31 July

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Damon Self-Ligating Braces – Is There Truth Behind the Advertising?

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

Dear Dr. Stosich,
I recently went to an orthodontist who was talking about a lot of new technological advances that he offers in his office. His website talks a lot about self-ligating braces and the advantages they have over regular braces. It claims my treatment time will be a lot shorter and that they are a lot more comfortable. But is that really true?

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29 July

4 Comments

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Invisalign – Is It Worth the Hype?

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Invisalign

Dear Dr. Stosich,
I just got Invisalign, and after less than a day, these aligners are annoying! I had a button put on for use later when I need rubber bands to help move my teeth better, and the button is a bit cumbersome when taking the aligner trays in and out. It’s also taking a really long time to brush and clean my teeth and trays – is it always going to take me close to 10 minutes every time? That’s a lot of time spent cleaning! I read all about how amazing the aligners are, but I wasn’t prepared for the reality of them. Do you have any suggestions for how I can get used to my aligners?

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21 July

4 Comments

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Is Invisalign Really Worth It? One Patient Explains Her Journey (Video)

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Invisalign

invisalign teen patient explains invisalign hype

Kenilworth/Wilmette, IL – Chances are good that you’ve seen an advertisement or two for Invisalign. The clear aligner therapy is hyped as being quick, easy and comfortable. But does it really provide the results that it claims, in the way that it claims to?

According to many patients, the marketing hype may be just that – hype. One former patient recently shared her Invisalign journey with Dr. Michael Stosich.

“Like many patients, she saw an advertisement and thought Invisalign sounded like the perfect solution to her smile problems,” says Dr. Stosich, who treats patients in the Chicago area. “But unfortunately, many patients finish Invisalign treatment with smiles far from what they had envisioned.”

14 July

6 Comments

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The Truth About Invisalign Attachments

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Invisalign

Invisalign treatment is touted as being the almost invisible and totally comfortable way to straighten teeth. But is that reality? Most patients with more serious malocclusions would probably say otherwise, especially if their treatment involves the use of buttons or attachments.

10 July

7 Comments

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Kenilworth Orthodontist Focuses on Efficiency and Science

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Ortho Questions

Dear Dr. Stosich,

I recently took my daughter to her dentist and he raised some concerns about her orthodontic treatment. He thinks the end result of her treatment may not be the smile the orthodontist said she’d have. Now I’m confused and concerned we are paying for orthodontic treatment that may have just be corrected later.

05 June

7 Comments

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Everything You Need to Know About TMJ

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Adult Orthodontics

What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ Disorder creates jaw and bite alignment problems in people who suffer from it. The temporomandibular joint is a hinge and gliding joint that is one of the most used joints in our body. Patients who suffer from TMJ problems will experience clicking of the jaw at the joints, jaw and/or facial pain, headaches, earaches, locking of the jaw, worn teeth and ringing in the ears.

05 June

3 Comments

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Common Misconceptions About Phase I Orthodontic Treatment

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Children Orthodontics

Dear Dr. Stosich,
My child’s dentist recommended that we see an orthodontist. But my daughter is only 8 – isn’t that way too young for braces?

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08 April

5 Comments

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Are Retainers Really That Important?

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Adult Orthodontics, Ortho Questions, Retainers

Dear Dr. Stosich,
I wear my retainer every night like I’m supposed to, but when I wake up in the morning, I find it somewhere in my bed and not in my mouth. I think my teeth have started moving because the retainer isn’t staying in. Help!Sincerely,
Naomi

07 March

8 Comments

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How To Avoid White Spots During Orthodontic Treatment

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Adult Orthodontics

Have you had friends get braces, only to have white spots on their teeth once the braces were removed? No matter what you may have heard, these spots are completely preventable and it’s up to you to prevent them.

“The main cause of white spots on the teeth during orthodontic treatment is poor oral hygiene,” says Kenilworth orthodontist Dr. Michael Stosich. “Failing to brush properly leads to de-mineralized areas of your teeth. And no matter what anyone may tell you, they are caused by poor brushing and are 100% preventable.”

In order to ensure your mouth stays healthy, it is important to properly brush and floss your teeth. This can be a bit trickier while you’re in braces because the brackets and wires create nooks and crannies where food particles can get trapped. But, it is more important than ever to pay close attention to your oral hygiene while you are in braces.

24 February

6 Comments

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Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Retainers

Posted by Michael S. Stosich, DMD, MS, MS

in Ortho Questions, Orthodontic Appliances, Retainers

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.