braces

The Pros and Cons of Traditional Metal Braces

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If you or your child needs braces in Gurnee, IL, you probably want to weigh your options. There are many different ways to straighten your teeth, but which one should you choose? Let’s take a quick minute to go over some of the facts about traditional metal braces.

The Pros and Cons of Getting Metal Braces

Let’s first review the pros,and then discuss the cons. Then, you and your orthodontist in Gurnee, IL, can decide whether you want traditional metal braces or something else.

Pros:

  • Can Correct all Cases of Misaligned Teeth (unlike clear dental aligners)
  • Improved Oral Health
  • Highly Durable
  • Customizable (several types of metal braces available)
  • Most Affordable Orthodontic Treatment
  • No Risk of Loss or Contamination (like there is with dental aligners)
  • Cost (basic traditional metal braces range between $3,000 and $6,000, sometimes more)
  • Traditional Metal Braces Are Usually (but not always) Covered by Your Dental Insurance
  • Don’t Require Much Patient Intervention or Discipline (like clear dental aligners do)

Cons:

  • Can Be Uncomfortable (until you get used to them)
  • Diet Restrictions (no hard or sticky foods, and no raw vegetables until you get your braces removed)
  • Visually Noticeable (metal brackets and wires will be visible unless you opt for lingual braces where the metal brackets and wires are placed on the backside of your teeth)
  • Require Monthly Follow-Up Visits
  • Require More Frequent Brushing and Oral Hygiene Maintenance
  • Longer Treatment Duration (1-3 years)

Do You Need an Orthodontist in Gurnee, IL?

Getting braces of any kind requires orthodontic services. Please Contact Goshgarian Orthodontics today. We believe in treating all our patients like family. We offer a full suite of orthodontics. Come and see us. Your perfect smile awaits!

Common Treatments

Will I Need Braces, or Can I Get Invisalign?

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When you and yourGurnee, IL, orthodontistare discussing treatment options to straighten your teeth or correct your bite, you might wonder whether traditional braces or Invisalign is the right choice for you. Both methods are designed to align teeth over time, but they do so in different ways and are suited to different types of orthodontic issues. Here’s a brief overview to help you understand which option might suit your situation better.

Traditional Braces

Braces consist of metal brackets that are applied to your teeth and connected by wires. Braces are a robust solution that can handle the most severe crowding, spacing, alignment problems, and complex bite issues such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners, which are nearly invisible, removable trays made of plastic. Invisalign is popular among adults and teenagers who are looking for a less noticeable form of orthodontic treatment. However, Invisalign is best suited for mild to moderate dental misalignments, including crowding, spacing, and bite problems.

Deciding Factors

Ultimately, your orthodontist will make the final decision as to what the best course of treatment for your alignment issues is. The dentist will take into account several factors, including:

Severity of Orthodontic Issues

Traditional braces might be recommended if you have severe crowding, spacing, or complex bite issues due to their robustness and ability to handle intricate adjustments. While effective for a wide range of corrections, Invisalign might not be suitable for more complex orthodontic needs.

Aesthetics

If the visibility of braces is a big concern for you, your dentist might agree to Invisalign, particularly if you are of school age or work in a professional capacity where aesthetics matter a great deal.

Lifestyle

Invisalign requires discipline to wear the aligners for the recommended 22 hours daily. If you think you might forget to wear them or prefer not to be responsible for removing and inserting the aligners throughout the day, traditional braces might be a better fit.

Whether you get Invisalign in Gurnee, IL, or traditional braces, you can be sure that your orthodontist will do everything possible to ensure a positive outcome for your dental health. Contact us today to learn more about your options.

5 Foods to Avoid When You Have Braces

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Traditional braces can be easily damaged by certain foods. In addition, some foods just get easily stuck between brackets and wires, and that can make keeping your teeth clean extra difficult. As your dentist in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, we can help you every step of the way when you have traditional braces. Below are some of the foods that we recommend our patients avoid when they have traditional braces.

1. Hard Foods

Hard foods like candies can easily damage braces, and even if they don’t damage the braces, little bits of hard candy that become stuck in between brackets can be bad for your teeth. Avoid hard foods like candy canes while you’re wearing traditional braces.

2. Sticky Foods

Sticky foods like caramels can become a real mess to clean out of braces. If you eat sticky foods while you have braces, you may not be able to fully clean your teeth afterward. Leave these foods to consume after your braces have come off.

