Dr. Orbon loves sharing his experiences from the El Niño Rey mission trips he’s been taking every February for the last 21 years. If you haven’t had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Orbon about the annual trips to Mexico, you’ll be in for a treat by reading this latest article. Enjoy!

Travis entered the Affiliated Fish Club with these great catch photos. Clearly, Travis has been busy fishing for large mouth bass this year! Earlier this year, Travis and his friend caught a whopper off the dock at Warren Township Center. Over the Fourth of July weekend, Travis reeled in this catch at Land O Lakes, WI.

You can enter the Affiliated Fish Club too! Check out all the details on how to enter the Affiliated Fish Club by visiting the Patient Clubs page. Entries are posted on our Facebook Page, Twitter, and Instagram with a parent’s or guardian’s permission.

Patients have been asking about the Affiliated Fish Club and it’s “offishal”, the Affiliated Fish Club is back! Find all the details about the Fish Club and how to be a part of it on our Patient Club Page.

In 2001, Dr. James Orbon and a group of dental professionals and volunteers accompanied Rev. Matt Foley to return to Mexican villages of Guerrero, Mexico to foster and promote improved dental health. In the past 22 years, Dr. Orbon has been able to make twenty-four mission trips to Guerrero. Through donations and education, the team is now able to provide cleanings, fillings, extractions, and oral hygiene instructions.

Initially, the team was only able to provide extractions but through the help of others the mission has grown. Now there are two mission trips a year and over twenty different dentists providing care for the children and their families. Along with numerous volunteers and hygienists, the dentists have been able to help over 15,000 patients.

During the holidays, there are plenty of parties and family gatherings with crunchy and sticky foods. Be prepared if an orthodontic emergency happens over the holidays.

Dr. Klein and Dr. Lim would like you to understand that accidents can happen during orthodontic treatment. When they do happen, it can result in a call or unplanned visit to our office for an emergency visit.

Initially, you may think it’s not a big deal, but Dr. Klein and Dr. Lim would like to remind you to make the call and don’t wait. The orthodontists of Affiliated Dental Specialists are your partners in creating your smile of a lifetime. If there is an urgent need, for example if you are in pain, or an injury has occurred, call the Vernon Hills office at 847-367-6055 or the Gurnee office at 847-263-1842 for an emergency appointment.

In the meantime, stock up on supplies to help discomfort. Essential items to keep in your medicine cabinet are:

• Orthodontic wax
• Dental floss
• Interproximal brushes
• Topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel)
• Over the counter pain relievers (such as one taken for a headache)

Plus, a warm salt water rinse can be soothing, as well. The recommended mixture is 1 tsp. salt to 8 oz. warm water.

Ultimately, an important part of successful orthodontic treatment is communicating with your orthodontist. If an emergency arises, it’s okay. Don’t panic. This hiccup shouldn’t have much of an impact on your overall treatment plan. Don’t forget, you play an essential role in your treatment. All you have to do is follow your orthodontist’s directions. Happy holidays and don’t eat hard or gooey treats.