1933 Franciscan Way, West Chicago, IL 60185
A confident, healthy smile combines more than just straight teeth — it requires a balanced relationship between the teeth, the jaws, and the supporting tissues. When teeth are crowded, spaced, tipped, or misaligned, the result can be more than a cosmetic concern: chewing, speech, and long-term dental health may all be affected. Modern orthodontics aims to restore harmony so a smile looks good and performs well for years to come.
Orthodontic treatment moves teeth using carefully controlled forces from appliances tailored to each person. Today’s approaches are built on decades of clinical evidence and improved materials, so treatments are gentler, more predictable, and often more comfortable than they were in the past. The goal is stable tooth positions that resist relapse while protecting the surrounding bone and gum tissues.
Every treatment plan begins with a thorough evaluation of oral health and jaw relationships. Diagnostic records, including photographs, digital impressions, and three-dimensional imaging when appropriate, let clinicians design a sequence of tooth movements that addresses both appearance and function. At West Chicago Smiles, we focus on practical solutions that fit each patient’s lifestyle while prioritizing long-term oral health.
Aesthetics are an important reason people pursue orthodontic care, but the benefits extend deeper. When teeth line up correctly, it’s easier to clean between them, which lowers the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Alignment also helps distribute biting forces evenly, preventing excessive wear and reducing the chance of fractures or sensitivity over time.
Good alignment supports efficient chewing and clearer speech. When the upper and lower teeth meet as intended, the jaw muscles and joints work in a more balanced way. Conversely, an uneven bite can contribute to jaw discomfort, muscle tension, and symptoms that affect daily comfort — issues that are often improved when the bite is corrected.
Orthodontic care is also preventive in many cases. By guiding erupting teeth and addressing habits such as prolonged thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting early, clinicians can reduce the need for more invasive dental work later in life. That protective perspective is why monitoring growth and development in children matters so much to long-term oral health.
Easier hygiene: straighter teeth create fewer hard-to-reach areas for plaque buildup.
Lower risk of damage: well-supported teeth are less prone to traumatic injury and excessive wear.
Improved function: proper alignment enhances chewing efficiency and can lessen speech impediments.
Better joint health: a balanced bite helps protect the temporomandibular joints from strain.
Long-term stability: early guidance and maintenance reduce the likelihood of future orthodontic problems.
There is no single “best” orthodontic appliance for everyone. The right choice depends on the specifics of the bite, the degree of crowding or spacing, jaw relationships, the patient’s oral health status, and lifestyle preferences. During an initial consultation, the clinical team will review options and recommend a strategy that balances efficiency, comfort, and predictability.
Traditional fixed braces remain a reliable choice for complex movements and precise control. Ceramic brackets offer a less visible alternative for patients who want the mechanics of conventional braces with a more discreet look. Clear aligner systems provide a removable, low-profile option well-suited to many mild-to-moderate alignment problems and to people who prioritize aesthetics and ease of oral hygiene.
Some cases benefit from a hybrid approach — combining fixed appliances with aligners or using auxiliary devices such as temporary anchorage devices (TADs) to achieve movements that would otherwise be difficult. The timing of treatment matters too: interceptive care can guide jaw growth in younger patients, while adult treatment often requires addressing existing restorations or periodontal considerations first.
Successful outcomes rely on a comprehensive plan and good communication between clinician and patient. We review the anticipated sequence of care, explain what to expect at each visit, and outline the retention strategy that follows active treatment so results are maintained long-term.
Children’s mouths are dynamic, and well-timed interventions can simplify or shorten future treatment. Regular dental exams allow clinicians to track the eruption of permanent teeth, identify emerging crowding or bite discrepancies, and intervene early when growth patterns indicate a future problem. Early assessment does not always lead to immediate treatment, but it provides the opportunity to plan proactively.
Advances in imaging, materials, and digital planning have transformed how orthodontic care is delivered. Three-dimensional cone-beam CT (CBCT) and intraoral scanners give clinicians a clearer, more complete picture of dental and skeletal relationships, enabling more precise treatment plans. These tools reduce guesswork and can improve both the speed and accuracy of tooth movements.