3. Crunchy Foods

Crunchy foods like nuts and pretzels put a lot of stress on your braces and can lead your braces to develop broken wires and other problems. Avoid nuts, chips, hard taco shells, and other crunchy foods to help maintain your braces.

4. Tough, Chewy Breads

Just like crunchy foods, tough, chewy breads also put stress on your braces. Avoid breads with tough crusts and dense interiors.

5. Gummy Candies

Gummy candies can be very tough, which can damage the brackets in your braces. In addition, gummy candies can become stuck in your braces, just like hard candies, and that can be very bad for your teeth.

Have more questions about how to maintain your braces in Forest Lake and Gurnee, IL? Call Goshgarian Orthodontics to talk to one of our dental professionals.

Invisalign vs. Standard Braces

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Straightening teeth is a goal for many people. However, when it comes to orthodontics, patients have a few different options. While traditional braces are still common, Invisalign clear aligners are soaring in popularity.

In this post, we’ll talk about the key differences between Invisalign and standard braces.

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign can change your life for the better. Here are the advantages you can expect:

Better Appearance

Invisalign features clear, plastic aligners that simply fit over your teeth. Compared to traditional braces, they give off a much better appearance. In fact, many people won’t even notice you’re wearing them!

Comfortable

Standard braces involve metal wires and brackets that can be uncomfortable. With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about these obstructions at all! Invisalign features a strong plastic that fits over your teeth, providing a comfortable orthodontic experience.

Removable

Another top benefit is that Invisalign can be removed before eating, brushing, and flossing. This means you don’t have to deal with food getting stuck in the device, which is common with braces.

Want to learn more about this orthodontic treatment? If so, reach out to Goshgarian Orthodontics today! We offer top-of-the-line Invisalign treatment in Lake Forest, IL.

Benefits of Standard Braces

Keep reading to learn about the advantages of traditional braces.

Good for Complex Corrections

If you have a very crooked smile and need complex work, standard braces will be the most effective choice. Traditional braces can fix any smile, no matter what correction is required.

Near Perfect Results

While Invisalign can give you a beautiful smile, standard braces can help you achieve a perfect result. Traditional braces are slightly more effective at straightening teeth than Invisalign.

Various Options

Aside from the metal brackets and wires you’re used to, standard braces also come in different styles. For example, you can choose lingual or ceramic braces if you want something less noticeable.

Which Option is Best?

Deciding on one option over the other really comes down to personal preference. All in all, choose the option that works best for your needs. If you need assistance, reach out to Goshgarian Orthodontics today! We’re proud to have a leading orthodontist in Lake Forest, IL.

Different Types of Braces

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Braces are intended to straighten your teeth and improve your smile. If you’re interested in this orthodontic treatment, it’s important to consider the different types available.

In this post, we’ll talk about the most common types of braces, including their benefits and features.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces involve metal brackets that are bonded to your teeth. Metal wires are then connected to these brackets to help move teeth to their desired position. To straighten your teeth further, the wires are tightened every four to six weeks. This will add the necessary pressure to align your teeth and/or fix your jaw.

Clear Braces

Clear braces work similarly to traditional braces, but they consist of ceramic brackets and wires instead of metal. This ceramic material helps to blend in with the color of your teeth, providing a less noticeable appearance.

If you’re interested in this type of treatment, consider Clarity™ Clear Braces from the experts here at Goshgarian Orthodontics! These braces are even more comfortable than standard braces due to their shape and rounded, smooth corners. Furthermore, they’re also stain-resistant and durable!

Contact Goshgarian Orthodontics today for dependable braces in Lake Forest, IL.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are attached to the inside of your teeth, making them much more discreet than traditional braces. We’re happy to use Incognito™ Braces here at Goshgarian Orthodontics, which are among the best in the industry.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners have become an extremely popular orthodontic solution. They consist of clear, plastic trays that fit over your teeth. Working similarly to traditional braces, they apply pressure to your teeth over time. You’ll most likely receive multiple trays to wear during your treatment plan, and you’ll need to switch to a new aligner every few weeks. Goshgarian Orthodontics proudly uses Invisalign clear aligners.

To learn more about braces, contact Goshgarian Orthodontics today! We’re happy to have an experienced, reputable dentist in Lake Forest, IL.