Did you know that all children should have an orthodontic evaluation by the time they turn 7 years old? If your child is approaching that age, now is the time to book an appointment for them! Making sure they get timely treatment can support proper development of their jaws and face, and may spare them from more complex procedures in the future.

Of course, while an evaluation is important for all children, some kids are especially in need of a visit to an orthodontist. How can you tell if your child might need braces? Here are some signs to look for:

(more…)

When most people think of orthodontic headgear, they probably picture a clunky metal contraption from an ’80s teen movie. While this can be a funny image, modern orthodontic headgear is far more comfortable, discreet, and effective than its pop culture reputation suggests. If you or your child has been prescribed headgear, they shouldn’t feel embarrassed. Here’s the truth behind some of the most common misconceptions, and why they need to be updated.

(more…)

Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have misaligned teeth and bites. It can often be difficult for such individuals to get the orthodontic care they need due to behavioral challenges. Fortunately, many orthodontists are able to accommodate patients with special needs in order to ensure that their treatment is successful; here’s a closer look at some of the steps that might be taken. (more…)

Music is a great form of self-expression, whether you are in a band or like to play as a hobby. If you play a woodwind or brass instrument, though, you may wonder how braces will affect your ability to make music. Percussionists can stop reading here.

Rest assured that you can play with braces, but you need to be ready for an adjustment period. What are some things you can do to make for a smooth transition? Here are some helpful tips:

(more…)

Overbites and underbites are two of the most common orthodontic problems. If you have been diagnosed with either of these issues, you might wonder exactly what that means and what may be involved in getting your smile into proper alignment. In this succinct blog post, Dr. Ben Youel of Grayslake Orthodontics explains what you should know.

(more…)

In movies, TV, and books, the characters most likely to wear traditional braces are adolescent young people. Braces are commonly viewed as a rite of passage for teenagers, but are they effective for adults, too? When considering how to straighten your teeth, you may wonder if you no longer fit within the age range for metal brackets and wires. Fortunately, there is good news. Keep reading to learn more about adult braces and why they might just be the perfect solution for your smile. (more…)

Whether it was an accident while playing sports or an errant bite of food, something is definitely wrong with your braces, and you need to know what to do next. Thankfully, there is no reason to panic, as there is plenty you can do at home on your own. Plus, your orthodontist will be more than happy to help and see you as soon as possible. Here’s your step-by-step guide for dealing with damaged braces. (more…)

After you finish your time with braces or clear aligners, you will enter into the maintenance phase of your orthodontic treatment. In other words, you have to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from drifting back into their former positions. With proper care, a removable retainer can last for several years (for example, a Hawley retainer may last for 3 – 10 years, whereas a clear/invisible retainer may endure for 2-3 years or so). How can you take good care of your retainer so it lives up to its potential? Here are four easy tips:

(more…)

As a preferred alternative to traditional braces, clear aligners offer a more discreet and flexible way to straighten teeth. However, with their many benefits, they also require much responsibility on behalf of the wearer. If you suddenly find that your trays are no longer fitting correctly, read on to learn why this might be happening and what you can do to avoid a delay in treatment. (more…)

Congratulations! You’ve completed your clear aligner treatment, and your teeth are now beautifully aligned! Take some time to celebrate your hard-earned victory, but don’t let it make you complacent. There’s still some work to be done! To maintain your straightened pearly whites, you’ll need to wear a retainer. These appliances are crucial to keeping your smile in place, but how long do you actually have to wear them? Continue reading to learn more about retainers and what to expect after clear aligner treatment.

(more…)