Our 2024 Recap!

December 10th, 2024

There are many exciting things the Kennell Ortho team accomplished during the year 2024. Now it is already coming to an end! Let us do a quick recap for you on some of our favorite highlights!

The first thing that comes to mind is our trip to the AAO meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. This was a great experience for the KO team to bond and to learn how to become a better office collectively. We learned communication skills, how to use our materials effectively, how to keep our ourselves and our patients safe, and got up to speed on what's new in the orthodontic world.

After the trip to the AAO conference, we were influenced to buy the latest i-Tero scanner which is much faster and much more efficient!

We updated our Rewards Program by adding a $10 Walmart gift card as one of our prizes.

We tried our first Invisalign Palate Expander that went very well (read more in our blog from November, "What is an Invisalign Palate Expander"). We have also had lots of our patients starting Phase I Invisalign treatment in general. We have had great results and have been impressed by how responsible our younger patients are.

Along with the Phase I Invisalign, there are now stickers that patients can stick on their aligners to add some fun!

We now offer Croc charms to any of our patients that come into our offices wearing their Crocs. We just got new ones in for the Holiday season!

Dr. Kennell attended the Invisalign Study Club in Costa Rica. He got to see how they actually create the Invisalign aligners and so much more!

Dr. Kennell took the KO team to see Mamma Mia Live in Boston! Then we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Nico Ristorante!

The whole KO team celebrated Halloween by dressing up as the different emotions from the movie Inside Out 2! So fun! The KO team also attended the annual Lakes Region Dental and Oral Surgery Halloween Party!

We delivered yummy pies to our referring dental offices to show our appreciation!

The front porch at the Laconia office was completely redone with new steps and railings! We hope you like it as much as we do!

Before

After

Before we are off for the holidays, the KO team got together for a Christmas party at Gusto. Dr. Kennell bought personalized tote bags for everyone. Katie made personalized ornaments. All of us swapped gifts and played fun games! Good times had by all!

We hope you all have safe, happy, and healthy holidays. We can't wait to see what this New Year brings!

What is an Invisalign Palatal Expander??

November 21st, 2024

The newest appliance we have tried at Kennell Orthodontics is the the Invisalign Palatal Expander. The expander does the same kind of expanding that a regular Hyrax or Quad Helix, metal appliances, would do. It is just a new type of system made by Invisalign.

***Unfortunately not every patient qualifies for the Invisalign Palatal Expander***

But for those who might be eligible for this kind of expander. Let us tell you about it!

First of all, the Invisalign Palatal Expanders are 3D-printed, this makes for a custom fit to our patients teeth and palate. There are a series of multiple expanders that are to be changed everyday that slightly widen the palate creating room for adult teeth to come in.

The expander is easy enough for patients of any age to insert and remove on their own. This also makes it easier for patients to brush and floss because they can remove the appliance. There are no food restrictions because it is removable.

Here is the before, during, and after of our first patient to try the Invisalign Palatal Expander. She had great results and gave us great feedback on the experience.

Before

During treatment

After!

Ask us about the Invisalign Palatal Expander if you come for a consultation, it just might be the perfect fit for your child's Phase I treatment!

The Do's and Don'ts for this Halloween!

October 23rd, 2024

October is National Orthodontic Health Month and Halloween is right around the corner! We have compiled a list of treats you can still have with braces on. We want to make sure your braces stay in tact, but we also want your teeth to stay healthy as well. Candy and sweets are okay in moderation, just make sure to brush and floss very well after!

Good Treats:

  • Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
  • Kit Kats
  • 3 Musketeers
  • Plain M&M’s
  • Oreo’s & Soft Cookies
  • Plain Hershey Bars & Hershey Kisses
  • Peppermint Patties
  • Pixy Stix

Candy to trade off to your friends/family:

  • Taffy
  • Bubblegum
  • Chewy candies (Tootsie Rolls, Sugar Daddies, Sugar Babies)
  • Caramel or candy apples
  • Snickers, Mounds, Almond Joys, Twix
  • Popcorn and popcorn balls
  • Hard candies (Nerds, Jolly Ranchers, Lollipops)
  • Jelly candies (Dots, Swedish Fish, Any kind of Gummies)

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

Dr. Kennell's Invisalign Trip to Costa Rica

September 24th, 2024

Dr. Kennell was one of only 20 US orthodontists recently invited to attend the Invisalign Study Club at Align Technology's Treatment Operations Center in San Jose, Costa Rica.

All Invisalign scans taken at Kennell Orthodontics are sent to the 63,000 sq. ft. Treatment Operations Center in San Jose. Here, the 3,000 member operations team processes thousands of scans from all over the region using Align's sophisticated, internally developed computer-modeling program, which allows the teeth to move individually. Treatment plans are then created according to Dr. Kennell's exact specifications. Once the treatment plan (also called a ClinCheck) is approved by Dr. Kennell, the digital plan is forwarded to either Mexico, China, or Poland for fabrication of the aligners.

While at Align's facility, Dr. Kennell attended special Invisalign lectures about new Invisalign features & products, current research findings, and tips on improving the ClinCheck process.

