Serving Children, Teens & Adults
Dr. Radu believes everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy orthodontic care and a beautiful, straight smile.
At Premier Orthodontics & Dental Specialists, we’re proud to offer a full range of orthodontics for children, teens, and adults at our offices in Elmhurst and Downers Grove.
Braces & Invisalign | Elmhurst & Downers Grove, IL
You can choose from the latest orthodontic treatments at Premier Orthodontics & Dental Specialists, including:
- Invisalign
- Clear Braces
- Metal Braces
Orthodontics for Children
Early treatment is also referred to as interceptive treatment and is done while the jaw is in the right stage of development to where its growth can be guided. We accept patients starting at the age of 7 to monitor their growth and identify the perfect moment to begin treatment.
During early treatment, appliances such as expanders are used to avoid impactions and severe crowding in the future. These appliances are not available to adult patients because the jaw has already finished growing and instead, these patients who have crowding or impacted teeth will need more invasive treatments to achieve the desired results.
Two-Phase Treatment
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The purpose of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your child’s life.
Phase-One treatment helps the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. If children over the age of six are found to have jaw issues, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Also, if children around the age of eight have crowded front teeth, early treatment can prevent the need to extract permanent teeth later.
The second phase of treatment makes sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, the teeth will function together properly. Phase Two usually involves full upper and lower braces. This phase will happen during your child’s teen years.
Orthodontics for Teens
You’ve just heard the three words that every teen dreads: “YOU NEED BRACES!”
Don’t worry! Braces aren’t nearly as scary as you may think. In fact, today they come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors, making life with braces much easier, more comfortable, and even more stylish than in the past.
The amount of time it takes to treat your smile with braces depends on three key factors:
Early treatment — Early treatment allows us to monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend further orthodontic treatment if it becomes necessary. Not everybody receives early orthodontic treatment; in some cases, it may be recommended that a patient waits until later to receive treatment.
What needs correction — The amount of treatment needed to correct a problem will determine how long the process takes. Different patients react to treatments differently: While it may take one patient only 12 months to complete the treatment, another may take 24 months. Treatment times can vary, depending on how quickly your body responds and how much work is needed to give you the show-stopping smile you expect.
YOU! — Your willingness to use the appliances Dr. Radu gives you plays a major role in the length of time it takes to complete your treatment. Always remember to take care of your braces and appliances; this truly will help make your treatment shorter!
Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists states that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21.
Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too. Common reasons why adults are considering orthodontic treatment include:
- A bad bite or malocclusion, which causes teeth to fit together incorrectly
- Teeth are crowded or spaced apart, possibly leading to tooth decay or gum disease
- Abnormal jaw pain or pressure caused by crooked teeth
- The desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile
For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from seeking treatment. However, today’s orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs.
Why Should You Think About Orthodontic Treatment?
- Straight teeth are healthy teeth — Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to keep clean with flossing and brushing and may help prevent other health problems.
- A beautiful, straight smile builds confidence — Orthodontic treatment can boost your self-confidence, giving you a better quality of life and the freedom to smile without holding back!
- Mouths left untreated can get worse — Not receiving orthodontic treatment when it's needed can create long-term health issues that cost you more in the end.
At Premier Orthodontics & Dental Specialists, our team understands that teens, kids, and adults all have different dental needs, so we give each age group personal care.
We’ll work diligently for you to make sure you receive the most appropriate treatment at our inviting offices in Elmhurst and Downers Grove.
Start With a Free Consultation
Start your journey towards a healthy new smile today and schedule your free consultation with our expert and friendly orthodontist, Dr. Corina Radu.
Come to Premier Orthodontics & Dental Specialists and we’ll talk about your options and develop an orthodontic treatment plan designed just for your needs and smile goals.