West Loop Smile Studio is a Chicago based family dentist practice that treats patients of all ages. We are committed to delivering the highest quality dental care and do so using advanced dental equipment. We are a cosmetic dentist that offers services like checkups, teeth cleaning, crowns, veneers and more.
Dr. Ozzie completed his undergraduate education at Morehouse College where he received his BS in biology. He then went on to the University of Michigan School of Dentistry to pursue his dental degree. Since he graduated from Michigan, Dr. Ozzie has completed numerous continuing education courses in cosmetic dentistry, including an Invisalign certification course and the postgraduate program in esthetic dentistry level I at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. In addition to esthetic courses, Dr. Ozzie also seeks out classes in other facets of dentistry that allow him to offer a wide range of treatments for his patients including: implant placement and restoration, functional appliance therapy, and straightwire orthodontics. Dr. Ozzie splits his time between his West Loop office and his office in Hyde Park. When Dr. Ozzie is not doing dental work, he enjoys playing music on his bass guitar or tenor saxophone, salsa dancing, as well as playing sports to maintain an active lifestyle. Dr. Ozzie looks forward to seeing you soon so that he can help you to achieve your optimal oral health.
Dr. Bianca Clark is a Mississippi native, who received her D.D.S. from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Upon graduating, Dr. Clark attended a general practice residency at Montefiore Hospital where she continued to grow and develop as a general dentist. Dr. Clark is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and Academy of General Dentistry. To maintain the integrity of her profession, Dr. Clark regularly attends continuing education courses throughout the country. Dr. Clark also participates in multiple study clubs across the city to stay current in the latest dental therapies. Dr. Clark also certified in Botox and dermal filler therapy. While away from her patients, Dr. Clark enjoys traveling, running, and exploring the city.
Hello! I am Janice, and I am one of the first faces you will see at West Loop Smile Studio. With over ten years in the dental field, I am here to help you navigate insurance and treatment questions. I hope to see your smiling face soon, and welcome to the West Loop Smile Studio family!
Hello my name is Brenda and Im the newest team member in the West Loop smile studio family. I am one of the dental assistants, and I am here to make sure you have the greatest experience you could possibly have. I enjoy seeing the positive changes in our patients smiles and enjoy seeing old friends, and meeting new! In my free time I am usually with my family and friends, enjoying the moment and making new memories.
Iesha graduated with her degree in dental hygiene from Parkland College in Champaign, IL. She discovered her passion for hygiene while working as a certified nursing assistant and realizing the importance of proper oral care was undervalued not only amongst the elderly, but in general. Ieshas goal is to use her skills and training in the latest technology to provide her patients with the highest quality of treatment and education.
When it comes to orthodontic treatments, many parents find themselves unsure of which option is the best choice for their child's health. Straight teeth do more than reveal a beautiful smile they enhance the patients overall oral health. Straight teeth remain easier to clean (thus avoiding unwanted cavities). Orthodontic treatment options also correct bites, helping align the teeth and jaw. Two of the most popular options for straightening teeth include traditional metal braces and Invisalign.
While both traditional metal braces and Invisalign lead toward the same result, there are differences that can make treatment for a childs teeth more challenging. The difference remains within the process of how each type of treatment straightens the teeth. Thus, the question is more about which treatment is best for my childs teeth? While the answer varies per patient, it is a good idea to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both before coming in for an evaluation.
While people may connect metal braces to children or teens, they are still an effective form of dental correction for patients of all ages. For many years, metal braces remained the only option to correct crooked and crowded teeth. Braces involve metal brackets glued to the enamel of each tooth. Metal wires are laced between the brackets to help shape and mold teeth over time. The wires placed on the bracket can sometimes be the same color as tooth enamel so they are less noticeable; however, most of them are metal/silver. Patients also have the option to choose multiple colors to add their own unique style to their braces.
Metal braces are irremovable and stay in place for the duration of treatment. They may be a good option for patients who are concerned about losing their aligner trays or do not want to have to change out trays. Treatment time varies by case, but the average for teens tends to be approximately two years. Most patients require a monthly or bi-monthly check-up, so the practitioner can see how teeth shift, adjust wires accordingly, and ensure there are no issues that need to be corrected.