During this time, Dr. Kennell also had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with his personal Invisalign CAD designer and overseeing doctor. Over 1 hour was spent modifying Dr. Kennell's personalized Invisalign prescription (IPP) to give his patients the best result possible with Invisalign.

The day wouldn't be complete without a photo in Align's "Pura Vida" lounge!

Back to School: The Orthodontic Survival Kit

August 23rd, 2024

As much as we hate to admit it, it is that time of year again...back to school! With our patients starting treatment, it is important to be prepared for school. Here at Kennell Orthodontics, we recommend making your own "Orthodontic Survival Kit" to ensure your child has everything when they are away from home. You could use any kind of bag, a Ziplock will do just fine! Then, you can fill it with the necessities for braces such as flossers, travel size toothbrush and toothpaste, proxy brushes, orthodontic rubber bands, orthodontic wax, and maybe even a small mirror!

For our patients in Invisalign; floss, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and your aligner case will be most important. We even recommend leaving your aligners in the classroom or in your backpack where they will be safe. Most aligners get thrown away being in the lunchroom and we don't want that to happen!

For our patients playing sports, PLEASE wear mouthguards if your sport requires one! Keeping your teeth from harm, especially with braces on, is so important! Let us know at your next appointment if you need one. They are also kept in our emergency boxes at all offices so help yourself! Or if you can't make it in, give us a call and we will send you one!

We hope you enjoy the last few weeks of summer and make sure to add these supplies to your back to school shopping lists!

While you are at it, don't forget to fill out our new September Monthly Rewards Activity: "Back 2 School: This or That" and you will earn 20 points!

The Newest Technology at Kennell Orthodontics!

June 12th, 2024

As most orthodontic patient's might remember, getting alginate impressions of their teeth was never an enjoyable experience. The ooey-gooey material would take what felt like forever to set up and always made everyone want to gag! It was something you wouldn't forget and that you hoped you'd never have to do again!

Thankfully, technology has advanced so much over the years that alginate impressions are not as common in orthodontic offices. Digital intraoral scanners, such as the I-Tero, have been created to capture every nook and cranny of the teeth in a much easier and efficient way. The scanner is capturing hundreds of pictures per minute to create a 3D impression of the teeth. This 3D impression can now be used for the orthodontist to create a treatment plan. It can also be used to send to the lab to have retainers and other appliances made. So much easier than having to mail out an actual plaster model of the teeth!! It used to take forever!

Here are some of the benefits of using the I-Tero intraoral scanner instead of alginate impressions:

  • Patient Comfort - One of the most important things that matters to our office is that our patients are comfortable during treatment. The I-Tero scanner is much quicker, easier, and much more comfortable than traditional impressions.

  • No more mess or wasted materials - With traditional impressions, you need to size the impression tray meaning you would have to take time to clean the ones not used. Then, you have to quickly mix the alginate material with water really fast to then load it in the impression tray. It gets EVERYWHERE, all over the sinks, all over the assistants, all over the patients. If the impression did not come out good the first time, you have to keep trying until it is right. This means many wasted supplies and materials. With the I-Tero scanner, the only material being switched out for every patient is the wand tip. It is quick and easy to clean the device and put a new one on.

  • Patient Involvement - It is so important for patients to be involved in treatment and understand why we recommend the things we do. With traditional impressions, patients most likely don't get to see their plaster models after they have the impressions done. The I-Tero scanner allows patients to see their teeth as a 3D model, right in front of them. Not many people get to see their teeth from that perspective. It also allows patients to point out their concerns and ask questions!

  • Faster and More Accurate - Traditional impressions may have taken up to 10 minutes to do both top and bottom, but could be longer depending on if you had to re-do them and set-up time. Dr. Kennell's Orthodontic office averaged just over 4 minutes to scan the upper and lower arches with a bite scan. Way faster! The I-Tero scanner is so much more accurate and precise compared to traditional impressions that could have bubbles and voids.

  • Efficiency - After impressions were done, they were made into plaster models of the teeth and had to be mailed to labs and also took up a lot of space to store them. Now, with the click of a button the 3D models can be sent to the lab in seconds. Then they are 3D printed to make appliances, aligners, and or retainers out of! Super efficient!

What a mess!

Quick and easy!

All three of Dr. Kennell's offices, Laconia, Littleton, and Plymouth are equipped with one or more I-Tero scanners of the newest model. After recently going to the AAO conference in Louisiana, the Kennell Orthodontics team was able to try out the newest I-Tero wand. Being able to physically try out the wand convinced Dr. Kennell and his team that they needed it in their offices!!

The I-Tero "Lumina" intraoral scanner has even more benefits:

  • Takes high-quality, photorealistic scans
  • Has a wider field of view, making it easier to capture
  • Ergonomically easier on the assistants
  • More comfortable for patients since the wand is 50% smaller than the older version
  • 2x the speed to capture the entire mouth

Dr. Kennell's orthodontic office is excited to share this new technology with their patients to make for an even better experience! He will continue to stay up to date with the newest technology, who knows what will be created next!!

Our Experience at the 2024 AAO Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana!

