Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Wazio Orthodontics

Timing is everything…especially when it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment. Early orthodontic treatment is a great way to spot any problems within your child’s developing mouth and treat them before they turn into lifelong problems.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child’s first check-up with an orthodontist be performed when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, but no later than age 7. By age 7 your child has enough permanent teeth for Dr. Wazio to evaluate the developing teeth and the jaws.

Early intervention is one of the most rewarding treatment options that we offer here at Wazio Orthodontics. Early intervention allows Dr. Wazio to determine how and when a child's jaw and/or dental problems should be corrected for optimal results.

While there are many orthodontic problems that orthodontists agree are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in, early intervention can be in your child’s best interests if their problem is one that could become more serious over time if left untreated. The major advantage of early intervention is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic results that will remain stable throughout your child’s life. In some cases, early intervention prevents adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Improves Confidence - It is natural for your child to struggle with self-esteem when they are growing up. Having crooked teeth can sometimes cause these insecurities resulting in your child having negative feelings towards their smile. Braces allow children to regain their confidence knowing that straight teeth are on the way.

Improves Speech - When a child has difficulty speaking, oftentimes people don’t link it to their teeth. However, if your child’s teeth or jaw are not properly aligned that could be the main cause of their speech difficulties. Correcting the alignment of the teeth and jaw while a child is still developing is the best way to ensure speech problems won’t follow them throughout their life.

Improves Oral Hygiene - With straight teeth your child is better able to thoroughly clean their entire mouth and reach those hard-to-reach areas. Straight teeth enable your child to floss with ease to ensure their mouth has been properly cleaned. Children who suffer from crooked teeth are much more likely to get tooth decay due to it being harder to brush. Braces and preventive dentistry are the best ways to ensure your child’s oral health is on the right track.

Improves Digestion - Having straight teeth and an aligned jaw allows your child to easily chew their food. Breaking food down into smaller pieces is best for their digestion, which in turn helps their overall development.

Improves Headaches and Neck Pain - If your child has frequent headaches or neck pain, it could be due to teeth grinding that they might not even be aware of. Grinding of the teeth is likely caused by an unaligned jaw. Through the help of braces, your child’s jaw will be shifted into its optimal placement which will relieve them of uncomfortable symptoms.

Improves Oral Habits - Thumb sucking is a natural reflex from birth to around age five, however, it is common for some children to suck their thumbs later on in life. If your child continues this a thumb sucking habit past the age of six, they are at a much greater risk of causing detrimental damage to their teeth. Braces are a fantastic way to break this habit for your child.

Early orthodontic treatment can take many forms. Dr. Wazio may prescribe a fixed or removable appliance used to move teeth, change the position of the jaw, or hold teeth in place in order to bring about desirable changes. Regardless of how treatment goals are reached, the bottom line is that some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.

Early Treatment may be recommended if your child has any of the following orthodontic issues:

• Underbite 
• Crossbite 
• Crowded Teeth 
• Excessively Spaced Teeth 
• Extra or Missing Teeth 
• Thumb or Finger Sucking that is Affecting the Teeth or Jaw Growth

Children between the ages of 7and 10 are best suited for early treatment. Treatment usually lasts 4 to 12 months after which the child is monitored and the decision as to the need for a second phase is made.

To give your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile, visit Wazio Orthodontics today. No referral needed! Our office provides an initial consultation at no cost and with no obligation.

Wazio Orthodontics is located in Batavia and St. Charles, Illinois. We have been serving our community for many years and offer our patients the opportunity of affordable orthodontic services. We offer our patients the option of either getting traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign. We strongly endorse interceptive care for our younger patients, but no matter what your age, we are committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve.

 

10 Common Orthodontic Questions

Wazio Orthodontics

If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment for you or your child, you might have some questions. Below are the top 10 questions the team at Wazio Orthodontics has gotten from patients who are just starting their smile journey. 

