A common question we hear from parents is “what’s right for my teenager – braces or Invisalign?”  They’ve heard conflicting opinions from their friends or their dentist, but at the end of the day, they want to know what will work best for their child. At Zach Frazier Orthodontics, we believe in educating you on the pros and cons of each option so that you can choose what goes into your child’s mouth. 

You know your child better than anyone else, and you should be involved in deciding what treatment is best for them. At every orthodontic consult (that’s a first appointment, and free, by the way) I talk with patients about the advantages and disadvantages of both Invisalign and traditional orthodontic braces based on what I’ve seen treating thousands of teenagers over the past 10 years.

In this post, I will discuss my perspective as well as the merits, drawbacks, and similarities of each treatment.

Traditional Braces

The technology with braces has come a long way in the past 30 years, and our ability to shorten the time wearing braces continues to improve. Traditional braces use brackets cemented to the face of the tooth, and they can be made out of metal or clear ceramic material.  The braces hold a wire that runs lengthwise to apply pressure, moving teeth into place with ties that secure wires to the brackets. A patient sees slight changes over time as the orthodontist makes adjustments every six to eight weeks. 

Invisalign/Invisalign Teen

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are clear BPA-free plastic appliances that offer patients an alternative to traditional metal and ceramic braces. It is a relatively newer tool for orthodontists as the technology is about 20 years old.  We take a digital scan of the teeth, creating a 3D image that’s used to produce a series of clear trays (aligners) worn by the patient for 22 hours per day (they should only be taken out to eat and brush/floss). Each aligner is configured to adjust the teeth according to a predetermined treatment plan mapped out by me, Dr. Zach Frazier. A patient sees slight changes over time as the aligners are changed weekly, and the progress is checked regularly every 8 to 12 weeks. 

Benefits

Traditional Braces

• Tried and true technology that continues to improve over time
• Participation is virtually guaranteed as there are no decisions about whether to wear or not to wear them 
• Customizable colors! (if you want them)
• May have improved outcome for complex or challenging cases
• Most patients are candidates

Invisalign/Invisalign Teen

• Clear for aesthetic appeal
• Office visits can often be spread out over fewer appointments every eight to twelve weeks
• Easier brushing and flossing
• Most patients are candidates

Drawbacks

Traditional Braces

• Metal (or even ceramic) brackets and wires are visible
• Occasional discomfort from poking wires or brackets that rub the inner portion of the lips
• Broken brackets that cause “emergency appointments”
• Brushing and flossing more challenging

Invisalign/Invisalign Teen

• Participation can sometimes be a challenge – if aligners are not worn, you will see no change
• More limitations for complex treatments and longer treatment plans
• Aligners must be removed for snacking and some teenagers are “always snacking” which reduces their aligner wear time
• Must be removed for eating which can lead to lost aligners

Similarities

• Both will cause some tooth soreness initially as treatment starts
• Both move teeth at the same rate so treatment times are similar
• Both can be used with rubber bands if bite correction is needed
• Both require you to use a retainer when treatment is completed

What’s right for you?

It may be hard to decide on what option to choose - that’s why we offer complimentary consultations!  

We sincerely will never pressure you one way or the other, and we are truly here to help find what option is best for you and your child : )  

I look forward to meeting you!

- Dr. Zach

CLICK BELOW OR CALL US TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION. 

If you have school age children, determining the age of the first orthodontic visit may be confusing. You may see some first graders in braces and you may be wondering: "Why in the world are they wearing braces already? As a parent, am I missing something?"

It is very common for parents to ask me:

What is the best age to bring my child for their first orthodontic screening?

In my opinion, I believe the best time for a first visit is around their 8th birthday. At this age, children have a mix of both adult and baby teeth, and we can start to foresee how their teeth and jaws will line up in the future. Specifically, I am looking for:
- Cross bites (top jaw is too small)
- Excessive crowding or spacing of the teeth
- Overbites and underbites (mismatch of upper and lower jaw size)
- Missing teeth, late erupting teeth, extra teeth, abnormally shaped teeth
- Environmental factors (thumb sucking habits, mouth breathing, etc.)

While there are many things I am looking for at this age, it does not necessarily mean that I will treat them at this age. In fact, for most kids under the age of 11, I recommend waiting.  While every orthodontist is different, I prefer a conservative approach and I firmly believe "less is more" when it comes to orthodontic treatment.

Why do I take this approach? For many bites, we have studies that show we can get the same result if we treat in one stage instead of two. This not only saves time and money in orthodontic treatment, but it gives your kid the chance to be a kid without having braces from age 8 until 13. Additionally, we have to consider these are their adult teeth - they need to have them forever! Hygiene is very important, and I want to give every kid the chance to keep their teeth clean and cavity-free if possible.

