Orthodontic treatment in Munster & St. John

Orthodontics aims to enhance and fix the misalignment of teeth. An orthodontist is a specially trained dentist who has graduated from dental school and undergone an additional two to three years of education in an accredited orthodontic residency program. That’s why we always say you should trust your smile to a specialist!

People who receive orthodontic care often enjoy:

• Improved self-esteem
• Lower risk of “bad bites” (malocclusion)
• Lower risk of diseases of the teeth
• Better chewing and improved pronunciation when speaking
• Cosmetic correction that enhances the appearance of your smile

Simply put, orthodontists are specialists with the education, technical skill, and practical know-how to bring out your best smile!

Orthodontic treatment offers the most comprehensive solution for achieving a better smile. We start by evaluating your specific requirements and assessing your smile, which then helps us create a custom treatment plan aimed at aligning your teeth and jaws. By utilizing techniques such as braces or Invisalign, we carefully guide your teeth toward their ideal positions throughout your orthodontic treatment. While it requires some patience, the end result— a straight, healthy, and vibrant smile—is truly worth the wait!

Seeking orthodontic treatment can be overwhelming and confusing. However, it is important to remember that regardless of your dental situation, you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with a trusted orthodontist. While we have successfully treated various conditions within a wide range of complexities, some of the most common conditions we treat include:

• Overbite: This occurs when the upper teeth extend too far beyond the lower teeth, also known as “buck teeth.”
• Underbite: The opposite of an overbite, this happens when the lower teeth extend too far beyond the upper teeth.
• Open bite: In this condition, the back teeth align properly but the front teeth are misaligned and do not overlap correctly.
• Excess spacing: When there are large gaps between the teeth, it is referred to as excess spacing.
• Crowding: This occurs when there is inadequate space for all the teeth to fit comfortably in the mouth.
• TMJ problems: The jaw joints may be causing pain or functioning poorly.
• Missing teeth: This condition can be managed by positioning the remaining teeth to benefit the eventual tooth replacements (bridges or implants) by the family dentist.

When it comes to selecting an orthodontist and orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child’s smile, it’s incredibly important to make a well-informed decision. Since orthodontic care is a journey, it is essential to establish a sense of ease and satisfaction with the doctor(s) and their team. When looking for an orthodontist, don’t be afraid to:

• Seek recommendations from friends, family, co-workers, and even your regular dentist, as they can offer valuable first-hand insights.
• Consider the orthodontist’s education and experience carefully.
• Ask questions to ensure you’re seeing a specialized orthodontist, rather than a general dentist.
• Schedule complimentary consultations with multiple offices to explore your options.

After all, this is about creating a smile you’ll be wearing for a lifetime!

When considering orthodontic treatment as a potential patient, it is crucial to recognize the significance of selecting an orthodontist certified by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Orthodontic specialists undergo an extra two years of training beyond what is mandated for dentists! By opting for an AAO-certified orthodontist, you can ensure receiving the utmost personalized care.

At Orthodontic Specialists, what sets us apart is not just the wide range of tools available in our orthodontic offices, but rather our orthodontists’ expertise in diagnosing your case. Diagnosing is the most challenging aspect of orthodontics, as it requires the experience and expertise to determine how and when to take action. With over 15,000 successful patient treatments, we are confident in our ability to find the perfect orthodontic solution for you.

Whether it’s braces or Invisalign, the most common treatment is our comprehensive treatment plan (both upper and lower teeth), which can cost between $5,100 and $7,600. However, we also offer options for minor corrections that range between $2,800 and $5,400, depending on your specific needs. Rest assured, there are no hidden fees with any treatment plan you choose. Our prices cover everything from the initial X-rays to the final photographs, as well as a set of retainers and any necessary follow-up appointments.

After office hours, we can be contacted should a problem or question arise. Orthodontic emergencies are generally uncommon. If you experience any issues like a broken bracket or a poking wire, don’t worry – we’re here to assist you! Contact our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.

Say farewell to messy traditional impressions and say hello to the future with the iTero® Element Scanner! This revolutionary device effortlessly captures precise 3D models of your teeth and gums without any discomfort or gagging.

With its speed and accuracy, the scanner allows us to show you a visual representation of your future smile as you progress through your orthodontic treatment. Throughout the scanning process, you can relax, feel at ease, and even pause if you need to sneeze. The iTero Element Scanner is here to ensure your journey to a straighter smile is as seamless and comfortable as possible.

At Orthodontic Specialists, we prioritize both the safety and ease of diagnosing your dental conditions. Our advanced digital X-ray technology not only guarantees accurate results but also reduces radiation exposure by up to 75% compared to traditional X-rays. Once your scan is complete, we can promptly view and enlarge the scans of your teeth for accurate diagnosis.

Our most common types of X-rays include:

• Panoramic radiograph: This X-ray provides information about the presence and position of unerupted teeth, the health of supported bone around the teeth, jaw joints (TMJ), sinuses, and the jaw bones (maxilla and mandible).
• Lateral cephalogram: This is a profile X-ray of the skull and soft tissues, useful for child growth predictions and adult treatment predictions. With this X-ray, we can assess the relation of the teeth to the jaw, the relation of the jaw to the skull, and the relation of the soft tissues to the teeth and jaw.

Yes, of course you can! However, it is essential to consult a specialized orthodontist who can shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of this decision. Seeking advice from an orthodontist certified by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) will not only guide you in your decision but also offer insights on correcting your bite as a whole. This comprehensive approach aims to prevent additional problems and expenses that may arise from focusing solely on straightening the front teeth.

You may be aware of companies (called “DIY” for do it yourself) that mail aligners to your home without an in-office visit with a doctor. You may have also heard some unfortunate stories, blog articles, or watched YouTube videos describing the negative consequences of “DIY” types of orthodontic treatment. For example, if only the upper teeth are moved, an overbite may increase. Further, if only the lower teeth are moved, the bite relationships may be altered so that only the front teeth touch on closure. This is why it’s important to trust your smile to a specialist!

At Orthodontic Specialists, what sets us apart is not just the wide range of tools available in our orthodontic offices, but rather the expertise of our orthodontists in diagnosing your case. Diagnosing is the most challenging aspect of orthodontics, as it requires the experience and expertise to determine how and when to take action. With over 13,000 successful patient treatments, we are confident in our ability to find the perfect orthodontic solution for you.