1. How soon can I bring my child in to see Dr. Wazio? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends bringing your child to see an orthodontist by the time they turn seven years old. Bringing your child to see an orthodontist this early on, can save you money and time later. Most kids at this age will not need any treatment. However, Dr. Wazio can provide preventative treatment by detecting any problems early. 

2. How old should you be to get braces? As we mentioned in the answer to question 1…The American Association of Orthodontics recommends every child be seen by an orthodontist as early as age 7. This does not necessarily mean your child will need braces at age 7, but it does mean that an orthodontist has checked everything to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary. In general, there is no specific age for kids to get braces, but braces are typically recommended for children between the ages of 9 and 13. However, you can get braces at any age! So, all of you adults out there wanting to better your smile, be sure to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Wazio today.  

3. How much do braces cost? At Wazio Orthodontics, prices vary depending on treatment options and insurance plans. Our team will discuss the cost of your treatment and your payment plan options during your initial consultation so that you can make the best choice for you, and your smile. 

4. Can my child’s dentist provide orthodontic treatment? While your dentist can offer orthodontic care, they typically refer complicated cases to an orthodontist who specializes in this kind of treatment. An orthodontist can provide prevention, diagnosis, and correction of misaligned teeth and bite patterns. A dentist can refer you to an orthodontist, but you do not need to have a referral from a dentist to make an appointment to see Dr. Wazio.  

5. How long will I need to wear braces? Each patient’s treatment time is different based on the severity of their case. As each case is different, the duration of wearing braces varies from patient to patient. Factors like age, type of problem, and treatment plan affect how long a patient will need to wear braces. When you schedule your consultation with Wazio Orthodontics, we will give you your estimated treatment time before you decide to get started. However, to insure you complete your treatment on time, it is important to keep your scheduled appointments. Delays in adjustments can slow progress and result in extended treatment time. 

6. How often do I have appointments? Towards the beginning of treatment, we typically see most patients every 8 weeks. As treatment progresses, we will start seeing patients more often between 4-6 weeks. 

7. Do braces hurt? Getting braces placed does not cause the patient any pain. Initially the braces do feel like they "stick out". This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and your tooth alignment improves, this sensation will disappear. You will probably notice some discomfort beginning a few hours after your braces are placed. Some teeth, usually the front teeth, may be tender and sensitive to pressure. You may wish to take non-prescription pain remedies commonly taken for other discomforts such as headaches. 

8. What can I eat with braces? Eating with braces at first can be a bit tricky while adjusting to your new eating habits. We recommend staying away from anything hard or crunchy to help avoid breaking a bracket or wire. Watching your sugar intake is also key while wearing braces to avoid cavities and decalcification. 

9. How do I care for my braces? Caring for your braces means caring for your overall dental health. The brackets and wires of your braces provide food and plaque with the ideal hiding places, making you more susceptible to cavities if they are not cleaned. We recommend brushing your teeth about three times a day and flossing at least once a day while wearing braces. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the top, bottom, and sides of your braces. It would also help to use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing with braces. A fluoride rinse is also recommended to help prevent against cavities. 

10. Do I Still Need To Go To My General Dentist During My Orthodontic Treatment? Yes. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, visiting your general dentist for normal check-ups and cleanings is a key to braces success. During professional cleanings, the hygienist will use special tools to remove hardened plaque (tartar) that you can’t eliminate at home by brushing and flossing.

Still have questions? Contact Wazio Orthodontics today. We can answer all of your questions…we even offer Complimentary Consultations!

5 Things You Didn't Know About Your Teeth

Wazio Orthodontics

When it comes to our teeth, many of us still have a thing or two to learn. Here are 5 facts about your teeth that you might not know.

