• Frequently Asked Questions

    • June 10, 2019
    • 2 min read
    • FAQ

    How much do braces cost?

    Treatment cost depends on many factors, like: complexity, length of treatment time, and whether the patient chooses metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign. Because of these reasons, it’s hard to give a concrete answer. The most accurate way to find out how much braces cost is to come in for a complimentary consultation.

    you offer payment plans?

    We offer in-house, interest free payment plans for every patient and every type of treatment. We’re happy to find a payment option that works best for you!

    you offer discounts or promotions for treatment?

    We do not offer promotions for treatment. However, we are able to offer family and pay-in-full discounts.

    Does getting your braces on hurt?

    Not at all! This is a common misconception about braces. You may feel minimal pressure when Dr. Arruda applies brackets to your teeth, but that’s about it.

    Do braces hurt throughout treatment?

    No, but you may feel sore. Soreness is most common during the first few days of getting your braces on, and the few days after you see Dr. Arruda for an adjustment. If needed, Tylenol does the trick to eliminate any discomfort you may feel.

    Does it hurt to get your braces removed?

    No. Braces are non-invasive. Dr. Arruda uses a special, safe tool to pop off each bracket, and then gently polishes your teeth to remove any residual glue. Some patients report feeling a funny sensation from the polisher, but that’s about it.

    Are braces safe?

    Braces are generally considered safe. All medical and dental treatment, including orthodontics, has risks and limitations. Orthodontic complications are usually very minor. Some examples of risks include:

    • White spots and gum disease from poor brushing habits.
    • Shortening of the roots occurs to a limited degree in many patients, and significant root shortening does occur on rare occasions.
    • Relapse can occur if a patient fails to consistently use their retainer long-term.

    For the vast majority of patients, the benefits of orthodontic treatment far outweigh the risks.

    My braces don’t feel as tight as they were in the beginning. Is this normal?

    This is normal. Every visit, Dr. Arruda will make adjustments to efficiently move your teeth to their new position. This just means that your teeth are responding well to treatment!

    How often should I brush my teeth with braces or Invisalign?

    You should brush and floss your teeth at least three times a day, including after every meal. Frequent brushing ensures that your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout orthodontic treatment.

    What are the rubber bands on braces used for?

    Rubber bands are prescribed in some patients to correct different bites.

    One of my brackets is loose/broken. What should I do?

    Call our office at (872) 222-9567 to make an appointment to get it fixed. This should be scheduled as soon as possible.

    I have Invisalign and one of my attachments popped off. What should I do?

    Call our office, (872) 222-9567 and we’ll help figure out if you need to come in to get your attachment(s) reapplied.

    Do I have to get braces on my top and bottom teeth, or can I just get them on one and not the other?

    We generally do not recommend treatment for just one arch. This is because if you correct one arch and not the other arch, your bite can be disrupted, thus causing more problems than when you started.

    Do I have to wear my retainer forever?

    You only need to wear your retainer for as long as you want to keep your teeth straight. Teeth have a tendency to want to m0ve back to where they were before orthodontic treatment, and retainers are the only way to keep them from moving. Our bodies are constantly changing and our teeth are no exception.

    How can someone identify if their bite is incorrect?

    Here are some of the signs your bite is incorrect:

    • Popping or clicking of the jaw
    • Frequent headaches
    • Teeth grinding
    • Top and bottom teeth don’t touch when you bite down
    • Frequently biting the insides of your cheek when you bite down
    • Difficulty flossing in between some or all of your teeth
    • Gaps between teeth

    If you think your bite may be off, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Dr. Arruda will accurately determine whether your bite is off.

    I’m worried that my child’s thumb sucking habit will cause their teeth to change. Can this happen?

    Yes. Prolonged thumbsucking can cause an open bite in your child’s mouth. If your child is having a hard time stopping this thumb sucking habit, schedule an appointment with an orthodontist. They’ll present the best treatment option for your child.

    What are some options for an adult looking to get braces?

    Good news, adults are great candidates for orthodontic treatment! However, you must be cleared by your general dentist to get braces first. This is because adults are at a higher risk for oral health problems, and undergoing orthodontic treatment may complicate things more. West Loop Ortho has treated adult patients with metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign. Check out our adult treatment page for more information

    How long does it usually take for the teeth to get aligned with braces?

    Treatment at our office can range from anywhere between 6 to 30 months. Call our office today to schedule a consultation, or request a consultation here.

    My braces come off next week, but I can already tell (where the braces don’t cover my teeth) that my teeth have yellowed in color. What’s the best way to whiten my teeth once my braces are off?

    It’s completely safe to have your teeth whitened post braces. Dr. Arruda may recommend you wait a few months before whitening them. Talk to your dentist about fast, safe teeth whitening options.

