Over four million people in the US wear braces, and 25% of patients are adults. Whether you’re looking for Invisalign in Vernon Hills or braces in Glenview, IL, we can help. Visiting your orthodontist in Glenview, IL can help you find the treatment option that’s right for you. Here are a few ways your Glenview orthodontist can help improve your smile. Read on to discover the top orthodontic services available today.

Traditional Braces

When most people imagine orthodontic services, they’re thinking of traditional metal braces. Traditional braces have become more advanced over the years. Today, they weigh less and have a less bulky structure.

Braces are created using stainless steel. Your orthodontic will attach metal braces to your teeth using special cement. The brackets are connected using a thin archwire.

Over time, the brackets and wire will place pressure against your teeth, forcing them to move into the desired position.

Metal braces can fix overcrowding, misaligned teeth, and malocclusions.

Malocclusions occur when our jaws aren’t in proper alignment. There are three common malocclusions:

• Crossbites
• Overbites
• Underbites

A crossbite indicates your teeth don’t align with each other. With an overbite, your upper jaw comes in front of your lower jaw. With an underbite, the lower jaw is bigger and protrudes in front of your upper jaw.

Your orthodontist in Glenview, IL will determine what type of malconclusion you have. They’ll design your braces to straighten your teeth and align your jaws.

If you have less severe orthodontic issues, they might recommend aligners over metal braces. However, traditional metal braces are more effective for complex orthodontic issues.

Treatment

While wearing your metal braces, you’ll need to make adjustments to your diet. Don’t eat foods that are hard or sticky. Certain foods can damage your braces.

Prioritize your oral health while wearing your braces. Brush twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria. Otherwise, your risk of tooth decay or gum disease could increase.

Following your treatment, make sure to wear your retainer. Wearing your retainer ensures you maintain the results of your treatment. Your teeth and jaws could start shifting again if you’re not careful.

Find an orthodontist Glenview, IL residents trust and follow their instructions to the letter. Failing to follow your orthodontist’s instructions could delay your treatment plan.

With the right orthodontist wearing braces in Glenview, IL doesn’t have to be stressful. Your orthodontist can straighten your teeth for a beautiful smile and lasting results.

Clear Aligners

Clear, removable aligners are ideal for adult orthodontics. They offer discretion that traditional metal braces lack. Aligners are created using clear plastic.

Similar to mouthguards, they’re custom designed to fit around your teeth. Your aligners will slowly move your teeth into alignment.

You’ll need to remove your aligners to eat, brush, and floss your teeth. However, you won’t have to worry about food restrictions, as you would with metal braces.

Treatment

Always remove your aligners before eating and drinking liquids besides water. Food and beverages can warp or stain your aligners. If they don’t fit properly, they won’t improve your smile as intended.

Brush your aligners using a soft-bristled brush, then rinse them under lukewarm water. Cold or hot water can warp the plastic. Keep your aligners in their case when you’re not wearing them to avoid losing or damaging the plastic.

You’ll need to wear your Invisalign aligners for about 20 to 22 hours each day. Neglecting to wear your aligners could cause a delay in your treatment.

You might experience mild pain and discomfort when you begin treatment. You can use these tips to cope with Invisalign pain.

Find an orthodontist Glenview, IL residents love to begin treatment with Invisalign.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are similar to traditional metal braces. If you’re concerned about discretion, however, ceramic braces are ideal. They’re made using clear, transparent material to make the braces less visible against your teeth.

As an option for adult orthodontics, ceramic braces offer more discretion. However, the ceramic can stain. Make sure to brush and floss your teeth to keep the ceramic clean and clear.

Treatment

Brush your teeth twice a day to remove food particles. Some patients brush their teeth more often to keep their braces clear of food debris. Floss daily to remove any food particles that brushing missed.

Talk to your orthodontist about foods and drinks that might cause stains. These include soda, tea, blueberries, sauces, and wine. You may need to avoid these foods and beverages during your treatment plan.

Palatal Expanders

Your Glenview orthodontist might recommend palatal expanders if you have overcrowded teeth. Palatal expanders are usually ideal over extractions.

The expander will fit your palate and apply pressure to the back of your upper molars. The expander can help move your teeth farther apart over time.

Your orthodontist might recommend braces in addition to palatal expanders to improve the positioning of your teeth.

Retainers

Once you complete treatment with one of the above orthodontic appliances, your orthodontist might have you wear retainers. Retainers will help you maintain the results of your treatment. Otherwise, your teeth might shift, leading you to require additional orthodontic treatment.

Lip and Cheek Bumpers

In some cases, your lips and cheeks can protrude, causing pain and discomfort. Your orthodontist might recommend lip and cheek bumpers. The bumpers keep your lips and cheeks from getting into contact with your teeth.

Choose Invisalign in Vernon Hills

If you’re searching for orthodontic services that offer discretion, choose Invisalign in Vernon Hills. Otherwise, talk to your orthodontist in Glenview, IL. They can assess your teeth and jaws to recommend a treatment option.

After an oral examination, you can begin treatment to start improving your smile.

Eager to get started? We’re here to help.

Contact us today to schedule your upcoming appointment.