Orthodontics for Adults in Lake County, IL

Adults deserve fantastic smiles, too

Why get Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult?

As adults, we find ourselves focused on work, family, social, and other important parts of our lives. That makes sense. It also makes sense to improve every one of those aspects by investing in a healthy and good-looking smile for yourself.

STEP 1

Enhance your confidence

When you feel your best, you do your best. A straighter smile can help you feel more comfortable in social and professional situations and make it easier to connect with others.

STEP 2

Boost your oral health

Straight teeth and an aligned bite are easier to care for, lowering the risk of decay, gum disease, bad breath, and abnormal tooth wear.
Orthodontic treatment as an adult

STEP 3

Improve mouth function

Straightening your teeth and bite improves how your mouth actually works, not just how it looks. Proper alignment makes chewing and speaking feel easier, reduces uneven wear on teeth, helps prevent chips and cracks, and relieves jaw strain or discomfort that can show up as tension or headaches.

You're not too old, and you're far from alone

Adults come to us for many reasons. Some never had braces. Some had braces as a teen and noticed their teeth shift over the years. Some are preparing for dental work, like crowns or implants, where better alignment helps the final result. Whatever your story, we start by listening.

Why get Your Care at OSOLC?

Adults have many orthodontic offices to choose from, so beyond creating beautiful, healthy smiles, our focus is service and convenience, custom treatment planning, and relationship-driven care.

01

Convenience

Running on schedule, offering remote monitoring, and creating flexible payment plans make accessing expert orthodontic care simple.

02

Personalization

Because we investigate your case deeply, including your preferences and lifestyle, we create a custom treatment plan that’s unique to you and matches your goals and needs.

03

Respect

You matter first. Dr. Sellke, Dr. Rhee, and Dr. Nagy build in time to get to know and talk with you, never brushing off concerns and questions. You’re in control of your treatment, which is about supporting you, not dictating your choices.

Why Braces Adults

Common reasons Adults choose Orthodontic Treatment

Your orthodontist will work with your general dentist when your care overlaps. Regular dental checkups remain important during treatment.

Adult Orthodontic Treatments We offer at OSOLC

There isn’t one right answer for every adult. We spend time getting to know your goals, schedule, and bite, then recommend the approach that fits. If the simplest option works, that’s the one we’ll suggest.

OrthoFX Clear Aligners

Best for adults who want a nearly invisible option they can remove for meals, brushing, and flossing. OrthoFX aligners are custom-made from digital scans, and a full treatment plan is mapped before your first tray is made. They work within a wider range of continuous wear time, which suits unpredictable schedules, and pair well with DentalMonitoring for fewer in-office visits. Most OrthoFX patients finish in about 6 to 18 months, depending on the case.

LightForce® Braces

Best for adults who want braces that are smaller, sleeker, and designed for their own teeth. Each LightForce bracket is 3D-printed to match the size and shape of your individual teeth, based on your digital scan and a pre-planned digital treatment map. Many patients find the gentle, controlled force more comfortable. We have extensive experience with LightForce braces in Lake County.

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are best for adults with complex bites or anyone who wants a durable, cost-effective option. Our doctors can precisely guide individual teeth, and if a bracket or wire loosens, it can be repaired quickly. Treatment typically runs about 10 to 24 months, depending on your needs.

What to expect: your Adult Orthodontic journey

Adults have many orthodontic offices to choose from, so beyond creating beautiful, healthy smiles, our focus is service and convenience, custom treatment planning, and relationship-driven care.

01

Free consultation

Your orthodontist examines your teeth, bite, and jaw, often with X-rays and digital imaging, and talks through your goals. Your first visit

02

Custom plan

We design a plan around your case and lifestyle, review the options above, and walk through payment choices.

03

Treatment

Depending on the option you choose, you’ll wear aligners or have braces placed, with regular progress checks and remote monitoring.

04

Retention

When treatment is complete, you receive custom retainers to protect your results. Wearing them is what keeps your smile in place for the long term. About retainers

See what’s possible in our Smile Gallery.

How long does Adult Orthodontic Treatment take, and what does it cost?

Orthodontic treatment costs

Ortho for Adults FAQs

Is orthodontic treatment common for adults?

Yes. Many adults choose orthodontic treatment to improve both their smile and oral health. About one in five orthodontic patients today is an adult.

Yes. Clear aligners and modern braces, including custom LightForce braces, allow adults to straighten their teeth with minimal visibility.

Treatment typically lasts between 12 and 24 months. Some clear aligner cases finish in as little as 6 to 18 months, and your orthodontist will give you an estimate after your exam.

Yes. Proper alignment can improve bite function and make teeth easier to clean.

It is never too late to improve your smile. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, teeth can be moved at any age.

Neither is better for everyone. Clear aligners like OrthoFX are a great fit for many mild to moderate cases and for people who want a discreet, removable option. Braces, including custom LightForce and traditional metal braces, give our doctors precise control and are often the best choice for complex bites. We recommend the option that fits your case, not the one that costs more.

Yes. Retainers protect your results for life. We’ll give you custom retainers when treatment is complete.

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Your smile, on your schedule. Schedule a consultation in Grayslake, Antioch, or Gurnee. We’d love to meet you!

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Our Patients Say It Best

Your smile, on your schedule. Schedule a consultation in Grayslake, Antioch, or Gurnee. We’d love to meet you!

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Made my daughter feel comfortable. Increased my anxiety on talk about removing her permanent teeth for braces in 1 -2 years, however. I'm hopeful this isn't the only option. Thank you
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Stanell
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Love this place. Over 35 years ago with being a patient. I returned over 5 years ago with my daughter to receive the same great service. Great customer service. Keep up the great work.
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Christy
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Very warm centered practice they informed us on everything we needed to know with having braces & going forward. Definitely recommend this practice, They always were acommodating & worked with my daughter Jasella gracefully. Checked on her & made sure she was cleaning accurate. Hands down 100% good people here. Highly recoonmend
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Kathy
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Professional staff and caring providers. I’ve always been nervous about all dental and orthodontic care but found that they truly value patients and create an excellent patient experience. Outstanding care!
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Adrienne
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Great service
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Tenarre