Invisalign offers a clear set of plastic aligners called trays customized to fit each patients mouth. Invisalign uses 3-D imagery of the patients teeth to configure and customize the trays to ensure the right fit. The smooth plastic used to create the trays remains BPA-free, providing comfortable wearing. They must be checked and replaced throughout the treatment for both teens and adults to align teeth into the proper position.
Invisalign aligners are removed while eating, drinking, and engaging in activities without interference or concerns about oral injury. Invisalign should be worn approximately 21-22 hours a day for 6-18 months, depending on the issue that needs correcting. Follow-up visits take place approximately every 6 to 8 weeks to change trays. Trays will need to be fitted and customized throughout the treatment as they keep the teeth moving at a gradual pace.
The choice between braces and Invisalign depends largely on preference and the issue that needs correcting. The success rate of Invisalign depends on patient adherence they must wear the trays to enjoy the benefits of a straighter smile. The trays should be worn for at least 22 hours a day for the treatment to be successful or go as desired.
Braces have also produced positive results in many individuals because of their durability and strength. Individuals with complex dental issues may require metal braces in order to align their teeth. For those with complex dental issues or worry about self-discipline in ensuring continued wear of the trays, metal braces may be a better option. With braces, patients can straighten their teeth without the worry of keeping track of the trays or cleaning them frequently.
Invisalign can be helpful for those with mild to moderate dental issues. Treatable cases through Invisalign treatment include overbites, underbites, cross bites, gapped teeth, open bites, crowded teeth, and mixture of baby and permanent teeth. However, each case differs under each of these treatments, and some cases may be too complex to treat with Invisalign.
After removing traditional braces, most patients must wear a retainer at night to keep their teeth from shifting. If the retainer is not worn, teeth will likely move and require further treatment to straighten them again. Once braces are removed, the patients teeth must be kept aligned. Most patients require a positioner or retainer, typically worn overnight, to keep their teeth aligned after removing braces. With Invisalign, patients do not have to wear a retainer after treatment as teeth generally stay straight after the course of treatment.
However, Invisalign does require patient adherence as they are responsible for keeping them safe, clean, and in proper condition. Patients who do not adhere to the guidelines given to them may also experience shifting and undesired results by the end of treatment. If the patient misplaces or damages their Invisalign trays, they can be replaced but may delay treatment. Invisalign Teen comes with replacement aligners at no additional cost, as it remains common for teenagers to accidentally throw them away or misplace them once they remove them for eating or engaging in activities.
When wearing braces, patients must only eat foods that are braces safe. Gum and hard foods, such as candies or nuts, are typically off-limits to prevent damage to the braces or injury to the teeth. Invisalign patients do not have dietary restrictions as they remove the aligners while eating and drinking. However, we do recommend patients eat healthy, nutritious food to keep their oral cavity clean during orthodontic treatment.
In order to care for both braces and Invisalign trays, we advise patients to practice enhanced oral hygiene habits. With braces, patients should brush their teeth at least twice daily and use a water flosser or floss designed for braces at least once daily. There are various other tools for patients with braces, especially those with more complicated issues. With Invisalign, patients should remove their aligners while brushing and flossing. The aligners themselves should also be thoroughly cleaned during oral hygiene care to keep them clean and free of food particles or debris.
A. The right time to correct dental issues depends on the patients dental stage. In most cases, children must have all of their permanent teeth before considering braces or Invisalign. General dentists typically refer their patients to an orthodontist when it is likely a good time for correction.
A. Both Invisalign and traditional braces prove effective but differ in their approach to straightening teeth. Metal braces rely on brackets, wires. and elastics to shift teeth. Invisalign uses removable plastic aligners throughout treatment. As the teeth shift, patients wear new aligners to continue treatment. Invisalign requires patients to wear their aligners for 20-22 hours a day, whereas braces require 24 hours a day.
A. Traditional braces require approximately 18-24 months of treatment. The average treatment time for Invisalign patients takes between 12-18 months, depending on the issues that need correcting. For patients with minor misalignment, their Invisalign treatment may be finished as quickly as 6 months.
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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