Does this mean I wait in all cases? Not at all! It is true - some cases I do recommend a 2 step approach with early orthodontic intervention at age 8-10 years old. Often times, this is for bone growth issues that are best addressed at that age, or for teeth alignment issues that if left untreated will make for a more difficult treatment in the future. If this is the case, I try to do an early treatment for as little time as possible to help correct the problem. Then we can wait and approach the rest as a pre-teen or teenager. I sincerely look at every child as if they were my own, and if there is a situation that I would treat my son or daughter, then I let you know.

I take pride in our conservative approach to early treatment. Best of all, we do not charge anything for an initial screening - our first appointment is entirely free, and you do not need a referral from your dentist to check us out. Feel free to reach out anytime with questions - I am here to help : )

-Dr. Zach

Hi Downers Grove area parents! I know that many of you are aware of Invisalign®, the virtually invisible way to straighten teeth without metal braces, but I’m often asked for more information about Invisalign® Teen, specifically. Parents are curious about how (and if!) these clear aligners can really work for their teens.

Here’s the short answer (TL;DR as the kids are saying) - rather than wires and brackets, Invisalign® Teen uses a series of clear, removable aligners that have been custom-made for your teen’s teeth, a result of precise images I take with the sophisticated iTero Element Scanner. Your teen simply wears these aligners over their teeth and changes them out for a new set of aligners periodically—most often every week. Little by little, your teen’s teeth gradually shift into place.

For those of you who want more information, here are the answers to the top five questions I’m asked about Invisalign Teen. I hope you find it helpful!

1. INVISALIGN TEEN CAN BE AS EFFECTIVE AS TRADITIONAL BRACES.

When worn according to the customized plan I set in place as your child’s orthodontist, Invisalign Teen can be as effective as traditional braces. In fact, the chances are very high your teen will be a candidate for Invisalign as it can treat many of the common issues we see. Call us at (630) 541-3696 to set up an appointment to find out for sure. And, don’t worry, we’ll never pressure you into a decision - traditional braces are often a great choice as well! 

2. THERE ARE PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES OF INVISALIGN TEEN OVER TRADITIONAL BRACES.

With Invisalign, the aligners are removable, so your teen can play sports, musical instruments and eat their favorite foods without the worry that braces will get in the way. Plus, it’s much easier to brush and floss normally in order to maintain proper oral hygiene. If getting into the hard to reach places is already a struggle for your teen, Invisalign aligners may be a good choice over traditional braces. 

3. INVISALIGN TEEN COSTS ABOUT THE SAME AS BRACES.

In our office, our goal is to make treatment affordable no matter which option you choose. That’s why we are flexible with down payments and offer low monthly payments, regardless which path you choose for straightening your teen’s smile. Because of this, we find that the slight variation in cost of treatment is not a deciding factor for most patients. 

4. YOUR TEEN HAS TO WEAR THE ALIGNERS MOST OF THE DAY.

How many hours does that really mean, you ask? Invisalign Teen is most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and changed approximately every week. Simply put, unless they’re eating or brushing their teeth, your teen should be wearing their aligners. 

5. YOU’LL SPEND LESS TIME AT MY OFFICE THAN WITH TRADITIONAL BRACES.

Invisalign Teen often requires less time with your orthodontist than traditional braces do. After the initial appointment, follow-up appointments are usually less frequent and scheduled every eight to twelve weeks. There are minor adjustments to make, but no changing and bending of wires. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign Teen, or curious if your teen is a candidate, reach out! At my practice, all consultations are free and we always present your options so that you can make an informed decision about treatment for your child. 

Just click below to schedule that complimentary consultation. I can’t wait to meet you and your teen! 

- Dr. Zach

Hey parents - we get it. Finding room in the family budget for straight teeth is a challenge amongst everything else going on. Sports uniforms, violin lessons, iPhones, vacations - kids sure are expensive. And I totally understand - I have kids of my own, and there always seems to be something coming up.

As we all plan for 2023, I want to help by giving you some honest and actionable advice to help you save on your orthodontic treatment. It may take a little research, but it will be well worth it in the end!

