First Class Smiles provides orthodontics in Des Plaines, IL, for children, teens, and adults who want straighter teeth, better bite function, and a more confident smile. Our office on Lee Street brings together award-winning dentists and a board-certified orthodontist under one roof, serving patients from Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, and nearby northwest suburbs.
If your teeth feel crowded, your bite feels uneven, or you want to compare braces and Invisalign, call First Class Smiles at (847) 264-4152 to schedule your consultation.
What Is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment corrects tooth position, spacing, crowding, and bite alignment. It helps move teeth into healthier positions so your smile looks better, feels more balanced, and becomes easier to clean.
At First Class Smiles, patients in Des Plaines and nearby areas receive orthodontic care from a board-certified orthodontist and an experienced dental team. Whether you have crowded teeth, a bite problem, or want to explore your treatment options, we match your care to your smile goals, lifestyle, and budget.
Who Needs Orthodontic Treatment?
Children With Early Bite or Growth Concerns
Problem: Your child has crowded teeth, early or late baby tooth loss, jaw shifting, mouth breathing, crossbite, underbite, or visible spacing problems.
Solution: An early evaluation helps catch growth and bite concerns before they become harder to correct. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first checkup by age 7. Our children's dentistry team can also help monitor your child's dental development between orthodontic visits.
Teens With Crooked Teeth or Smile Confidence Issues
Problem: Your teen has crowded teeth, gaps, rotated teeth, overbite, underbite, or feels self-conscious in photos.
Solution: Braces or Invisalign guide teeth into better alignment during the teen years, supporting smile confidence, improved bite function, and easier daily cleaning.
Adults Who Want Straighter Teeth
Problem: You want a straighter smile but feel concerned about visible braces or looking unprofessional during treatment.
Solution: Invisalign and ceramic braces offer more discreet options for adults. The AAO reports that 1 in 3 orthodontic patients today is an adult, so orthodontic treatment at any age is common and practical.
Patients With Crowded Teeth
Problem: Overlapping teeth make brushing and flossing harder. Food and plaque collect in tight spaces, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Solution: Orthodontic treatment creates better spacing and alignment. Straighter teeth are easier to clean and support healthier gums over time.
Patients With Bite Problems
Problem: An overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite places uneven pressure on teeth, which can lead to enamel wear, chipped teeth, chewing strain, and jaw discomfort.
Solution: Braces or Invisalign guide teeth into a healthier bite position, improving chewing comfort and reducing unnecessary stress on individual teeth.
Patients Whose Teeth Shifted After Braces
Problem: You had braces before, but your teeth shifted again because retainers were lost, damaged, or not worn consistently.
Solution: Invisalign, braces, or retainers can correct relapse and protect your tooth position going forward.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic care at First Class Smiles starts with a thorough evaluation and ends with a smile you are confident wearing every day.
Step 1: Orthodontic Consultation
Your visit begins with a review of your health history, smile concerns, tooth position, bite, and treatment goals.
Step 2: Digital Records and Bite Evaluation
The team takes X-rays, photos, scans, or impressions to study your teeth and jaw alignment. These records identify crowding, spacing, bite problems, and the amount of tooth movement needed.
Step 3: Treatment Plan
Your provider explains your options, expected timeline, risks, benefits, and maintenance needs. They will recommend whether metal braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, or retainers fit your case best.
Step 4: Starting Treatment
If you choose braces, brackets are placed on your teeth and connected with wires that guide tooth movement. If you choose Invisalign, custom clear aligners are made to shift teeth in planned stages.
Step 5: Progress Visits
You return for regular visits so your provider monitors movement and makes adjustments. Invisalign patients switch to a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks.
Step 6: Final Alignment Check
Once planned tooth movement is complete, your provider checks your smile alignment, bite, and tooth stability.
Step 7: Retainer Phase
Retainers keep your teeth in position after braces or Invisalign and reduce the risk of relapse over time.
