Orthodontic treatment is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Whether for cosmetic reasons or health benefits, orthodontic treatment can dramatically improve your smile, oral function, and overall health and well-being. Orthodontics are part of our dental services in Carpentersville and Crystal Lake, IL.
The key to success is working closely with our team to determine the best approach for your specific needs and lifestyle. With the right orthodontic treatment, you can enjoy a healthier and more confident smile.
In addition to clear aligners, Advanced Laser and Cosmetic Dentistry offers traditional bracketed braces for children and adults. We recommend traditional braces for a full range of orthodontic concerns and malocclusions. Our team can use bracketed braces to help patients of all ages address dental concerns that go beyond aesthetics, often affecting overall oral health and the comfort of the bite.
Orthodontics and Bite Correction
The goal of orthodontics is to improve tooth position and the function or fit of the bite. Proper bite alignment helps with effective chewing, speaking, and oral health.
Bite correction refers to the process of fixing misalignments between the upper and lower teeth, improving both their function and appearance. An improper bite, whether you have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, can cause a variety of problems, such as difficulty chewing, speaking, or cleaning your teeth properly. In severe cases, bite issues may also lead to jaw pain or headaches.
Types of Bite Issues
We can treat your bite problems to create a more balanced bite. Our office can treat multiple bite issues with clear aligners and braces:
- Overbite: This occurs when the upper front teeth overlap too much with the lower front teeth.
- Underbite: An underbite is when the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth.
- Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth.
- Open Bite: This happens when there is a gap between the upper and lower teeth, even when the back teeth are together.
Our dental care team works with patients of every age to address bite problems that are impacting their dental health. Left untreated, bite issues can lead to tooth damage, TMJ disorders, and other complex dental problems. We begin screening your patients at around 7 years of age to look for potential bite problems that should be addressed during a child’s growth and development.
Treating Bite Problems
Bite problems, also called malocclusions, happen when your teeth and jaws do not line up properly. These issues can affect how you chew, speak, and even smile. If left untreated, bite problems may also lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, or other oral health concerns. The good news is that we have several effective treatments available, and the right option depends on your unique needs.
At Advanced Laser and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer customized solutions to help patients of all ages achieve a healthier, more balanced bite.
Braces
Metal braces are one of the most common and reliable treatments for bite problems. They use brackets and wires to gently move your teeth into better alignment over time. Braces can correct all types of malocclusions, from overbites and underbites to crossbites and open bites.
For younger patients, treatment may be done in phases. The first phase can guide jaw growth and make space for permanent teeth. Then the second phase focuses on straightening teeth once they are all in place. Our dental care team will evaluate your specific bite issue and create a treatment plan that works best for your age and dental needs.
Clear Aligners
We offer clear aligners as a popular option for teens and adults who want a more discreet treatment. These removable trays are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth and gradually shift them into place. Since they are nearly invisible, aligners allow you to straighten your teeth without the look of metal braces.
Another benefit is that you can remove your aligners for meals and brushing so you can maintain good oral hygiene. But you must wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day to be effective. Our team will let you know if clear aligners are the right solution for your bite problem.
Palate Expanders
For more severe problems, an orthodontic appliance may be a part of your overall treatment. These appliances can often be used to help a child avoid jaw surgery. Addressing a structural bite problem early is the key to create a more stable oral foundation as your child develops his or her bite.
Palate expanders are an important orthodontic appliance and can be used in children and teens to widen the upper jaw (palate) to create more space for the teeth and improve overall dental alignment.
Once the expander is in place, the process of widening the palate begins. The expansion is typically done gradually over several weeks. The patient or dentist will adjust the screw mechanism (usually by turning it) once or twice a day, which applies gentle pressure to the palate.
Each time the screw is turned:
- The bones of the palate start to separate: The screw gradually pushes the two halves of the upper jaw (palatine bones) apart.
- The sutures (joints) in the roof of the mouth begin to open: In young patients, the palatal sutures are flexible and can be manipulated to create more space in the upper jaw.
The rate of expansion depends on the patient’s age and the amount of space needed, but typically, it’s performed over a period of 4-6 weeks. The process is slow and incremental to prevent sudden or uncomfortable shifts.
After the first expansion phase, it’ll take time for the palate to stabilize. The bones in the upper jaw will fill in and grow together in the new and wider position. This phase usually lasts several months. The expander stays in place to maintain the new width of the upper jaw while the bones heal.
We remove the expander once the desired width has been achieved and the bones have fused in their new position. This typically happens after 3-6 months, but it can vary from patient to patient.
Schedule a Consultation
Get comfortable orthodontic treatment in Crystal Lake and Carpentersville, IL. Call our office today at 779-244-6264. You can also request an appointment with us online.