Braces are a right of passage for most youth, but each patient is a different challenge for an orthodontist. Dr. Yaroslav Yarmolyuk from Orthodontic Experts shares how he can help patients live healthy and confidently.
Braces are only one of several reasons why patients seek an orthodontist, the specialist who helps correct how teeth and jaws are aligned.
For Dr. Yaroslav Yarmolyuk, owner of Orthodontic Experts in Rockford and nearly a dozen other locations in the central Midwest, each patient presents a specific challenge. Whether that challenge is met with the latest in braces or a team of oral and plastic surgeons, the outcome is what Yarmolyuk focuses on most.
“For patients who are referred because their teeth alignment is preventing them from eating, causing pain, or preventing them from feeling good about themselves, we can help them feel confident about a successful outcome,” Yarmolyuk says.
That may start with braces, but not necessarily the traditional kind. Today, patients can chose clear aligners that straighten teeth in a less visible and more comfortable way.
“First, we no longer do molds with that messy, gooey stuff,” Yarmolyuk says. “We use digital imaging to more accurately measure a patient’s teeth and jaw. If there is a malocclusion, an overbite or underbite, or if the teeth are out of alignment, these clear aligners work over a period of six months to two-and-a-half years to gradually reshape the patient’s mouth.”
A major portion of Yarmolyuk’s practice involves clear aligners, making Orthodontic Experts one of the largest providers of this service.
But an orthodontist’s job can range from applying, adjusting and removing braces to taking steps to control facial growth in children. Patients come in all age brackets.
“I have some in the process of alignment who are in their 70s,” Yarmolyuk says. “Children used to hate having braces, but with the clear aligners, they actually want to have them. These aligners can be easily taken out to eat, and when the child brushes and flosses his or her teeth. They can also be removed during sports. The rule is that they wear them about 22 hours each day.”
Yarmolyuk says another advantage of clear aligners is that they are ordered in trays to be changed every week by the patient, reducing the number and length of doctor visits. Ceramic brackets are another option, Yarmolyuk adds. And if the situation indicates it, the traditional metal braces are also still used.
“Most insurance plans, including ObamaCare, cover orthodontics,” he says. “This is good news because treatment can cost between $2,000 and $6,000 depending on the length of treatment and number of office visits.”
Orthodontic treatment begins with a consultation to determine what the patient needs. Because of their extensive training, orthodontists can usually see primary and secondary issues quickly. During the initial visit, Yarmolyuk may take digital images to confirm the diagnosis. Then he talks to the patient about treatment options.
In addition to alignment, orthodontists help patients with oral conditions such as jaw pain, speech impediments, gum disease and difficulty chewing. They can also ease seemingly unrelated problems such as sleep apnea.
“Once we begin to treat a patient, we are there for them,” Yarmolyuk says. “We have a call center that is manned seven days a week with a 24-hour emergency call line.”
In addition to its clinic at 5051 E. State St., Rockford, Orthodontic Experts has offices in Chicago, Arlington Heights, Algonquin, DeKalb, Harwood Heights and Burbank.
“At Orthodontic Experts, we use a variety of treatment options, including traditional orthodontic braces, clear ceramic braces, lingual braces, and various removable and fixed orthodontic appliances,” Yarmolyuk says.
“Secondly, we work in conjunction with oral surgeons for surgical orthodontics (corrective jaw surgery), dentofacial orthopedics, and cleft lip and palate treatment. We emphasize individualized, science-based treatments for every patient.”
For more information, call (815) 918-4427 or visit orthodonticexperts.com.