1. Your enamel is the hardest part of your body - Tooth enamel is the thin outer covering of a tooth. It covers the crown of the tooth, which is the part you can see outside of the gums. Like a hard shell, enamel’s primary purpose is to protect the rest of the tooth. Enamel is mostly made of calcium and phosphate, like your bones, but is stronger because of the specific proteins and crystallites that form it. Even though it is there to protect your teeth, the enamel can still chip or crack, and it is not safe from decay. Sugars and acids, like those found in soft drinks, interact with bacteria in your mouth and attack your enamel, which marks the start of tooth decay. Soft drinks are particularly damaging when you drink them often, or slowly throughout the day.

2. Yellow means decay – When you think of reasons your teeth might be looking yellow, your first thought likely goes to stains. And while teeth can get stained by food and drinks, these stains are not the only reason your teeth might change color. As we stated above, your tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in your body, but it isn’t impenetrable. After the first stage of demineralization, the bacterium in your mouth continues to break down your tooth enamel further. At this point, you might notice that your teeth have a yellow or grey color to them. This happens when the enamel breaks down to the point where the dentin below shows through. Dentin is a layer of material that lies immediately underneath the enamel of the tooth. Dentin does not have any living cells, so it can’t regrow. And unlike your outer enamel, fluoride treatments won’t help restore damaged dentin. Once these yellow or grey-colored stains appear, they are irreversible.

3. Your mouth is home to 300 types of bacteria - Plaque contains millions of bacteria, made up of 200 to 300 different species. The main culprit for poor tooth health is Streptococcus mutans, which converts sugar and other carbohydrates into the acids which eat away at your teeth. White and sticky, Plaque is constantly growing. If you don’t remove it regularly by brushing and flossing, it can cause tooth decay. Without removal, plaque hardens and develops into tartar. So, brush and floss at least twice daily and see your dentist for regular cleanings.

4. Your teeth cannot repair themselves - When a tooth suffers damage, it loses dentin, the hard, bony tissue underneath the enamel that forms the bulk of the tooth. Each tooth’s stem cells produce new dentin, in an attempt to repair the damage. However, this innate repair mechanism has its limits and can only manufacture tiny amounts of tissue while combating a cavity, injury, or infection. Therefore, under normal circumstances, teeth cannot heal themselves. If your teeth need repair and you’re wondering whether they will repair themselves, it is going to depend on the type of tooth damage present. While most tooth problems are going to need a dentist to repair them, there is a possibility that your teeth can heal on their own. If your teeth are getting worse, then it is highly unlikely that your teeth are going to heal by themselves.

5. Your teeth are an indicator of your overall health - One in 7 adults aged 35 to 44 have gum disease. For adults older than 65, that increases to 1 in every 4. Evidence is surfacing that shows oral health issues may be an indicator of other health issues. Research shows that problems in your mouth can have effects on the rest of your body and lead to other health complications. Poor oral health conditions have also been linked to type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases. We now know that poor oral health puts people at higher risk for infections, including pneumonia. Since a healthy mouth is a significant factor in your overall health, it is important to maintain good oral health. You can take care of your teeth and reduce bacteria and inflammation by brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. We recommend you visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and keep them informed of any changes in your overall health. If you have any concerns about your teeth or gums, we ask that you contact us right away.

You use your teeth to bite, chew and talk countless times throughout your day. It's easy to take your teeth for granted, but healthy teeth and gums are critical contributors to your overall good health. If you have any questions about oral hygiene or your dental health, please give Wazio Orthodontics a call.

 

Can You Get Braces From Your Dentist?

Wazio Orthodontics

A question we are often asked is, “Can my general dentist give me braces?” The simple answer is no.

While orthodontists and dentists help patients improve their oral health, they do so in very different ways. Dentistry is a broad medical specialty that deals with the teeth and gums, while orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on correcting bites.

The main similarity between a dentist and orthodontist is that they both focus on oral care. They are both considered doctors, and both deal with the teeth and gums…so in this respect, they are quite similar.

Orthodontists and dentists undertake the same training initially, but orthodontists, like Dr. John Wazio, complete further training after they graduate from dental school to become qualified in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of orthodontic problems. Dentists are trained to treat decayed teeth and remove failed teeth. Dentists look for abnormalities in the mouth and teach patients how to prevent dental disease. Orthodontists specialize in helping patients with the alignment of their teeth, improving their bite through braces and other corrective devices.

