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.
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:
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.
While traditional braces are a fantastic option for many patients, they may not be for everyone. From poking wires to food restrictions, braces can make everyday life just a little more complicated. Enter Clear Aligners—clear, removable aligners that provide all the benefits of traditional braces without all the frustrations! If you’re curious about the many freedoms you could enjoy with clear aligner treatment while achieving a winning smile, continue reading!
Braces are one of the best ways to straighten teeth. In order for you to enjoy successful and easy treatment, however, you will need to put in a bit of work. For example, you should keep certain items on hand that will allow you to maintain a clean and fresh mouth. What are some specific tools that will help you do that? This blog post will help answer that question.
Orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. Most people enjoy a smooth treatment experience from start to finish, but occasionally, orthodontic emergencies pop up. For example, some people lose a bracket, end up with a loose arch wire, or accidentally damage their teeth. What can you do to prevent such situations? This blog post contains a few helpful tips that can reduce your risk.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children undergo a complete orthodontic examination once they reach the age of 7. This allows them to look at the child’s teeth and bite and determine if they may be experiencing any issues with chewing, biting, or speaking. Although some of the issues you may be able to detect beforehand (i.e., gapped teeth, crooked teeth, overbite, etc.), others may not be as noticeable. Hear from a trusted local orthodontist who explains when it might be time for your child to begin wearing braces. (more…)