May 10th, 2024

Dr. Kennell attends many orthodontic conferences throughout the year to expand his knowledge on what's new in orthodontics. He very kindly brought along the rest of his team members to join him this time! They arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 2nd, attended the conferences for 3 days, and then headed back home to New Hampshire on May 7th! Then, they were right back to work the next day seeing all of the patients who had missed them while they were gone. Except now the team was ready with their new found knowledge!

First day, went to register and get our badges!

The first day of the AAO conference, the opening ceremony included a jazz band to get everyone hyped of for the next few days of learning! There were classes for orthodontists, clinical assistants, and the administrative assistants as well! Classes were from 8 AM to 5 PM all 3 days and there were SO many classes being offered!

The assistants learned a new way of bonding Invisalign attachments to the teeth that will hopefully help in preventing them from falling off. The process will now include using an etch material and the use of a dryer to make sure the teeth are as dry as possible. The presenter, Dr. Doug Depew, stressed how critical and important it is to only get the etch material on the exact spot where the attachment is going. This will help during the Invisalign starting appointments when it comes time to remove extra material and will give the attachment a better seal to the tooth surface. They are excited to try out this technique and hope this will in turn benefit both the patient and the assistants in the long run.

The assistants also got to see some successful cases of Phase I Invisalign treatment. Dr. Kennell has done quite a few Phase I treatments so far, but it validated how well it is working for orthodontists everywhere. The information learned about having attachments stay better will apply to the deciduous teeth in Phase I treatment as well!

The whole team sat in on an OSHA presentation that mostly reviewed all of the safety rules and regulations that we follow each and everyday. Some were a reminder for us, especially how important it is for everyone to wear safety glasses and other protective gear. The presenter, Jackie Dorst also brought up a wonderful idea to set up practice scenarios in the office to be prepared in case any emergency situations were to occur! Something you don't always think about, but that is super important for your whole team to know.

There were many classes to help dealing with burnout, physically and mentally, which applied to everyone. They had classes discussing how to reduce stress and anxiety and how to have personal growth and success. These lessons are essential when it comes to how we treat our patients and each other!

The Kennell Ortho team celebrating Cinco De Mayo with their "Will Align Teeth 4 Tacos" shirts.

To sum everything up, Dr. Kennell is an amazing orthodontist of the Lakes Region, who prioritizes his patients having the best success with treatment and the whole experience being at Kennell Orthodontics. He will go above and beyond to make sure that happens, even if that means going to New Orleans, Louisiana to obtain the best information!

Common Invisalign Questions

April 9th, 2024

With Invisalign becoming more and more popular, you may be wondering what to expect if you were to get Invisalign treatment. There are many common questions we get asked on a day to day basis at Kennell Orthodontics. Thankfully, Dr. Kennell and his team are here to put your mind at ease!

First of all, lets start with, How does Invisalign treatment 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 two weeks, then, is switched out for the next aligner 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. Most of our patients need to have little bumps placed on their teeth called attachments to help guide the teeth into the aligner, but luckily these attachments are tooth colored and are also not very noticeable.

Are there any foods I shouldn’t 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. We do ask for you to be aware that attachments could fall off if you were to eat something too hard, but other than that there are not restrictions to your eating. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush your teeth before reinserting the aligner. If you are unable to brush your teeth due to being at work or school, a good rinse with water will do the trick too!

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?
The most important part of the Invisalign treatment is that you wear your aligners for any progress to be made. With saying that, 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.

Can I smoke during treatment?
We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

How do I clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water. Invisalign also provides you with "cleaning crystals" to put in a cup of water with your aligners. You can use these every so often and leave them in overnight to give them an extra good cleaning.

How often must I visit the office during treatment?
For most patients, we will provide you with 4-5 aligners at a time. This makes visits every 8-10 weeks which is frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. We will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

Dr. Alan Kennell has OVER 20 YEARS experience and extensive training with Invisalign. General dentists receive minimal orthodontic training in dental school and usually attend a weekend hotel course to learn how to do Invisalign. If your dentist (or your child's dentist) offers orthodontic treatment, insist on seeing an orthodontic specialist! If you have any questions please give our Laconia, Plymouth or Littleton offices a call.

Can I Still Whiten My Teeth during Invisalign Treatment?

February 14th, 2024

A common question you might be wondering is if you can still whiten your teeth while being in Invisalign treatment. We used to always inform patients that they should wait until they are done with treatment to use whitening strips. It still holds true that you should not use whitening strips, but there is now a solution to the whitening!

Invisalign now offers the Invisalign Professional Whitening System that is safe to use during and after your treatment.

Why it is safer to use this system than whitening strips is because it will be able to whiten your teeth despite the attachments. Trying to use a whitening strip would not be able to go through the attachments, leaving spots that are not as white when they some day come off. This Invisalign Professional Whitening System contains 10% carbamide peroxide formulation which breaks down into water, oxygen, and reactive oxygen molecules. The reactive oxygen molecules are what are able to change the stained molecules, making them lighter. Due to this reaction, the whitening solution will spread through the entire tooth without actually having to cover every part of it. So even the tooth surface underneath the attachments will still be getting whiter just the same.

