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Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance (AGGA) – Grand Claims, But Scary Results

Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance AGGA

Grayslake, Round Lake, IL – Snake oil salesmen are everywhere, and the orthodontic industry isn’t immune. There are appliances and devices that make grand claims, such as being able to speed up treatment, or correct your smile without surgery, and any number of other claims. But do these work as some claim?

How Do Palatal Expanders Work?

palatal expander

Grayslake, IL – Palatal expanders seek to accomplish exactly what the name says – expand the palate. But how exactly does it work, and will your child need one?

A palate that is too narrow can lead to crooked and overcrowded teeth. A palatal expander can be a wonderful option for younger orthodontic patients who have jaws that are still growing. The expander can work to widen the palate to allow for teeth to be realigned with adequate space.

What Are the Benefits of a Palatal Expander?

Palatal Expanders

Grayslake And Round Lake, IL – The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit the orthodontist for the first time around the age of seven. For some people this may seem too young, but it is the ideal time for several reasons. The most important reason is that by starting a relationship with an orthodontist early, the orthodontist can take advantage of a jaw that is still growing.

Could You Benefit from MSE Mini-Screw Expansion?

MSE Mini Screw Expander

Kenilworth, IL – A narrow upper jaw is a very common issue that orthodontic patients of all ages can face. Younger patients have the benefits of a jaw that is still growing, so orthodontists can work to expand the still-growing jaw. For these patients, their upper jaw hasn’t fused together yet, so a palatal expander can easily widen the upper jaw. But what happens in older patients who do not have this benefit? In the past, the answer was usually surgery, utilizing a more invasive procedure called surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion to correct their jaws. Today, however, maxillary skeletal expanders...

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What is a Lower Lingual Holding Arch?

Lower Lingual Holding Arch

Kenilworth, IL – Every orthodontic patient presents with a slightly different malocclusion – that is because each orthodontic issue is as individual as the patient is. But luckily for patients seeking out orthodontic treatment today, there are a variety of technologically advanced treatment options to help correct their issues. One appliance that Dr. Michael Stosich uses is the lower lingual holding arch.

Will Certain Braces Eliminate the Need for Extractions or Expanders?

palatal expanders

Kenilworth, IL – Self-ligating braces have become a more popular orthodontic treatment option recently, thanks in part to the marketing behind them. Makers of these braces claim faster and more comfortable treatment times. But they also make the claim that self-ligating braces can eliminate the need for tooth extractions or the use of palatal expanders.

Dr. Michael Stosich, an orthodontics expert in the Chicago-area, believes these claims are not accurate, however.

What is Mandibular Advancement?

invisalign mandibular advancement

Kenilworth, IL – Overbites are one of the most common malocclusions affecting the population. In fact, it is estimated that as many as 45% of the population may have some degree of an overbite. Severe overbites may not only make a person self-conscious about their appearance, but can have a negative impact on their daily lives.

When Are Temporary Anchorage Devices Needed?

tad

For orthodontic patients with certain malocclusions, braces alone cannot create the ideal bite needed for a healthy and stable smile. Orthodontists use appliances such as headgear and elastics, and in extreme cases even surgery, to ensure patients have properly functioning bites. Temporary anchorage devices are a great tool many orthodontists use instead of headgear or surgery for eligible patients.

Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Retainers

Retainers Guide

1- Retainer 101 – Why do patients need retainers, when are they used, why are they important?

    • Why are retainers used in orthodontic treatment?
      Retainers are used to retain the new teeth position after the smile has been corrected through braces or iDentity clear aligner treatment.
    • Why are retainers sometimes used before braces treatment?
      Retainers are not used prior to braces. Phase 1 orthodontic appliances may resemble retainers, however, they are not – retainers are used only after treatment to ensure the teeth retain their new locations.
    • Why are retainers so important during orthodontic treatment?
      Retainers are a crucial part of your orthodontic treatment. If you have worn braces or had iDentity clear aligner treatment, you’ve worked hard to ensure a beautiful smile at the end of that treatment. But, if you won’t wear your retainer exactly as your orthodontist recommends, you may see that smile start to slip away.

AcceleDent Doesn’t Live Up To Claims

If you are in braces treatment, chances are good you’ve fantasized a few times about a magical way to speed up your treatment so you can enjoy your new smile. The manufacturers of orthodontic device AcceleDent claim they have it. Kenilworth and Grayslake orthodontist Dr. Michael Stosich says don’t be fooled by great marketing. “AcceleDent is a handheld device that fits over your braces and emits gentle pulses that its makers claim speed up orthodontic treatment,” says Dr. Stosich. “There’s one problem with that, however – no study published in a peer reviewed publication supports these claims. The only studies that...

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