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Your West Loop Orthodontics Team!

Cheers to Nine Years! …and many more!

This week we are completing our 9th year as West Loop Orthodontics, and initiating our 10th year as a member of the West Loop and Greater Chicago community. We are incredibly grateful for all of you and will continue to do our best to bring the highest quality of treatment and experience to each individual patient and family that entrusts us with their orthodontic care.

A big message of our practice has always been ‘Conquer Life‘ and our core belief that the greatest benefit of orthodontic treatment is a patient’s quality of life improvement – their increase in self-confidence and the power that comes from believing in themselves. As we progress into our 10th year, we will continue on our mission of empowering and inspiring people to believe in their own potential and continue to take chances on themselves.

Cheers to an amazing, joyful, and abundant Year 10!

With warmth and gratitude,

– The West Loop Ortho Team

Tongue Habits in Ortho: What You Need to Know!

When most people think about orthodontics, they focus on braces, aligners, and straight teeth. But did you know that your tongue habits play a major role in your oral health and orthodontic success?

At West Loop Orthodontics, we believe in educating our patients about all aspects of their treatment! Including the often-overlooked influence of the tongue.

What Are Tongue Habits?

Tongue habits refer to the repetitive movements or resting positions of the tongue that can negatively impact your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment. Common examples include:

  • Tongue thrusting: Pushing the tongue against or between the teeth when swallowing or speaking.
  • Low tongue posture: Letting the tongue rest at the bottom of the mouth rather than on the palate.
  • Mouth breathing: Often tied to low tongue posture, this can affect facial development and oral health.
  • Thumb sucking or pacifier use: Though not directly a tongue habit, these behaviors often go hand-in-hand and influence tongue position.

We see firsthand how improper tongue habits can lead to orthodontic issues such as:

  • Open bite: A condition where the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed—often caused by tongue thrusting.
  • Overjet (buck teeth): Forward-protruding front teeth, worsened by tongue pressure from the inside.
  • Relapse after braces: Even after braces or Invisalign, poor tongue posture can push teeth out of alignment again.
  • Speech issues: Improper tongue movement may affect speech patterns, especially with “S” or “TH” sounds.

Early diagnosis is key. During your consultation, our team evaluates not just your teeth but your overall oral posture. If a tongue habit is detected, we may recommend:

  • Myofunctional therapy: A series of exercises that retrain the tongue and orofacial muscles to function properly.
  • Orthodontic appliances: In some cases, a tongue crib or other device may be used to discourage harmful tongue movements.
  • Breathing therapy or ENT referrals: If mouth breathing is involved, we may collaborate with other healthcare providers to improve nasal airflow.

Correcting tongue habits can dramatically improve the effectiveness and stability of your orthodontic treatment. At West Loop Orthodontics, our goal is not just to give you a beautiful smile but to ensure it lasts a lifetime.

By addressing tongue habits early, especially in children and teens, we can prevent more serious issues down the road. And for adults, incorporating myofunctional awareness into your orthodontic journey leads to better outcomes and fewer surprises.

If you or your child are considering braces or Invisalign, don’t overlook the importance of tongue posture and habits. Let us help you achieve a healthier, more stable smile—starting from the inside out!

Meet Your Team: Edith

We at West Loop figured we needed someone who could assess our patients’ health needs, organizing information about the company, their treatment, and status of their health. Meet Edith, our new Patient Care Coordinator! She has taken over the mission of making sure appointments are thorough and helping patients leave with a better understanding than when they came in! On top of that, she ensures that patients has a clear feel for West Loop Ortho!

On her off days she is usually out exploring the world! She loves to have double the fun by trying new foods while traveling. When she is opting for a local adventure, she’ll go to concerts as a music fanatic or take activity classes.  Being friendly, thorough, and personable at all times makes Edith a perfect fit for becoming our Patient Care Coordinator. Expect customer service quality to be a strong focus and look forward to having a great experience! Welcome Edith to the team!

Meet Your Team: Jazmine

As the first person you will see in our office, Jazmine is prepared to get everything in order right off the bat! As our new Scheduling Coordinator, she will ensure that you’re slotted in no matter what! It’s a good thing that she’s passionate about providing a great experience for patients because that’s the key to great service. Give her a ring about your treatment schedule and without a doubt she’ll get the perfect time for you!

When she has successfully allotted patients, she focuses her time to wind down a bit. She takes her dog for a walk around the neighborhood, takes time to connect with mother nature, and explores restaurants in the city!  She’s a perfect fit for scheduling, and she’s our first line of offense in the office. Welcome Jazmine to the West Loop Ortho team! We’re lucky to have her!