express how incredible it has been. I look forward to many more years of smiling patients and friends!

Our team at Childers Orthodontics knows that it can sometimes be scary to visit the orthodontist, especially when you're unsure of what to expect. That's why our office put together a short video of one of our patients discussing her experience with Dr. Childers and our team. Enjoy!

- Your friends at Childers Orthodontics

This Monday, Childers Orthodontics hosted our annual July Patient Appreciation Party at SI Bowl from 6:30-9:00pm. The event was a huge success, with over 650 attendees and ipad, ipod, and package giveaways! Kids loved having the bowling alley all to themselves and their friends. There was also a dance floor, photo booth, face painting, a slide, temporary tattoos, and many more activities. The photo booth was so much fun that even our office couldn't resist cramming in to have a photo taken together!

Did you attend our Patient Appreciation Party? What was your favorite activity? For the complete photo album and event details, visit our Facebook page! Thanks to everyone who helped make our event such a great time!

Would you like to win a Safari Summer Vacation to Holiday World Splashin’ Safari? Dr. Childers and Team want to treat a lucky winner to tickets for 4 to Holiday World Splashin' Safari as well as a $200 gift certificate to Big Splash Adventure Resort! To enter the contest you MUST be a patient at any of our three offices.

Contest details
To enter, visit our website and count the number of Holiday World symbols you can find. Then, either email your entry to braces1@midwest.net or mail your entry to:
Childers Orthodontics Contest Entry
201 West Washington St.
Benton, IL 62812

Requirements and regulations
Your entry MUST contain your full name, birth date, phone number and the # of times you found the Holiday World symbol. ONE entry per patient and all entries must be received in the office by Friday, July 16th. One winner will be drawn from all the correct entries and posted on our Facebook page by Friday, July 25th.

For more details, visit our Facebook page! Happy hunting!

-Kyle R. Childers, DMD, MS

Did you know patients at our convenient Benton, Harrisburg and Herrin offices enjoy access to their account any time they wish through our Childers Orthodontics website? It's true! You can look up your appointments with Dr. Kyle Childers and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You may 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!

We hope you're having a GREAT weekend!

We are proud to announce that Dr. Kyle Childers is an Invisalign Premier Provider, and with a complimentary consultation, can determine if Invisalign treatment is right for you.

You're probably thinking: OK, so what makes an Invisalign Premier Provider so special?

Every doctor who wishes to offer Invisalign treatment must undergo training with the makers of Invisalign, and can then become a certified Invisalign provider. To reach Premier Provider status however, the doctor must complete many successful cases of Invisalign treatment each year. Dr. Childers has achieved this distinction through extensive experience using Invisalign, and works with many patients in Benton, Harrisburg and Herrin each year to create beautiful smiles.

If you're considering Invisalign treatment, you can relax by knowing that you are in great hands at Childers Orthodontics! Give us a call to schedule your free consultation for Invisalign or Invisalign Teen! Enjoy the rest of Father's Day weekend and we hope to hear from you soon!

With summer only a week away, some of our staff at Childers Orthodontics have been thinking a lot about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easier to go play ball or kick back and watch television when there's no reading, homework or other activities, but reading during the summer remains a key step in your mind being prepared for classes in the fall. Reading is also vital when it comes to maintaining your skill level.

Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask Dr. Childers and team for suggestions, and our helpful staff would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out various summer reading lists that we came across last week.

Happy reading and have a GREAT upcoming week!

Dr. Kyle Childers knows that one word no patient of ours wants to hear when they visit their dentist or Childers Orthodontics is "cavity." Oh, we know about those dreaded cavities! But what exactly is a cavity and how do people 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 during your treatment with Dr. Childers:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning/check-up

We hope this helps! Give us a call for more info about your oral health or your treatment with Dr. Childers!

As the school year comes to a close for many kids, the days get longer and the temperatures begin climbing in our area, there’s no better way to beat the heat than jump into a pool or cool off in the shade. For some folks, summer brings a chance to get away from it all and escape every-day life, if only for a week or two. Yet for others, it means a season of relaxation and relief from homework and other duties.

What about you?

What are your plans for summer? Do you have any exciting plans for a summer vacation? Does your family have a vacation or family reunion planned? Are you headed to a sports camp? Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us on our Facebook page as the summer rolls along!

Does the thought of having traditional braces for 24 months or more get you down? Our team at Childers Orthodontics understand that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment.

But you’re in luck, because Dr. Kyle Childers specializes in SureSmile, high-tech robotic braces that have been revolutionizing the orthodontic industry. SureSmile, which combines digital 3-D imaging, has computer-aided treatment planning and customized archwires to straighten teeth about 40 percent faster than traditional braces. With conventional braces, Dr. Childers typically makes many adjustments to wires, and sometimes the teeth don't move as planned, so more adjustments are needed. With SureSmile, the robotic wires are sent to Dr. Childers ready to go. SureSmile means fewer wires are involved, and that usually results in fewer visits.

Last week, CNN's own Dr. Sanjay Gupta filed a report on SureSmile and profiled a Maryland teenager named Jessica Thompson, who wasn't particularly thrilled about traditional braces. Jessica chose SureSmile as her treatment, and she is not alone - more and more people in Benton, Harrisburg and Herrin are choosing SureSmile as their treatment option.

To learn more about SureSmile treatment at Childers Orthodontics, we invite you to give us a call!

At Childers Orthodontics, we value the relationships we have developed with our patients and the Benton, Harrisburg and Herrin communities. Even if you only see us for your appointment every three- to four months, did you know that you can now connect with Dr. Childers and team on our Facebook page?

We invite you to “like” Childers Orthodontics on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ChildersBraces. We share office news and updates on our Fan Page, so check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically on Facebook!

See you online and have a great week,

- Dr. Childers and team

Part of what makes Invisalign "work" is that it's customizable for pretty much anyone's pearly whites. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing Dr. Childers does is take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, Dr. Childers and our team look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment with Dr. Childers, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Childers is a certified Invisalign provider, and has been named an Invisalign Elite Premier Provider, representing the top 1% of North American practitioners.

If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment at Childers and Team Orthodontics, please give us a call!

Dr. Childers will tell you that braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment at Childers Orthodontics, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, our staff knows that taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. To us, every patient is unique and we work with you to build a one-of-a-kind treatment plan that is guaranteed to make you smile! Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

From your very first visit to the office of Dr. Kyle Childers, our team strives to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. With convenient orthodontic offices in Benton, Harrisburg and Herrin, Illinois, Dr. Childers and our talented staff work hard to build healthy and beautiful smiles for our patients. Every patient is unique and we work with you to build a one-of-a-kind treatment plan that is guaranteed to make you smile!

This afternoon, we thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Childers? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Dr. Childers was born and raised in Marion, Illinois. He graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He then received his Dental Degree from the University of Kentucky and his Master's Degree in Orthodontics from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Childers established his practice in Benton, in 1990.

Dr. Childers is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). The ABO is the only organization for the specialty of orthodontics that is recognized by the American Dental Association and sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists. Currently only 25% of the nation's orthodontists are Board Certified.

Dr. Childers is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and of the American Dental Association as well as the state and local chapters. Dr. Childers has held various offices, including president of the executive committee for the Southern Illinois Dental Society. He is also an active member of a dental study club in St. Louis. Dr. Childers attends numerous continuous education seminars and is committed to remaining current in all aspects of his orthodontic practice.

Dr. Childers and his wife, Deidre have four Children, Mason, Katie, Alec and Tessa.