Fall into savings with teeth whitening this season!

Chicago, Lincolnshire and Orland Park, IL days are getting shorter and it's getting chillier, time to get ahead and start on teeth whitening! Dr. Warshawsky and Dr. Kristofor are now offering an exclusive whitening special, a bleach starter kit for just $95! This kit includes bleaching trays and two tubes of bleach (15%). What a great deal!

For more information on teeth whitening at Get It Straight Orthodontics, please give us a call today to schedule your consultation. Come in for an impression and tell your friends about it!

Get It Straight Orthodontics says goodbye to Dr. Derek Bock

Our doctors and team at Get It Straight Orthodontics are very fortunate to have worked with Dr. Bock for the last 2 years. He is now pursuing the opportunity to build up his own practice in the area. We will miss him very much and wish him the best of luck!

Thank you,

-Get It Straight Orthodontics

Get It Straight Orthodontics, supporting National Orthodontic Health Month!

Can you believe that we're already halfway through October? October happens to be National Orthodontic Health Month, and this month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you happen to damage your braces, please give Drs. Warshawsky, Kristofor, and Bock a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone. Loose brackets or wires can usually be made more comfortable by applying some wax until you can come into our office.

Get It Straight Orthodontics wants to know: How many eyeballs are staring at YOU?

In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Neil, Dr. Colleen, and Dr. Bock want to know how many eyeballs are staring right back at you! Be sure to enter our Halloween Contest for a chance to win a REALLY awesome prize.

Our spooky Halloween Contest ends Nov. 5, 2010, so don't wait to participate. Contest guesses can be emailed to megan@getitstraight.com, and winners will be notified the week of Nov. 8, 2010.

Look really closely!

Dr. Neil is chosen as one of Chicago's top orthodontists!

Our team at Get It Straight Orthodontics is excited to announce that Dr. Neil has been chosen as one of Chicago's top orthodontists by TopDoc Chicago. Be sure to stay tuned to the Doctor Oz Show in the upcoming weeks, as they will be acknowledging him as a top orthodontist in an upcoming episode. The Doctor Oz Show is available for viewing on Fox television.

Thank you,

-Dr. Neil and team

Get It Straight Orthodontics participates in the Fleet Fox Race!

Our team at Get It Straight Orthodontics, serving Chicago, Lincolnshire and Orland Park, IL and surrounding areas, loves participating in community events. Dr. Neil and our team did a 15K walk/10K run a few weeks ago.


Dr. Neil’s daughter, Megan, took 1st place in her age bracket! Everyone at the Fleet Fox Race had a great time.

Did you attend the Fleet Fox Race? We would love to hear about your experience!

Thank you,

-The team at Get It Straight Orthodontics

Ask Get It Straight Orthodontics: What can Invisalign® do for my oral health?

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Get It Straight 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 our doctors at Get It Straight Orthodontics 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.

Kids getting braces at a younger age

Our orthodontists at Get it Straight Orthodontics will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Drs. Neil, Colleen, and Bock to assess what the best age for treatment is.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!

The advantage of SureSmile® at Get It Straight Orthodontics

Does the thought of having braces bring you down? The team at Get It Straight 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 we specialize 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. With SureSmile’s archwires, teeth move more directly into their intended positions, resulting in shortened treatment time and a more comfortable braces experience.

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 Get It Straight Orthodontics today!

Drs. Neil, Colleen, and Bock wish Chicago Fire patient a great season!

Today, Drs. Neil, Colleen, and Bock of Get It Straight Orthodontics would like to wish Chicago, IL patient Patrick Nyarko a great soccer season! He is one of the forwards with the Chicago Fire soccer team and we would like to wish him well on his 2010 season. He is one of our favorite patients!

Don't forget to cheer Patrick on at the Chicago Fire game this Saturday against the Los Angeles Galaxy!

Thank you,

Drs. Neil, Colleen, and Bock

What to expect during your consultation, from Get It Straight Orthodontics

When you first come in for your initial consultation at Get it Straight Orthodontics, your doctor 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. We 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.

