What Are the Pros and Cons of Traditional Metal Braces?

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When you have a bite problem or crooked teeth, braces are the standard way to address these issues. Metal braces provide a traditional treatment option, but it’s important to weigh their advantages and disadvantages first. Our orthodontist in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, at Goshgarian Orthodontics offers the following info on their pros and cons.

Pros of Metal Braces

They’re Effective for Most Cases

Metal braces are suitable for many cases, including simple bite problems and severe misalignments.

They’re Durable

Metal offers a strong material for braces, making them less likely to sustain damage compared to other materials.

They’re Customizable

Our metal braces in Gurnee and Lake Forest, IL, have colored bands available, so you or your child can give them a bit of flair. This can help kids feel more comfortable with wearing braces.

They’re Affordable

Metal braces typically cost less than other types of braces and other orthodontic treatments for spacing or bite problems, making them a budget-friendly solution.

Cons of Metal Braces

They’re Visible

Since they’re made of metal, other people can easily see these braces. If you want a more discreet solution, we can see if ceramic braces or aligners offer a more suitable option.

They Can Be Uncomfortable

Metal braces have wires and brackets that may dig into or poke your skin. We can give you wax to apply that helps prevent this.

You Can’t Eat Certain Foods

Wearing metal braces means you’ll need to avoid some foods, such as chewy or sticky foods.

Visit Our Orthodontist for Braces

Are you trying to decide on which type to get for your teeth or your child’s teeth? At Goshgarian Orthodontics, our orthodontist can help you select the right braces in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, whether that’s metal or another type of braces.

Should Adults Get Invisalign or Traditional Braces?

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Many people want to improve the look of their teeth, and a common question is whether Invisalign or traditional braces in Lake Forest or Gurnee, IL, would be the better option. At [Practice_Name], people of all ages are discovering that orthodontic treatment is not just for teenagers. Modern options make it easier and more comfortable to achieve a confident smile.

Why Choose Invisalign?

Invisalign has become a popular choice among those who want a subtle but flexible approach to braces. Because the aligners are clear, they’re barely noticeable. This makes them good for work, events, or everyday use.

They are also removable, allowing you to eat your favorite foods and maintain good oral hygiene without the challenges that sometimes come with fixed braces. For people with mild to moderate alignment issues who don’t like the appearance of braces, Invisalign offers an effective, lifestyle-friendly solution.

The Benefits of Traditional Braces

While Invisalign is a great option for many, traditional braces may still be the best option. They are especially effective for complex cases that require specific adjustments. Today’s braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever before, so you stay comfortable during treatment.

Adults who want consistent results without having to remember to wear aligners may find braces are a better fit. With braces, your orthodontist controls all adjustments, making sure you see steady progress from day one.

Schedule Your Visit with [Practice_Name] in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL

Choosing the right treatment, whether that’s Invisalign or traditional braces in IL, comes down to your goals, preferences, and the complexity of your case. Call us at [Practice_Name], and we will help you learn more about the right option for you.

4 Questions Teens Often Ask About Their New Braces

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Braces are one of the most popular options for patients who need to straighten their teeth and realign their jaw. At Goshgarian Orthodontics, we help many people — including a lot of teenage patients — get braces every year. As your orthodontist in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, we’re happy to answer questions about braces to make the experience of wearing braces better overall. Below are four common questions that teens often ask about braces.

1. How long will I have my braces?

How long patients need to wear braces varies, but many patients wear them for one to two years. Your orthodontist will be able to tell you approximately how long you will have to wear your braces when they are installed.

2. How do I take care of my braces?

Take care of your braces by brushing your teeth after every meal and continuing to keep up with dental appointments. Don’t skip appointments with the orthodontist.

3. How can I make my braces more subtle?

There are different types of braces, and some are more discreet than others. Lingual braces and clear braces are both very subtle. Your orthodontist can tell you more about these braces options.

