Orthodontics – Naperville, IL

Phase 1 Orthodontics

Early orthodontic treatment (also called Phase One) normally begins around age eight or nine (Phase 2 starts at around age 11 or sometimes older). The purpose of early treatment is to correct jaw growth and bite alignment problems, such as overbite. It also creates room for the adult teeth to properly emerge from the gumline, reducing the risk of needing extractions down the road.

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

• Teeth that don’t come together as they should
• Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
• Jaw shifting when your child opens or closes their mouth (crossbite)
• Significantly protruding teeth
• Difficulty biting and/or chewing
• Thumb sucking that persists after age five
• Speech impediments
• Early or late loss of primary teeth (your child should begin losing baby teeth around age five or six, and have all adult teeth by age 13 or so)

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

Many orthodontic issues (like overcrowded teeth, large gaps between the teeth, protruding teeth, and uneven bites) are inherited or the result of early or late loss of primary teeth, injury to the mouth, or a thumb-sucking habit.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, a child should first visit an orthodontist by the time they’re seven years old. Kids have a mix of baby and adult teeth at this age, allowing the orthodontist to detect problems in their beginning stages. During this appointment, our team will examine your child’s smile and capture a panoramic X-ray. From there, we can recommend the best ways to care for their smile now as well as in the future.

Adult Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids and teens. The American Association of Orthodontists has actually stated that one out of every five orthodontic patients is age 21 or older. Many adults are taking proactive steps to making their smile healthier and more confident. These days, you have plenty of options to help you do that.

Health Effects That Can be Corrected with Orthodontic Treatment:

• Bite alignment problems that can wear down the teeth and cause jaw pain
• Crowded or gapped teeth that can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay
• Missing teeth that result in shifting of surrounding teeth and jawbone loss

Treatment Options for Adults

Many adults hesitate to seek orthodontic treatment because they don’t want to wear metal braces. However, we offer several alternative options to meet your individual needs. At Grand Dental – Naperville, we offer:

• Invisalign Clear Aligners
• Tooth-Colored Braces
• Traditional Metal Braces

Why should you consider orthodontic treatment?

• Straight teeth are easier to keep clean with brushing and flossing, reducing the risk of oral health issues.
• Orthodontic treatment can leave you with an even, confident smile you’re proud to show the world!
• Not undergoing orthodontic treatment when it’s recommended can result in health problems worsening, costing you more down the road.
• Maybe you received braces as a child, but never completed your treatment. You can still undergo treatment as an adult to achieve the well-aligned smile you’ve always wanted.

Invisalign ®

Invisalign is an increasingly popular orthodontic solution that uses clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions. Depending on the severity of your orthodontic issues, the average treatment time with Invisalign is 9 to 24 months. To finish your treatment quickly, you must wear the trays for at least 22 hours a day, only removing them to eat, drink, or clean your teeth.

Learn More About Invisalign

Metal Braces

This traditional orthodontic solution may be ideal for patients with significant crowding and misalignment. A bracket is placed on the front of each tooth, and a thin metal wire is threaded through each of these brackets to gently reposition the teeth. This option can be beneficial for kids, teens, and adults alike.

Tooth-Colored Braces

Instead of noticeable metal, tooth-colored braces are made from clear ceramic or plastic materials. The treatment is identical to traditional braces, but more discreet. Many patients choose this option because it provides all of the effectiveness of braces while maintaining a more natural, professional image.

Expanders

An “expander” refers to a variety of orthodontic appliances, all of which are designed to modify the shape and size of the mouth or maintain space. Depending on the patient’s needs, these devices can be either fixed or removable. Expanders exert a gentle force to shift the mouth as necessary to create an evenly spaced and properly aligned bite.