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Orthodontic FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
About Orthodontics
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- Emergency Care
- For Adults
- For Children
- For Teens
- General Orthodontics
- Invisalign
- Orthodontist Chicago IL
- Surgical Orthodontics
- Types of Braces
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear, removable aligners to gradually shift your teeth into alignment without metal brackets or wires. Learn more about our clear aligner treatment on our Invisalign page.
Most teens and adults with mild to complex bite issues, crowded teeth, or gaps are great candidates. We evaluate every patient individually to determine if Invisalign fits their orthodontic needs.
Treatment duration varies per individual, but average treatment time ranges between 12 and 18 months. Patients often notice visible progress within the first few weeks of wearing their aligners.
Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water and brush them gently using a soft toothbrush every day. Avoid using hot water, which can warp the tray plastic.
Aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than plain water, brush, and floss.
Severe pain, swelling, facial trauma, or an injury to your mouth require urgent attention. For immediate guidance, visit our emergency care resource page.
If a bracket breaks loose, cover it with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation and call our office to schedule a repair visit.
Use the clean eraser end of a pencil or a cotton swab to gently push the poking wire flat against your tooth, then place a small piece of wax over the tip until you can visit us for emergency care.
Discomfort is normal after adjustments. Warm salt-water rinses and over-the-counter pain relievers generally ease tenderness within a few days.
Call our practice directly. If an urgent issue arises outside of standard hours, follow our phone instructions to reach our emergency contact protocol.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven. Learn about early evaluations on our page for children.
Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.
Phase 1 treatment guides jaw growth and addresses structural issues early while baby teeth are still present, making future full treatment simpler and faster.
Common indicators include early or late loss of baby teeth, mouth breathing, thumb sucking past age five, crowded teeth, or difficulty chewing properly.
Encourage brushing after every meal, daily flossing using a threader, and sticking to braces-safe foods while avoiding sticky or hard treats.
No, any age is a great age to improve your smile! About one in every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Explore our specialized solutions for adults.
Adults frequently opt for invisible options like Invisalign or clear ceramic brackets, which straighten teeth without obvious metal lines.
Appointments are scheduled weeks in advance and typically take only 15 to 30 minutes every 6 to 8 weeks, making routine care easy to maintain.
Treatment times depend on bite complexity rather than age, averaging between 12 and 24 months for adult patients.
Yes, orthodontic alignment can create proper spacing for implants, bridges, or restorative dentistry while correcting longstanding bite alignment issues.
Braces are used by your orthodontist to help you improve the look and feel of your smile. There are several different types of braces to choose from, including clear braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, self-ligating braces, invisible braces, and traditional metal braces.
The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient, because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between 6 and 30 months, but most standard treatments take about 22 months.
Braces do not often hurt though you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth get used to your new braces.
Metal braces use stainless steel brackets, making them extremely durable, while ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets to blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
During your consultation, we evaluate your clinical needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals to recommend the ideal option from our available types of braces.
Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received two to three years of additional training and experience. Your orthodontist in Chicago, IL is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile.
Simply call our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next appointment at your convenience. If you are a new patient or have been referred to our practice, please let us know and we will provide you with all of the information you need.
No referral is required. You can contact our practice directly to schedule your initial consultation with an expert orthodontist in Chicago, IL.
Your first visit includes digital photos, diagnostic imaging, a comprehensive clinical exam, and a customized discussion of your treatment options and financial plans.
Surgical orthodontics may be used to treat adults with improper bites or other aesthetic concerns. Typically, jaw growth stops by age 16 in females and 18 in males. In order to receive surgical orthodontics, the jaw must be done growing. The need for surgical orthodontics occurs when the jaws do not line up correctly, and a proper bite cannot be achieved with orthodontic treatment alone. Orthognathic surgery will help properly align the jaw, and orthodontic braces will then be used to move the teeth into their proper position.
Your orthodontist can tell you if orthognathic surgery is needed as part of your treatment. Depending on the severity of your case and the alignment of your jaw, you may or may not need surgery.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform your orthognathic surgery, and the surgery will take place in a hospital. Orthognathic surgery can take several hours depending on each individual case. Once the surgery is complete, you will have about a two-week rest period. Since orthognathic surgery is a major treatment, we recommend that you schedule some time away from work and school during the healing process. After your jaw has healed, your orthodontist will once again “fine-tune” your bite. After surgery, you will have to wear braces, and most braces are removed within six to 12 months following surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to help maintain your new smile.
