Orthodontics in Lisle, IL
There's more to properly aligned teeth than looks. They're simpler to clean, less prone to decay and gum disease, and they take stress off your jaw and supporting bone. At Brammeier Family Dental, Drs. Brammeier and Ericson offer orthodontic evaluation and treatment to fix bite issues and alignment problems at any age. Whether traditional braces or clear aligners suit you best, we'll build a plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.
What it is
Treatment that uses braces, aligners, or other appliances to correct the alignment of teeth and bite (occlusion), improving both function and appearance.
Who it's for
Children, teens, and adults whose crowded teeth, spacing issues, overbite, underbite, crossbite, or other alignment problems affect oral health and smile aesthetics.
How we help
A thorough orthodontic evaluation, personalized treatment planning, and several options (traditional braces and clear aligners among them) for the best result at every age.
Straight teeth are healthier teeth. Book an orthodontic evaluation for yourself or your child.
Why Orthodontic Treatment Matters
- Easier cleaning: Brushing and flossing properly is much simpler with straight teeth, lowering your risk of cavities and gum disease
- Better bite: An aligned bite spreads chewing forces evenly, cutting down on wear and stress on your teeth
- Gum health: Misaligned teeth invite gum disease, since plaque collects in hard-to-reach areas
- Reduced risk of injury: Teeth that protrude are more likely to chip or suffer trauma
- Improved speech: Some bite problems interfere with pronunciation and clarity
- Confidence: A straight, well-aligned smile leaves a positive impression in every interaction
Common Orthodontic Problems
- Crowding: Too little room in the jaw for every tooth to fit normally
- Spacing: Gaps that arise from missing teeth or jaw size discrepancies
- Overbite: Upper front teeth reaching too far over the lower front teeth
- Underbite: Lower teeth pushing out past the upper front teeth
- Crossbite: Upper teeth closing inside the lower teeth when you bite
- Open bite: Front teeth that don't meet while the back teeth are closed
What Causes Orthodontic Problems?
- Genetics: Crowding, spacing, jaw size, and tooth position are frequently inherited
- Childhood habits: Long-term thumb-sucking, pacifier use, or tongue thrusting can shape tooth and jaw development
- Early tooth loss: When baby teeth go too soon, neighboring teeth can drift and block the permanent ones
- Late tooth loss: Baby teeth that linger past their time can push permanent teeth into abnormal positions
- Periodontal disease: Advanced gum disease can let teeth drift and shift
- Trauma: Accidents or injuries can knock teeth out of position and disrupt alignment
Treatment Options
Traditional Braces
- Metal or ceramic brackets bonded to the teeth, linked by an archwire that applies gentle, continuous pressure
- The most versatile option, capable of treating virtually any alignment or bite problem
- Ceramic (tooth-colored) brackets offer a less noticeable appearance
- Today's braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than ever
- Depending on complexity, treatment usually runs 18 months to 3 years
- Well suited to complex cases that clear aligners may not fully resolve
Clear Aligners (Invisible Braces)
- Custom-made, removable clear trays that straighten teeth over time
- Nearly invisible, so most people won't realize you're wearing them
- Take them out for eating, brushing, and flossing, with no food restrictions
- Often a quicker treatment time (12–18 months for most cases)
- Ideal for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and bite issues
- Read more on our invisible braces page
Traditional braces or clear aligners? We'll help you settle on the option that suits your smile and lifestyle.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Visit Steps
- Evaluation: Drs. Brammeier and Ericson review your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment using digital X-rays and imaging
- Diagnosis: We clearly explain your orthodontic issues and how they affect your oral health
- Treatment options: We lay out the available approaches (braces, clear aligners, or a combination) with pros, cons, costs, and timeline
- Custom plan: We design a treatment plan tailored specifically to your case
- Ongoing care: Regular adjustment visits keep an eye on progress and hold treatment on track
Helpful Tips
- The American Association of Orthodontists advises a child's first orthodontic evaluation by age 7
- Orthodontic treatment benefits adults at any age, and it's never too late to start
- During orthodontic treatment, strong oral hygiene matters even more for preventing cavities and gum problems
- If you have braces, steer clear of hard and sticky foods that can damage brackets and wires
- Wearing retainers after treatment is essential to hold your results long-term
- If your child loses a baby tooth early, ask about space maintainers
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Orthodontics has no age limit, and more adults than ever are straightening their teeth for health, appearance, or both. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, treatment can work at any age.
How long treatment runs depends on the complexity of your case. With clear aligners, straightforward cases can take as little as 6–12 months, while more complex cases in traditional braces may run 18 months to 3 years. At your consultation, Drs. Brammeier and Ericson will provide a realistic timeline.
Expect mild soreness for a few days after braces go on and after each adjustment visit. It's normal and usually eased with over-the-counter pain relievers. Today's braces are far more comfortable than older systems.
That comes down to your case's complexity and your lifestyle preferences. Clear aligners shine for mild to moderate issues and have the perk of being nearly invisible and removable, while traditional braces take on more complex cases. Drs. Brammeier and Ericson will help you decide which fits best. Learn more about invisible braces.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age 7. By then, enough permanent teeth have come in to catch potential problems early. Early treatment (Phase 1) can guide jaw growth and head off more complex treatment down the road.
Many dental insurance plans build in orthodontic coverage, particularly for children, while adult coverage varies by plan. We'll verify your benefits and give you a clear cost estimate before treatment starts. See our financing page for flexible payment options.
Yes. Retainers are essential for holding your results, because without them teeth can slowly drift back toward their original positions. Most patients wear them full-time for a few months, then switch to nighttime-only wear long-term.
A healthier, straighter smile is within reach. Book your orthodontic evaluation today.
Visit Us
Visit Brammeier Family Dental
Office Hours
Monday11am – 7pm
Tuesday7am – 4pm
Wednesday7am – 4pm
Thursday7am – 2pm
FridayBy Appointment
Sat – SunClosed