At your second appointment, we 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 Drs. Neil, Colleen, and Bock can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment at Get It Straight Orthodontics. 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 your doctor's recommendations before we proceed with treatment.

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

Eating healthy at the ballpark this summer, from Get It Straight Orthodontics

This summer, as you and the family head out to the ball game—whether it’s to see the Chicago, IL Cubs or the local tee ball game, it’s important to remember to make smart, healthy choices when it comes to snacks. Here are some tips you can use to avoid greasy, ballpark foods:

1. Eat before you go!

2. What are you drinking? Water is always a cheap, refreshing option. Gatorade, Powerade and VitaminWater work as well, though keep in mind their sugar levels.

3. Bring your own snacks. Remember that these must be in unopened packages when you enter the gates.

4. Before the game, get some exercise. You’ll be sitting for two- to three hours at the game, so be sure to take a walk or a light run before you head out.

5. Calories, calories, calories. From hot dogs to fries to pizza, the ballpark stands typically sell high-caloric foods. But most venues will also offer healthier options, such as crab cakes, chicken sandwiches, turkey wraps or soups and salads.

Enjoy the game!

Access your account any time at Get It Straight Orthodontics

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at our Illinois offices enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our Get It Straight Orthodontics website. You can look up your appointments 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! Take a look at a few patient reviews about this service:

"This service helped me to confirm my appointment after I received calls from the office, but no messages. I also like the fact that all my photos and x-rays are on the site and that I'll be able to see and show others the progress." ~Chris

"I was able to see the complete details of all of my payments, my next appointment and a slide of how my teeth are changing, which i found very thrilling." ~Rosanna

"Ortho Sesame allows information readily at my fingertips and a few clicks of the mouse." ~John

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Drs. Neil, Colleen, and Bock on the importance of retainers

If you recently completed treatment at Get It Straight Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Neil, Colleen, and Bock will provide—or have provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Drs. Neil, Colleen, and Bock is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment at Get It Straight Orthodontics, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

Get It Straight Orthodontics is currently accepting patients!

Learn about how we place braces on teeth at Get It Straight Orthodontics. Orthodontists Neil Warshawsky, Colleen Kristofor, and Derek Bock specialize in SureSmile and Wilckodontics, as well as Invisalign and other removable appliances. Our practice is also experienced in providing Damon System self-ligating braces, Incognito lingual braces, and more!

With offices in Chicago's Lake View and Hyde Park neighborhoods, as well as in Lincolnshire and Orland Park, we go the extra mile to make getting braces a friendly, fun, and convenient experience. We're currently accepting patients, so give us a call today to schedule a consultation at Get It Straight Orthodontics!

Getting married? Ask about our Wedding Special!

Do you or someone you know have upcoming plans for a wedding? Next time you're in for an appointment, ask any of our staff members about our Wedding Special. Or, give us a ring and let us add some extra sparkle to your “I do”! We'll help you look your absolute best in about 7 months. It's dramatic and lots of fun!

Have a great week!

-Get It Straight Orthodontics

SureSmile makes a guest appearance on ABC’s “The Doctors”

Last fall, on an episode of ABC's "The Doctors," Dr. Thomas Lee of Oxnard, California, was interviewed in front of a live audience and demonstrated SureSmile technology and discussed treatment benefits for orthodontists and their patients. Dr. Lee's 14-year-old patient, Nina, who had just completed SureSmile treatment, was part of the segment as well, and spoke positively about her SureSmile treatment experience.

SureSmile is a software program that facilitates the precise positioning of a patient’s teeth placement for orthodontic braces. The average treatment time with SureSmile is almost 40% faster than that of conventional braces! Did you know that Get It Straight Orthodontics is a certified SureSmile provider? We even have a few great patient testimonials on our YouTube channel from actual SureSmile patients. Give us a call to ask for more information or schedule your appointment today!

The Damon® System at Get It Straight Orthodontics

The Damon System is revolutionizing the world of orthodontics, leaving Get It Straight Orthodontic patients with full, natural smiles. This new orthodontic treatment enables teeth to move more comfortably than traditional braces and aligns teeth using light biologically-sensible forces. With the Damon System, finding that perfect smile is easier than ever!