As with any major medical surgery, there may be certain risks of having orthognathic surgery. However, the process of orthognathic surgery is not new, and it has been performed for many years in practices and hospitals. If you’re concerned about an upcoming treatment with orthognathic surgery, please contact our practice and let us know. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have, and provide you with any additional information. Your comfort is important to us.
For many patients, the most important reward of having orthognathic surgery is achieving a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Whether you need orthodontic treatment to correct a bad bite, malocclusion, or jaw abnormality, orthognathic surgery can help restore your confidence and leave you smiling with confidence for many years to come.
ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day. Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
If you take out your retainer to eat, make sure you brush your teeth, floss, and remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost or broken. Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also soak it in denture cleaner as instructed by your orthodontist. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.
During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar, which increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth, causing more plaque and possibly cavities. Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes), or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc.). Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.
With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn’t able to reach. Your orthodontist can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.
Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up that can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.
By the early teenage years, most permanent teeth have fully erupted, but the jaw is still growing. This makes it the most effective and efficient time to correct bite issues, align teeth, and shape a healthy smile. Learn more about adolescent treatment on our orthodontics for teens page.
The “best” option depends on your teen’s clinical needs, compliance, and aesthetic preferences. We offer traditional metal braces for ultimate durability, clear ceramic braces for a more discreet look, and Invisalign clear aligners for teens who want a removable, invisible option.
Absolutely! Teens can continue all their extracurricular activities. For contact sports, we highly recommend a specialized orthodontic mouthguard. Woodwind or brass instrument players may take a week or two to adjust to their appliance, but they will be playing normally in no time.
If your teen has traditional or clear bracket braces, they will need to avoid sticky, chewy, and hard foods (like caramel, popcorn, or whole apples) to prevent breaking a bracket. If this is a major concern, Invisalign may be a great alternative, as the trays are removed during all meals.
Treatment length varies based on the complexity of the case. On average, teen orthodontic treatment lasts between 12 to 24 months. Following all care instructions and keeping up with adjustment appointments at our Chicago orthodontic practice will ensure the fastest possible treatment time.
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Latonya HillTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I absolutely loved my experience if your someone looking to get braces and arent 100% sure they will help you everyone is very knowledgeable everyone is so nice and pleasant i didn't feel 100% confident in my smile before i came due to some minor issues and after i did my consultation i left feeling more confident in moving forward with getting braces from the staff to the doctors they are all great all smiles all happy great vibe i cant wait to go back to get my braces Im excited and I'm glad i found a great place to help me even when it came down to explaining how much things would cost it was broken down great i highly recommend anyone to go here great place and you wont be disappointed ❤️Posted on Google
Laurenton GhentBraces by Barnes staff including both Dr. Barnes were very professional and down to earth at the same time. They made me feel comfortable and confident about my braces. The process was detailed from consultation to every visit. Well worth the review.Posted on Google
Sharon CooperI love Dr. Ashley Barnes! She’s extremely professional and caring. I love how my Invisaligns. Would definitely recommend her officePosted on Google
Torry DunbarEverytime I visit Braces by Barnes my experience Is very welcoming. The best experience from a Dentist I ever been to. Everybody is professional, pleasant and eager to address all of my Dental concerns. Very clean place Thank you Braces by BarnesPosted on Google
Ericka OliverI’m not sure why they only have 4.7 stars, because they definitely deserve 5 stars. The environment is amazing. Everyone is friendly which makes your experience even better. You feel more at home then at a dental appointment. The facility is very clean and the staff is just amazing. The prices are affordable, an they work with you with no hassle. My mouth was shaped like a horse because how far my teeth stuck out an now my mouth is shaped like a human mouth. Lbvs. I refer them to everyone looking to get corrections. If your looking for a place to call your orthodontist to home, stop looking an join the Barnes family.Posted on Google
Wendy EmbryFriendly! Accommodating! Professional! Everyone here is so nice and the office is very clean!