Orthodontic Treatment Options at First Class Smiles
First Class Smiles offers multiple orthodontic solutions, so treatment fits your smile goals, lifestyle, and budget.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to gradually move teeth. It is ideal for patients who want discreet treatment and prefer removing aligners for eating, brushing, and flossing. Dr. Victor Grandinetti, DDS, is a preferred Invisalign provider at First Class Smiles.
Metal Braces
Metal braces correct many alignment and bite concerns, including crowding, crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites. They are reliable for patients who need controlled, continuous tooth movement.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work like metal braces but use clear ceramic material. They are suitable for older teens and adults who want fixed orthodontic treatment with a less noticeable appearance.
Retainers
Retainers keep teeth in position after braces or Invisalign. They are a long-term commitment and essential for protecting your results and reducing the risk of relapse.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Treatment time varies based on your age, bite condition, and the type of orthodontic appliance recommended for your case.
| Treatment Type | Estimated Timeline | Best For |
| Minor Invisalign Cases | 6 to 12 months | Mild spacing, minor crowding, or small relapse |
| Full Invisalign Treatment | 6 to 18 months | Mild to moderate alignment and bite concerns |
| Metal Braces | 18 to 24 months | Crowding, crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites |
| Ceramic Braces | 18 to 24 months | Patients who want fixed treatment with a less visible look |
| Complex Bite Correction | 24+ months | Severe crowding, crossbite, open bite, or major bite correction |
| Retainers | Long-term | Keeping teeth in position after treatment |
Benefits of Straighter Teeth and a Healthier Bite
Orthodontic treatment improves smile appearance, bite comfort, and long-term oral health.
- Straighter teeth and improved smile confidence
- Better bite balance and chewing comfort
- Easier brushing and flossing
- Less food trapping between crowded teeth
- Reduced uneven tooth wear
- Discreet options, including ceramic braces and Invisalign
- Professional monitoring throughout treatment
Braces vs Invisalign: Which Option Fits Your Smile?
Both options are available at First Class Smiles. Your orthodontist will recommend the right fit based on your bite, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
| Feature | Braces | Invisalign |
| Appearance | Visible brackets and wires | Clear aligners |
| Removable | No | Yes |
| Food Limits | Some restrictions | Removed while eating |
| Cleaning | Extra care around brackets | Brush and floss after removing aligners |
| Best For | Simple to complex cases | Mild to moderate cases |
| Compliance | Works full-time | Requires consistent wear |
Orthodontic Cost in Des Plaines, IL
Your exact cost depends on case complexity, treatment type, treatment length, insurance benefits, and retainer needs. Invisalign averages around $5,000 at First Class Smiles, with less complex cases costing less.
| Treatment Element | General Cost Range |
| Orthodontic consultation | Free |
| X-rays, scans, or records | $100 to $500 |
| Metal braces | $3,000 to $7,000 |
| Ceramic braces | $4,000 to $8,000 |
| Invisalign | $3,000 to $8,000+ |
| Retainers | $150 to $600+ |
First Class Smiles is in-network with all major insurance providers. The office also accepts CareCredit, FSA, cash, check, and debit or credit cards. Visit our Payment Options page or ask about the Insurance-Free Savings Plan if you are uninsured or underinsured.
How to Maintain Your Results After Braces or Invisalign
Good home care and consistent follow-ups protect your smile long after braces or Invisalign are done.
- Wear your retainer exactly as instructed to prevent teeth from shifting.
- Brush around brackets, wires, attachments, and gumlines with extra care.
- Floss daily using floss threaders, interdental brushes, or a water flosser.
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods during braces treatment.
- Schedule regular preventive cleanings so your dentist can monitor gum and tooth health during and after treatment.
Next Steps After Completing Orthodontic Treatment
After braces or Invisalign, your dentist may recommend cosmetic or preventive treatments to complete and protect your smile.
