About Orthodontics

Today, orthodontic treatment is simple, convenient and affordable for patients of ALL ages. And an attractive smile is just one of the benefits. Orthodontic treatment results in correctly aligned teeth that provide ideal jaw function and a great smile! Additionally, your teeth are easier to clean and more resistant to gum disease. Perhaps most importantly, orthodontic treatment almost always provides improved self-confidence.

How Does Treatment Work:
Each patient’s orthodontic condition requires a treatment plan based on a specialized diagnosis of the case. The treatment process involves X-rays, dental impressions and photographs. Braces have one aim: to use gentle pressure to move teeth into proper alignment. Treatment time varies depending on age, patient compliance and the severity of the condition. Generally, treatment lasts for 24 months and is facilitated by ideal patient cooperation.
Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional care required to treat dental problems arising as a result of orthodontic problems. For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your braces come off, you’ll feel more self-confident.

For even more information check out her website at bauerbraces.com

To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call our office at 630-665-5550.
We look forward to hearing from you!

First Visit

We are always excited to meet new patients during their first visit to our office. Your complimentary initial visit will be very enjoyable, relaxed and informative. We will have you fill out a brief medical/dental history and then we will take X-rays to present to the doctor. Dr. Danielle will then evaluate your face and teeth and provide you with a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results. At this time, we will also discuss treatment fees, payment plans and insurance benefits.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your first visit:

• Any panoramic X-ray taken within the past six months.
• If you have orthodontic insurance, bring your insurance card. By providing this information at the first visit, we will be able to give you an estimate of your costs.

We will address the following questions during your initial visit
for orthodontic braces treatment. We encourage you to ask questions as well.

• Is there a condition that orthodontics can address?
• Is treatment needed now, or should treatment be delayed until appropriate    growth, tooth eruption or other factors have occurred?
• What treatment procedures will be used to correct the problem?
• Do any permanent teeth need to be removed?
• How long will treatment take?
• How much will it cost?
• What are my payment options?

Dr. Danielle insists that our patients leave the office with a clear understanding of their specific needs, what the treatment will consist of and how long it will take.When is the best time to begin orthodontics?

Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at ANY age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?

Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?

By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.

What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?

Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:

• Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
• Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
• Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Preserving space for unerupted teeth
• Reducing the need for tooth removal
• Reducing treatment time with braces

Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.

Why should malocclusions be treated?

According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech difficulties. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile—it creates a healthier you.

Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, the orthodontist’s goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.

FAQ

1. Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?

No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.

2. At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.

3. Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

4. How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?

If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office, send us an e-mail or fill out or appointment request form online. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.

5. What will happen at the initial examination appointment?

Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be seen by the staff and doctor who will acclimate you to our office and prepare for the initial exam. We will take the necessary photographs and X-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. The doctor will then complete a brief, but thorough, exam.

6. What will I learn from the initial examination?

There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination:

• Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
• What must be done to correct the problem?
• Will any teeth need to be removed?
• How long will the treatment take to complete?
• How much will the treatment cost?

7. Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?

Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is frequently not necessary for orthodontic treatment.

8. How long will it take to complete treatment?

Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment time lasts from 8 months to 30 months. The “average” time frame a person is in braces is approximately 18 months.

9. How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?

It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have several financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.

10. How often will I have appointments?

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 6 to 10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

11. Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?

Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 6 to 10 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.

12. Can I drop my child off for an appointment?

Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.

13. Do braces hurt?

Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”

14. Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?

Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.

15. Do you give shots?

No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.

16. Do you use recycled braces?

Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.

17. Can I still play sports?

Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.

18. Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?

Yes! As a matter of fact, regular checkups with your family dentist are even more important while in braces. Since we are a general dental office as well as an orthodontic office, we can combine your cleaning appointments with your orthodontic visits every 4-6 months. This prevents you from having several appointments in different locations!

19. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

20. How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.

21. What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?

If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.

22. Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

23. What is Phase One (early) Treatment?

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment usually lasts about 9-12 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.

24. Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?

It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the “resting period,” during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.

25. Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?

A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, nearly 50 percent of all our  patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces!

26. Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?

Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

27. Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?

Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have years of extensive and specialized training beyond dental school that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.

Common Problems

Crowding: Crowding is the lack of space for all the teeth to fit normally within the jaws. The teeth may be twisted or displaced. Crowding occurs when there is disharmony in the tooth to jaw size relationship, or when the teeth are larger than the available space. Crowding can be caused by early or late loss of primary teeth, or improper eruption of teeth.

Spacing: Spacing, the opposite of crowding, is an excess of space for your teeth, resulting in gaps between your teeth. This generally occurs when the teeth are smaller than the available space. Spacing of teeth can also be caused by protrusive teeth, missing or impacted teeth and abnormal tissue attachments.

