Grayslake Orthodontics Blog

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:

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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…)

If you have decided to get Invisalign, you have a lot to look forward to! It is a convenient, discreet, and effective method that could help you achieve your dream smile. However, it will change your routine. How can you make the transition into treatment as smooth as possible? You can prepare ahead of time with these simple tips:

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Most of us are lucky enough to naturally develop a perfectly straight smile. Fortunately, if you have misalignment issues, you don’t need to settle for a mouthful of metal brackets and wires either. Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to slowly shift your teeth into proper alignment. This way, you can undergo orthodontic treatment discreetly. However, you may still have some unanswered questions, so continue reading. Here are the answers to some popular questions asked about Invisalign.

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Are you currently in the process of researching Invisalign? Maybe you’ve already started your clear aligner treatment and need a refresher on what you should and shouldn’t do to stay on-track with your treatment plan. Either way, you can read on to learn a few important do’s and don’ts of Invisalign! (more…)