4. Can I eat anything I want while wearing braces?

Avoid eating hard foods like nuts and crusty breads. Avoid sticky foods as well, like caramel candies. These foods can damage your braces and can also get stuck in your braces, making your teeth more difficult to clean.

Have Questions About Braces in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL? Call Today

If you have questions about braces in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, we have answers. We want to help! Call today to speak with one of our orthodontic professionals.

4 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Clean While Wearing Braces

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Wearing braces can straighten your teeth, improve your appearance, and align your jaw. There are many great things about braces! Unfortunately, braces can also be difficult to keep clean, and this can impact your dental health.

If you’re new to braces, ask your orthodontist in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, about what you can do to keep your teeth clean. Your orthodontist can give you specific instructions to help you maintain good oral health and hygiene. Below are a few suggestions that can help.

1. Brush After Every Meal

Food has a way of getting caught between teeth. Brushing after every meal is important. If you go to school or have a workplace, keep a spare toothbrush available to brush your teeth after lunch breaks and snacks. Make a point of brushing your teeth after you eat – no matter where you are at.

2. Don’t Skip Dental Appointments

You should continue to see your normal dentist even when you’re visiting the orthodontist regularly. During your visits with the dentist, the dental professional will clean your teeth to ensure that you’re maintaining good oral health and hygiene.

3. Floss

Flossing is hard when you’re wearing braces. Your orthodontist (or dentist) can show you how to floss your teeth with a floss threader. Using a floss threader makes it much easier to keep your teeth clean.

4. Avoid Eating Sticky Foods

Sticky foods can get caught in your braces easily. Avoid eating sticky foods like caramel and other sticky candies. Your orthodontist will give you a list of foods to avoid.

Have Questions About Maintaining Braces in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL? Call Today

If you have braces in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, the professionals at Goshgarian Orthodontics are here to help. Call to make your next appointment or to speak with one of our professionals.

Common Myths About Orthodontic Treatment

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Orthodontic treatment has come a long way, but a surprising number of myths still shape how people think about it. Whether it’s concerns about age, pain, or the idea that braces are purely cosmetic, many misconceptions cause patients to delay or avoid treatment altogether. But the truth behind modern orthodontics looks very different from the outdated ideas that often get passed around, as your orthodontist in Gurnee, IL can tell you.

“Braces Are Just for Kids”

It’s one of the most common myths—and one of the easiest to debunk. While orthodontic treatment often begins in adolescence, more adults than ever are choosing to straighten their teeth later in life. The movement of teeth depends on bone, not age, so it’s entirely possible to benefit from braces or clear aligners well into adulthood.

“It’s All About Looks”

Yes, a straighter smile looks great—but that’s just the surface. Crooked teeth or misaligned bites can contribute to headaches, jaw pain, uneven tooth wear, and difficulty chewing or speaking. Orthodontics often corrects these functional issues, improving long-term oral health and preventing more serious problems down the road.

“Braces Are Painful”

While it’s true that some discomfort is common when braces are first applied or adjusted, the idea that treatment is painful throughout is outdated. Modern techniques, including lighter wires and smoother appliances, have made the process more comfortable than ever. Many patients report only minor soreness, usually lasting a day or two after each adjustment.

“Treatment Takes Forever”

Some people picture years of hardware and endless appointments, but treatment lengths vary widely depending on the issue. With advances in technology, many mild to moderate cases can be completed in 12 to 18 months—or even less.

Orthodontics isn’t what it used to be—and that’s a good thing for everyone. If you’ve been avoiding treatment because of something you heard years ago, it may be time to take another look. If you’ve been hesitant about getting your child treated with orthodontics, it’s even more important to not let yourself be misguided by erroneous and outdated myths about orthodontics in Gurnee, IL. A consultation today could set you on the path to both better health and greater confidence. Contact Goshgarian Orthodontics today to book an appointment.

What to Avoid Doing When You Wear Braces 

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When you have crooked teeth or a bite problem, such as an underbite, wearing braces can help correct these issues. At Goshgarian Orthodontics, our orthodontist in Gurnee and Lake Forest, IL, offers this type of treatment for effective results. But it takes some adjustment to get used to having braces on. Here’s what you should avoid doing to ensure proper treatment and reduce the risk of damage.