Digital impressions and computer-guided treatment sequencing allow for customized appliances and aligners crafted to move teeth in a controlled progression. With advanced software, clinicians can simulate outcomes, identify potential challenges early, and refine plans before appliances are made. This level of planning enhances predictability and helps patients understand the steps of their treatment.
Other innovations — such as low-profile metal brackets, self-ligating systems, and smaller ceramic options — improve comfort and reduce treatment footprint. For certain cases, temporary anchorage devices (TADs) offer skeletal anchorage to accomplish movements that were previously difficult without surgery. Together, these developments expand the toolkit available to achieve efficient, esthetic, and stable results.
3-D imaging and digital diagnostics for precise planning
Custom-fabricated aligners and digitally designed appliances
Smaller, more comfortable bracket systems and ceramic options
Temporary anchorage devices and adjunctive therapies for complex movements
Clear aligner therapy has expanded access to orthodontic care for image-conscious teens and adults. Because aligners are removable, patients benefit from easier brushing and flossing throughout treatment, and fewer dietary restrictions than with fixed appliances. Each aligner applies gentle, planned forces that progress the teeth along a pre-determined path.
While aligners are highly effective for many tooth-movement goals, they are one tool among several. The treatment team evaluates tooth positions, bite relationships, and patient habits to determine whether aligners alone are suitable or whether fixed appliances or auxiliaries will produce a more predictable outcome. The emphasis is always on selecting the approach most likely to deliver a stable, healthy result.
Completing active tooth movement is a milestone, but retention is the next essential phase. Teeth can drift over time due to the elastic memory of periodontal fibers, changes in oral habits, or natural jaw growth. Retainers preserve the new tooth positions while the tissues reorganize and adapt, helping secure the investment of time and effort that orthodontic care requires.
Retention strategies are individualized. Some patients use removable retainers that are worn full-time initially then at night only; others use bonded (fixed) retainers on the back of the front teeth when minimal relapse is critical. Regular dental checkups let clinicians monitor retainer fit and oral health so adjustments can be made before small shifts become larger problems.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending scheduled visits are key to long-term success. Even after orthodontic appliances come off, daily care and periodic professional evaluations ensure teeth, gums, and supporting bone stay healthy so the benefits of treatment endure. If changes are noticed, early attention can often prevent more extensive correction later.
Orthodontics combines art, science, and modern technology to create smiles that are attractive, functional, and lasting. Whether starting treatment as a child, a teen, or an adult, thoughtful planning and consistent care can produce confident, healthy results. If you’d like to learn more about treatment options or how orthodontics can fit into your overall dental care, please contact us for more information.
Most parents wonder when is the best time to have their child evaluated for braces. One common misconception regarding orthodontic treatment is to wait until all of your child's permanent teeth (except the wisdom teeth) are present. However, an orthodontist can identify most problems involving the alignment of the teeth and jaw growth by the time a child is in the first or second grade. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a check up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.
It is important to keep in mind that aligning the teeth and the jaws does not happen overnight. Whether you are wearing conventional braces, clear aligners, or any other type of appliance, orthodontic movement is a gradual process. Orthodontic tooth movement is based on the use of light and continuous forces to correct your bite in an incremental, predictable, and healthy manner.
The total duration of orthodontic care, not including wearing retainers to maintain the result, depends on several factors. Such things as growth, as well as compliance with care, may influence treatment time. On average comprehensive orthodontic care to correct a malocclusion can take anywhere between 18-36 months. Orthodontic treatment for more limited problems with tooth alignment typically ranges from 6 to 18 months.
Because orthodontic movement takes time, most appointments after the initial placement of appliances are scheduled approximately four to eight weeks apart. This interval gives your teeth time to move at both a steady and healthy pace. However, there may be situations where more frequent visits to evaluate the status of your case, tooth movement, or to have an additional adjustment are required.
Teeth can be moved at any age. Orthodontic treatment as an adult can completely transform an imperfect and poorly aligned smile into one that is attractive and functions at its best. However, initiating orthodontic care and achieving a successful outcome relies on the presence of healthy teeth and supporting bone. For these reasons, it is essential for adult patients to address any outstanding dental problems before their appliances are placed and to remain diligent about maintaining their oral health throughout care.