- Teeth Whitening: Brighten your smile now that your teeth are aligned. Learn about teeth whitening.
- Dental Bonding: Repair small chips, uneven edges, or minor shape concerns. See our cosmetic dentistry options.
- Dental Veneers: Improve tooth shape, color, size, and overall smile appearance. Learn about dental veneers.
- Dental Crowns: Restore weak, damaged, or heavily worn teeth after bite correction. Learn about dental crowns.
- Preventative Cleanings: Keep teeth and gums healthy after orthodontic treatment. Schedule a cleaning.
- Retainers: Maintain your final tooth position and prevent shifting.
Meet Dr. Mona Yang, Board-Certified Orthodontist
Dr. Mona Yang is a board-certified orthodontist at First Class Smiles in Des Plaines, IL. She earned her Ph.D. from UT Health San Antonio and is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, and the International Association for Dental Research. Dr. Yang has received multiple research awards, including the 6th International Bone Fluid Flow Workshop Young Investigator Travel Award, the AADR Society of Hard Tissue Travel Award, and the ASBMR Harold M. Frost Young Investigator Award.
Dental Financing Options At First Class Smiles
Our office is in-network with all major insurance providers. Please bring your insurance card to each appointment so we can make sure your information is as up-to-date as possible. If you do not find your insurance provider here; please call at (847) 264-4152 for clarity.
Cash
Check
Debit And Credit
FSA
Why Choose First Class Smiles for Orthodontics in Des Plaines, IL?
First Class Smiles combines specialist expertise, multiple treatment options, and complete dental care in one convenient Des Plaines office.
Board-Certified Orthodontist on Staff
Dr. Mona Yang is a board-certified orthodontist with advanced residency training, a Ph.D. from UT Health San Antonio, and active membership in the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and International Association for Dental Research. Meet Dr. Yang.
Preferred Invisalign provider
Dr. Victor Grandinetti, DDS, is a preferred provider for Invisalign clear aligners, helping patients who want a discreet alternative to braces.
Multiple treatment options
Metal braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, and retainers. Treatment is matched to your bite, smile goals, lifestyle, and budget.
Complete dental care in one office
Patients can access general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative care, sedation dentistry, and emergency dentistry at the same practice.
Convenient Des Plaines location
Located at 780 Lee St., 2nd Floor, Des Plaines, IL 60016. We serve patients from Park Ridge, Rosemont, Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect, and Niles.
Real results
Browse our Before & Afters gallery to see actual patient outcomes from braces and Invisalign treatment.
Schedule Your Orthodontic Consultation in Des Plaines, IL
A straighter smile starts with a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan you understand. Whether you live near downtown Des Plaines, along the Metra UP-NW corridor, or in a neighboring community, First Class Smiles is your local orthodontic provider.
Call (847) 264-4152 or schedule an appointment online to get started.
FAQs
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment time depends on tooth position, bite condition, and appliance type. Metal braces are generally used for about two years at First Class Smiles, while Invisalign timelines vary by case.
Are braces or Invisalign better for adults?
Both work well for adults. Invisalign offers clear, removable aligners. Braces are often better for more complex movement. Your orthodontist will recommend the right option after examining your teeth and bite.
Does orthodontic treatment hurt?
You may feel pressure or mild soreness after braces adjustments or when switching to new aligners. This is a normal part of tooth movement and improves within a few days.
Do I need retainers after braces or Invisalign?
Yes. Retainers are a long-term commitment that protects your results. Without consistent retainer wear, teeth gradually shift, which can affect your outcome.
Does insurance cover orthodontics?
Coverage depends on your plan. First Class Smiles is in-network with all major insurance providers. Bring your insurance card to your appointment so the team can verify your benefits. You can also explore payment options or the Insurance-Free Savings Plan if needed.
What if I feel anxious about dental treatment?
First Class Smiles offers sedation dentistry for patients who feel nervous. Ask the team about sedation options when you call to schedule.