Another important distinction is that an orthodontist is a specialist in their field. Orthodontists must limit their practice to orthodontics. As a result, your orthodontist is best suited to treat and care for you or your child's orthodontic needs. While a dentist may be trained to provide some orthodontic care in addition to extractions, TMJ treatments, and fillings, trusting your smile to an orthodontist can better balance the different procedures you may require.

There is definitely some overlap between a dentist and orthodontist. Think of it this way...all orthodontists are dentist but very few dentists have undergone the extra 2 to 3 years in a certified orthodontic specialty training program which is required to become a specialist in orthodontics.

What is an Orthodontist? An orthodontist is a licensed dentist who specializes in the improvement of dental flaws such as overcrowded teeth, crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites. To become an orthodontist, a dentist must complete at least two additional years of coursework that is specific to the field of orthodontics. An orthodontist evaluates your bite to determine the best solution for your needs, such as braces. A dentist may refer patients to their preferred orthodontist if it is determined that further oral care is needed beyond the scope of general dentistry.

Common orthodontic issues such as crooked or misaligned teeth are not just unattractive, superficial concerns. They can contribute to a number of more serious problems, including headaches, lockjaw, speech impediments, and bone destruction, just to name a few. That’s why it’s important to talk to your general dentist to see if orthodontics is recommended.

The benefits of having an orthodontist work on your smile goes beyond having a beautiful smile. Well-aligned teeth make it possible to bite, chew and speak effectively. Not everyone needs to have orthodontic treatment, but it may be required if you have any of the following issues:

Overbites: An overbite, or buck teeth, occurs when your top front teeth extend beyond your bottom front teeth. Many people have a slight overbite. A more severe overbite may lead to tooth decay, gum disease or jaw pain.

Underbites: An underbite is when the bottom teeth extend forward, giving the appearance that the jaw is pushing outward from the mouth. Not all underbites are the same. In a mild case, you might not be able to detect it from the outside. In severe cases, the jaw protrudes outward so far that it can be noticeable to others.

Crossbites: A crossbite is where upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. This misalignment can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth, involving the front teeth, back teeth, or both. Normally, your upper teeth are wider and sit on the outside of your bottom teeth. Each upper tooth touches the matching lower tooth so that the force from chewing or clenching is evenly spread across your mouth. If you have a crossbite, these movements may cause irregular wear and damage to your teeth.

Spacing Issues: Spacing is an excess of space for your teeth which results in gaps between your teeth. This occurs when the teeth are smaller than the available space. Spacing can also be caused by protrusive teeth, missing teeth, impacted teeth or abnormal tissue attachments to the gums.

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.

Misplaced Midlines: A Misplaced Midline is an asymmetry issue where the center of the two upper front teeth and the center of the two lower front teeth do not align. Ideally, the midline of the teeth should align with the center of the nose or the midpoint between the two eyes.

If you are looking for more information on how an orthodontist, like Dr. Wazio, can help you with your bite and tooth alignment, and transform your smile, contact Wazio Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation. We have two convenient locations to serve you and your family…one in Batavia and one in St. Charles. Our goal is to help each and every patient achieve their dream of straight teeth and a beautiful smile. We hope to hear from you soon!

We appreciate your trust and allowing us the opportunity to meet your orthodontic needs. We love to see our patients smile. It is our mission to create a quality smile for each person we see. To learn more about the difference between dentists and orthodontists, or to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Wazio, please give our team a call.

Benefits of Invisalign Clear Aligners

Wazio Orthodontics

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, you’re probably trying to decide between traditional metal braces and Invisalign. You have most likely heard that Invisalign looks better, but does Invisalign work as well as metal braces? Can you actually achieve the smile you have always wanted with these thin, plastic aligner trays?

