Orthodontics in Berwyn, IL

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. After receiving an additional two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school, orthodontists are able to treat many different types of malocclusions or misalignments of the teeth.

What types of problems are treated by an orthodontist?

• Misaligned teeth

Orthodontic treatment can help straighten your smile. If your teeth are crooked, crowded, or gapped, orthodontic treatment can help you straighten your smile.

• Crossbites

A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. It’s commonly caused by the jaw being too small for the teeth to fit properly. Braces are the most common treatment for crossbites.

• Overbites

An overbite occurs when the back teeth are too far forward, or the upper front teeth protrude too much over the lower front teeth.

Overbites can cause problems with speaking and chewing food. Some cases of overbites can be corrected in children, but many adults will need to wear braces to correct an overbite.

• Underbites

An underbite occurs when the lower jaw and teeth are positioned further forward than the upper jaw and teeth. 

Underbites can cause problems with chewing and biting, which can lead to difficulty chewing food, gum disease, and TMJ disorder. This can be corrected with braces.

• Gaps in teeth

Gaps in your teeth can trap food and lead to cavities and gum disease. Your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment to close gaps. Braces, retainers, and Invisalign are all options that your dentist may recommend.

• Crowded teeth

Crowded teeth are often the result of improper alignment. When teeth are crowded, there isn’t enough room for all of them to fit comfortably. This can result in crooked teeth, which can make biting and chewing uncomfortable.

If a patient has crowded teeth, an orthodontist may recommend braces to straighten the teeth and make room for all of them. 

What treatment options are available for orthodontic problems?

• Braces: Braces use brackets and wires to gradually shift teeth into their ideal positions. We also offer transparent braces, which use ceramic brackets and tooth-colored wires.
• Invisalign: Invisible braces use clear aligner trays to gently shift teeth. Invisalign uses no wires or brackets, so it’s easy to wear these braces with confidence.

What can I expect from orthodontic treatment?

The goal of orthodontic treatment is to correct the position of teeth that are improperly positioned and/or teeth that are crooked. Orthodontics may improve not only the appearance of teeth but also their functionality. 

What are the advantages of orthodontic treatment?

There are many advantages to orthodontic treatment. Properly aligned teeth function better and are easier to clean with braces. A pleasing smile is the most obvious benefit. After your braces come off, you’ll feel more self-confident, which can improve your quality of life.

Call 34th Street Dental Care at 708-484-6576 to schedule your consultation with our dentists to learn more about our dental treatments.