Orthodontics – Channahon, IL

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists states that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too.

Tooth Colored Braces are made out of clear plastic or ceramic materials. They provide the same benefits and treatment as traditional braces only they are more discrete. Since the brackets are clear it is less obvious that the patient is wearing braces. Patients love this option because they provide all of the reliability and strength of metal braces while maintaining a more aesthetic, natural smile.

An “expander” is a general term for a variety of orthodontic appliances that aim to modify the size and shape of the mouth or maintain space. These appliances can either be fixed (permanent) or removable depending on the treatment plan. Expanders apply gentle force to change the shape of the mouth as necessary, they may be spring-loaded or screw activated. The goal of expander usage is to create an even and properly aligned bite.

Phase 1: Planning Phase:
At Grand Dental – Channahon, we have an in-house orthodontist who will perform a thorough examination and provide a definitive diagnosis that will determine the best way to realign a person’s smile. Dental X-rays make it possible to view the teeth and jaw and visualize the type of treatment required to bring teeth back into proper alignment. Also, a patient can expect to discuss their medical history so that if there are any pre-existing conditions, they can be addressed before moving forward with orthodontic treatment. The last step of the planning phase is to capture an impression of the individual’s teeth to see how the teeth are positioned next to each other.

Phase 2: Active Phase

Once our orthodontist formalizes the treatment plan, patients can expect to receive customized orthodontic appliances. Whether they are traditional braces or clear aligners, they will be created and applied so that teeth will begin to move slowly in the right direction. If receiving traditional orthodontics in Channahon (i.e., metal brackets), they will be bonded to the tooth enamel. This requires certain restrictions when it comes to food and drinks. However, with clear aligners, patients can freely remove them before eating or drinking but will need to wear them for 20-22 hours each day. No matter the type of orthodontics, patients will be required to follow up with their dentist every few weeks.

Phase 3: Retention Phase

The last stage of orthodontic treatment in Channahon is the retention phase. This is when the braces come off, and an individual is equipped with a custom-made retainer. This ensures the teeth will remain in their new location until they are permanently integrated. It is necessary that patients wear their retainers to avoid undoing all their hard work. By emphasizing the importance of retainer wear, individuals can expect lasting results.