Functional Orthodontics in Orland Park
Message from Dr. Erica
“Hey everyone, that picture above is me in 2019! A lot of what I preach in my office comes from what I’ve gone through myself and in this instance this was me going through my second round of braces while in my 30s! It’s never too late to get the functional, healthy and beautiful smile that you deserve so come on in for your ortho consult and I’ll be happy to discuss my journey and why I went through braces a second time!”
-Dr. Erica
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*Must be 18 years of age or older to request a consult*
Why Choose Inspire Dental Wellness for Your Orthodontics?
At Inspire Dental Wellness we provide orthodontic treatment with a focus on creating a beautiful wide smile while at the same time supporting the airway, otherwise known as Airway Orthodontics. We will do an ortho evaluation that also makes sure your TMJ is taken into consideration as well. If you’re looking for braces in Orland Park then give our office a call at 708-726-6183.
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*Must be 18 years of age or older to book appointment
What to Expect At The First Orthodontic Appointments
Step 1: Ortho Eval
Step 2: Ortho Records
Functional Orthodontics in Orland Park
At Inspire Dental Wellness, we provide orthodontic treatment with a focus on creating a beautiful smile and supporting the airway. This is known as airway orthodontics.
Unlike traditional orthodontics, which primarily focuses on the teeth, airway orthodontics is more invested in the structure of the airway and its impact on breathing and sleep quality. If you’re looking for airway-focused orthodontics near you, Inspire Dental Wellness offers exceptional quality and service designed with patient well-being in mind.
Learn More About Airway Orthodontics
Having ample mouth space is more important than you might think. The alignment of your jaw area significantly affects essential activities such as speaking, eating and even breathing.
Most orthodontic conditions can be easier to correct if they’re treated early with functional orthodontics. In children, treatment can maximize the growth of the upper and lower arches (jaw bones) and create space for the permanent teeth. Since 90% of the face is developed by age 12, correcting a child’s bite early can help prevent lengthier treatment at an older age.
Early treatment with functional orthodontics is designed to prevent:
- Bite problems
- Underdeveloped jaws/Narrow arches
- Crowded Teeth
- Deep overbites
- Airway problems
- Jaw joint problems
- Removal of adult teeth
- Fang-like tooth appearance
- Lengthy use of braces
- Speech difficulties
- Crooked teeth
- Low Self-Esteem
- Damage or breakage to front teeth due to bad alignment
If your child needs a functional orthodontist in Chicago, we’ll work to provide a solution that supports their overall health and smile.
What to Expect at the First Orthodontic Appointments
During your early appointments with Inspire Dental Wellness, we will need to complete two major steps. These include:
- Ortho Eval: The first step is to conduct the orthodontic evaluation, during which we take a comprehensive look at your jaw and mouth to find any underlying issues.
- Ortho Records: The second step is to make a record of the patient’s condition by taking 3D X-rays, impressions and photos. We will also do a joint vibration analysis to examine the patient’s jaw functions.
After we complete the evaluation, we will set up an action plan suited to the patient’s individual needs.
Inspire Dental Wellness's Service Benefits
1. Improved Breathing
Our services can help improve your child’s breathing quality, which may enhance their sleep habits, concentration and oxygenation. If your child experiences symptoms such as fatigue and headaches, airway-focused orthodontics may help with these as well.
We can also address sleep apnea in children by using dental appliances and, in some cases, removing adenoids and tonsils that may be impeding the airway.
2. Improved Jaw Function
Jaw health is extremely important, as unhealthy jaw joints can cause various symptoms, such as:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Difficulty opening the jaw
- Neck pain
- Earaches and ear ringing
- A clicking or locking jaw
- Facial pain
A better functioning jaw can make simple tasks such as eating and speaking more comfortable, while potentially eliminating facial aches and pains. We also offer treatments for TMJ disorder.
3. Improved Smile
By using functional appliances during the development phase, we can help give children beautiful smiles as they grow. Dental appliances may also assist in addressing oral habits such as mouth-breathing, thumb-sucking, abnormal swallowing and speech problems.
These will be addressed throughout your child’s treatment. If functional appliances alone do not solve poor oral habits, appropriate referrals will be made to ensure the success of your child’s treatment.
4. Improved Tongue Function
A narrow jaw can hinder the ability to speak. If the tongue has been resting on the floor of the mouth, then the top jaw does not expand naturally. The tongue is sometimes tethered to the floor of the mouth by an altered lingual frenum. Functional appliances can expand the size of the jaw, which can make more room for the tongue and enhance a child’s ability to speak normally. After orthodontic treatment, we’ll evaluate the function of your child’s tongue. This will ensure the tongue holds the teeth in the proper position (think of it as nature’s permanent retainer).
Why Choose Inspire Dental Wellness for Your Orthodontics?
As a company providing airway-focused orthodontics in Orland Park, we’re committed to delivering quality service to every patient. Some advantages of working with Inspire Dental Wellness include the following:
- We’re patient-focused: At Inspire Dental Wellness, our priority is improving our patients’ well-being and development. Our patient-focused approach sets us apart from cold corporate offices.
- We have financing options: We know many families have questions about pricing when they seek a functional orthodontist. Check out our financing options to learn about the support we offer.
- We invest in technology: Our experts employ the latest technology for our services so that we can provide the optimal care to patients.
Contact Us to Learn More About Airway Orthodontics Near You
Our airway orthodontic services in Orland Park aim to support proper mouth functioning, development and well-being in all our patients. For more information, give us a call at 708-556-2959 or request an appointment using our contact form.
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Phase II Our Orthodontics Process
The second phase after Functional Orthodontics, Traditional Braces, is designed to:
- Move permanent teeth into their final positions
- Continue improving teeth function and facial appearance
- Continue to increase child’s self-esteem
Orthodontic treatment and a child’s growth are meant to complement each other.
By timing treatment to stages of dental development, we can maximize your child’s growth and development. Treating problems early on in a growing child may alleviate more drastic and invasive procedures later. It can also shortens the time in fixed braces. If treatment is initiated early, many times orthodontic treatment can be completed before the child goes to high school. In the best case scenario, Phase 1 treatment solves the child’s dentofacial issues. Then the patient may not need Phase II treatment. This results in a substantial cost and time savings to the patient.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is functional orthodontics?
Functional orthodontics focuses on guiding jaw growth, improving bite alignment, and supporting healthy breathing and facial balance—not just straightening teeth. Treatment may include growth‑guidance appliances along with braces or clear aligners, and sometimes coordination with myofunctional therapy.
What age is best for an evaluation?
Earlier is often better for growth guidance. Many families schedule an initial orthodontic check around age 3 to catch crowding, crossbites, or airway concerns early. Teens and adults can also benefit—we’ll tailor a plan based on your goals and skeletal development.
What types of appliances do you use? Do you offer clear aligners?
Depending on your needs, options may include palatal expanders or other functional appliances, followed by braces or clear aligners. We’ll recommend the most predictable approach after a thorough exam and imaging.
How long does treatment take and what does it cost?
Timing can vary. Early/interceptive phases can be several months, while comprehensive treatment often ranges from about 12–24 months. Costs depend on case complexity and appliance choice. Many PPO plans cover portions of orthodontic care; we’ll verify benefits, provide a clear estimate, and review financing options.