Traditional braces remain the most effective orthodontic system for correcting a wide range of alignment and bite concerns with precision and predictability. At Wilmette Dental in Wilmette, IL, our doctors provide comprehensive braces treatment for teenagers and adults, combining clinical expertise with attentive, individualized care throughout every stage of treatment.
How Braces Straighten Teeth & Correct Bite Issues
Braces apply continuous, controlled force to the teeth through brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by an archwire. As the wire exerts pressure, teeth move gradually through the bone in response, repositioning into proper alignment over the course of treatment.
Beyond straightening individual teeth, braces correct overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite relationships that affect jaw function, chewing efficiency, and long-term dental health. This three-dimensional control over tooth position is one of the primary advantages braces offer over aligner therapy in complex cases.
Traditional Metal Braces & Modern Options
Modern metal braces are significantly smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than earlier generations. High-grade stainless steel brackets and precision archwires deliver reliable, predictable tooth movement with less discomfort than patients typically anticipate.
Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with the natural tooth color, offering a less visible alternative to metal brackets while retaining the clinical effectiveness of fixed orthodontic treatment. Our doctors discuss all available options during the consultation to help patients select the most appropriate system for their clinical needs and personal preferences.
Self-Ligating Braces & Treatment Efficiency
Self-ligating brackets use a built-in mechanism to hold the archwire rather than elastic ties, reducing friction between the wire and bracket. This reduced friction allows teeth to move more freely in response to wire forces, potentially reducing overall treatment time and the number of adjustment visits required in some cases.
Our doctors evaluate whether self-ligating brackets are appropriate based on the specific movements required in each case.
Braces For Teens & Adults
Braces are effective for patients across a wide age range, though treatment considerations differ between younger and adult patients.
Teenagers benefit from active jaw growth that can be incorporated into treatment planning, often allowing correction of both tooth position and jaw relationship simultaneously. Adults respond equally well to tooth movement at any age, and modern bracket options make braces a viable and accepted choice for professional adults seeking comprehensive alignment correction.
Addressing Crowding, Spacing, & Alignment
Braces effectively treat the full spectrum of alignment concerns, including moderate to severe crowding, spacing and gaps, rotations and tilting, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. For cases where alignment complexity exceeds what clear aligners can reliably achieve, braces provide the precision and control needed for thorough correction.
Monitoring Progress & Adjustment Visits
Regular adjustment appointments, typically every six to eight weeks, allow Dr. Moscinski to evaluate tooth movement, change archwires as treatment progresses, and ensure treatment is advancing as planned. These visits are an integral part of the orthodontic process and an opportunity to address any concerns.
Oral Hygiene During Braces Treatment
Maintaining thorough oral hygiene with braces requires an adapted technique and consistent effort.
Key hygiene recommendations include:
- Brushing carefully around every bracket and along the gum line after every meal
- Using interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean between teeth and under wires
- Avoiding hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage brackets or wires
- Attending all professional cleaning appointments throughout treatment
Retention & Long-Term Stability
Active braces treatment is completed when teeth reach their planned final positions. Retainers are provided immediately at debonding to maintain the achieved alignment and prevent relapse. Our doctors advise on a retainer wear schedule appropriate to each patient’s case and provide fixed retainers bonded to the back surfaces of front teeth for continuous retention where indicated.
Comprehensive Orthodontic Expertise
At Wilmette Dental, our doctors provide braces treatment with the clinical training, precision, and personalized attention that deliver lasting results. Call our Wilmette, IL office or book online to schedule your orthodontic consultation.