1. EMPLOYER INSURANCE PLANS COVER TWEENS AND TEENS:

If you are looking at plans for 2023 and your employer offers an option with an orthodontic benefit, the best time to plan is now. Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to see if your child will need braces in 2023. If they do, then you can do the math to see if the extra premium is worth it. If they don't, see if you can get a timeline of when he or she will be ready. This way you only pay the additional premium if you're going to use it. At ZFO we offer complimentary consultations, so there’s no risk of losing cash for the sake of planning ahead - plus, no referrals necessary. : )

2. GO TO AN OFFICE THAT WORKS DIRECTLY WITH YOUR INSURANCE TO SAVE YOU TIME & MONEY:

Many people do not realize it, but not all offices give treat insurance the same. While some offices may work directly with your insurance company to secure your benefit, others will leave you with the responsibility of dealing with the insurance company to collect your benefit. If you go to an office who is not handling your insurance, you will pay more up front for your treatment and be left with the responsibility of doing your own insurance homework. Our office prides ourselves on going above and beyond for your family: we will file the insurance claim, follow up with the insurance, and do all the legwork to ensure your claim is paid to off-set your out-of-pocket cost. Additionally, at ZFO we are in-network with many PPO plans, so you can ensure you are getting the maximum benefit possible for your orthodontic treatment. Call us to see if your plan is one of them. 

3. FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS AND HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS:

FSAs are a great way to take advantage of your employer benefits to help reduce some out-of-pocket costs on teen orthodontic treatment. Visit your orthodontist before you set your FSA limits for 2023 to find out how you can plan your payments. Our financial coordinators are a great resource! HSAs are also a great way to use pre-tax dollars to your benefit to pay for teen orthodontic treatment.

4. PAYMENT PLANS:

Most orthodontists will offer in-house financing with 0% interest on the monthly payments. This can be a huge advantage for a family trying to budget out the cost of braces or Invisalign® for multiple kids, so be sure to talk with the office to see how the payments can be arranged. You may be surprised to find out that offices like ours are willing to finance beyond the treatment time or accept a small down payment as low as a couple hundred dollars. All you have to do is ask : )

5. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY TEEN ORTHODONTIC CONSULTATION NOW:

Timing is everything and you won’t know if your tween or teen is ready for orthodontic treatment unless you get them checked out by a specialized practitioner. Orthodontists receive 2 additional years of specialized schooling above and beyond their dental certification, making them the right person to determine timing for orthodontic care. While some kids are good candidates for early orthodontic treatment around age 8, many more begin treatment closer to age 11 or 12. If your child is approaching this age range, schedule a complimentary consultation with us and we can help you plan your timing! You may not need to look into any of the above until late 2023 as you plan for 2024 - but at least you’ll know. 

At Zach Frazier Orthodontics, we take pride in our ability to make treatment affordable while maintaining the highest standards of care and customer service. How do we do it? Well, frankly, we are different than most offices in that we do the following:

• 100% transparency & no pressure – we are not here to sell you anything!
• Complimentary consultations, with no referral needed
• Time and cost efficiency – shorter treatment times equals less cost
• Latest technology and materials for the best results
• Custom payment options to optimize your FSAs and HSAs
• Low down payments on treatment
• Thorough plans and clear communication from start to finish

As a member of the COMMUNITY, I would not be able to do my job any other way. My patients are your friends, your family, and your neighbors; and we are proud of our reputation. Feel free to send us a text or email - we are here to help you : )

#LOVEYOURSMILE

- Dr. Zach

Many parents we speak to had braces in the past (but didn’t wear a retainer) and lost the straight smile they once had. Many other adults have simply never been happy with their smile. Maybe you’ve never considered orthodontics as an adult because you can’t imagine wearing braces to client meetings or maybe because it’s a big time and financial commitment to undergo years of braces as an adult. 

Whichever boat you fall into, we have good news! Our team doesn’t want any roadblocks in the way of you having a beautiful smile… or having it back again. 

That’s why we’re offering Smile Touch-Up to the adults of our community where Dr. Zach Frazier and our team will address only the elements of your smile that are most important to you. That means shorter treatment times and reduced fees.

People won’t notice you’re wearing them

We 3D print a series of custom clear aligners to straighten your teeth. And, unlike traditional braces that you might have had as a kid, our clear aligners are removable. You take them out briefly when you eat or brush your teeth. Most of the time your aligners will stay in so they can do the work of moving your teeth. The good thing is that they are virtually invisible so people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.    

While we do offer full orthodontic treatment for adults at our practice, we find that many don’t want to make that commitment. Whether it’s financial or time restraints, our Smile Touch-Up is a great option. 

Together we will figure out which elements of your smile are most important to you. We’ll agree on a course of treatment to fix only those areas, and we’ll set an estimated timeline. Because of the limited nature of the adjustments, we are able to improve your smile in a much shorter timeframe than for those looking for full orthodontic treatment. 

