At Long Grove Dental, we provide orthodontics services for children and adults looking to straighten their teeth and align their jaw. Orthodontics is the study and treatment of dental displacement and malocclusions. As we are experienced with issues pertaining to the jaw, we can move and adjust teeth even if they are fully formed and hardened. This makes it possible to straighten teeth in adults, rather than children only.
We find that many children suffer from overcrowding issues, creating the need for orthodontics. This can happen as a result of losing teeth before they are ready to come out.
Whether due to an accident or a lack of oral hygiene, when a baby tooth falls out prematurely, the teeth around it can move into the open space. This can cause the shape of the palate to change, and when the adult tooth is ready to come in, there is no room for it. In the past, many people had their teeth pulled in order to make space for all of their teeth where now, we can create a space using a variety of treatment methods.
At Long Grove Dental, we also treat patients throughout the 60047 area that need orthodontics due to their jaw being out of place. This can make it painful to speak, chew, and even open your mouth. When the bite is off, many people find simple daily activities uncomfortable and seek treatment, as a result. In other cases, we provide solutions for teeth that have grown in crookedly, even if there was enough space for them. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can resolve all of these issues.
If you are considering straightening your teeth, there are several ways to do so but the concept is virtually the same regardless of which solution you select. In order to move teeth into position, pressure has to be consistently applied. Teeth cannot be forced into place immediately; rather, there must be slow and consistent pressure in order to ensure that they move without being damaged. Typically, pressure is not applied to all of the teeth at the same time but specific teeth are targeted for movement then an adjustment is made to apply additional force to a different tooth or teeth, while holding the other ones in place. This is necessary for ensuring that each tooth moves into the appropriate position.
When treating patients throughout Long Grove we are cognizant of the importance of continued oral health care and recommend that patients do a thorough job of brushing and flossing their teeth while continuing to have their teeth cleaned professionally. This will decrease the risk of cavities and gum disease while receiving orthodontic care.
Once the procedure is over, most patients are required to wear a retainer. Children that straighten their teeth typically only need to wear a retainer for a couple of years where adults often find themselves wearing a retainer for life. Ongoing retention ensures that teeth do not move back into their previous position – a risk with any orthodontics treatment.
At Long Grove Dental, we are proud to provide patients throughout Illinois with the ability to straighten their teeth and love their smile. There are multiple ways to move teeth into position, many of which we offer at our office. Orthodontic solutions include:
Spacers and Expanders
Many times spacers and expanders are used either prior to, or in conjunction with, wearing braces. When a patient suffers from overcrowding issues, these solutions can make space for the other teeth. It is critical for there to be room for teeth to move to, or the perfect smile will never be achieved. At times, children will wear an expander years before actually getting braces. This can help teeth to grow into the proper position, or close to it.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are still an excellent way to straighten teeth. Technology has improved braces to where the brackets and wires are smaller than they once were. This has made braces more comfortable and less conspicuous at the same time. Simultaneously, smaller brackets mean that there are fewer opportunities for food to become stuck or for awkward photos. This is the best solution for children and at Long Grove Dental we highly recommend considering orthodontics as early as seven, though the actual start time depends on the child and their teeth.
Clear Aligners
We work with patients throughout the 60047 area that are interested in straightening their teeth but (847) 636-5020 do not like the look or feel of traditional braces. In this case, clear aligners can accomplish the same or similar goals without making it obvious. Both Invisalign® and ClearCorrect® use aligners to straighten teeth and with consistent pressure applied, teeth will gradually move into position as they do when wearing braces. The aligners themselves look like full, clear retainers and are meant to be worn for around 22 hours per day. This is why many patients in Long Grove prefer aligners – they can be taken out at any time.
If you would like to learn more about orthodontics and the various treatments we provide, call 847-636-5020 to schedule a consultation.
Long Grove Dental is located at 4160 IL-83 #102 Long Grove, IL 60047.