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Are you searching for the best place to get braces for yourself or your child? A place where the Doctors and staff are friendly, their treatment expertise is excellent, their technical precision is high, and the entire team holds the genuine belief that every patient is wonderfully unique? Well, you’re in luck– and your search ends here!
At Orthodontic Specialists, Drs. Mike and Emily have been transforming the smiles of teenagers and adults for over 30 years. That level of practical knowledge, paired with our passion for providing the highest standard of orthodontic care and an unforgettable treatment experience that exceeds expectations, is why we’re the most trusted orthodontist for personalized braces treatment in Munster & St. John, IN. While other practices may offer similar services, they do not offer the same exceptional experience.
When looking for the best, make sure you trust your smile to a specialist!
Orthodontic braces are devices that highly trained orthodontists use to address a range of dental concerns, including crowding, crooked teeth, misalignment, and even more serious issues. Contrary to popular belief, braces are not only suitable for teenagers but can also provide significant benefits for young children and adults.
But how do braces work? By exerting consistent and gentle pressure on your teeth, braces gradually guide them into their desired positions over the duration of your treatment time. The specific course of your treatment depends on the type of braces you choose, and Drs. Mike and Emily will only ever recommend the absolute best option for your unique orthodontic needs. Throughout your treatment, our Doctors will make periodic adjustments to the tension of the archwires to ensure the continued precision of tooth movement or address any minor misalignments that may arise.
At Orthodontic Specialists, we take great pride in providing a selection of advanced braces treatment options tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each of our patients. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements allows us to offer the best in cutting-edge solutions for achieving a perfect smile. Our selection includes:
The type of braces you select will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the specific orthodontic concerns you have, how severe they are, and your personal preferences. Whether you are thinking about getting braces for your child, teenager, or considering adult braces for yourself, Drs. Mike and Emily will walk you through your options to find the perfect solution to meet your needs.
When discussing orthodontic treatments, metal braces are often the first thought that comes to mind. These braces, crafted with stainless steel or titanium, employ bands, brackets, and wires to effectively and gently guide your teeth into their desired positions.
The three primary components of these braces are:
Ligature Elastic (also referred to as colored ties or bands): Elastic bands, available in a range of colors, are used to hold the archwires in place on the brackets. Your orthodontist will replace these elastics during each appointment.
Clear braces provide a visually appealing option for those seeking an alternative to traditional braces. While they function similarly to metal braces, the distinguishing feature lies in their tooth-colored brackets, wires, and ligatures that seamlessly blend in with your natural smile and minimize their visibility.
At Orthodontic Specialists, we use LightForce ceramic braces which offer a revolutionary approach to orthodontics. These braces are designed using state-of-the-art patented 3D printing technology, ensuring a customized fit for each patient’s unique tooth anatomy and bite. With these personalized braces, you may experience the benefit of fewer office visits and more comfortable and efficient treatment.
If traditional or clear braces don’t quite align with your needs or lifestyle, we also provide a highly effective and incredibly popular alternative: Invisalign clear aligners.
The team at Orthodontic Specialists is committed to providing exceptional personalized braces treatment, and we’ve proudly served our Munster & St. John, IN communities for over three decades. Led by Dr. Mike and Dr. Emily, we’re dedicated to helping our patients determine the most suitable orthodontic treatment for their unique needs– whether it be traditional braces, clear ceramic braces, or clear aligners. Contact us to schedule your complimentary braces consultation today and see why you should trust your smile to a specialist!
Braces effectively treat various dental conditions including tooth misalignment, open bite, underbite, overbite, crossbite, crowding, and spacing issues. They can also fix protrusions and impacted teeth.
Braces offer numerous benefits, including the achievement of a well-aligned and attractive smile. In addition to improving aesthetics, braces also address bite issues that can lead to various problems such as jaw pain, speech difficulties, and abnormal tooth wear. Investing in orthodontic treatment not only improves oral health by promoting easier teeth cleaning and reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities, but it also enhances the overall appearance of the smile, positively impacting social interactions and professional opportunities, boosting self-esteem and confidence in both personal and professional life.
Invisalign aligners can proficiently correct the following conditions, depending on their severity:
Successful Invisalign treatment relies on patient cooperation, which entails wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily and transitioning to a fresh set every one to two weeks. Since every case is unique, it is vital to undergo a thorough consultation with Dr. Mike or Dr. Emily to determine if Invisalign is the right solution for you.
On average, wearing braces is usually necessary for a period of 18 to 24 months, with the specific duration being influenced by the complexity of the orthodontic concerns. In certain scenarios, individuals with more severe conditions or older patients may require up to three years to achieve desired results. However, it’s worth noting that clear aligner alternatives, such as Invisalign, offer a potential reduction in treatment time, ranging from 6 to 12 months.
Braces may initially cause discomfort due to the pressure applied to facilitate tooth movement. Over time, your teeth, gums, and mouth adjust to the braces, reducing discomfort. Persistent or severe pain should be reported to your orthodontist.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first orthodontic visit should be around the age of seven for early preventative treatment. Nevertheless, orthodontic treatment is effective at any age if you wish to enhance your smile.
Braces demand a bit more attention to oral hygiene. To ensure the best care, you should:
Remember to focus on areas around brackets or other appliances, ensuring all plaque and food particles are thoroughly removed.
With braces, you’ll need to opt for softer foods that are easier on your brackets and wires. Here’s a list of some foods you can enjoy:
This list is not exhaustive. The key is to select foods that are soft and easy to chew so your braces won’t be damaged.
When you have braces, certain foods can damage the brackets and wires. It’s best to avoid:
Braces can initially impact your speech, but the degree of effect varies from person to person. These issues are generally minor and temporary, with most people adjusting over a few months. With time and practice, your speech fluency should return to normal, although some individuals may develop a lisp if they don’t take the necessary care.