Braces and Beyond

By Mark Loehrke
Appears in the August 2024 issue.

Understanding the ins and outs of orthodontic care

In terms of excitement and anticipation, a trip to the orthodontist is unlikely to rank high on anyone’s list. For many teens (and preteens), it’s a dreaded rite of passage to get those pearly whites aligned.

But there’s a lot more to it.

“To me, providing orthodontics is far beyond creating a pretty smile,” says orthodontist Manal Ibrahim of Innovative Orthodontic Centers in Naperville and Shorewood. “It’s about pouring my passion into my patients’ treatment to help them gain confidence and positively impact every aspect of their life.” Some common conditions that orthodontists like Ibrahim and her team diagnose and treat include crowding, spacing, crossbites, overbites, and underbites—all of which are dental or skeletal issues or some combination thereof. She says that while patients often focus largely on the appearance of their teeth, a good orthodontist will instead consider the overall function of the teeth and jaws in order to address the bite in addition to the smile.

One key to effective orthodontic care is early intervention. “The sooner these issues are identified, the better the outcome,” she explains, noting that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have a baseline growth and development check at the age of 7 to help identify any growth or development issues that might need intervention, though most patients won’t need treatment yet at that age. “For those patients who do need early treatment, the benefits can be significant. We often see patients who don’t come to us until they are 12 or older, and we wish we had treated them when they were 8 or 9. In many cases, early detection can lead to better results with less invasive treatments.” For example, often early interventions can help patients with more complex issues avoid serial extractions and corrective jaw surgeries down the road.

When it comes to how a personalized treatment plan unfolds for each patient, Ibrahim says technology has come a long way in making orthodontic care less painful and more effective. From traditional braces (with wires and brackets) and invisible braces (clear, removable teeth aligners like Invisalign) to 3D-printed palatal expanders for growing patients (as an alternative to all-metal expanders that are manually cranked daily) and virtual care (which cuts down on the number of in-office visits), she says she’s always on the lookout for treatment options that better suit her patients’ lifestyles and, just as importantly, for ways to help make the orthodontic journey a little less daunting.

“I’m a technology nerd,” she admits. “I’m always looking for the best new developments in orthodontics that will make my patients’ treatment faster and more comfortable and will ensure results that last a lifetime.”

Orthodon-Tips

Having seen thousands of families embark on the journey that is orthodontic treatment, orthodontist Manal Ibrahim believes there are several key elements for patients and parents to keep in mind to make the experience less painful and more successful:

1. Stay positive. Maintaining an encouraging attitude can help young patients feel more comfortable and cooperative. “Celebrate milestones and progress to keep the motivation high,” she suggests.

2. Follow instructions. Adhering to the orthodontist’s instructions—which includes wearing elastics, attending appointments, and maintaining good oral hygiene—is crucial for achieving the best results.

3. Ask questions. Ibrahim-LaVacca encourages families to always ask questions if they’re unsure about any aspect of a particular treatment. “Understanding the process helps alleviate anxiety and ensures everyone is on the same page,” she says.

4. Manage discomfort. While it’s common for patients to experience some discomfort throughout their treatment, technology can help keep it in check. For example, Innovative Orthodontic Centers uses an orthopedic medical device that helps teeth move to the finish line more quickly while also reducing discomfort.

5. Focus on the end goal. “Remind young patients and yourself of the beautiful, healthy smile that awaits at the end of the treatment,” she says.

Photo: Francis Son. Illustration: iStock