Providing Invisalign & Braces
in Vernon Hills and Glenview
Customized care for ages 7 to 87
Drs. Katie Graber, Kelley Gyllenhaal and Leslie Zallik are proud to offer a variety of treatment options, matched to your specific needs and goals.
Invisalign® clear aligners
Miniature silver braces
Clear braces
SureSmile® customized robotic archwire technology
Expanders
When you visit our Vernon Hills or Glenview offices for your initial consultation, we will be happy to discuss which option is right for you.
75
years
of exceptional
orthodontic services
Invisalign® is an excellent, subtle alternative to braces. With clear tray aligners, you can obtain the smile you desire without noticeable braces or wires. Most people wouldn’t even know that you are straightening your teeth! At Graber & Gyllenhaal Orthodontics, we’ve used clear aligners for over 30 years, and our team of orthodontists are so highly trained in Invisalign® that they have earned Top 1% Invisalign® Provider status! We’ve successfully treated thousands of patients with Invisalign® and have earned elite status as a Top Invisalign® Office in North America.
Technology
At Graber & Gyllenhaal Orthodontics, we believe that technology and innovation are incredibly important. The reason for this is simple: innovation has the ability to directly impact our patient’s experiences at our offices. We are dedicated to not only amazing orthodontic results, but also daily asking the question, “How can we make our patients’ experience with us better?”
Suresmile
SureSmile® is a software system that combines 3-D technology, robotics, and customization to improve precision and predictability with orthodontic treatment. These highly accurate wires are custom designed for you by the orthodontist and can reduce your treatment time by as much as 30%!
iTero
We’ve said goodbye to messy impressions, and hello to digital scanners! Our 4 Itero® scanners take a 3D radiation-free digital scans of the patient’s teeth and allow for better fitting Invisalign aligners, and customized retainers and appliances. As one of the earliest offices to adopt this technology, we’ve been digital scanning since 2006!
i-CAT
Our ICAT® CBCT machine provides a highly accurate, 3D x-ray of your teeth, jaw, and facial structures with only a fraction of exposure compared to traditional dental x-rays. These single-scan x-rays provide us with more information than a traditional 2D x-ray, and has revolutionized our treatment planning and diagnostic process.
For Children
Orthodontic intervention is not required in all children. Early screening increases the chances that an orthodontist will catch problems and can reduce the amount of time a child spends wearing braces, or even mitigate the need for braces entirely! Drs. Graber, Gyllenhaal and Zallik follow the American Association of Orthodontists guidelines: It’s best for a child to receive their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to begin orthodontics?
The American Association of Orthodontists advises that it is best that a child receive their first orthodontic evaluation no later than the age of seven. At this point in time Drs. Graber, Gyllenhaal and Zallik can determine if your child’s tooth and jaw development is on track. Early detection and screenings can prevent your child from more costly and potentially prolonged dental care in the future.
Does my child need to see our family or pediatric dentist while in braces?
Yes, please continue to visit the dentist every 6 months! Regular cleanings and checkups are very important regardless of orthodontics.
How long will it take to complete treatment?
Treatment time depends on the patient’s orthodontic needs, but generally ranges from as little as 7-10 to as long as 24-30 months. Patients with braces typically wear them for 14-18 months. Complexity of treatment is a large factor in determining the treatment time.
How much will braces cost?
Do braces hurt?
Braces generally don’t hurt. After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days as they start to move. However, after most visits, many patients do not feel any soreness at all. Teeth can move without pain ~ so do not worry if you are pain free! If soreness does occur, over-the-counter pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort.
Can my child wear clear Invisalign® instead of metal braces?
Clear aligners are popular treatment options for teens. Invisalign® treatment provides a series of removable transparent tooth aligning trays that fit over your child’s teeth. They gradually straighten teeth over time without the need for metal braces or wires. Our office helped to pioneer this treatment approach for teens. If your child needs and is ready for orthodontic treatment, we will let you know if Invisalign® is an option.
Do some kids need two sets of braces?
About 15–20% of children who need orthodontic care can benefit from early interceptive treatment, typically between ages 7 and 10. Conditions such as severe protrusion, significant crowding, underbites, and harmful oral habits, when addressed early, often lead to better long-term outcomes. Early treatment can reduce the likelihood of permanent tooth extractions or future jaw surgery. As a result, the ‘full braces’ phase during the teen years is often shorter. Bottom line—early care means better results for kids with more complex orthodontic needs.
How often will I need to come to the office?
This depends on your treatment plan and the stage of treatment. At the beginning of your treatment, visits may be more frequent, but as a general rule, expect to visit around every 6-12 weeks. Drs. Graber, Gyllenhaal, and Zallik will keep you updated at each visit.
Adult Treatment
We believe the present is the best time to get the perfect smile. Orthodontics can move healthy teeth at any age, so it’s never too late to get the smile of your dreams. Roughly 30% of our patients are adults and by implementing state-of-the-art treatment platforms, we have greatly reduced the amount of time that is necessary to correct any misaligned teeth that our patients may have.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
Not at all. As a matter of fact, about 3 out of 10 of our patients are adults. Many of our adult patients see us after noting changes in alignment of their teeth. Some have had difficulty flossing or tooth breakdown over time. Orthodontics can help set the foundation for a healthy smile. It’s just as important for adults to maintain their oral health, happiness, and self-esteem as it is for children. You’re never “too old” to get braces.
Do I have other options besides metal braces?
We offer Invisalign® clear aligners. These highly customized removable clear trays fit over your teeth and are more flexible for your lifestyle. During your initial evaluation, we will discuss what options are right for you. Our expertise allows patients to benefit from multiple options designed to fit their individual goals.
Am I a candidate for Invisalign®?
Clear aligners are popular treatment options for both teens and adults. Invisalign® treatment is a series of clear highly customized transparent trays, individually prescribed by our doctors. The aligners gradually straighten your teeth over time without the need for metal braces or wires. Our office has successfully treated hundreds of patients with Invisalign® and, thanks to our doctors’ extensive experience, we can often expand who is a candidate for aligner treatment. At your initial visit, we’ll evaluate your smile and let you know if Invisalign® is the right fit for you.
Other than making you look better, is orthodontics really necessary?
We all want to have a great looking smile, but orthodontic treatment has the added goal of producing better long term health. Straight teeth are easier to keep clean and balanced bites more evenly share the biting load and wear. Teeth moved into better positions can have improved long term gum and bone support, and for those who may need dental restorations, provide the patient a better chance for “ideal” dental health results. Drs. Graber, Gyllenhaal, and Zallik work with your dentist to optimize the health aspects of your treatment so as to improve function and longevity.
I had braces as a child. What has changed since then?
Will insurance cover the costs of my braces?
Insurance policies vary. As an adult, if you are seeking braces to be able to better chew your food, dental insurance plans often will cover some or a majority of the costs of your orthodontic treatment. Children are covered under a parent’s insurance and/or co-insurance. When you come in for your initial orthodontic evaluation we will provide a complimentary insurance benefits evaluation. Many patients also elect to utilize flexible spending accounts and health savings plans. At Graber & Gyllenhaal Orthodontics we do not want finances to be an obstacle to excellent care. Call today to schedule your initial evaluation.
I have crowns and missing teeth; can I wear braces?
What's it like to be a patient at Graber & Gyllenhaal Orthodontics?
We value each and every one of our patients, so rest assured that regardless of your specific treatment, you’ll always be treated with care and respect. However, everyone’s mouth is unique, so your experience will be too. Our trained and certified staff is well equipped to handle almost anything that comes our way. Check out our reviews on Google to see what patients say about Graber & Gyllenhaal Orthodontics.