Why is Damon® better?
One of the greatest benefits of Damon braces is their ability to achieve amazing results with faster treatment periods. Depending upon your specific situation, this may mean saving several months of treatment! After analyzing your particular needs, we will be able to provide you with a treatment plan that will have you smiling soon! Because Damon braces are so precise and effective, we can reduce the need for many of the time-consuming and complicated procedures that are used with traditional braces. Because Damon braces work more efficiently, fewer adjustments are required. As a result, your appointments will be faster and fewer in number. Due to the unique design of this new braces system, we can move your teeth into their correct positions with much less discomfort than traditional braces. Also, Damon braces are small, very comfortable, and easy to keep clean.

Drs. Neil, Colleen, and Bock are certified Damon System providers. To learn more about the Damon System or your treatment here at Get It Straight Orthodontics, please give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you!

Get it Straight Orthodontics Wishing You a Safe and Relaxing Independence Day

This upcoming Sunday - which happens to be Independence Day, of course - Our staff will celebrate our nation's 234th birthday. For most folks, the Fourth of July is a chance to celebrate and commemorate America's Declaration of Independence. It's also a time for every American to pay homage to all our soldiers, past, present and future - who lost their lives in battle - and the brave servicemen- and women who place themselves in harm's way every day so that we may continue enjoy our freedoms.

Today, we thought we'd ask: what are your Fourth of July weekend plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? A picnic? Hitting the open road with family? Having fun in the sun?

Whatever you might be doing over Independence Day weekend, our entire staff hope you have a great week and a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend! Feel free to post your Independence Day photos on our Facebook page!

Smile Bright This Summer from Get It Straight Orthodontics

This summer, don't hide your smile, shine bright! We are excited to announce to all our patients that we will be holding a summer special on take home teeth whitening for only $150! You will receive three double tubes of whitening gel, with customized whitening trays. Feel free to ask anyone on the Get it Straight Orthodontics team for more information!

Get it Straight Orthodontics Giving To Kids In Need

At Get It Straight Orthodontics, we know how much a person can benefit from an straighter, healthier smile. The boost in self-confidence can work wonders, which is why Get it Straight Orthodontics has partnered with Good Looks For Kids (through McAvoy Foundation), a Chicago-based non-profit foundation "committed to image wellness for low- to middle-income adolescents who are battling cancer".

Every year, Dr. Neil donates one probono orthodontic case to the organization. In 2008, Dr. Neil was even featured in USA Today when he worked with a patient battling leukemia in 2008. Because of the patient's weakened bones, Dr. Warshawsky recommended the SureSmile system to shorten treatment and minimize tooth movement.

Smile--June is National Smile Month!

Now that we’re in June, our staff at Get it Straight Orthodontics thought we’d tell you June is National Smile Month, and a good time to remind all our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to see our doctors.

Below 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.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment with us.
* 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. We hope you enjoyed the long holiday weekend!

Get It Straight Orthodontics Helps Unravels the Myths of Braces

The American Association of Orthodontists sets the record straight on some of the biggest myths surrounding braces and orthodontic treatment. Currently more than four million children and one million adults in North America wear braces. Below are the answers to some of the most popular-and strange- questions orthodontists across the country have received from their patients recently:

If two people with braces kiss, can their braces become locked together?

With today's smaller, sleeker braces it is extremely difficult, almost impossible, to lock braces while kissing. Also braces are not magnetic, which means any "attraction" felt is on the part of the wearers, so pucker up!

Will my braces set off the metal detectors in the airport?

You are cleared for takeoff -- the lightweight materials used in braces will not affect metal detectors.

Can braces rust?

No. Today's braces are made of new stronger materials, like titanium alloy, and will not rust.

Will my braces interfere with radio signals or electronic devices?

No. Radio-loving gadget fanatics can rest easy.

Can I play a musical instrument?

Yes-- that is if you could play a musical instrument before you got braces.

Will braces increase my chance of being struck by lightning?

No. With or without braces the chances of a lightning strike remain the same which, in the US in any one year, according to National Geographic, is one in 700,000.

Now that I have braces, can I still play sports?