Don’t Chew Gum

Gum can get caught on the surface of brackets and wires, so avoid chewing it while wearing braces.

Avoid Eating Sticky or Hard Foods

Biting and chewing hard candy, nuts, caramel, and similar foods can damage your braces and make it harder to clean your teeth.

Don’t Bite Into Crunchy Foods

Biting into apples and other crunchy foods can also cause damage to your braces.

Avoid Eating Certain Starchy Foods

Bread, chips, and similar foods can get trapped in your braces, making it more difficult to thoroughly brush your teeth and increasing the risk of decay.

Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools

Don’t open packages or do other tasks using your teeth. They’re only designed for biting and chewing food.

Don’t Chew or Bite Non-Food Objects

Avoid chomping on ice cubes or chewing other items that aren’t food, since these can damage your braces and teeth.

Don’t Skip Flossing

It may not be easy to floss with braces on, but it’s important to do this every day for oral health.

Visit Our Orthodontist for Braces!

Do you need orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth or correct misalignment? Our orthodontist at Goshgarian Orthodontics offers braces in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, including traditional, clear ceramic, and other options. We can help you choose the right solution for your teeth.

Common Treatments

Using Braces to Prevent TMJ Problems Later in Life

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There’s nothing worse than having to continually spend money on fixing dental issues caused by a TMJ disorder. But there is something you can do about it. Your orthodontist in Gurnee, IL, will go over everything with you. But until then, here is what you need to know.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint (jaw joint). A TMJ disorder is a condition that affects your jaw joint, as well as the muscles and ligaments surrounding your jaw.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

Any number of factors can cause a malfunctioning temporomandibular joint. It could be caused by stress, trauma, muscle spasms, teeth grinding, arthritis, or a misalignment of the jaw. You might consider some proactive measures to prevent a TMJ disorder for your child later in life.

Your orthodontist can help with a TMD treatment in Gurnee, IL.

Let’s take a look.

How Getting Braces in Childhood Can Help Prevent TMJ Disorder Later in Life

Getting braces now could help prevent the occurrence of a TMJ disorder later.

Here’s what getting braces can help with now to prevent problems later.

  • Correct Bite Issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
  • Balanced Jaw Function (reduces stress on the TMJ)
  • Early Orthodontic Treatment to Guide Jaw Growth (helps avoid long-term joint strain)
  • Reduce Teeth Grinding and Clenching (caused by a TMJ disorder)

Not All TMJ Disorders Can Be Prevented with Braces

Braces are considered an effective preventive treatment for some TMJ-related disorders. However, they can’t all be prevented or fixed with braces. But braces are an option.

Braces can help fix alignment issues by realigning the jaws. Braces can also sometimes help reduce the strain on the temporomandibular joint. Resulting in less pain and discomfort.

You will need to consult with an orthodontist to determine the best possible treatment option for your child.

Looking for a Reputable Orthodontist in Gurnee, IL?

Why not go ahead and talk with an orthodontist about getting braces for your child now to help prevent a TMJ disorder later? Please Contact Goshgarian Orthodontics today to schedule an exam and consultation.

What to Expect the Day Your Braces Come Off

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Traditional braces treatment can take up to two years or longer if you’re unlucky. Awaiting that magical day when the braces come off is something that all teens daydream about. It might feel like it’s been an eternity since you even saw most of your teeth. What will they look like? You may have heard horror stories about braces coming off only to reveal a row of decayed teeth, but that’s only a myth, especially if you’ve done your best to clean your teeth—and braces—after each meal. So what exactly can you expect the day your braces come off?

It’s a Long Appointment

First off, get ready for a long appointment. This is no easy on, easy off situation. Braces brackets are attached with dental cement and, while your dentist won’t be using a hammer drill, there will be a bit of work involved to get everything off. First the wires have to be unthreaded, then each bracket must be loosened from each tooth individually. Your Lake Forest, IL orthodontist at Goshgarian Orthodontics recommends that you bring something soothing you can listen to with earbuds so you can relax while this part is going on.