The at-home kit allows you to easily whiten your teeth professionally! The kit comes with 4 syringes of whitening gel. At Dr. Kennell's orthodontic office they are sold for $150 and can be used throughout your treatment. It is instructed for you to lightly insert the gel just enough to cover the aligner so that it does not overflow to your gums. It is recommended for you wear them for at least 8-10 hours to get the full benefits. It is important to know that if you start to feel any sensitivity during these whitening treatments, you should take the aligners out. Using a toothpaste like Sensodyne along with your treatments will be helpful in reducing the sensitivity. This whitening gel is also made with potassium nitrate, used to reduce dental hypersensitivity, and fluoride, which helps strengthen the teeth.

Luckily, this whitening system can be used for Invisalign patients (during and after treatment), any patients that are in a Vivera/clear retainer, or anyone that is simply interested in just whitening their teeth! Make sure to ask your orthodontist/dentist about the Invisalign Professional Whitening System next time you are in the office, it will be worth it!

Phase I vs. Phase II Treatment, What is the Difference?

January 12th, 2024

With the new year starting, getting your teeth fixed might be, or should be part of your New Years Resolutions! Whether it is for your child or for yourself it could be a good idea to see an orthodontist. Knowing the difference between Phase I and Phase II treatment can help give you a better understanding of how soon to have your child looked at and the importance of it.

Let's start with Phase I, or early age orthodontics. This phase of treatment can be very useful in cases when patients have crowding, misaligned bites, jaw discrepancies, and or protruding teeth. Phase I treatment usually starts in young patients between 7 to 10 years old. A child is still growing and developing with a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth during this age range. This gives the perfect advantage to start correcting dental issues before they can get worse.

Some options for Phase I treatment include retainers, palate expanders, space maintainers, braces, and in some cases Invisalign. Removable retainers can help teeth stay in place to prevent shifting, guiding adult teeth into place, and even help with jaw development. Space maintainers will aid in maintaining the space needed to allow the adult teeth to grow and erupt correctly. Palate expanders help with correcting jaw growth problems in patients with narrow palates. Expanding the palate will make teeth less crowded and make room for the proper alignment of adult teeth. The use of limited braces is typically for cases when patients have overcrowding or issues with their bite.

All in all, Phase I orthodontics will do the early work in guiding the adult teeth in the right direction, whether its making space or maintaining the space for them to develop.

This is a type of palate expander called a Hyrax.

Braces are another type of Phase I treatment, but usually only a few brackets are placed on the teeth.

This space maintainer is called an LLA (Lower Lingual Arch).

These are examples of Upper and Lower Hawley retainers.

This now leads us into the next phase of treatment, Phase II orthodontics. Some patients who were in Phase I treatment will still need Phase II treatment later on, but less work is needed. Other patients do not need Phase I treatment and will just begin with Phase II.

Depending on how severe the misalignment of the teeth are, or if there are any jaw discrepancies or impacted teeth, it would be important for the patient to begin their treatment sooner than later.

The most common treatments in Phase II orthodontics include braces, traditional or clear brackets, and clear aligners, usually Invisalign. Both treatments can succeed in fixing misalignment or malocclusions based on what the patients needs are. It also depends on preferences, if you do not prefer to have the braces showing, maybe clear brackets or clear aligners would suit you best. In certain cases, extractions may be a necessity to make room for overcrowded teeth. If a patient has impacted teeth they may need surgery to expose the tooth and guide it in the right direction. The orthodontist will develop a treatment plan that will go over all of the expectations throughout your treatment.

Invisalign uses clear aligners to move teeth.

Some offices may offer clear brackets which are less apparent.

Traditional braces is a very common treatment in Phase II orthodontics.

To conclude, the main difference between Phase I and Phase II orthodontic treatment, is the desired result. Phase I aims to fix urgent issues that cannot wait until the permanent teeth develop. Whereas Phase II is important in making sure the adult teeth come together in proper alignment.

Setting up a consultation with your local orthodontist would be a good idea, especially when it comes to whether your child will need Phase I treatment or not. Dr. Kennell of Laconia, Plymouth, and Littleton, NH offers free consultations and will inform you if Phase I treatment is needed or if there is still time to wait!

Fuel for back to school!

August 25th, 2023

It’s that time of year again and if you're just starting out in Ortho treatment or need a quick reminder, here are some ideas on what to pack in your lunchbox for school!

Soft foods are easier and more comfortable to eat and are less likely to be caught in braces.  However choices like gummies, fruit roll ups, taffy etc. will stick like glue!

Some other brace friendly suggestions:

  • Banana slices, grape halves, and thinly cut (peeled) apples (dip them all in a bit of lemon juice to keep them from browning)
  • Canned peaches or pears, fruit cocktail and Mandarin orange slices
  • Applesauce or any of the mixed fruit “sauces” in individual servings
  • Thin carrot-curls made with a scraper, plus a small container of grated cheese or hummus, with torn-up fresh pita bread for scooping
  • Individual pudding and yogurt cups
  • Avocadoes sliced or mashed

The goal is to be soft enough to chew, healthy and filling to keep your mind and teeth strong. 

Monthly rewards: Don't forget to fill out & bring your monthly rewards to your next appointment! An easy 20 patient rewards points! Keep your eyes out for our September monthly rewards!

September back to school contest!!!!

Have you entered our back to school contest?