Overbite/Deep bite: This is the overlap of the upper front teeth with the lower front teeth. The upper front teeth can cover 100% of the lower teeth and result in the lower teeth touching the palate.

Protruding Front teeth: When the front teeth “stick out” further than normal and can cause an imbalance in the lips and facial structures

Openbite: When the front teeth do not touch when biting all the way down. This can be caused by various factors such as thumb sucking, tongue posture, or a skeletal (bony) problem

Underbite: The Upper front teeth are located behind the Lower front teeth

Crossbite: Upper teeth located “inside” the lower teeth

Missing lateral incisors: Lateral incisors are the teeth next to the 2 front teeth and can be missing at birth in some patients. There are options for replacing these, including dental implants

Oral Hygiene

Brushing

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small strip of fluoride toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, move the brush in small, circular motions to reach food particles that may be under your gum line. Hold the toothbrush at an angle and brush slowly and carefully, covering all areas between teeth, between braces and the surface of each tooth. It will take you several minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth. Brush up on the lower teeth, down on the upper teeth and the outside, inside and chewing surface of your front and back teeth. Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth before you rinse.
Especially during orthodontic treatment, brush your teeth four times daily to avoid the accumulation of food particles in your teeth and braces:

• In the morning after breakfast
• After lunch or right after school
• After supper
• At bedtime

You will need to replace your toothbrush more often due to your appliances. As soon as the bristles start to wear down or fray, replace your toothbrush with a new one. It may be difficult for your toothbrush to reach some areas under your archwire. Do not swallow any toothpaste; rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after you finish brushing. It is important to floss and use an antibacterial mouthwash and fluoride treatment throughout your orthodontic treatment and beyond for optimal oral hygiene.

Flossing

For areas between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, use dental floss to remove food particles and plaque. Flossing takes more time and patience when you are wearing braces, but it is important to floss your teeth every day.

Use the reusable floss threader provided by our office to floss under your archwire daily. Pull a small length of floss from the dispenser through the threader and slide it up and down along the front of each tooth. You will be able to feel when the tooth is clean and hear the squeak of the floss against your clean teeth. Use care around your archwire and do not floss too forcefully around it or put too much pressure on it. After you floss between your archwire and braces, floss between your other teeth and gums.
If you are flossing without the floss threader, pull a small length of floss from the dispenser. Wrap the ends of the floss tightly around your middle fingers. Guide the floss between all teeth to the gum line, pulling out food particles or plaque. Unwrap clean floss from around your fingers as you go, so that you have used the floss from beginning to end when you finish. Floss behind all of your back teeth.
Floss at night to make sure your teeth are clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing around your braces, your gums may bleed a little. If the bleeding does not go away after the first few times, inform a staff member at your next appointment.

Interdental Toothbrush

A Proxabrush is an interdental (between the teeth) toothbrush that you may use to clean underneath and around your wires and braces. Use the Proxabrush gently to avoid damaging your wires. The Proxabrush will help you to clean your braces while maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Food to Avoid

FOODS TO AVOID WITH BRACES

When wearing any orthodontic appliance that is cemented to your teeth, such as braces and expanders, you might need to modify your diet to eliminate:

HARD FOODS, such as…

• Ice
• Corn chips
• Hard Candy (Jolly Ranchers, etc.)
• Lollypops
• Peppermint sticks and candy canes
• Lifesavers
• Large pretzels
• POPCORN! Even though it is not hard, the kernels can get caught and pop off a bracket
• Avoid biting directly into hard foods such as apples, carrot sticks, hard bread/bagels. Instead, cut them up and chew them with your back teeth!

STICKY FOODS, such as…

• Gum (especially bubble gum)
• Caramels
• Taffy
• Now and Later candy
• Tootsie rolls
• Starburst
• Licorice
• Skittles

Also, DON’T chew on:

• Pens
• Pencils
• Fingernails
• ETC.

Use common sense when choosing food to put in your mouth. Just because you don’t see it on our list, doesn’t mean it won’t damage your braces! Remember that broken brackets and appliances slow down your treatment.

Emergencies and Life With Braces

Minor Discomfort

It’s not uncommon to experience soreness while wearing braces, especially after the braces are first placed, or after an adjustment. This soreness usually lasts from 1 to 4 days. As a general rule, the same medications that you would take for a headache are also effective for this type of discomfort. Motrin, aspirin, and Tylenol are the typical suggestions. If the patient is under 12, please take care to follow the appropriate instructions for reduced dosage on the label.

The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We will show you how! Salt water rinses are also helpful. Stir 1 teaspoon of salt into 1 cup of warm water.