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using custom-made aligners created just for you. The aligner trays are made of smooth plastic making Invisalign much more comfortable than traditional metal braces. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements Dr. Wazio has planned out for you.

Not only is Invisalign effective, but the aligners are nearly invisible and can be worn without detection. This is an especially great option for patients of all ages who want to live life without the brackets and wires associated with traditional braces.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?

• Virtually Invisible - No one wants to draw attention to the fact that they are undergoing orthodontic treatment. With Invisalign most people won’t even know you are wearing the aligners. The Invisalign aligner trays made with thin, clear plastic that is almost invisible. Invisalign is more discreet than any other option on the market.

• Effective - Invisalign is made from an advanced SmartTrack material, for more predictable, controlled tooth movements. Which means that Invisalign is just as effective as metal braces for almost all orthodontic cases. While there is still a small number of patients with complex issues that need to be treated with traditional braces, Invisalign has become a viable option for almost every child, teen and adult who wants straighter teeth and a better bite.

• Invisalign Is Comfortable - Invisalign aligners are made with smooth plastic that fits snugly against your teeth. There are no brackets rubbing against your cheeks and wires poking into your soft tissue.

• Fewer Office Visits - Because there are no wires to tighten, you only need to be seen in our office about every six weeks. With Invisalign, you simply switch to a new set of aligners in the comfort of your own home. Other teeth straightening options can take much more time and many more appointments.

• Shorter Treatment Times – Treatment time depends on your willingness and ability to wear your aligners for a minimum of 20 hours a day. If you can adhere to this, your treatment time may be comparable to that of metal braces. Most Invisalign patients wear their aligners for 12 to 18 months and they receive between 20 and 30 sets of aligners.

• Eat Whatever You Want - With traditional metal braces, there is a long list of foods to avoid. Hard foods can cause traditional metal brackets to break when you bite into them, while chewy foods easily get stuck on, in, and around your brackets and wires, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. However, with Invisalign, you will never have to worry about what you eat. Because the aligners are removable, you can just take your aligner trays out before eating meals and snacks and put them back in place when you are done.

• Oral Hygiene Is Easier - Metal braces make oral hygiene extraordinarily difficult. Brushing and flossing around brackets and wires takes a lot of time and patience. With Invisalign, oral hygiene is as easy as removing your aligners and brushing and flossing as usual. The aligners can also be cleaned with a soft bristled toothbrush or soaked in a cleaning solution that is specially formulated to disinfect your Invisalign aligners.

• Covered By Most Insurance Plans - Ask your dental insurance provider to see if Invisalign is covered by your plan. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be covered by your health insurance rather than dental. If your insurance plan does not cover Invisalign, consider using FSA or HSA funds towards the cost of your treatment. 

The results speak for themselves. Invisalign leads to beautifully straight teeth and a wonderful smile. If you want a straighter smile but don’t want to spend years of wearing traditional metal braces, Invisalign may be the perfect option for you. Invisalign is the only clear option that is free of brackets and wires. Invisalign allows you to work, eat, and participate in social situations worry free! All while giving you a perfect smile.

If you are considering Invisalign treatment, please call one of our conveniently located offices in Batavia and St. Charles to schedule your initial Invisalign consultation with Dr. Wazio and learn how you can benefit from Invisalign!

Only an orthodontist who has been trained and certified by Align Technology can diagnose and treat using Invisalign. At Wazio Orthodontics, we are a top provider of Invisalign and have years of experience permanently correcting alignment issues in a shorter time than traditional braces.

Why You Need Orthodontic Care

Wazio Orthodontics

Oral health is a window into your overall health. Orthodontic treatment helps ensure proper function of teeth and creates healthy smiles. A good bite makes it easier for you to chew and speak. Teeth that are misaligned are harder to clean and can cause abnormal wearing of tooth enamel which can lead to extensive and expensive dental procedures. Orthodontic treatment can yield life-enhancing results: better function (biting, chewing, speaking).