You’re not alone

Adults are getting braces and Invisalign clear aligners more than ever before. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says that adults are getting orthodontic treatment in record numbers, and not all of them for the first time either. Not only that, patients are reporting that after treatment they feel better about themselves and their social lives. Most would recommend seeking out treatment for other adults. Major benefits! 

See an Expert

There are many services out there claiming they can mail you aligners and fix your teeth. We strongly believe that even the smallest changes to your mouth should be done under the in-person care of a trained and certified orthodontist. Dr. Zach Frazier is a board-certified orthodontist with extensive training beyond that of a general dentist.  Our team limits treatment exclusively to braces and Invisalign which means you have your teeth in the hands of an expert.

Make sure you know who it is that is making changes in your mouth. What looks like a small fix could domino into major issues without a trained orthodontist looking at the full picture. 

No Obstacles

At Zach Frazier Orthodontics, we have treated thousands of teens and adults with clear aligners. We know what we’re doing and we’ve treated cases that are both difficult (Full Treatment) and simpler (Smile Touch-Up). Our team strives for clinical excellence in a friendly and welcoming environment. We appreciate that you have a busy schedule and will make sure to have you in and out as quickly as possible - time is important to us! …. It’s one of the reasons why we offer Smile Touch-Up.

Speaking of time, most of our Smile Touch-Up appointments are scheduled at 10-week intervals. And, if you’re away for longer periods of time - we’re talking to you, college students - we can even work with you to ensure your geography doesn’t get in the way of treatment with us. 

See your smile before you start!

Want to see what your new smile will look like at your first appointment? At Zach Frazier Orthodontics, we use a high-tech iTero intraoral scanner to take a 3D model of your mouth. Then we use special software to move your teeth right in front of you on the screen!

Ready to Rejuvenate Your Smile? 

If you’re interested in talking about whether you’re a candidate for a Smile Touch-Up with clear aligners click the button below. We’d be happy to explore this option with you, free of charge.

CLICK BELOW OR CALL US TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION. 

Perhaps you have memories of sitting in a dental chair anxiously waiting for a dental impression (dental mold).  Memories of a cold, gooey mixture inching closer down your throat. Memories of drool hanging off the edge of your lip while the mold is held in place. The very thought of it for some people will make them gag!

We have good news for you: meet the intraoral scanner. While this technology has been out for some time, it is still not universally used. Here are some information about what it is and how it will make your trip to the orthodontist much better.

1. What is 3D digital intraoral scanner?

   1. It is a high-tech video camera that captures images of your teeth to create a 3D digital model of your teeth.

2. Does it use any radiation like an x-ray?

   1. No radiation is used - it is simply a video camera that stitches many images together to create the 3D image of your teeth.

3. How long does it take to have your teeth scanned?

   1. It depends on the experience of the user, but in most cases it will take less than 5 minutes to get a full scan of all of your upper and lower teeth.

4. What do you do with the 3D image?

   1. We can use the image in lots of ways. We can use it to diagnose your bite or create 3D printed physical models of your teeth. With the printed models, we can make all sorts of orthodontic appliances and retainers without ever having to take a dental mold.

5. Do you still have to take a mold to get retainers?

   1. No way : ) Our patients do not have to have dental impressions taken at any time.

6. Can this be used for Invisalign clear aligner treatment?

   1. Yes! Additionally the aligners will be better fitting as a 3D intraoral scanner is more accurate than traditional dental molds.

We absolutely love the 3D intraoral scanners in our office. Treatment is dramatically more comfortable for our patients leading to a better experience. Additionally, we are getting more accurate orthodontic appliances which leads to better treatment and reduced time spent at the orthodontist. Finally, it is great form an environmental standpoint as there are fewer steps, fewer appointments, and less waste by using the scanner.

If you're interested in pursuing braces treatment or you are considering Invisalign clear aligner treatment, make sure you visit an orthodontist with a 3D intraoral scanner. You will thank me later ; )

Teeth genetics are weird. There is so much variation in size, shape, and color teeth. There is also a lot of variation when it comes to timing of when baby teeth are lost. We are all so different from one another, with a few exceptions: our teeth are very much like those of our parents and siblings.

Teeth abnormalities are pretty common in the general public, and many people are affected by them. For example, approximately 30% of people are missing at least one tooth. This is most commonly a wisdom tooth. Also, approximately 2-3% of the population has an impacted canine, where the canine is stuck in the bone and does not want to come in. It is more common on the left side than the right side (how weird!) and it is more common in girls than boys (sorry ladies!).

