If you have a child whose teeth are crooked, or you are no longer happy with your smile, it may be time to visit Grayslake Orthodontics. At his office, Dr. Ben Youel uses braces in Grayslake to improve the smiles of patients, no matter the age. For decades, this reliable, trusted, and proven form of treatment has not only changed the way people feel about their appearance but also improved their oral health. If you’re ready to take back your confidence or help your child enjoy a straighter smile for a lifetime, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Using a system of medical-grade stainless steel brackets and a variety of metal wires, traditional braces are considered to be the most reliable method of orthodontic treatment available. Once the brackets are put into place, a metal archwire is threaded through the brackets and held into place using ligatures, which are usually made of elastic.
Over time, your teeth will begin to shift in the right direction. Throughout treatment, you’ll be required to maintain regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Ben, your orthodontist in Grayslake. During these visits, we will adjust the wire, replace the wire, or adjust the way the wire is tied into help with the continual movement of your teeth. This will continue until they reach their final destination.
In many instances, we need to apply attachments or ask the patient to wear rubber bands between the upper and lower braces to help teeth move correctly.
On average, treatment with traditional braces takes 1.5 to 2 years, but each patient is different, so your timeline for completion will likely be different.
Traditional braces are known for their unique capabilities in addressing even the most complex situations. Some common issues include:
If your bite is misaligned, this can cause significant problems when trying to eat or speak. By choosing regular braces, your teeth will shift and bring your smile into proper alignment. As a result, you can expect there to be less wear of your enamel as well as a chance for improved phonetics.
Teeth that are crooked or crowded not only are unesthetic, but they can make maintaining good oral health nearly impossible. It is more difficult to brush and floss every surface of teeth that are overlapping and crowded. After treatment with braces, your teeth will shift into better locations, giving you a more beautiful smile that is easier to maintain and keep clean.
It may be hard to clean between teeth that are pushed together, but certain sized gaps between teeth may form traps for food and dangerous bacteria. Too much space can be equally as damaging to your oral health, which is why regular braces are a great way to resolve the gaps between your teeth.
Traditional braces require you to be committed to keeping your teeth and braces clean. You can do this by following the guidelines provided by Dr. Ben and his staff. You will discover there are some quick and easy tips you can follow to ensure your treatment is a success, such as:
Would you like to learn more about braces in Grayslake? Our team is here for you! If you have a specific question about your bite or smile, then we encourage you to schedule an appointment so we can provide you with the answer you’re looking for. If, on the other hand, you simply want to learn more about life with braces, what you can and can’t eat, and more, then read on.
It’s true: the majority of people wearing braces are children and teens. However, that doesn’t mean that adults can’t get braces too! Since braces can boost confidence, improve oral health, and enhance one’s bite, there isn’t an upper age limit for braces. So, don’t let your age be what stops you from pursuing this teeth-straightening solution. At Grayslake Ortho, Dr. Ben has patients in their 60s wearing braces.
Despite popular belief, braces won’t keep your teeth in their perfectly aligned positions forever. Once they are removed, Dr. Ben will provide you with a custom-made retainer, which is designed to help prevent orthodontic relapse. While the amount of time it needs to be worn will vary depending on your unique dental needs, you’ll most likely be responsible for wearing it only at night.
When you first get your braces (and possibly after each adjustment appointment), it’s best to stick to soft foods, including yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, spaghetti, and pancakes. As your teeth become less sore, you’ll be able to enjoy a much more varied diet. With that said, it’s of the utmost importance that you avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods (i.e., popcorn, nuts, chips, taco shells) throughout your treatment. Dietary restrictions like these may seem inconvenient at first, but they are in place to help prevent an orthodontic emergency from occurring. Every broken bracket slows down the progress of your treatment.
If you’re concerned about the cost of traditional braces, then you’ll be happy to hear that we offer several financial solutions that make your treatment more affordable. To begin, we welcome dental insurance. So, if your plan covers orthodontic treatment in full or in part, our team can help you file your claim and maximize your coverage. Don’t have dental insurance? That’s okay! We welcome flexible financing with Wells Fargo and CareCredit. Plus, we offer periodic specials. If you want to learn more about any of these options, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
Orthodontic treatment of any kind comes with some discomfort because your teeth are being moved into entirely new positions. The good news is that any soreness you experience can be easily alleviated. For example, if one of your brackets is irritating the soft tissue in your mouth, then applying some dental wax to the area can help. You can also use a cold compress or an over-the-counter pain reliever to stay comfortable throughout your treatment. Most of the wires Dr. Ben uses will also apply less force if the wires are cooled. So drinking a cool beverage (preferably fluoridated water) can reduce the discomfort experienced when in braces.