Guess how many Invisalign aligners are in the jar! One lucky winner will receive a backpack full of school supplies!!!

-We hope you had a fantastic summer, and have an easy transition back to school!

-The KO team

2022 That's A Wrap!

December 11th, 2022

As 2022 comes to an end, we like to reflect on all of the positive things we were able to achieve as a team!

 

With the help of our amazing patients we were able to collect & donate food to our local Boys and Girls Club! With donation boxes in each of our office locations, we had donations from Laconia, Plymouth & Littleton!!!

 

We are also participating in a second food drive for the month of December!!

All donations will be donated to our local Boys and Girls Club.

 

The Kennell Ortho team also got to celebrate our Christmas party in style this year! In NYC!! Taking a break from our busy work schedule and spending time team building! We attended the Rockettes at Radio City. Also visiting Times Square & Rockefeller Center! An experience of a lifetime!

As we reflect on the year we've had, we are thankful for our wonderful team. As we couldn't make it through the days without such hardworking, dedicated and passionate employees. We are also fortunate to be able to work with so many amazing patients! To be able to create beautiful smiles is everything to us, but to do it laughing and building  those relationships with our patients means the world to us. Thank you all for a wonderful year. We're excited to see what 2023 has in store for us!

 

Sincerely,

The Kennell Ortho Team

 

Back to school- Don't forget to pack your toothbrush!

September 4th, 2022

When in orthodontic treatment your oral hygiene is something you want to stay on top of. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you succeed great oral hygiene.
  • Brush after every meal
  • Maintain a 45 degree angle with your toothbrush. It’s important to brush each tooth at the gum line and both above and below the bracket
  • Brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth along with the inner surfaces closest to your tongue
  • Don't forget to floss!!!
And of course if you have any questions, Dr.Kennell and the team here at Kennell Orthodontics are just a call away!
Important reminder now that its back to school time.
We recommend patients in orthodontic treatment to brush after every meal. If you're unable to brush after lunch at school it's okay! Just remember to do so when you get home, then again after eating dinner!
We hope you all had an amazing summer!
-The Kennell Ortho team

Choose Your Treats Wisely this Halloween

October 29th, 2019

Five orthodontic-friendly recommendations by the Lakes Region's Orthodontist, Dr. Alan Kennell

October is National Orthodontic Health Month. And each October, thousands of kids have one thing on their mind: Halloween candy!  For orthodontists, the Halloween season is all about helping patients avoid potentially sticky situations.

October is the perfect time of year to learn about orthodontic health and how an orthodontist helps patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Besides, everyone knows that Halloween candy can give any orthodontist a scare!

The Lakes Region and White Mountains orthodontist, Dr. Kennell of Kennell Orthodontics, offers these five timely tips to help protect braces, aligners and other orthodontic “appliances” while protecting teeth from decay.

  1. Let sticky foods RIP. If it’s hard, sticky, chewy or crunchy, stay away! Avoid caramel, taffy, bubblegum, licorice, gummies or any snack that can damage brackets or wires. Also, be sure to say “boo” to hard-shelled peanut candies, nuts or nut-filled candies, taco chips and popcorn (especially unpopped kernels).
  2. Choose “spooktacularly” soft foods. Opt for soft chocolates, peppermint patties, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties.
  3. Dare to take extra care. Sweets can cause cavities, which is why brushing and flossing are even more important than ever during the Halloween season. Orthodontic patients should be especially vigilant about brushing and flossing immediately after eating sugary or starchy foods.
  4. Set yourself up for success. Kennell encourages parents to keep acceptable treats on hand to substitute for “off limits” candies for trick-or-treating.
  5. Commit to oral health. Deciding to avoid hard and chewy sweets before the Halloween season increases your rate of success – and reduces the likelihood that you’ll break wires.

“We want kids to have fun on Halloween,” says Dr. Kennell. “And there’s no need to feel left out. Patients are free to enjoy acceptable treats in moderation. The payoff is a healthy, beautiful smile. It’s always worth it in the end!”

Apples with Braces

October 2nd, 2019

 

It’s fall which also means it is apple picking season!
The problem is biting into an apple with braces is a no-no, it is best to cute it up into smaller pieces …or better yet, find some great braces friendly recipes to cook those apples into!

We have included some great recipes to try out!  Let us know your favorite!

Warm Apple Pie Smoothie
1 apple, cored and cut into chunks (peeled if you don’t have a high-powered blender)
½ cup / 120 ml water (for a creamier smoothie you can use yogurt)
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon maple syrup (or raw organic honey)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
A pinch of nutmeg
A pinch of allspice
1 scoop protein powder (optional)

Combine apple, water, vanilla, maple syrup and spices in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a mug and microwave on high for about 2 minutes.
Sprinkle with cinnamon, and if you’re feeling particularly daring, add a bit of whipped cream on top. Serve!

Apple Peanut Butter Muffins
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups shredded apples (about 2 medium)
1 cup low fat buttermilk
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup coconut or canola oil
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.; line a 12 cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, stir together the shredded apples, buttermilk, peanut butter, oil, egg, and vanilla. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry, stirring until just mixed, being careful to not over beat. Spoon the batter into the muffin tins. Combine the remaining sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the muffin tops.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool on a wire rack.