As a parent, it is important to keep this in mind. Are you missing an adult tooth, or was your brother or sister missing a tooth? Do you still have a baby tooth in your mouth? Do you remember having braces to fix an impacted canine? Your kids will be more at risk for similar problems. Impacted canine teeth can damage other adult teeth, and missing teeth can be a dental problem in the future if not addressed early.

So what do you do? It's simple - get a screening early. I recommend having an orthodontic  screening at age 8 to evaluate for these conditions early. We take a panoramic x-ray that looks at all of the developing teeth so that we can see if any of these problems may occur. Most orthodontists do not charge for this screening, and it basically informational to help you understand your child's current or future needs.

Is it OK to have a screening even if you didn't have these problems? Yes - definitely! You may not know that grandma or great-uncle was missing 4 adult teeth. Additionally, we are screening for more than just missing teeth. We look for crowding issues, spacing issues, overbites, underbites, cross bites, and much more.

At the end of the day, please do not lose sleep over any of these issues. Genetics is out of your control, but we are here to help however we can. We can correct impacted teeth, missing teeth, and bite issues in many different ways with braces and Invisalign®. Feel free to reach out with any question : )

Take care and love your smile!
Dr. Zach

Many adults are seeing the awesome benefits from straight teeth. From improved esthetics and self-confidence to improved oral hygiene and maintenance, it is clear that well aligned teeth are an important piece of keeping you feeling healthy and young.

With Invisalign® treatment as a popular choice for adult orthodontic treatment, it is becoming more popular than ever to have straight teeth as an adult. However, there is a common misconception that Invisalign® is doing the work to move the teeth. The truth is this – the doctors getting the best results in the shortest amount of time are the experienced orthodontists with skills in all aspects of straightening teeth and correcting bites.

To get a feel for your doctor’s skill and comfort using Invisalign® to straighten your teeth, here are four questions to ask before choosing the best person to help you with your smile.

1. Are you a specialist at moving teeth?

   Orthodontists are the only dental specialists with professionally, certified training to move teeth. This high-level training extends 2+ years after dental school. If you want to get a better smile and straighter teeth with Invisalign®, why wouldn’t you go to an expert in the field?

2. How many cases have you treated like mine?

   As an orthodontist, I have changed thousands (yes, thousands!) of smiles over my career. Whether it is braces or Invisalign®, there is probably not much I haven’t seen already. Once again, you should look for someone with vast experience in straightening teeth.

3. What if Invisalign® doesn’t work on my teeth?

   To be honest, I am not perfect, and no dentist can be perfect. However, if something isn’t going as planned or a tooth is not moving as expected, I have additional tools and skills to get you to the finish line. If all your doctor knows is Invisalign® and that doesn’t work, what will you do when the result is not what you expected?

4. If you wanted to straighten your teeth or your child’s teeth, who would you go to?

   Besides treating many dentists and their family members, we often treat their team members and their team members’ children! When it comes to getting the best result, ask your family dentist who they prefer for their orthodontic care : )

Keep these in mind as you start your journey to a new smile. Our office offers complimentary consultations to anyone considering orthodontic treatment. So if you want to see what I can do for your smile using Invisalign®, give us a call or send us a message via text or email!

- Dr. Zach

Direct-to-consumer orthodontic treatment has been expanding quickly with new companies entering the market all the time. While it may seem like it is harmless to straighten your teeth on your own, the truth is that unsupervised health care treatment can have negative effects. As an orthodontic specialist and an expert in the art and science of moving teeth to create amazing smiles and healthy bites, I am obviously biased. Nevertheless, I believe as a  professional, it is my duty to my community to shed light on some of the things the DIY companies fail to talk about. Let's break down the three most common reasons people participate with DIY orthodontics from both sides!

First, let's take a look at some of the real reasons someone might consider the DIY option:
1) Cost - all of these companies market against one another for the cheapest solution and thus use the cheapest means to deliver the treatment. However, they don't have many of the costs an orthodontic office has with team members, an office space, and the latest in-office dental technology. This makes for a cheaper alternative to seeing a professional.
2) No appointments - no visits to the doctor's office means that you get to do all the treatment from your home and can progress the treatment as it fits your own schedule.
3) Convenience - for the first molding of your teeth, they will send you materials to your house so you can do the molding yourself. Then, the aligners are delivered directly to you.