Care of Appliances

To successfully complete your treatment plan, you must work together as a team with Dr. Danielle and the staff. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if prescribed appliances such as rubber bands, headgear or other appliances are consistently worn. Damaged and unworn appliances lengthen the treatment time.

Brushing

It is more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning.

Broken or poking archwire

If the broken piece of wire can be easily removed, please do so. If it has simply come out of a tube in the back of the mouth, try to reinsert it through the tube with tweezers. If an end has been bent and is poking into the cheek or gum, try cutting the wire with fingernail clippers or electrical wire cutters. Cut as close to the next bracket as possible. If the wire still pokes, and is not too long, cover the end with wax. If you are still not able to able to resolve the poke, give our office a call.

Broken bracket

You have several options with a loose bracket. If it is not an irritation, you may elect to leave it alone until your next appointment. If it is bothering you, you may remove the bracket if it is in a place where you can slide it off the wire. If you cannot remove it and it is still bothering you, call to schedule an appointment to replace the bracket.

Retainer not fitting

If these appliances are not worn regularly as prescribed, they will not fit. Call the office immediately to set up an appointment to have it adjusted.

Loose Herbst, expander, or any appliance which is attached to bands

Call the office to have the band(s) recemented.

Atheletes:

A Mouthguard should be worn to protect the teeth and lips!!

Types of Braces

Orthodontics is more popular than ever. This popularity is due to the overwhelming success of improved treatments and technology. New technology produces better results with fewer visits and shortened treatment times. In some cases, we can eliminate months of treatment time for individuals.
We are proud to use Damon ® brackets (available in metal or clear), which are a passive, self ligating bracket that uses less friction to move the teeth. For our patients, this means enhanced comfort, decreased treatment time and fewer trips to the orthodontist.

Self-ligating braces offer several benefits for patients. They use a self-ligation technique, meaning no “color ties” around the braces, along with using lighter wires and lower friction to result in faster treatment times. In addition to greater comfort, self-ligating braces make it easier to maintain good hygiene because they are easier to keep clean. This contributes to greater health, happiness and physical attractiveness for the duration of patient treatment.

Invisalign:

Dr. Danielle is a Certified Invisalign provider for both adults and teens. Ask us if you would be a candidate for Invisalign!

The Invisalign® System combines advanced 3-D computer graphics technology with the 100-year-old science of orthodontics. Using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners, Invisalign® straightens your teeth without wires and brackets. The aligners are virtually invisible, which means hardly anyone will know that you’re straightening your teeth.
Invisalign® aligners are designed to move your teeth in small steps to the desired final position prescribed by Dr. Danielle Bauer, an orthodontist in Wheaton, IL. Each aligner is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan.
Your first step is to visit our office to determine if Invisalign® is right for you. After sending precise treatment instructions, Invisalign® uses advanced computer technology to translate these instructions into a sequence of finely calibrated aligners – as few as 12 or as many as 48. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and only taken out to eat, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to move gradually, week by week, until the final alignment prescribed is attained. Then you’ll be smiling like you never have before!
If you want to learn more about Invisalign® and how it works, please visit the Invisalign® Homepage.

Early/Two Phase treatment

Some patients may require early intervention to correct potential future tooth and jaw discrepancies

What is the advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment?

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process combining tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The purpose of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, esthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.

What if I put off treatment?
Putting off treatment can result in a need for more invasive treatment later in life that may not completely fix your smile. Early treatment is most effective for achieving lasting results.

Phase — One

Your foundation for a lifetime of beautiful smiles
The goal of phase one treatment is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and to improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Children often exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper that is growing too much or is too narrow can be recognized at an early age. If children, over the age of six, are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Also, if children around the age of 8 have crowded front teeth, early treatment can avoid the need to extract permanent teeth later.

Planning now can save your smile later
Children benefit tremendously from early phase treatment. Receiving early treatment may prevent the removal of permanent teeth later in life, or the need for surgical procedures to realign the jaws. NOT ALL PATIENTS REQUIRE PHASE ONE TREATMENT; it is up to the doctor to determine what is best for each child!!!

Resting Period
In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are left alone as they erupt. Retaining devices may not be recommended if they would interfere with eruption. It is best to allow the existing permanent teeth some freedom of movement. A successful first phase will have created room for permanent teeth to find an eruption path; otherwise, they may become impacted or severely displaced.

Monitoring your teeth’s progress
At the end of the first phase of treatment, teeth are not in their final positions. This will be determined and accomplished in the second phase of treatment. Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may be in the best interest of enhancing eruption during this resting phase. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually on a six-month basis.

Phase Two

Stay healthy and look attractive
The goal of the second phase is to make 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.
At the beginning of the first phase, orthodontic records were made and a diagnosis and treatment plan established. Certain types of appliances were used in the first phase, to correct and realign the teeth and jaw. The second phase begins when all permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 18-24 months. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure you retain your beautiful smile.