In the simplest terms, orthodontics refers to “straightening” your teeth. While this may not sound important, it actually has a significant impact on your oral health and appearance. People who have crowded or crooked teeth often develop issues with their gums and jawbones which can lead to pain and discomfort. If the teeth are crooked, they can begin to grow in funny ways. This can lead to more issues down the line such as chipped or worn tooth enamel. Gum recession and fractures around the roots of your teeth where it attaches into your jawbone can also occur. You may even discover worse problems with decay from food being trapped between uneven surfaces. 

In addition to being uncomfortable or causing issues with eating and speaking, crooked teeth have been known to cause other health problems such as headaches from pinching on nerves. Crooked teeth can even cause back pain from a misaligned bite which puts pressure on the spine. In some cases, it can also cause issues with your sinuses due to poor air circulation in and out of the nose. While these are not always directly related to crooked teeth, they may be exacerbated by them so it’s best to get those pearly whites straightened out!

The bottom line is that orthodontic care is not something you should avoid. If you recognize any of these signs or concerns below in your child or yourself, it might be time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wazio.

• Early or late loss of baby teeth 
• Difficulty chewing or biting 
• Mouth breathing 
• Sucking the thumb or fingers, or other oral habits 
• Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth 
• Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude, or are recessed 
• Speech difficulty 
• Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth 
• Protruding teeth 
• Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all 
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry
  
• Grinding or clenching of teeth 
• Inability to comfortably close lips

Even if the only thing that bothers you about your smile or bite is a little bit of crookedness in a few teeth, it’s still worth getting them straightened out as soon as possible.

Orthodontic treatment is not a quick fix. It is a complex biological process. It involves changes in jaw bones, facial bones and soft tissue as teeth are moved into their new positions. Your care often starts with a thorough examination of the teeth and mouth, and study of dental records such as x-rays, photos, and models of the teeth. From this, Dr. Wazio can develop your custom treatment plan.

There are a few different options for treatment, but the most common include braces and Invisalign. You can talk with Dr. Wazio about which option is right for you.

Traditional Silver Braces: These are the most common type of braces. Made of nickel-free high-grade steel, they are much smaller and more comfortable than those in the past. We offer a variety of colored elastics which may be changed at most appointments.

Ceramic (Clear) Braces: Made of a translucent tooth colored material, these are the most popular among adult patients. They are difficult to see unless you are extremely near the patient's teeth. However, the brackets are more fragile, and the elastic ties can become discolored between appointments.

Invisalign: The Invisalign System for adults is a series of clear, removable templates that fit over the teeth. Generated by computer simulation, they gradually move the teeth for the correction of some bite problems. Dr. Wazio is a Invisalign Certified Orthodontist.

LightForce Braces: LightForce 3D Brackets are a translucent, more aesthetic, option that blends in with the natural color of your teeth. Ergonomically designed, indirect bonding trays are 3D printed for each patient, providing superior placement accuracy. Intuitive digital treatment planning software enables Dr. Wazio to create, adjust, and approve your treatment plan quickly and efficiently.

Few people are lucky enough to have perfect teeth, but orthodontic treatment can make a dramatic difference to you or your child. The team at Wazio Orthodontics only recommends and uses the highest quality, clinically proven best treatments for our patients. Investing in high quality braces and materials will lead to the best, fastest, healthiest results.

Remember to keep your scheduled appointments, advise your Dr. Wazio of any problems that may occur between appointments, watch what you eat and drink, and brush and floss as instructed. It’s worth the effort to reach the goal you and your Wazio Orthodontics share...giving you a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.

 

Orthodontic Care is More Affordable Than You Think

Wazio Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment has positive effects on the health of your mouth. Aesthetics and function go hand in hand. A straighter, more beautiful smile will distribute the force of your bite more evenly and be less prone to dental problems. Teeth that aren't straight are more prone to damage. If you want your smile to last a lifetime, orthodontics can help.