Crescent Roll Apple Pies
1 Apple sliced (tart)
3 heaping tbsp. brown sugar
2 tbsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. melted butter
1 Pkg. of Crescent Rolls

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.
Roll out the dough on a cooking surface, brush with butter and sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll up 2 or 3 apple slice in the dough forming a crescent, place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Brush each crescent roll with remaining melted butter and top with cinnamon.
Bake for 12-15 mins until golden brown.
Remove from oven, serve and enjoy!

Know the Early Warning Signs

September 5th, 2019

Visibly crooked teeth are not the only reason to take your child into the orthodontist. There are some subtle things to look for as well, which may indicate the onset of more serious orthodontic issues. Many orthodontic issues are much easier to address if treated and corrected during a child's development.

Waiting until facial development is complete or until the permanent teeth have come in can make correction of many orthodontic issues more challenging. Both children and adults can benefit from orthodontic care at any age, but addressing issues early is almost always the ideal choice.

If you're wondering if you or your child might have need for orthodontic care, there are some things you can be on the lookout for. Here are some of the most common warning signs of orthodontic issues:

• Difficulty when chewing or biting
• Chronic mouth-breathing
• Sucking the thumb, the fingers, or any other oral sucking habits that continue after the age of six
• Overbite - when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth by more than 5mm
• Top front teeth that cover more than 25% of the bottom teeth while biting
• Underbite - when the top front teeth go behind the bottom row of teeth when biting
• Crowded, crooked, overlapped, misshapen, misplaced teeth or extra teeth of any size
• Crossbite - when one or more teeth tilt toward the cheek or toward the tongue causing excessive stress on the jawbone
• The center of the top and bottom teeth don't line up
• Uneven teeth-wearing
• Baby teeth coming out too early for the child's age
• Pain in jaws
• Clicking in the jaw joints
• The jaw shifts off-center while chewing or biting
• A jaw that protrudes, or recedes, too much
• Difficulty speaking or enunciating clearly
• Chronic biting of the inner cheek or roof of the mouth
• Asymmetrical facial structure
• Grinding or clenching of the teeth

If you notice that either you or your child has one or more of these conditions, they could be signs that there is a risk of orthodontic or health problems. The sooner these problems are addressed, the wider and brighter you will be able to smile going forward!

It's Back to School Time Again!

August 20th, 2019

As much as we hate to admit it, August is a reminder in a couple of weeks, Back to School activities will be in full swing!  Kennell Orthodontics wants to send your children back to school prepared for school life with braces or new orthodontic treatments. Pack your child their very own "Back to School with Braces" kit - something as simple as a ziplock plastic bag including items such as:  Orthopicks, orthodontic rubber bands, mini toothbrush and toothpaste, orthodontic wax, small mirror, floss, retainer case and tissues. This kit can easily be tucked into their backpack or locker and will help as a reminder of orthodontic care even when at school.  Start the school year off right with these reminders:

  • bring retainer cases to lunch room and keep retainer in it to avoid accidentally throwing it away with lunch trash;
  • always wear protective mouth guard for all fall sports - this will help prevent brackets from breaking and inner lip from rubbing against braces.

Stay ahead of the Back to School shopping rush by preparing these orthodontic kits now - kick back and enjoy the last weeks of summer!!

Keeping Your Teeth Clean with Braces

August 13th, 2019

 

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!

Dr. Kennell and Team

Don't Forget Your Retainer!

July 18th, 2019

Once braces come off we know it is exciting to see how great your new smile looks.  And you want to keep it that way, right?  However, some patients forget how important it is to wear their retainers to maintain that beautiful smile after orthodontic treatment is complete.  At Kennell Orthodontics, we give specific instructions to all of our patients on how to properly wear retainers.  Typically, retainers are worn 24/7 for the first three days after braces are removed, then just during sleep thereafter.

Retainers must be worn for life in order to maintain the teeth in position.  Minor tooth movement can occur throughout life, which is why we strongly encourage our patients to always wear their retainers.  Oh - and remember to keep those retainers away from the dog.  Dogs don't just eat your homework, they eat retainers too!

SPIRIT WEEK 2019

July 2nd, 2019

The Kennell Ortho family invites you to join in the fun as we celebrate another festive Spirit Week...one of our favorite times of the year!

July 16 - 19, pop in to the office dressed for the day's theme and earn a prize.  It's that easy and that fun!

Tuesday, 7/16 - Hawaii Day

Wednesday, 7/17 (Littleton) - Sports Day

Thursday, 7/18 - Tie Dye

Friday, 7/19 - Pajama Day

 

Introducing Kennell Ortho Patient Rewards!

June 6th, 2019

Successful orthodontics is a team effort and YOU are our key player!

We have created a Patient Rewards Program to recognize your accomplishments and congratulate your winning achievements!

As a patient of Kennell Ortho, you're already enrolled in the program. All you have to do is collect points by doing any of the below listed activities.

Our Patient Rewards Program is an incentive program based on your cooperation. You set the bar and every visit is an opportunity to earn points and cool prizes!

Here's how it works...

Check out all the great stuff you could get using your points!