While the reasons may seem valid and make sense, there are some issues with this reasoning:
1) Cheaper materials means you will likely get lower quality treatment. While this may not matter at first, when the result is low quality, you may wonder how much money you actually saved for getting a less than ideal result. As they say, you get what you pay for : )
2) When your care is not supervised by an orthodontist, you are responsible for monitoring your own outcome and the side effects of treatment. If you aren't aware of what to look for, you may end up in a worse spot than where you started. For example, you may have closed the gap in your teeth, but now your bite does not fit together. Or you may have corrected that crooked tooth, but now there is excessive gum loss. Orthodontic appointments in our office are typically pretty short and painless - they are worth it to ensure the best result.
3) While it may be convenient to do all of this in your pajamas at home, you should really have a professional exam and x-rays prior to starting. There is a lot of nuance to orthodontic treatment. Even if a company claims you will have a "doctor assigned to you," if you don't know whom he/she is, how can you be sure they really care about your outcome? It is all up to you!

A few other considerations:
1) In our office, we use Invisalign which incorporates a series of attachments on the teeth along with other appliances to ensure a smooth experience and a great result. Attachments are bonded to your teeth to help them move. DIY orthodontics may work for some very limited and minor movements, but chances are if you want a more dramatic change, you will need something more robust to complete the complex tooth movements.
2) Orthodontic treatment can be a significant expense and we acknowledge that. However, we offer very flexible payment plans and we will work with insurance to keep the cost very reasonable. When you break it down, it might not cost that much more to see an orthodontist and in fact, with insurance, it may not be much different than a DTC company's cost.

While DTC orthodontic treatment may be tempting for a few reasons, I encourage you to seek an orthodontic consultation if you are curious about straightening your teeth. We don't charge anything for a consultation, so it is very low risk! We can guide you and educate you on the best way to achieve your goals, and we can save you time and money in the long run.

I have some patients that attempted the DTC route prior to coming to our Downers Grove office, and every single one of them wished they didn't waste the time or money trying to go it alone. The advertising makes it sound so simple and easy. But, how often do you cut your own hair? There are so many things that we could do ourselves, but we know if we trust someone with experience, the result will be so much better!

Now go out there and find your neighborhood orthodontist : )

- Dr. Zach

When you hear the words sleep apnea, you probably don’t think much about kids. However, sleep apnea affects 2-3% of kids, and the symptoms are subtler than they are in adults. Children with sleep apnea may appear totally normal at a physical exam, but there are some signs to watch out for. This list is not all-inclusive, nor does it mean that any one of these indicates a problem. However, if some of these describe your child, it may be a good idea to consult with your family doctor about the possibility that sleep may a problem.

• Snoring – No child should snore – period. An occasional load breath may be heard, but your child should not be snoring or breathing loudly at night on a regular basis. Snoring in children goes hand-in-hand with sleep apnea, and this should definitely be brought the attention of your family doctor.
• Teeth grinding – Grinding teeth at night may be a defense mechanism for the body. If your child is struggling with proper airflow at nighttime (due to a collapsed airway, tonsils, adenoids, allergies, etc.), pushing the lower jaw forward often helps open the airway to allow a better passage of air down the throat. This protective measure for the body is helpful for breathing, but can really cause long lasting harmful effects on the teeth.
• Bedwetting – Typically, by around the age of 5, most kids will be able to sleep without wetting the bed. An accident here or there is much different than an older child who is wetting the bed frequently. Although this can be due to other medical conditions, bedwetting can be linked to sleep disorders as the body fails to awaken when the bladder is full.
• Mouth breathing – While humans are able to breathe through both the nose and the mouth, we are technically “obligate nasal breathers” as a species, meaning we are supposed to breathe through our nose. Deviated septum, allergies, and other nasal airway obstructions can make it difficult to breathe through the nose. Mouth breathing can affect the development of the face, jaws, and teeth position, often times leading to orthodontic treatment to normalize the effects of letting the mouth hang open all the time.
• ADHD – Sleep issues may contribute to problems relating to attention span. When some kids don’t get enough sleep, they actually act opposite of what we would expect – they actually become hyperactive rather than tired. Additionally, they may be irritable, unfocused, and easily distracted, and these consequences can have a very negative effect on school performance. Studies have shown that 1/3 kids with ADHD also snore while sleeping.
• Morning headaches – If your child’s airway is partially blocked while sleeping, the amount of oxygen in the blood will be reduced. This reduction in oxygen level may lead to headaches, specifically in the morning after waking from a poor night’s sleep.
• Sleepwalking and sleep talking – Typically if these are observed, they are usually shortly after going to bed and associated with “confused arousal.” This means that something startles the child awake, but they are still subconscious and may not be fully awake. This arousal may be from other medical conditions, but it may also be from airway obstruction that causes sleepwalking and/or sleep talking.

