Is there something about your smile that you’re unhappy about?

If so, you’re not alone. An article from Dentistry IQ reported that a survey found that over half (56%!) of Americans who use social media dislike their smiles so much that they hide them in photos. Nearly the same percentage (53%) also reported comparing their teeth to those of other social media users.

However, misaligned teeth are not just aesthetic problems. They can also increase the risk of oral health concerns, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even pain.

Fortunately, a Chicago orthodontist can help transform your smile. They can correct teeth placement with various methods, from fixed braces to nearly invisible alternatives!

So, join us at Graber & Gyllenhaal Orthodontics as we share insights into how the best orthodontist in Chicago can help you achieve a healthier, more dazzling smile.

Miniature Silver Braces

Miniature silver braces work like traditional types of braces and use components that function similarly:

• Silver-colored brackets
• Archwires
• Elastic ligatures

When you opt for miniature silver braces, your Chicago braces specialist will bond brackets to the front of your teeth. They will then insert an archwire, a piece of stainless steel wire, to connect the brackets. Finally, tiny rubber bands called elastic ligatures secure the archwire to the brackets, preventing them from popping or sliding out of place.

Once your orthodontist has connected all the parts, your braces will apply gentle pressure to the teeth and jaw and gradually move them to better positions.

Your doctor will ask you to return regularly for routine visits to adjust the braces. Regular adjustments help ensure your braces apply enough pressure to move the teeth and align the jaw.

Miniature Silver Braces vs. Traditional Metal Braces

One of the primary differences between traditional and miniature silver braces is their size. The latter consists of considerably more compact brackets, which offer several advantages, including:

• Increased discreetness and aesthetic appearance since smaller brackets are less visible
• Improved comfort, as the brackets’ smaller profile equates to less bulge and friction on sensitive oral tissues and gums
• Better oral hygiene, thanks to the brackets’ smaller size, making them and the teeth easier to clean

Despite their compact size, miniature silver braces are just as effective as traditional braces for adults and children. They may be even more efficient, such as if your doctor has used SureSmile as part of your orthodontic services.

SureSmile is an innovative orthodontic system that combines 3D scans and robotic technology to create highly tailored archwires that move teeth more precisely. It allows your Chicago orthodontist to cut treatment times by as much as 33%!

Clear Braces

Like metal braces, clear braces can help correct the same orthodontic problems, from crooked teeth to overbites and underbites. They also work similarly to metal braces, with brackets, archwires, and ligatures that function similarly.

The primary difference is that these braces use clear or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. So they blend better with the rest of your pearly whites and offer a more subtle look.

Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign is a portmanteau of “invisible” and “align.” As its name suggests, it aligns the teeth and jaw in a nearly “invisible” way!

How Does Invisalign Work?

When you meet with a Chicago orthodontist specializing in Invisalign services, they’ll create a 3D scan of your current smile using state-of-the-art technology called “iTero Element.” They will also use this innovative system to map out your smile makeover’s highly customized treatment plan. Your doctor will even give you a sneak peek of what your smile could look like during the initial consultation!

Let’s say you like your future smile and agree to the Invisalign treatment. In this case, your orthodontist will have your see-through, removable, custom aligners (also called “trays”) made by an Invisalign laboratory.

Once your aligners are ready, your doctor will instruct you on their proper use and care. Part of this includes wearing your trays for at least 20 to 22 hours daily and swapping them out with the next pair as scheduled and directed by your dentist.

Your Invisalign specialist will also schedule in-office visits to give you your new batch of aligners and monitor your treatment’s progress. After you’ve gone through all the trays, your teeth and jaw should be in better positions.

Advantages of Invisalign

Both fixed braces and Invisalign help improve oral hygiene since misaligned teeth are more difficult to clean. Their improper locations create more crevices and surfaces for plaque and tartar to develop. Over time, plaque and tartar can cause tooth cavities, also known as tooth decay or caries.

According to the U.S. CDC, nearly 3% of children aged 6 to 11 and 10% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have at least one untreated dental cavity. The figure rises to nearly 21% of adults aged 20 to 64.

Plaque and tartar accumulation can also cause periodontal (gum) disease. Like dental caries, gum disease can be painful and lead to tooth loss. According to the NIH MedlinePlus Magazine, it’s prevalent, affecting over 42% of U.S. adults aged 30 and older.

Since aligned teeth are easier to clean, straightening them with orthodontic treatment can help reduce dental decay and gum disease risks. However, Invisalign can be more beneficial in this case, as its removability allows you to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly and without any hassle. If you have fixed braces, you’d need to pay closer attention to how you brush and floss, especially the areas by the brackets where plaque and tartar can develop.

Plus, with Invisalign, you can eat your favorite healthy foods and treats without worry. Simply remove your aligners before eating and put them back in after!

Let the Best Chicago Orthodontist Give You a Wonderful New Smile

From miniature silver braces to clear braces and Invisalign, the best Chicago orthodontist may recommend these top treatment options to help transform your smile.

If you’re ready to explore them in more detail, we encourage you to visit Graber & Gyllenhaal Orthodontics, our family-oriented orthodontic office with branches in Glenview and Vernon Hills. Our caring and compassionate team, led by our board-certified and award-winning orthodontists with many years of experience, will happily provide you with a highly customized treatment plan to help you enjoy a healthier, more beautiful smile.

Call us today to learn more about our services and schedule your consultation!