When your teeth are crooked, overlapped, or otherwise misaligned, you place an uneven amount of pressure when you bite down. That leads to pain, and it can cause your teeth to wear down, chip and even break. Not only that, but poorly aligned teeth are also harder to clean properly which can lead to decay and gum disease.

If your dentist has told you that you or your child needs braces, your first question may have been “How much is that going to cost?”

Braces have a bad reputation for being more expensive than most families can afford. And the simple fact is…braces do involve pricey materials as well as many hours of time from a highly specialized professional. However, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn how truly affordable orthodontic care is today. At Wazio Orthodontics, we know that everyone wants a beautiful smile, and we also realize that families and individuals have different financial needs and are in different financial situations. Our office is accustomed to working with families and individuals to make orthodontic care affordable and budget friendly.

If you are worried that you can’t afford the cost of braces for yourself or your children...we have good news. Wazio Orthodontics offers a variety of ways you can pay orthodontic care.

Dental Insurance - If you have dental/orthodontic insurance and would like to use that money to pay towards your braces contact your insurance provider to find out what is covered under your plan. Many providers offer additional insurance that covers both dental and orthodontist work. It is great to know what your insurance benefits are before treatment starts. There are many different agreements between insurance carriers and their subscribers, and each contract provides a different benefit. However, orthodontic insurance differs from regular dental insurance in that each insured individual usually has a lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services. This benefit is paid as a percentage of the orthodontic fee (diagnostic records, initial fee, monthly payments, etc.) until the benefit maximum has been reached. If needed, we will help facilitate your understanding of your benefits. We accept assignment of benefits, and we will help in the completion of any necessary forms and documents.

Flexible Spending Account - Even if your dental plan does not cover orthodontics, your employer might offer a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). The money you put into this account is not taxed, which means your dollars will go further. Contribute the maximum amount and use these funds to pay for expenses not covered by insurance, including braces.

3rd Party Financing – Financing through a 3^rd party is a popular way to pay for you or your child’s braces treatment. In this option, the 3rd party, such as CareCredit, will check your credit to determine the amount for which you qualify and get you on an affordable payment plan. These 3^rd party financial companies can even extend payment options to beyond the traditional 24 months, depending on your preference.

In-Office Payment Plan - Most people don’t pay for their braces in one lump payment. Instead, they will put money down and spread the remainder of the payment out over a few months. In this way, paying for braces can be a lot like making car payments. Our in-office payment plan requires a low-down payment upon initiation of treatment with monthly payments on the balance. This allows you to make affordable payments that you can manage from month to month.

Combine Payment Options - In some cases you can combine any of the above payment options to come up with an individual payment option that suits your unique situation.

Credit Cards - At Wazio Orthodontics, we gladly accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Though orthodontics can come with a higher price tag, you do have many options to help you pay for your or your child’s orthodontic care. At the end of the day, orthodontic care is a lifetime investment in your or your child’s health and appearance, and payment plans, and dental insurance can make orthodontic care quite manageable. Start by having a conversation with Dr. Wazio to begin your journey toward the smile you have always wanted.

Wazio Orthodontics has offices in Batavia and St. Charles, Illinois, serving the communities of North Aurora, Geneva, Elburn, and South Elgin. Our goal is to provide innovative and exceptional orthodontic care, recognize our patient’s needs, exceed their expectations, and contribute to the health and self-esteem of our patients. Your smile is typically the first thing others notice about you. You deserve a smile you are proud of!

Keep Your Invisalign Aligners Clean

Wazio Orthodontics

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created just for you.

One of Invisalign’s biggest advantages is having the ability to take the aligners out to eat and drink…but that doesn't mean they don't get dirty. Keeping your aligners clean is a vital part of your treatment, and it's the only way to keep them invisible, odorless, and free from germs. Without proper cleaning, your aligners can discolor, smell, and build up deposits of plaque and bacteria that can eat away at the enamel on your teeth.

