If you’re thinking about improving your smile, orthodontic treatment might be the perfect solution for you. Orthodontics does more than straighten your teeth—it improves your bite, makes cleaning your teeth easier, and boosts your confidence. At Tidy Smiles, we offer many types of orthodontics in Palatine, IL, to help you get a beautiful, healthy smile. From traditional braces to newer options like clear aligners, you can choose the right treatment for your needs and lifestyle.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting teeth and jaw alignment. Misaligned teeth can cause a variety of problems, including difficulty chewing, speaking, and maintaining proper oral hygiene. Orthodontic treatment can correct these issues by gradually moving your teeth into better positions.
With orthodontics in Palatine, IL, we can help treat multiple problems, including:
- Crooked Teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Open Bite
- Crossbite
Before your orthodontic treatment, you can schedule a consultation at Tidy Smiles. They will evaluate your teeth and bite, discuss your goals, and recommend the best treatment option. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, there are orthodontic solutions that fit your needs.
Angel Aligners
One of the most popular options for orthodontic treatment today is clear aligners. Clear aligners are a comfortable and nearly invisible alternative to traditional metal braces. This makes them a great choice for teens and adults alike.
At Tidy Smiles, we use Angel Aligners, which use a series of clear, custom-made trays. Over time, new trays gradually shift your teeth into a straighter position. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before moving on to the next set. Each tray is slightly different, slowly moving your teeth with gentle pressure.
Because Angel Aligners are removable, you can take them out when eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth. This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment, which can be a challenge with traditional braces.
The clear trays are nearly invisible, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. They are also comfortable. The aligners are made from smooth plastic. This means no metal brackets or wires to irritate your mouth.
Since Angel Aligners are removable, you don’t have to worry about food restrictions or difficulty brushing and flossing. Clear aligners are a great option if you want a low-profile solution that doesn’t interfere with your daily life.
Traditional Braces
For many years, traditional metal braces have been the go-to treatment for straightening teeth and correcting bite issues. While newer options like Angel Aligners are becoming more popular, braces are still a highly effective treatment. We often recommend braces for more complex cases.
Braces are metal brackets attached to the front of each tooth. These brackets are connected by a wire that applies gentle pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the correct position. The orthodontist will regularly adjust the wire to keep your teeth moving in the right direction.
Unlike aligners, braces are fixed to your teeth, so you can’t remove them. This ensures constant pressure and makes them an ideal choice for more severe dental issues.
Braces offer many benefits. First, they are effective for complex cases. Braces can correct even the most severe cases of misalignment and bite problems.
They are also customizable. You can choose colorful bands to make wearing braces a little more fun, especially for younger patients. Since you can’t remove braces, they work around the clock, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to wear them.
Braces might not be as subtle as clear aligners, but they are a reliable and powerful tool for transforming your smile. If you have a more complex case of misalignment, braces could be the best option for you.
Orthodontic Retainers
After your orthodontic treatment is complete, you’ll need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position. Orthodontic retainers are essential for maintaining your beautiful new smile.
Retainers are custom-made appliances designed to hold your teeth in place after orthodontic treatment. Once your teeth have been moved to their ideal positions, they can naturally shift back over time. This is known as orthodontic relapse.
Wearing a retainer helps prevent this by keeping your teeth stable as your bones and gums adjust to their new alignment.
Removable retainers are similar to aligners and can be removed when eating or brushing your teeth. Our dentist will recommend wearing your retainer full-time at first and then reducing it to wearing it only at night. Fixed retainers are thin wires permanently attached to the back of your teeth. They help patients who want to ensure their teeth stay in place without remembering to wear a retainer.
Wearing your retainer as instructed is crucial for maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment. Without it, your teeth could shift back into their original positions, undoing all your progress.
Is Orthodontic Treatment Worth It?
Orthodontic treatment in our Palatine, IL, dental office offers more than just a straight smile. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which helps reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. A well-aligned bite can also prevent issues like jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing.
By investing in your smile now, you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of better oral health and higher self-esteem. Plus, with options like Angel Aligners, braces, and retainers, you can find a solution that fits your lifestyle.
Start Your Journey to a Straighter Smile
Whether you’re interested in the convenience of clear aligners or need traditional braces, we're here to help. Get orthodontics at Tidy Smiles in Palatine, IL today. If you have questions about treatment, feel free to ask our friendly team. We’re here to find the best treatment for you.
Schedule a consultation today or call 224-268-1797 to take the first step toward a straighter, healthier smile!