02 March

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How Does Orthodontic Treatment Change Your Face?

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

in Adult Orthodontics, braces, Ortho Questions

Grayslake, IL – There are often many questions associated with orthodontic treatment. One may be, will the braces treatment change the shape of your face? As with everything else in orthodontics, the answer to that depends. Can braces change your face shape? “Orthodontic treatment is unique to each individual, and the changes braces make depend on what was being corrected,” says Dr. Michael Stosich. “Correcting issues such as underbites, overbites, and even open bites can lead to small changes in the facial appearance.” Underbites: This is the name of the malocclusion in which the bottom teeth protrude and come over the upper...

26 July

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Is the Need for Orthodontic Treatment Hereditary?

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

in Ortho Questions, Orthodontics

Round Lake, IL – We often hear phrases relating to the genetics passed on to us from our parents. Things such as “She has her mother’s eyes” or “he has his father’s nose.” But have you ever wondered where your teeth came from? While someone may tell you you have a smile like one of your parents, chances are good they aren’t referring to the teeth themselves. But your genetics and your teeth are closely linked.

10 July

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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.

08 April

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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

24 February

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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.

21 December

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Are Extractions Necessary Before Orthodontic Treatment?

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

in Ortho Questions

Extractions Before Orthodontic Treatment

Dear Dr. Stosich,
My child’s dentist said that he is too old to still have baby teeth, and recommends that we have them all pulled now. He’s only 11, and I’m worried about what pulling teeth too early will do for future orthodontic work. The dentist claims that we should pull the teeth now to make the orthodontist’s job easier. But are teeth always pulled before beginning orthodontic work?

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21 December

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Avoid DIY Orthodontics and Quick Fixes

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

in Ortho Questions

Dear Dr. Stosich,
I’ve got a space between my front teeth that I’ve hated my entire life. I don’t want to get braces just to fix the gap, but a friend recently told me about a video she saw on YouTube, where a woman closed the gap between her teeth with just some rubber bands. It sounds pretty easy, and it would be cheap and save me the headache of having to wear braces and schedule orthodontic appointments. My mom says no way, but I think it’s worth a try. What do you think?

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07 November

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Why Choosing the Right Orthodontist Matters?

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

in Adult Orthodontics, Ortho Questions

Dear Dr. Stosich,
Our family dentist has told us our son needs an orthodontic evaluation. There’s an orthodontist in the same office complex as our dentist, which is a convenient location for us to get to. My wife says we need to research all the orthodontists in our area, though, to find the right one. I think she’s going a bit overboard – aren’t all orthodontists capable of the same things?

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05 October

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Why Pay for Braces as an Adult?

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

in Adult Orthodontics, braces, Ortho Questions

Dear Dr. Stosich,
My wife has been asking me for a few years to get braces. I think it’s a waste of money – she’s had her smile for this long, and it really isn’t this bad. I work hard and I just can’t see why I would need to spend thousands of dollars to just give my wife a prettier smile. It looks fine to me!

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09 September

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Why Braces Are Important For Everyone

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

in Adult Orthodontics, braces, Ortho Questions

Dear Dr. Stosich.,
I have had a crooked smile for what feels like my entire life. I’d love to get braces, but I’m a stay-at-home mom, and my husband doesn’t think we can afford braces. Because he is the one who works full-time, he has said no to my orthodontic work. He said I’ve had the same smile forever, so he doesn’t understand why we need to spend the money now. How can I convince him otherwise?

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