Yes, but be sure to wear a mouth guard. Mouth Guards are one of the least expensive pieces pf protective equipment available. Not only can mouth guards save teeth, they may also protect against jaw fractures. Mouth guards are advisable for anyone, whether they wear braces or not.

Will my braces attract unwarranted attention from fish?

Scuba aficionados take heart: there is no need to cancel your next dive. The small brackets used in today's braces, especially the ceramic or tooth-colored brackets, will not attract attention from unsavory fish or sea life.

Once braces are removed, my teeth will remain straight forever, right?

Wrong. Teeth move throughout one's lifetime, therefore it is important to hold on to retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Get it Straight Orthodontics with Ten Tips to Keep Those Braces Clean!

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Hope these tips help!

Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Get It Straight Orthodontics 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 us 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 Get It Straight Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

Get it Straight Orthodontics and the Fleet Feet Sports Event

To support local communities and charities, the Get it Straight Orthodontics team will be participating in the Fleet Feet Sports Women`s 5K, 10K Event this July 18th. Our team members will be running and walking in this event at Montrose Harbor, and we want to encourage anyone who is interested to attend this event. There will also be a co-ed Kids Race at this event.

You can register on the Fleet Feet Sports web site, and runners of all abilities are welcomed! We hope to see you there!

Write a Review of Get It Straight Orthodontics

Whether you are visiting Get it Straight Orthodontics for the first time or for years, we’d love to hear your feedback about your experience with us! Now with the Internet, it’s even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us. It only takes a moment!
You may write a review here.

Thank you!

Invisalign FAQ's With Get It Straight Orthodontics

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! The Get It Straight team thought we’d share this list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit Get It Straight Orthodontics during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. The doctor will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

More About Orthodontics From Get it Straight Orthodontics

There are so many questions about orthodontics that we never ask, so we took some time to explain the most common concerns.

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

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

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander, Herbst, Facemask, headgear, or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

Absolutely!! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Between 30-40% of our patients are adults.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the arch wire that connects them are the main components. When the arch wire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

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

Do braces hurt?

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

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

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

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

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

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleaning and dental checkups, or more frequently as recommended.

Got more questions? Give us a call at Get it Straight Orthodontics. We'd love to hear from you.

Smile Wide, Live Longer!

Great news to report this Friday afternoon! People with big, happy smiles may actually live longer than those who don’t, according to a recent study conducted at Wayne State University.

Get It Straight Orthodontics knows that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something interesting: they used the Baseball Register to review close-up smiles of 230 players who began their baseball careers prior to 1950 by studying their smile intensity (ranging from wide smile, no smile and partial smile).

The researchers then took into account other factors associated with life longevity, such as body mass index, career length and, believe it or not, college attendance. They found that players who weren't smiling only lived to the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big, wide smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old!

Our staff's take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you perfected your smile by visiting us at Get it Straight Orthodontics? If not, give us a call and have a great weekend!

Get It Straight Orthodontics wants to know: What are your plans this spring?

Believe it or not, it’s almost springtime. The birds are chirping, the sun is warming up and the smell of freshly-cut grass will be wafting from a baseball field nearby. Dr. Neil and team thought this would be a good time to ask: Are you ready for spring? Are you participating in school sports this year? Do you have exciting plans? We’d love to know them all!

You may share your stories or plans with our team here, on our Facebook fan page or by giving us a call!

P.S. While you’re on our Facebook page, become a fan of Get It Straight Orthodontics!

Dr. Neil Provides a Hands On Course in Lakeview, IL

Check out all the photos on our Facebook Fan Page!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

--Get It Straight Orthodontics

What’s so special about an Orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Neil started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Neil decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

When should you call Get it Straight Orthodontics?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Get it Straight. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth


Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call as soon as possible!
Hope this helps,

-The Get It Straight Team

Get it Straight Orthodontics want to know: What are you up to in February?

BRRRR! It may still be chilly outside, but can you believe we’re only a month away from spring? Dr. Neil and our team want to know: What are you doing in February? What have you accomplished so far this year? Are you keeping up with your New Year’s Resolution? Any spring break plans? Anything exciting going on in your life?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or call our office and ask how! Have a great rest of the week!

