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Braces: Orthodontics for Teens and Adults

How Do Braces It Work?

Early Orthodontics Treatment two - Midwest Orthodontics Center Braces work by exerting constant pressure on your teeth, much like regular exercise can do for your other bones. When this happens, the connective tissue in your gums moves and shifts in tiny increments, allowing bone to grow into place, holding your teeth in their new position. This is called bone remodeling.

Braces have three main components:

1. Brackets – made from metal or (tooth colored) ceramic, brackets are attached to each tooth, either by bonding (like glue or cement), or with a band.

2. Arch Wire – a thin metal wire that runs over each bracket and provides the force and pressure used to move teeth.

3. Elastic – known as “ligature” or “o-ring”, elastics come in many colors and are used to hold the arch wires in place. Elastics are usually changed at each adjustment visit.

Active Treatment Phase

Braces are part of the “active” component of orthodontic treatment.  Teeth movement and bone remodeling happens when the arch wire puts pressure on the teeth.  Sometimes appliances such as headgear are needed to stop the movement of particular teeth so others can align properly around them, or springs or rubber bands may be used to put pressure on a tooth at a specific angle so that it moves into alignment in harmony with the rest of the teeth.  

Retention Phase

Once teeth movement is complete in the active part of orthodontic treatment, your teeth may look perfect, but the full treatment is not complete.  The retention phase of braces treatment is essential to ensure that your teeth stay in their proper place.  It takes a while to get your teeth moving, and whether or not you can see it, it takes time for that movement to stop and for the bone to grow around the teeth.  This is especially true for younger patients, whose jaw bones are often still growing and developing during and after their active treatment phase.  This is why it is essential to wear your retainers as advised by your orthodontist – so you can enjoy the results of your time and effort – for life!

Advancements in Technology & Materials

Although braces have been around for quite a long time, there have been many developments and advancements in the materials, methods, and techniques of orthodontic braces, which make them a consistently excellent and effective treatment option for many people of all ages.

Metal Braces are the most common orthodontic treatment option selected by our patients.  Brackets are now smaller than they were years ago, with a lower profile on the tooth.  This makes them more comfortable to wear, and easier to protect with a mouthguard.  Less bracket surface area also makes them easier to keep clean than the brackets used years ago.  Arch wires have developed as well – the metal in the arch wire becomes even stronger when activated by the heat in your mouth.  

Clear (Ceramic) Braces are an excellent treatment option when you want the speed and efficiency of traditional braces Chicago, with a much lower visibility profile.  Clear braces are made of ceramic, and are often paired with white or frosted archwires and clear elastics.  Tooth-colored braces brackets are also available.  Your orthodontist may recommend clear or tooth-colored to more closely match and blend with your natural tooth shade. Clear braces are an excellent treatment alternative if you are considering Invisalign® treatment.   

Ready to learn more about braces and find out which option is the best for you? Contact us today to get started with a free consultation! We have 14 locations in the city and suburbs of Chicago – click here to find one near you.

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Amazing service provided with highly professional people. All doctors and nurses were very helpful in explaining everything and were very skilled. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Andrzej B.

I have just completed a 16 months orthodontic procedure. Very happy how much of a difference it is! I can smile with confidence! A truly high professional dental and orthodontic services by First Family Dental! Thanks to Dr. Abboud, Dr. Williams and all the staff at First Family Dental and Midwest Orthodontics that showed a genuine patient care…

Sam K.

This has been my go to dentist location since I can remember. I recently took my mom again after her crown fell off and I just can’t rave enough about this location and the dentist that helped us out! If you want the old school family vibe-this is the place to go to. No rip offs if anything they work with you and make you feel comfortable.

Emma M.

My appointment today was outstanding, from being greeted by name by the receptionist upon my arrival, through the cleaning process by Debbie and the dental exam. The equipment is all top shelf and the treatment rooms are very clean and comfortable. I would highly recommend 1st Family Dental in the Burr Ridge Village Center to anyone looking for an exceptional dental experience.

Tony T.

I prepared myself for a life without teeth, and did not think there was anything that could be done to help me. I expected to learn to live out the rest of my years hiding my smile, and living with my digestive problems – until I found 1st Family Dental.

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Joe F.

Before I knew it, the assistant came out to tell me they were done and she did well. I was so relieved and happy. My daughter was happy and calm. I asked her about her visit. She now has no fears, and can’t wait for her next cleaning in 6 months.

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When I got home and looked at my teeth in the mirror, I was astounded with the job that Dr. Akhikar had done. The new filings were much less noticeable than my previous one. I couldn’t have been more satisfied.

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The staff was friendly and one of the assistants even let me hold her hand while the extractions were taking place! The dentist who treated me was very professional and made me feel very comfortable.

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This dental office has provided me the best care and treatment out of any dentist I have ever visited… I have made them my primary dentist because it has taken me years to find a dentist I can trust.

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