Every time you sign in for your appointment, you can click "Patient Rewards" to see how many points you've earned. Most importantly, have fun and THANK YOU for being

a Kennell Ortho patient.

Say Hello to Lizza!

June 4th, 2019

Lizza Taylor joined our team in 2019.  She has spent the last 18 years working as an assistant in a General Dental office. Lizza enjoys spending time with her lovely wife Kim and son Liam. Lizza enjoys kayaking, hiking, swimming and playing croquet among many other things.  She recently earned her Shodon (1st degree black belt) in Uechi Ryu style Karate.

Braces, they aren't what they used to be!

May 20th, 2019

Patients of all ages are now smiling with confidence. With Invisalign®, you can get the beautiful, straight smile you deserve without the hassle of metal braces!

What is Invisalign and how does it work?

Invisalign uses a series of clear and removable aligners to straighten your smile. Invisalign is made with highly effective 3D computer imaging technology to show you exactly how your orthodontic treatment will progress.

You will wear your aligners around the clock, removing them only during mealtimes and to brush and floss your teeth. As you move on to each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move slowly until they have straightened to their final positions. You'll visit us at Kennell Orthodontics about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time typically lasts nine to 15 months, and the number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both numbers will vary from case to case.

Why would I want Invisalign?

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time here at Kennell Orthodontics in Laconia getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

Request a complimentary consultation with Dr. Alan Kennell to see if Invisalign is right for you.

Orthodontic Emergency? We can help!

May 3rd, 2019

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 our office.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you get in to see us…

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.

Smile Down the Aisle

April 19th, 2019

You're engaged, you're planning your wedding, and you couldn't be happier-except for one thing. Your smile! Maybe your teeth are a little crooked, or you have a gap-but you're an adult now and you don't want braces! Rest easy-as long as your teeth are only moderately crooked and you have three or four months till the big day, you can see drastic improvement using clear plastic braces. While most people think only Invisalign® makes such a system, you actually have several options to achieving straight teeth and the smile you always wanted!

If you're not familiar with the technology, Dr. Alan Kennell can (in appropriate cases) use clear plastic trays to move your teeth, rather than the traditional wires and brackets. Clear braces are less painful and almost invisible-unless someone is very close to you, they won't even notice you are wearing them! You take the trays out to eat and brush your teeth, and while your teeth will feel sore and may even throb periodically for the first few days, after that you'll hardly notice when the trays are in. (While wearing the trays you won't be able to drink anything but water, which will also help with that wedding day diet!)

If you have at least a year until you walk down the aisle, you can go with Invisalign®. This is used with more complicated cases and you will get a new tray every two to four weeks (if you wear them correctly!). However, if you have less time, you can choose Simpli5®, Red White & Blue®, or RW II®. With the latter three options, your orthodontist takes a mold of your teeth and sends it to a laboratory. There, a technician makes your trays based on incremental movements of your teeth.   Red White & Blue® treat only one or the other, not both arches. These are for treatment of teeth with only very mild crowding or spacing issues. Red White and Blue® is a series of three aligners worn for six to twelve weeks, while RWII® is a series of two aligners worn for two to eight weeks.

Call Dr. Kennell today to make your appointment for beautiful, straight teeth for your wedding and Smile down the Aisle!

What to ask?

March 19th, 2019

When you visit Kennell Orthodontics for your orthodontic consultation, you’ll probably have a lot of questions. We want you to be prepared for your appointment and feel in charge of your orthodontic treatment decisions, so keep these questions in mind to ask when you come in for your appointment:

• How long will I have to wear braces?
• Will getting braces hurt?
• Will I have to wear additional appliances to correct jaw problems while I have braces?
• What can I eat when I have braces?
• Are there certain things, like playing sports or playing an instrument, which I won’t be able to do?
• How can I make sure my teeth stay clean and healthy while I have braces?
• How often will I need to come in for appointments?
• How much will my orthodontic treatment cost?

The team at Kennell Orthodontics is here to answer all your questions and concerns, and we’re happy to explain all aspects of your treatment plan and expected outcome. Your orthodontic experience should be comfortable, hassle-free, and most importantly, leave you smiling!

When to See an Orthodontist

April 30th, 2018

If you recognize any of these signs or concerns in your child or yourself, it might be time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kennell.  Together we can review what your options are.

  • You want a beautiful smile
  • You feel a great smile will improve your self-esteem and self-confidence
  • You want the best for your family
  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Sucking the thumb or fingers, or other oral habits
  • Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
  • Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or are recessed
  • Speech difficulty
  • Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don't meet at all
  • Facial imbalance or asymmetry (features out of proportion to the rest of the face)
  • Grinding or clenching of teeth
  • Inability to comfortably close lips

There is a big payoff for smiling at people.

April 20th, 2018

Did you know a simple smile can affect self-esteem?

Did you know it takes 12 muscles to smile and 113 muscles to frown?

When you smile at another person, a warm, genuine smile, you tell that other person that he or she is likeable, attractive, pleasant, safe and secure in your estimation. A single smile is so powerful that it can often transform a person with low self-esteem, jolting them from negativity to a person with a positive attitude.

