Braces for Kids, Teens and Adults in Buffalo Grove, IL

Braces are an effective orthodontic treatment for correcting tooth alignment and bite issues for patients of all ages. At Buffalo Grove Orthodontics, we provide personalized Braces treatment for children, teens, and adults, combining modern techniques and advanced technology to deliver excellent results as efficiently and comfortably as possible.

Whether you are considering Braces for your child, your teen, or yourself, Dr. Eltink creates customized orthodontic treatment plans designed to improve both the appearance of your smile and function of your bite. And if you are weighing Braces against Invisalign, we are happy to walk you through both options so you can make the most informed decision for your smile and lifestyle.

Braces and DentalMonitoring: Smarter Braces Treatment

At Buffalo Grove Orthodontics, we enhance every Braces treatment with DentalMonitoring technology, and as the only orthodontic practice in the area using DentalMonitoring, this is a meaningful advantage for our patients.

Through weekly virtual scans submitted from home using a smartphone, Dr. Eltink is able to:

• Monitor tooth movement and treatment progress between in-office visits
• Check for loose brackets or broken wires every week and reach out proactively if he sees an issue that requires an office visit
• Monitor oral hygiene weekly and provide personalized feedback to patients and parents
• Identify when in-office visits are truly needed, eliminating unnecessary ones
• Keep treatment on track for shorter overall treatment times

This level of weekly oversight is something orthodontic practices that do not use DentalMonitoring simply cannot offer. For busy patients, it means fewer disruptions to school and work schedules while keeping treatment moving efficiently.

Metal Braces

At Buffalo Grove Orthodontics, we use high-quality, state-of-the-art metal Braces. Dr. Eltink carefully tailors each treatment plan to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile. Metal Braces also offer an opportunity for self-expression. Patients can customize their elastic ties with colors to match their mood, the season, or their favorite team.

Clear Braces

Clear Braces offer the same effectiveness as traditional metal Braces with a more discreet appearance. Made from transparent materials, clear Braces blend in with your natural teeth, making them a popular choice for teens and adults who want a less noticeable orthodontic option. A metal wire will still be visible, so if you are seeking an even more discreet orthodontic option, we recommend considering Invisalign clear aligners. The vast majority of our patients seeking a less noticeable orthodontic option choose Invisalign clear aligners. It is a superior patient experience compared to clear Braces and often costs less.

Eating With Braces

One of the most important things to know about Braces is that certain foods need to be avoided throughout treatment. Hard and sticky foods can damage brackets and wires, which can delay progress and extend treatment time. To keep your Braces working the way they should, some dietary adjustments are a necessary part of the process.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Hard foods including popcorn, whole nuts, peanut brittle, ice, jerky, and hard candies. Sticky foods including gum, gummy candies, caramels, and taffy. You will also want to avoid biting directly into hard raw fruits and vegetables. Instead, cut them into small pieces and steer clear of crusty breads, thick pretzels, and pizza crust.

Foods You Can Enjoy Freely

The good news is there is still plenty of food to enjoy with Braces. Soft foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, mac and cheese, soups, eggs, pancakes, yogurt, smoothies, avocados, and bite-sized proteins are all fair game. And yes, ice cream and brownies are on the list too.

With some care and adjustment, most patients find Braces manageable. That said, if the idea of food restrictions is a concern, Invisalign clear aligners may be a better fit for your lifestyle. Invisalign aligners are removed for meals, meaning there are no dietary restrictions at all during treatment. It is one of the many reasons so many of our patients choose Invisalign. We are happy to help you decide which option is the best fit for your smile and lifestyle during your Free Orthodontic Consultation.