The bottom line is this – sleep is obviously important for all of us, but many kids with sleep issues are not being identified. As an orthodontist, I am a specialist in facial growth and development, and my job is to simply screen for some of these issues. I can fix some of the side effects on the teeth and jaws, but ultimately a physician (sleep specialist or ENT physician) needs to put all the pieces together to make a diagnosis. So, if you see these issues at home, or your dentist or orthodontist has mentioned some of them to you, make sure to follow up with your physician. Improving your child’s sleep very well could change their life, so the sooner we do it, the better : )

- Dr. Zach

Orthodontics is awesome. Using braces or Invisalign, we have the ability to shape a person's smile over the course of 12-24 months. It's simply amazing to see the transformation in esthetics and bite correction along the way.

Traditionally, orthodontics has been focused on just the teeth - which, I agree, is the main point : ) - but there is so much more to it than just straightening teeth. The teeth, more importantly, are the focal point in the smile. A smile is our own, personal, lifelong asset that is truly unique to us. It conveys emotion to our friends, family, and strangers, and it will show up in photos that capture the most important memories and events of our lives.

It should come as no surprise that with so much emphasis on our smile, some people are truly not happy with it. They may feel they have to hide it, or worse, that others are teasing them in school because of their appearance. This can be very challenging for both kids and adults alike, and this is why orthodontics is so much more powerful than straight teeth.

In the course of wearing braces or Invisalign, we get to see the change in confidence and self-esteem of so many people. It is truly gratifying to know that treatment can affect a person's life in such profound ways. There are many studies that support that orthodontic treatment has positive psychosocial effects, and this is truly what it is all about.

It's about improving lives by improving smiles. It's about feeling confident in all those important moments in life. It's about giving your child more self-esteem in all those awkward years of their young lives. It's about looking back at photos of those milestone days of our lives and really appreciating that each and every one of us has a unique smile, and we should not be afraid to show it : )

- Dr. Zach

Many people are surprised to learn that the teeth continue to move throughout life. This always leads to many questions about retainers and keeping the teeth straight. Let's dive into a few common questions.

Why do we need retainers?
Retainers help keep the teeth straight after they have been aligned with braces or Invisalign. Our teeth are held into the bone by ligaments, and over time as we age, our bones and ligaments change. As these changes occur, our teeth will unfortunately move.Example of teeth that shifted due to lack of retainer wear. We corrected the teeth with Invisalign, and placed a "fixed" retainer glued to the back of the teeth to prevent future shifting.

What types of retainers are there?
Retainers come in many shapes and forms. In our office, we use three main types of retainers. We use "fixed" retainers (AKA glued retainers, bonded retainers, permanent retainers) in many cases to hold the lower teeth straight. We use these retainers often because the lower front teeth tend be the teeth most affected by crowding as an adult. We use clear retainers (AKA Essix retainers, Invisalign retainers) in most cases, and these retainers wrap around the entire surface of your teeth like a mouthguard. In some cases, we use Hawley retainers (AKA wire retainers) which are made of acrylic and wire. Depending on your circumstance, we recommend what is best for you and give you options.

Will may retainers last forever?
We wish they could last forever, but just like anything else - glasses, shoes, etc. - they will wear out over time and need to be replaced. They tend to last longer if they are well maintained and cleaned regularly. If you need to have them replaced or feel that some teeth are shifting, make sure to call us to replace it before teeth move too much.

How long do we need to wear retainers?
The honest answer is you need to wear them as long as you want to keep straight teeth : )  Everybody is different, and some people may experience very minimal shifting without retainers while others will see lots of shifting. Unfortunately, we cannot predict whose teeth will move and whose will not, so many orthodontists now recommend "lifetime retention" to ensure a beautiful, straight smile. Dr. Zach is definitely on board with "lifetime retention" and he still wears his retainers to keep his teeth straight.

Think of this way: If you wear glasses or contacts, you must use them in order to see. They are simply a tool to help you see more clearly. Retainers are essentially the same thing: they are just a tool to help keep your teeth straight. So when you go to bed, you wear retainers as part of your maintenance to your body. It's that simple!

Wear your retainers : )
- Dr. Zach

The first thing anyone asks when they hear they need braces is inevitably "What am I going to be able to eat?!?!" Many people worry that they will not be able to eat the foods they enjoy, and that is not necessarily the truth. Although we encourage that some of the hard foods listed below are avoided, there are ways to still enjoy some of these foods. On the other hand, sticky candy and chewy snacks with high sugar content should be avoided - with or without braces on : )

If you take a quick look at our list below, you will also see items like hard bread, chips, and popcorn. Occasionally, these foods can be eaten, and with careful chewing, these foods can still be enjoyed during your braces journey. You will also note the delicious foods listed at the bottom - apples, corn, chicken legs, and ribs - that can be eaten by just breaking them down into smaller pieces before you take a bite.