There’s More Work to be Done

After the braces are off, your teeth are going to feel rough. That’s leftover dental cement. The dental hygienist will get to work sanding and polishing each tooth until each one is nice and smooth.

It’s Going to Feel Funny

Remember the day you got braces put on? There was a tiny adjustment period. For a few hours, it’s going to feel funny not having braces. But you’ll get used to it really fast, don’t worry!

The fun part is going to be showing off your new teeth to all your friends and family! The braces in Lake Forest, IL will have worked like a charm and now you can enjoy a lifetime of gorgeous teeth!

 How to Care for Your Invisalign® Braces

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Your Invisalign® braces will do a great job of correcting gaps, misaligned or crowded teeth, underbites, overbites, open bites, and crossbites if you care for them correctly. Dr. Goshgarian, your orthodontist in Lake Forest and Gurnee will create your personalized Invisalign® tray to work its magic, and then it’s up to you to wear and care for your braces. Follow these best practices and get the smile you deserve:

1. Clean Your Invisalign® Aligners When You Brush Your Teeth

If you need to wear your Invisalign® all day, clean them in the morning and evening when you brush your teeth. If you only wear them overnight, clean them when you take them out in the morning before you put them back into their case.

2. Add a Lunchtime Rinse

After lunch, find a place to rinse your Invisalign® off with clean, lukewarm water to remove food particles.

3. How to Clean Your Invisalign® Braces

You will need: clean hands, lukewarm water, a recommended clear, unscented antibacterial soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should use a separate toothbrush for your aligners—not the same one you use on your teeth.

  • Gently brush all surfaces of the aligners with a tiny bit of the recommended cleaner and rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water.
  • Brush your teeth before putting the aligners back on.

4. Deep Clean Your Aligners Once Weekly

Your Lake Forest orthodontist recommends disinfecting your Invisalign® trays once a week using Invisalign® cleaning crystals. Use the package directions and soak your aligners in the solution for about 20-30 minutes. Rinse them off with lukewarm water and reapply, or store them in their case.

5. Encase When Not In Use

If you only wear your aligners at night, stow them safely in their case after you clean them in the morning so they’ll stay clean.

Ask Your Lake Forest and Gurnee Orthodontist about Invisalign® Care

Your Invisalign® aligners can help you get your best smile if you take good care of them. If you have any questions, call or schedule an appointment at Goshgarian Orthodontics in Lake Forest and Gurnee.

braces

4 Things You Can Do to Maintain Your Traditional Braces

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Traditional braces do a great job of straightening your teeth and realigning your jaw. Once installed, they need to be maintained in order to work properly. Your orthodontist in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, will give you information about how to take care of your braces. Feel free to ask questions about how you can care for braces! Below, we’ve listed four things you can do to take care of your traditional braces.

1. Keep Them Clean

Food can easily get caught in traditional braces. When this happens, plaque can build up on your teeth. This plaque is difficult to remove. You can keep your braces clean by brushing after every meal. Use non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush.

2. Eat the Right Foods

Some foods can damage your braces, while other foods can easily get caught in the brackets of your braces. Avoid foods that are especially hard and crusty. Food like hard bread, nuts (especially almonds), crunchy raw vegetables, and hard candies can all break braces wires or brackets, leading to necessary repairs.

Sticky foods like caramel and gummy bears can get stuck to your braces and may not be easy to remove. Avoid anything sticky like this to keep your braces clean.

3. Floss

Flossing can be a challenge when you’re wearing braces. Your dentist will show you how to floss while wearing traditional braces. You may need a floss threader to make this job easier.

4. See the Orthodontist Regularly

Keep up your regular trips to the orthodontist while wearing your braces. Your dentist will be able to identify problems with your braces when you come in for adjustments.

Do you need braces in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL? Contact Goshgarian Orthodontics to make your appointment.