Although your aligners are meant to be disposed of every two of weeks, they still require cleaning. If you are an Invisalign patient at Wazio Orthodontics, one of the most important things to remember about your aligners is that they need to be cleaned regularly.

When it comes to your Invisalign aligners, there is a difference between cleaning and rinsing. Rinsing your aligners may make them appear clean but rinsing alone does not address the unseen bacteria that can build up.

You should clean your aligners on a nightly basis, usually at the same time you brush and floss your teeth. This helps to remove any built-up food, debris, and bacteria that is naturally accumulate during the day.

The Following is the Basic Process for Nightly Cleaning:

• Rinse your aligners with water.

• Brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a clear, fragrance-free liquid soap to remove any debris or food particles.

• Rinse your aligners thoroughly after brushing.

Helpful Tips to keep your Invisalign Aligners Looking Fresh and Clean:

• Always take out your aligners when eating. Otherwise, food particles can become built-up in the aligners or damage the aligners, so they are no longer effective.

• Refrain from drinking anything other than water while your aligners are in. Otherwise, you risk staining or damaging them.

• Refraining from using extremely hot water to clean the trays.

• Store your aligners in their protective case whenever they are not in your mouth. This reduces the likelihood you will lose them and protects them from bacteria.

Using these practices can help keep your aligners clean and your treatment most effective.

DO: Rinse your aligners any time you take them out of your mouth. This will rinse away bacteria, saliva, and food particles.

DON’T: Place your aligners into the dishwasher or in boiling water. Hot water will distort your aligners. It The best way to clean your aligners is with a clean, soft bristled toothbrush and cool water.

DO: Brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent buildup of plaque and bacteria under the aligners.

DON’T: Use anything but clear soap or aligner specific cleaning products to clean your aligners. Anti-Bacterial soft soap is a fantastic way to keep your aligners free of bacteria and plaque.

DO: Brush your aligners every time you take them out or before you put them back in. But be careful, as overzealous brushing can leave visible marks and scratches on your aligners.

DON’T: Use toothpaste when brushing your aligners clean. Toothpaste is great for your teeth, but it can harm your aligners. When you brush your aligners, do so without toothpaste.

DO: Brush your aligners gently. Vigorous brushing can scratch your aligners and leave visible etchings. Brush carefully!

DON’T: Use denture cleaners to clean aligners and do not soak your aligners in mouthwash. These products can damage the surface of the plastic causing it to become more visible, sometimes making the teeth look yellow.

Aligner Cleaning Products

Steraligner: Invisalign aligner cleaning product with tray. To clean your aligners, simply place them in the tray and soak for 3 minutes. Rinse the sterilizing solution off, and brush with warm water.

Cleaning Crystals: Invisalign brand aligner cleaning crystals that dissolve in water so that you can soak your aligners. These crystals contain cleansing agents, including sodium sulfate.

NOTE: Some cleansers are simply too harsh or damaging to use on your Invisalign aligners. Examples of these include: Denture Cleaners, Mouthwashes, Scented Soaps, and Toothpaste.

It is important that your take care of your Invisalign aligners to ensure they are doing their best in helping shape your teeth according to your orthodontic treatment plan. Showing care to your aligners can help keep them as clear and undetectable as possible.

Proper upkeep and good oral hygiene are essential in keeping your Invisalign aligners clean, invisible and odor free. If you have questions about caring for your Invisalign aligners, we are here to help! Feel free to reach out to us or use our easy online form to schedule an appointment at either our Batavia or St. Charles orthodontic offices.

Invisalign effectively treats a wide variety of cases, including crowding, spacing, crossbite, overbite and underbite. Dr. Wazio and the team at Wazio Orthodontics have been creating beautifully straight smile using the Invisalign System for children, teens, and adults in Batavia, St. Charles, Wheaton, Geneva, Aurora, Elgin, West Chicago, North Aurora, Mooseheart, Wildrose, Valley View, South Elgin, Campton Hills, and Winfield for many years. Contact our office today to schedule your or your child’s initial Invisalign Exam.