So why do we have a special braces diet? Basically, it comes down to two things. The first is that candy and sugary snacks are in the hard, sticky food department, and these foods are not good for your teeth as they promote plaque to form acid on the teeth. The acid can erode the teeth and lead to white scars around the braces. The second is simple - hard and sticky foods will break the braces which leads to more appointments and more time in the braces.

So don't worry - you will still get to eat well as you make the commitment to a straighter smile. Questions about other foods not on the list? Fee free to reach to us anytime - we would be happy to help guide you!

- Dr. Zach

Clear aligner treatment, like Invisalign, is another tool that we use to straighten your teeth and give you an awesome smile. As someone who has gone through Invisalign treatment myself, I can tell you that is relatively easy and well worth the investment. While many people are familiar with braces, we get a lot of questions regarding Invisalign. Here are just a few of our most popular questions:

How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign is a series of clear, plastic retainers that put pressure on the teeth in order to move them. Each one has a small movement built into the shape of the aligner, and progressively over time, the slight changes in shape lead to dramatic changes in your smile and bite.

What are the "bumps" or attachments on the teeth?
For most cases, small attachments or "bumps" are glued to the teeth with transparent dental filling material. This material is the same thing dentists use to fix cavities on your teeth, and they are removed at the end. The small attachments allow for more complex movements of the teeth to ensure we can deliver the result you deserve.

Are my teeth going to be sore?
Any time we apply pressure to a tooth, it will be sore. Teeth don't know whether they are being pushed by braces, Invisalign, or a retainer. The adjustment period is usually about one week at the start of treatment, and it can be easily handled with a softer diet and over-the-counter pain medication.

How often do I wear them?
In order to be effective in changing your smile, they must be worn at least 22 hours per day. There really is no exception to this rule as teeth need constant pressure to change their position. They are removed for eating and brushing, and each aligner is replaced by a new on a weekly basis in most cases.

How long does the total treatment take?
Invisalign treatment time varies based on the complexity of your treatment. Some cases require more movement and bite correction. A typical Invisalign treatment may range from 4 months for small movements to 24 months for complex movements. However, the average time in treatment is usually around 12 to 15 months.

Does dental insurance cover Invisalign treatment?
Yes - if your dental insurance has orthodontic coverage, the benefit may be used for braces or Invisalign. This is great news as you can choose the treatment option that best suits you and your lifestyle. We offer flexible payment plans which makes treatment much more affordable than people expect.

How do I know if Invisalign is right for me?
Invisalign treatment does require excellent participation during treatment, but the benefits are huge! If you would like to change your smile without compromising esthetics or your diet, Invisalign may be a great choice for you. The best way to find out if you are a candidate is to schedule a complimentary consultation with our office.

Want more information about your Invisalign experience with our office? Give us a call or send an email - we are always happy to help : )

- Dr. Zach

1) Why does my child need an expander?
A palatal expander is typically used to widen the upper jaw when it is too narrow compared to the lower jaw. It commonly treats a dental condition known as "cross bite" which is when the top teeth fit inside the bottom teeth. In some cases, expanders are used to create room for teeth that are stuck or impacted.

2) What does an expander do?
A palatal expander widens the upper jaw slowly to correct a bone size problem and make room for more teeth. It works by actually pushing the bones apart on the roof of the mouth, and then holds the bones in the new position while solid bone is created on the roof of the mouth. This new bone that forms will stabilize the correction.

3) What can we expect with our new palatal expander?
It make take up to one week to adjust to an expander. Your child may feel some pressure on the roof of the mouth and on the molar teeth. Your child may also complain that it feels funny to swallow as his or her tongue must adjust to the new appliance. Spacing may occur between the front teeth as the upper jaw widens.

4) Will the expander be painful?
We rarely hear complaints of pain with a palatal expander since are slowing moving the teeth and the bones. Tongue discomfort in the first week is the most common complaint.

5) Are there any eating restrictions?
Hard and sticky foods can dislodge the expander. We recommend avoiding all sticky and chewy candies as well as very hard foods.

6) How long does will the expander stay in place?
Typically, an expander will be in place for about 9 months total time. This may vary from child to child depending on his or her needs.

I hope this information is helpful in answering some common questions about expanders. If you have any other questions or are looking for more information, feel free to send us an email or call for a complimentary consultation. As Downers Grove's community orthodontist, I look forward to helping you and your family : )

- Dr. Zach