The advantage of Invisalign® at Get It Straight Orthodontics

Part of what makes Invisalign "work" is that it's customizable for just about anybody. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing our team at Get It Straight Orthodontics do is to 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.

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, 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!

Did you know Dr. Warshawsky is part of the Elite 100 "Century Club?" This club is made up of the top 100 orthodontists in the world using Invisalign. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

Ask Dr. Neil: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Drs. Neil, Bock and Kristofor, as well as our team at Get It Straight Orthodontics work so 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 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, give us a call to set up a consultation. Drs. Warshawsky, Kristofor and Bock can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment at Get It Straight Orthodontics. In just one visit, you’ll soon know why Get it Straight Orthodontics is Chicago's trusted orthodontic provider.

What are patients saying about Get It Straight Orthodontics?

At Get it Straight Orthodontics, we’re not just another Chicago area orthodontic practice; we’re a Chicago area orthodontic practice that is designed just for you! Our practice is welcoming, friendly, and fun, and we treat our patients in a caring, professional, and gentle manner.

Last week, we asked you, our wonderful patients, what you most liked about Get it Straight Orthodontics. Well, we received some pretty great reviews, and thought we’d share a few with you today. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Dr. Warshawsky and our entire team love getting patient testimonials!

"(Dr. Warshawsky) is the best at what he does. I trust him." ~ Cherie K.

"Close to home and to public transportation, friendly staff, love being able to access my stuff online." ~ Renita C.

"Dr. Warshawsky is up front and doesn't beat around the bush at all about anything." ~ Deneace M.

"That office runs like a well oiled machine. The staff is quick and efficient." ~ Jane P.

"Dr. Neil is just absolutely THE BEST OF THE BEST—as much professional as possible and as much personal as you can expect from a friend who tells you everything exactly as is!! And not to forget of course MEGAN—WITHOUT Megan—Wrigley office wouldn’t be as warm and friendly as is. After 18 months being a patient every time I have an appointment it looks as visiting“old” friends! And of course other stuff shouldn’t forget to give credits also THEY ARE ALL GREAT!!!" ~ Mark F.

What do you love about Get It Straight Orthodontics?

From the very first time you visit Get It Straight Orthodontics, Drs. Warshawsky, Kristofor and Bock, as well as our dedicated team, strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Warshawsky? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation in our offices—Lincolnshire, Orland Park, Hyde Park and 8 blocks west of Wrigley Field—or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback on our networks. Or, you can tell us by giving us a call!

Have a great weekend!

Meet Our Orthodontists

Dr. Neil Warshawsky is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker on various topics and has had many of his articles published in orthodontic journals. Outside of work Dr. Neil is supported by his high school sweetheart, Michelle. When he is not working, you may find him at Tae Kwon Do with his 3 children, or at one of the various roles he volunteers for at Boy Scouts, Glenview Youth Baseball, AYSO, or possibly just fishing at the family cabin up in the north woods. Outside of the office, you may find Dr. Neil snow skiing, cycling, exploring digital photography, working with computers, playing with model trains, boating, checking out electronic toys, or listening to classic rock and roll.

Dr. Colleen Kristofor, who grew up in Philadelphia, knows that having a beautiful smile is rewarding, and for her, being able to give children and adults that smile is equally as rewarding. She is continually updating her techniques and skills by attending continuing education seminars, classes and lectures. Dr. Kristofor enjoys traveling, running, and sailboat racing. Dr. Kristofor is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Chicago Dental Society, and the Illinois State Dental Society.

A native of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Dr. Derek Bock is a graduate of one of Tufts University, one of the most prestigious dental schools in the U.S. His scholarly interests—and his research—include advanced concepts of smile design as they related to facial balance and harmony. During his free time Dr. Derek is an avid golfer; he also loves running, cycling, and competes in triathlons. He is an accomplished guitar player, and believes that creating music should be a fundamental activity that every child should have the opportunity to participate in. He and his wife, Dr. Anokhi, enjoy outdoor activities with their daughter, Bela, and their Labrador Retriever, Cooper.