Orthodontics – Channahon, IL

Phase 1 Orthodontics

You can bring your child in for a Phase One orthodontic consultation around age seven. Early treatment may begin around eight or nine if we find that your child is on track to suffer from certain developmental problems, such as an underbite or an overbite. If we intervene early on, we can ensure that there’s enough room for the teeth to erupt properly later so that more complex procedures aren’t needed later.

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How to Tell if Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Treatment:

• Teeth that are already crowded by age seven or eight
• The upper and lower teeth not making contact all the way around
• Shifting of the jaw that occurs whenever your child moves their mouth
• Top and bottom teeth that extend away from each other instead of meeting head on
• Having trouble chewing or biting
• Thumb sucking that did not stop on its own after your child’s fifth birthday
• A variety of speech impediments
• Baby teeth that are lost too early or too late; tooth loss should begin around age 5, and the permanent teeth should all be in place by age 13.

What Causes Orthodontic Problems and How Will Early Treatment Benefit My Child?

An orthodontic issue might take the form of crowded teeth, unevenly spaced teeth, issues with jaw development, protruding teeth, and bite problems. The cause might be linked to genetics, but sometimes it might be a result of thumb-sucking, an early oral injury, or mistimed loss of baby teeth.

Try to schedule an orthodontic checkup for your child around their seventh birthday. At that point, they’ll have some of their permanent teeth, but some baby teeth will remain. We can get to the root of orthodontic issues early on with a thorough examination and a panoramic X-ray that gives us the full details of what’s happening inside your child’s mouth. The earlier we make a plan, the less you’ll need to spend on future treatments.

Adult Orthodontics

If you’re over the age of 21, it’s not too late for you to get orthodontic treatment. Many orthodontic patients today are adults as more and more people realize the health benefits of a straighter smile as well as the self-confidence that comes with being happy with your appearance. In fact, many dental offices have adults make up around one-fifth of their patients. Get in touch with us today if you’ve long been bothered by a crooked smile.

Health Effects that Can be Corrected with Orthodontic Treatment:

• Bite misalignment that incorrectly distributes pressure and wears down the teeth quickly.
• Overcrowding or uneven spacing of the teeth that invites decay and disease.
• Any number of missing teeth that has caused the remaining teeth to shift out of place.

Treatment Options for Adults

Even though braces can still be effective for adults, the aesthetic issues can be a significant obstacle. In addition to traditional metal braces, you can also consider tooth-colored braces that are far less noticeable. And if you don’t want to limit your diet during your treatment, you can look into Invisalign clear aligners.

Why Should You Consider Orthodontic Treatment?

First of all, teeth that are properly aligned tend to be healthier in general; they can be cleaned more easily, and they decrease your risk of a variety of oral health problems. Leaving orthodontic problems alone usually means allowing them to get worse, which could eventually result in a very complex dental issue that could be expensive to treat. Aside from the health benefits, of course, there’s also the confidence that comes from having a smile that you’re proud of – no more awkwardly having to hide your teeth in public.

If you ever received orthodontic treatment as a child or teen but never finished it, now is a good time to do so. That way, you’ll finally have the healthier, more attractive grin you’ve always wanted.

Invisalign ®

With Invisalign, clear aligners are used in place of the regular metal brackets. You’ll receive multiple aligners; each one in the series will very slowly move the teeth closer to their ideal alignment. You’ll wear a given aligner for about two weeks, and you’ll need to keep it in your mouth for at least 22 hours every day. Most Invisalign treatments last between 9 and 24 months. During that time, you’ll be able to eat and drink whatever you want, and you’ll be able to brush and floss your teeth like you normally would.

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Metal Braces

Many different orthodontic procedures have been developed over the years, but traditional wire and bracket orthodontics still hold a unique place. They’re your most reliable option for the most severe cases of crowding, misalignment, and malocclusion. The brackets exert pressure on the teeth thanks to the thin metal wire connecting them. The wire will need to be adjusted periodically as the treatment continues. Patients of all ages can potentially benefit from metal braces.

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Tooth Colored Braces

Have you ever seen braces that were made out of plastic or ceramic? This type of orthodontic device is no less effective than metal brackets and wires, but it’s far more discrete; at a glance, it’ll be harder to tell you have braces at all. This can make it easier to greet new people with a smile without having to give up on the reliability that traditional braces offer.

Expanders

Expanders are a unique type of orthodontic appliance that is used when there is a problem with the size and shape of the mouth, or if we want to maintain space before a permanent tooth erupts. Some expanders are permanently attached to the mouth while others are removable; it depends on the patient and their needs. We may recommend an expander if your child needs extra help to create a more even, properly aligner bite.

Phases of Orthodontic Treatment

On average, it takes between 6 and 30 months to complete an orthodontic treatment. The process will be different based on the type of correction being made, the kind of orthodontic device(s) that need to be used, and whether the patient successfully adheres to the treatment plan. Most of the time, the orthodontic process can be divided into three distinct phases. The specifics may vary depending on the situation, but the goals of each phase remain largely the same.

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Dental Monitoring

Using some of the most advanced dental technology available, our team at Grand Dental - Channahon incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) when providing orthodontics to patients. Allowing individuals to take pictures of their smiles using their smartphones, they can upload them to a specialized app. This will alert our team to review the images and monitor the progress of a person’s treatment plan. Not only does this prove more convenient, but it also reduces the number of in-office visits required of the patient.

Light Force Brackets

Patients who want a translucent orthodontic solution can feel more confident with Light Force brackets. Designed to blend in with a person’s smile, they are customizable so that they are more comfortable and produce faster results. Not only can individuals feel more confident while receiving orthodontics in Channahon, but these brackets eliminate the need for bulky appliances that shine a spotlight on treatment. With Light Force brackets, teeth will move according to your fully tailored and proven effective plan.