Grayslake, Round Lake, IL – Snake oil salesmen are everywhere, and the orthodontic industry isn’t immune. There are appliances and devices that make grand claims, such as being able to speed up treatment, or correct your smile without surgery, and any number of other claims. But do these work as some claim?
Grayslake, IL – Palatal expanders seek to accomplish exactly what the name says – expand the palate. But how exactly does it work, and will your child need one?
A palate that is too narrow can lead to crooked and overcrowded teeth. A palatal expander can be a wonderful option for younger orthodontic patients who have jaws that are still growing. The expander can work to widen the palate to allow for teeth to be realigned with adequate space.
Grayslake And Round Lake, IL – The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit the orthodontist for the first time around the age of seven. For some people this may seem too young, but it is the ideal time for several reasons. The most important reason is that by starting a relationship with an orthodontist early, the orthodontist can take advantage of a jaw that is still growing.
Kenilworth, IL – A narrow upper jaw is a very common issue that orthodontic patients of all ages can face. Younger patients have the benefits of a jaw that is still growing, so orthodontists can work to expand the still-growing jaw. For these patients, their upper jaw hasn’t fused together yet, so a palatal expander can easily widen the upper jaw. But what happens in older patients who do not have this benefit? In the past, the answer was usually surgery, utilizing a more invasive procedure called surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion to correct their jaws. Today, however, maxillary skeletal expanders...
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Kenilworth, IL – Every orthodontic patient presents with a slightly different malocclusion – that is because each orthodontic issue is as individual as the patient is. But luckily for patients seeking out orthodontic treatment today, there are a variety of technologically advanced treatment options to help correct their issues. One appliance that Dr. Michael Stosich uses is the lower lingual holding arch.
Kenilworth, IL – Self-ligating braces have become a more popular orthodontic treatment option recently, thanks in part to the marketing behind them. Makers of these braces claim faster and more comfortable treatment times. But they also make the claim that self-ligating braces can eliminate the need for tooth extractions or the use of palatal expanders.
Dr. Michael Stosich, an orthodontics expert in the Chicago-area, believes these claims are not accurate, however.
Kenilworth, IL – Overbites are one of the most common malocclusions affecting the population. In fact, it is estimated that as many as 45% of the population may have some degree of an overbite. Severe overbites may not only make a person self-conscious about their appearance, but can have a negative impact on their daily lives.
For orthodontic patients with certain malocclusions, braces alone cannot create the ideal bite needed for a healthy and stable smile. Orthodontists use appliances such as headgear and elastics, and in extreme cases even surgery, to ensure patients have properly functioning bites. Temporary anchorage devices are a great tool many orthodontists use instead of headgear or surgery for eligible patients.
If you are in braces treatment, chances are good you’ve fantasized a few times about a magical way to speed up your treatment so you can enjoy your new smile. The manufacturers of orthodontic device AcceleDent claim they have it. Kenilworth and Grayslake orthodontist Dr. Michael Stosich says don’t be fooled by great marketing. “AcceleDent is a handheld device that fits over your braces and emits gentle pulses that its makers claim speed up orthodontic treatment,” says Dr. Stosich. “There’s one problem with that, however – no study published in a peer reviewed publication supports these claims. The only studies that...
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