Orthodontics in Lincolnwood, IL

In today’s world, many children and teenagers undergo orthodontic treatment to fix crooked teeth and misalignments. It’s especially common at a young age because when teeth and jaws are still developing, they’re easier to move and adjust! But adult teeth can still shift, and some adults weren’t able to fix their teeth as children. Fortunately, Dr. Hatland has a solution that helps straighten smiles of all ages quickly and effectively! With Fastbraces®, orthodontics for adolescents and adults has never been easier.

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment refers to a field of dentistry that focuses on correcting misalignments, crooked teeth, and bite problems.

When we think about orthodontic treatment, we often picture metal braces. This treatment involves securing brackets to individual teeth and threading a wire through these brackets across your smile. Then, to move your teeth in a particular direction, a dentist will tighten or loosen the wire.

However, there are a few different types of braces and techniques that dentists utilize.

Dr. Hatland is a holistic dentist, meaning he uses the techniques and technologies that most benefit a patient’s overall health and well-being. When he plans how to adjust your bite, he isn’t just thinking about straightening your teeth.

He is also assessing how your bite affects the rest of your body and working with you to find effective solutions that improve both your oral health and your general health.

This philosophy is what led Dr. Hatland to offer Fastbraces®!

The Fastbraces® Difference

Fastbraces® were created by the esteemed orthodontist Dr. Viazis in the 90s, when he was looking for a faster alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment.

Traditional braces are notorious for their slow and methodical process. These brackets and wires move your teeth in stages, often targeting the crowns (or the part visible in your smile) before moving the roots (or the portion underneath your gums).

In contrast, Fastbraces® move your crown and root simultaneously. This system uses special triangular brackets with a unique “elbow” design that grips your tooth better than standard brackets. Then, by tightening the special, square-shaped wire stretched across your smile, Dr. Hatland can move your teeth more efficiently.

Many patients enjoy the unique benefits of Fastbraces®, such as:

• Faster results: Traditional orthodontics typically takes around 2+ years to complete. Although the timeline depends on the severity of your misalignment, Fastbraces® significantly reduces this time frame! In most cases (around 95% at Dr. Hatland’s office), Fastbraces® orthodontic treatment takes a year or less.
• Less discomfort: Because Fastbraces® move your root and crown at the same time, they reduce some of the pain that comes with wire tightening. Instead of moving your teeth from one point, they evenly distribute the pressure applied to your tooth, making the process more comfortable! Even for adults seeking braces treatment, Fastbraces® provides a gentler and more pleasant orthodontic experience.
• Holistic treatment: Due to their gentle nature and flexible wire, Fastbraces® are a great holistic treatment. Not only do they save you time and decrease discomfort, but these braces also help straighten your teeth and improve your bite!

Exploring the Orthodontic Process

At Dr. Hatland’s office, orthodontic treatment is simple and straightforward.

Dr. Hatland begins with a consultation, during which he will assess your smile and test your bite. Once he understands your needs, he is better able to craft a custom treatment plan.

Before beginning your orthodontic treatment, Dr. Hatland will need to address any underlying issues. Problems like gum disease and tooth decay can be common among those with misalignments, as their smile is more difficult to clean thoroughly.

Once he is sure your teeth are healthy, Dr. Hatland will begin the orthodontic process.

He will start by bonding these special triangular brackets to your teeth. Then, he will thread a square wire through your brackets, which will apply a gentle but steady pressure. Immediately after the first appointment, Fastbraces® start to move your teeth to their ideal position.

At every checkup you attend (typically every 4-6 weeks), Dr. Hatland will evaluate your progress, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure your smile is healthy. Just like with traditional braces, there are some food restrictions. However, Dr. Hatland will help guide you through the treatment, keeping your smile on track.

Then, in anywhere from 3 months to a year, your smile should be perfectly aligned!

Straighten Your Smile With Orthodontics in Lincolnwood, IL!

Orthodontics not only helps straighten teeth, but also fixes bite problems. Dr. Hatland uses Fastbraces®, a gentler and more efficient process that can potentially straighten your smile in less than a year! Book a consultation today in Lincolnwood, IL, to learn what your orthodontic timeline might look like.

Frequently Asked Questions