Orthodontics – Sycamore, IL

Phase 1 Orthodontics

If your child is between 8 and 9 years old, we will typically recommend Phase One treatment. Once they are 11 or older, they can begin Phase Two. Early treatment is designed to correct the way in which the jaw grows and develops early. This can be done to resolve underbites and help make room for permanent teeth so they can develop properly. It also reduces the risk of your child needing tooth extractions later.

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

• Crowding front teeth (usually occurs between 7 and 8)
• Teeth that do not come together as they should
• Crossbite (or a jaw that shifts when your child opens or closes their mouth)
• Top or bottom teeth that extend away from each other or protrude
• Increased difficulty while chewing or biting
• Chronic thumb-sucking or digit-sucking past the age of five
• Difficulty speaking
• Loss of baby teeth either too late or too early (in most cases, children will begin losing baby teeth by 5 and have their permanent teeth by the time they reach 13 years of age)

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

The most common orthodontic problems, such as crowding teeth, excessive space between teeth, improper jaw growth, protruding teeth, and uneven bites can appear due to genetics. However, they can also be caused by an oral injury, early/late loss of baby teeth, or continuous thumb-sucking habits.

Based on recommendations from the American Association of Orthodontists, children should complete an orthodontic checkup at the age of 7 and no later. During this time, children generally have both baby and permanent teeth, which makes it easier for our orthodontist to catch problems at the earliest stages. During your time here, we’ll perform an initial exam, capture a panoramic X-ray, and recommend the best option for your child’s smile today and moving forward.

Adult Orthodontics

No longer are teens the only group getting orthodontic care. The American Association of Orthodontists notes that one in five orthodontic patients is actually over the age of 21, so it’s not surprising to see so many adults choosing to complete care. Not only do they want to feel more confident about their appearance, but they’re recognizing the long-term oral health implications behind orthodontic services like braces. Now, you can do the same thing!

Health Effects that Can be Corrected with Orthodontic Treatment:

• Misaligned bites that result in worn-down teeth or jaw discomfort
• Crowding or gapped teeth, which can increase the risk for tooth decay and gum disease
• Tooth loss due to damaged bone tissue as well as shifting nearby teeth

Treatment Options for Adults

Many adults aren’t sure if metal braces are right for them, especially due to their appearance. Thankfully, today’s orthodontics offer multiple compromises designed to match specific lifestyle choices. At Grand Dental – Sycamore, we’re happy to provide:

• Clear Aligners
• Tooth Colored Braces
• Traditional Metal Braces

Why Should You Consider Orthodontic Treatment?

• If teeth are straight, they’re often healthier – When teeth are aligned, it’s easier to perform important oral care habits like brushing and flossing, lowering your risk of experiencing other common dental problems.
• With beautiful, straight teeth comes more confidence – Orthodontic services can work to improve your quality of life and give a boost in self-confidence, so you can smile without feeling the need to hold back.
• If left untreated, your mouth’s condition can get worse – Skipping orthodontic care you need can result in long-term health issues that end up costing you far more in the end.
• Never finishing orthodontic treatment as a teenager – Many adults may start orthodontic treatment but lack the ability to finish it. As they age, they realize they want to finish what they started and achieve a healthy smile, just like you can!

Clear Aligners ®

One of the most popular and discreet orthodontic treatments is Clear Braces , which uses a clear and customized series of aligners to push your teeth into a straighter position. On average, Clear Braces treatment can fall between 9 and 24 months, but this can vary depending on your unique orthodontic concerns. If you want to straighten teeth as quickly as possible as well as get the best results, it’s imperative that you wear your aligners as instructed, which is typically 22 hours per day. With that said, you can take them out to eat, drink, and practice oral care.

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Metal Braces

If you have moderate to severe crowding, it’s hard to recommend any treatment other than traditional wire and bracket orthodontics. This option is particularly beneficial for patients in need of major realignment or uneven bites. Metal braces are attached directly to teeth so they can be repositioned and aligned, ensuring a healthier smile. Together, the brackets work with a thin archwire, which is adjusted every time you visit us for a checkup. While often placed on children’s smiles, metal braces are also a great option for teens and adults.

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Tooth Colored Braces

Made from clear plastic and ceramic materials, tooth colored braces are designed to function in the same way as traditional braces but remain more discrete in the process. Because the brackets are transparent, they are much less obvious than metal braces. Many patients prefer tooth colored braces because they remain reliable and strong like metal braces, but don’t force them to change their appearance in dramatic ways.

Expanders

Expanders are actually a general term meant to describe many different orthodontic appliances available today. These oral appliances work to change the size and shape of the mouth or help maintain available space for teeth to grow. Expanders are found in both fixed (meaning permanent) or removable options depending on your treatment plan. Through gentle force, they change the overall shape of the mouth and can even be spring loaded or screw activated. Regardless of which one you receive, you can expect them to keep your child’s bite even and aligned.

Phases of Orthodontic Treatment

It can take anywhere from 6 to 30 months to complete orthodontic treatment. The timeframe for your specific case will depend on factors like the type and severity of the issue being fixed, what type of orthodontic appliance is being used, and how well you adhere to your treatment plan. While every orthodontic treatment plan will be unique, they can typically be broken down into 3 distinct stages: the planning phase, the active phase, and the retention phase.

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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

Light Force Brackets are created based on precise 3D imagery of a patient's teeth, resulting in an improved fit, faster treatment, and superior outcome relative to conventional braces. They are a viable alternative to Clear Braces for younger individuals as well as those who prefer not to follow a tray-based treatment plan. These custom brackets have a transparent appearance, rendering them inconspicuous so they blend seamlessly with the smile.