Adolescent Treatment

It seems like having braces is just a part of being a teenager. While it is not the case for all adolescents, certainly the vast majority may benefit from orthodontic treatment. A healthy, beautiful smile is an important part of any adolescent’s self-image and confidence. Comprehensive adolescent orthodontic treatment can provide a wonderful smile that lasts a lifetime, an investment which cannot be overestimated.

Fortunately, it is not too late during the adolescent years to change the way that the teeth and jaws come together. At times, it is difficult to determine where a teenager is in their growth and development, so Dr. Danielle may perform additional diagnostic evaluations to determine exactly where the adolescent is on their growth curve, tailoring a treatment plan specific for that individual.

Adult treatment

Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens; in fact, the American Association of Orthodontists sites 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:

• A bad bite, or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
• If the teeth are crowded or spaced apart, possibly causing tooth decay or gum disease
• Abnormal pain, or pressure, in the jaw that is caused by crooked teeth
• To have a healthier mouth and a more confident smile

Treatment options for adults

For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from
receiving treatment. Today’s orthodontic treatment options however, offer a variety of braces
and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs.

Types of braces include:

• Ceramic (clear) braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Invisible braces- Invisalign
• Traditional metal braces

The difference between adult orthodontics and orthodontics for children and teens:

There are actually not many differences between adult and child orthodontics; however, in children and teens the jawbones are still developing. For adults, these bones have stopped growing, which may mean the possibility of orthognathic surgery, in which the jawbones are surgically aligned.

Other differences include:

• Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults are more likely than children to experience gum recession or even bone loss due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. Patients with straighter teeth are less likely to get gum disease.
• Worn or missing teeth — Over time teeth can become worn down and shift into different positions that can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift and tilt creating a bad bite and the possibility of getting gum disease.
• Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen — Many adults received some orthodontic treatment as a child or teen, but never completed their treatment. As an adult, they choose to complete their orthodontic treatment to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they always wanted.

Our practice also recognizes that adults and children have different needs, and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatments, and that your needs are met with understanding, respect, and full commitment from us.

Why should you consider 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 help 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, and end up costing you more in the end.

To learn more about the benefits of adult orthodontics please contact our practice to schedule an appointment. We understand that you have a busy schedule, and we will work with you to make sure each office visit is as convenient as possible.

Orthognathic Surgery

Sometimes bite discrepancies are too large to fix via tooth movement alone. At the root of these problems is often an incompatibility of the jawbone foundations with the upper and/or lower jaws being out of proportion to one another and to the cranial base. In order to fix these issues, orthodontics is utilized to prepare the jaws for a surgical procedure or procedures that will help to establish both jawbone compatibility and bite correction. Both pre-surgical orthodontic preparation and post-surgical orthodontic finishing are essential to the long-term stability and success of treatment. Dr. Danielle works closely with the patient’s dental team to develop the most appropriate treatment plan.

The Prep Work
Before surgery can take place, the teeth are moved into optimal position with orthodontic appliances. New diagnostics are taken, allowing Dr. Danielle to work hand-in-hand with the appropriate surgeon to develop a treatment plan that will improve the placement of the jaws and alignment of the teeth.

The Benefits

Once the patient has sufficiently healed, Dr. Danielle guides the teeth into ideal relationships to establish stable, comfortable and functionally correct tooth positions while optimizing esthetics. The result is a beautifully balanced bite and smile.

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TAD’s)

One of the many important advances in orthodontics has been the recent development of temporary anchorage devices, or TADs.

TADs are made of a bio-compatible titanium alloy and act as miniature bone anchors which are painlessly inserted by Dr. Danielle into specific places in the mouth. These anchors may be used as a fixed point from which teeth can move. Before TADs, orthodontists who wanted to move specific teeth while keeping others still, or to achieve orthodontic movement in a mouth with missing teeth, had to rely on headgear or surgery.

Temporary anchorage devices may not be recommended for everyone, and in fact, are not needed at all in most cases. Please contact our office you would like to know more about TADs and how they can potentially assist in orthodontic treatment.

Retention

When we remove your braces, you will begin the retention stage of your treatment which is the most important. The retention phase lasts FOREVER! Just like your hair and skin, your teeth will change over time. The only way to protect your amazing smile is to wear retainers forever. Most of the time this means wearing a retainer at night only. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.

Contact us:

Dr. Danielle is located in the office of Dettmer & Bauer Dental, at 531 E. Roosevelt Rd, Ste 100 Wheaton, IL 60187

Please call us (630) 665-5550 to set up your free consultation to discuss your treatment goals and options!

Smile Gallery

All treatment completed by Dr. Danielle Bauer