When you smile at another person, the physical action releases endorphins in your brain. Endorphins are called nature’s “happy drug.” They make you feel happy and raise your self-esteem. When you smile, you feel and act in a more personable way to everyone around you and exude a feeling of positive attitude.

Every time you smile, you not only make other people feel better about themselves, but you raise your self-esteem, increase your level of positive attitude and feel better about yourself as well.

All it takes is the intentional decision by you to smile at the people around you, and to express to them that you are genuinely happy to see them.

But first, let me take a selfie...

March 8th, 2018

Check out the New Selfie Station at our Laconia, NH Office!!

You can now take fun selfies with our selfie station and either print out your pictures, text them to your friends, or post them on our Facebook page! We have some silly props as well as holiday props to jazz it up.

Check out some of pictures on our Facebook page!

       

 

 

Dr. Kennell Announces your chance to win an XBOX ONE X!

February 6th, 2018

Here at Kennell Orthodontics, the greatest compliment we can receive is one of our patients referring a friend or colleague to our practice.

A successful practice doesn't just happen. It is the result of a strong commitment to excellence in our treatment and in our relationships with patients and doctors. We'd like to take a moment to thank you for showing your confidence in our practice by recommending us to your friends and colleagues. We're gratified to find how many new patients regularly call on us based on your words of advice.

To show our appreciation, we are kicking off our
2018 patient referral program!

If Kennell Orthodontics begins a treatment plan with a new patient (child or adult) from your qualified referral, you will receive a $50 VISA cash card and be entered to win the 2018 GRAND PRIZE!

What is the 2018 GRAND PRIZE?!?!

One lucky name will be drawn and the winner will win a brand new

*Selected winner to be notified in December 2018. Restrictions may apply.

Cold and Flu Season

January 25th, 2018

This seasons Cold and Flu epidemic has been featured more recently on local and National news.  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, our team gives 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. We hope this helps and give us a call if you have any questions!

But if you do catch a cold or the flu, here are some suggestions on how to care for your dental health.

If you have a cold or the flu, taking care of your body is your top priority—and that includes your mouth.
Here are some simple ways to care for your dental health when you’re not feeling well:

Practice Good Hygiene

When you’re sick, you know to cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Don’t forget to keep up your dental and toothbrush hygiene as well.

According to the CDC, the flu virus can live on moist surfaces for 72 hours. Do not share your tooth brush!

Choose Sugar-Free Cough Drops

Read the label before you pick up a bag at the drug store with an eye to avoid ingredients like fructose or corn syrup. The longer you keep a sugary cough drop in your mouth, the more time cavity-causing bacteria has to feast on that sugar, which produces the acid that can leave holes in your teeth.

Swish and Spit After Vomiting

One unfortunate side effect of a stomach flu, among other illnesses, is vomiting. You might be tempted to brush your teeth right away, some dentists say it’s actually better to wait. When you vomit, stomach acids are coming in contact with your teeth and coating them. If you brush too soon, you’re just rubbing that acid all over the hard outer shell of your teeth.

Instead, swish with water, a diluted mouth rinse or a mixture of water and 1 tsp. baking soda to help wash the acid away. Spit, and brush about 30 minutes later.

Stay Hydrated to Avoid Dry Mouth

When you’re sick, you need plenty of fluids for many reasons. One is to prevent dry mouth. Not only is it uncomfortable—dry mouth can also put you at greater risk for cavities. The medications you might be taking for a cold or flu—such as antihistamines, decongestants or pain relievers—can also dry out your mouth, so drink plenty of water and suck on sugarless cough drops, throat lozenges or candies to keep that saliva flowing.

Choose the Right Fluids

When it comes to your mouth and your body, one beverage is always best. Water!  Sometimes sports drinks might be recommended to replenish electrolytes when you’re sick, but drink them in moderation and don’t make them a habit after you’ve recovered because unless they are a sugar free version, they contain a lot of sugar.

You might also want something to warm you up.  Try a hot tea, but avoid sugar or lemon if you can.

For more tips on good oral care: check out the ADA American Dental Society Mouth Healthy website.

Kennell Orthodontics Celebrates 2017 Contest Winner

January 17th, 2018

Tarryn R. 2017 Referral Winner

Dr. Alan Kennell and his staff at Kennell Orthodontics are pleased to announce the winner of the 2017 Refer-a-Friend contest –Tarryn R. of Plymouth, NH!  Kennell Orthodontics realizes the greatest compliment received is when one of their patients refers a friend or colleague to their practice.  In an effort to show appreciation to patients for these referrals, Dr. Kennell developed the Refer-a-Friend campaign.  This campaign, which focuses on new patient treatment plans from qualified referrals, rewards Refer-a-Friend participants with a Visa Cash Card and an entry into the grand prize drawing. Tarryn had multiple entries from her multiple referrals – this gave her a greater advantage on having her name picked as the Grand Prize Winner!

As the Grand Prize winner, Tarryn is the new recipient of an Apple MacBook Air Computer.

Dr. Kennell thanked Tarryn for being a valued patient and for recommending Kennell Orthodontics to her family and friends.  “We are honored to have such loyal patients who continue to refer to us and share their positive experiences here at Kennell Orthodontics with others.”

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