Which Orthodontic Treatment is Right For Me?

Concerned that your smile might not be the best that it could be? If you’re considering orthodontic treatment in the greater Chicago area, look no further than Windy City Orthodontics. Dr. Pakravan, our elite orthodontist, will examine your smile in our office. He’ll sit down with you to discuss your goals. Then, our dynamite team will walk you through your treatment plan until your smile is as incredible as you deserve. Let us help you decide which orthodontic treatment is right for you. 

Braces: Traditional and Clear

LightForce clear braces are an excellent option for those seeking a more discreet treatment. Clear ceramic braces are made from a translucent material that blends in with your teeth, making them much less noticeable than conventional metal braces. Clear braces are more fragile than metal braces, so they require more care, but they are still an excellent choice for patients who want a more subtle treatment option.

Modern braces are much more comfortable than they used to be. They are now made from lighter materials and have smaller brackets than older versions, making them less visible and more comfortable. 

While we do still offer metal braces, we generally do so only by the patient’s request. Our metal braces are made from medical-grade stainless steel. They are solid and durable, making them suitable for treating many orthodontic issues, from simple to complex. 

Caring for braces can be challenging, especially when it comes to brushing and flossing around the brackets and wires. Food particles and bacteria can get trapped around the braces, leading to tooth decay and other oral health problems. However, several tools are available to help you care for your braces, including water picks to help rinse those hard-to-reach areas and ortho picks for braces-specific flossing.

Patients in traditional braces will visit our office every 6-8 weeks or so for follow-up appointments. During these appointments, our team will ensure that everything is progressing according to the treatment plan and make any necessary adjustments to your braces. These appointments typically last around an hour, but they’re an essential part of treatment and help ensure the best results in the shortest time possible.

Spark Clear Aligners

Spark clear aligners are a relatively new orthodontic treatment option that uses a series of removable, clear trays to straighten teeth instead of brackets and wires. Clear aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth and are made from a smooth, thermoplastic material that is gentle on your gums and cheeks.

One of the most significant benefits of clear aligners is that they are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for patients who are self-conscious about wearing braces. Clear aligners are also removable, which means you can take them out when you eat or brush your teeth. This makes them a much more convenient treatment option than traditional braces.

The treatment time with clear aligners varies based on the particular case and how your smile responds. However, the average time in aligners is between 12 and 18 months. Dr. Pakravan will have you wear them for 20-22 hours daily during treatment. That means you need to switch them out for the next aligner in the series every 1-2 weeks. If you don’t do this, it can mess up your results and make your treatment time longer.

One cool thing about clear aligners is that they’re easy to care for! You need to remove them before you eat or drink anything that’s not water, so you don’t have to worry about food restrictions. Plus, you take them out before you brush and floss your teeth, making cleaning your teeth much more effortless.

You’ll need to visit our Chicago office for regular follow-up appointments. We usually schedule these every 8-12 weeks. It’s essential to attend these appointments and remember to switch out your aligners because it can undo all the progress you’ve made. So be sure to stay on top of it!

How Much Do Treatments Cost? 

Cost remains among our patients’ most prominent concerns. And we understand. Many of our staff members have families, so we get it. Fortunately, we can offer you a solution that will fit your budget. We work with many Illinois insurance companies to help you find out what you’re covered for. Even better, we can work with you to develop an appropriate payment plan. 

Our orthodontic treatments (LightForce ceramic braces, metal braces, and Spark clear aligners) don’t differ that much in price. So don’t be concerned if the doctor suggests a treatment that you weren’t expecting. Upselling is never our goal. Dr.  Pakravan makes recommendations solely based on his expertise and your particular needs.

Teeth Whitening

Perhaps you’re happy with the shape and position of your teeth. But what about the color? If you feel like you need to polish up your pearly whites, Windy City Orthodontics can help! Not all tooth stains are equal. Some are only on the surface, while others are deeper and more problematic. Regardless of your situation, come visit us to give your teeth a fresh gleam.

Find What You Need At Windy City Orthodontics

While those are a few orthodontic options at Windy City Orthodontics, we also specialize in teeth whitening. Now that you know your choices, head here to schedule an appointment at our convenient Chicago office. 

Posted by Dr. Pakravan