Even slightly crooked teeth can be a distraction to others when you’re trying to smile and make a positive first impression. Imagine having teeth that are straight, balanced, and healthy. Many think the only way to reach this new smile is by turning to traditional metal braces. We think differently. We leave out the painful wires and brackets entirely and offer an alternative route to an ideal smile—Invisalign®. Using clear aligners, whether a teen or an adult, we can straighten your teeth without anyone noticing! Results are just as dramatic and can even be offered in less time than some traditional treatment plans. We offer Invisalign® in Schaumburg and Norridge, IL, to ensure you not only feel confident in your final smile but throughout your orthodontic treatment as well.
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What Is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a series of clear aligners molded specifically to your teeth to correct gapping, crowding, malocclusion, and bite issues. Used as an alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign® offers a flexible, less noticeable way to straighten your teeth and perfect your smile using a series of custom-formed molds created from computer-generated images of your teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign®?
- A nearly invisible solution to crooked or imperfect smiles
- No painful metal brackets or wires
- Corrects crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth
- Easy hygiene routines
- Treats underbites, overbites, open bites, and crossbites
- Comfortable, custom-made appliance
- No food limitations
- Healthier, balanced bite
- Greater confidence during and after treatment
Am I a Good Candidate For Invisalign®?
In most cases, if you’re a candidate for treatment with traditional braces, you are likely a good candidate for Invisalign®. Ideal Invisalign® candidates are also those who:
- Have all of their permanent adult teeth
- Have issues like a misaligned bite or crooked teeth that affect their oral health or confidence
- Would feel self-conscious about wearing metal braces
- Have good dental hygiene, including being a non-smoker
- Are willing to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours each day
If you require more extreme dental correction or have existing tooth implants or artificial bridgework, you may not be a good candidate for Invisalign®. The best way to determine if Invisalign® is right for you is by scheduling an appointment with one of our dental experts.
What To Expect From Your Invisalign® Treatment
During your initial consultation, we’ll perform a complete evaluation, including a discussion about your unique aesthetic and functional goals. If Invisalign® meets your needs, we’ll start your treatment by taking a digital impression of your mouth. Using our 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner, we can capture highly detailed impressions without the need for the goopy, gag-inducing impressions you may be used to. These scans are used to create your treatment plan with a series of custom-made and meticulously planned aligners.
You’ll return for your next appointment and receive your first set of aligners. Each aligner, or tray, is worn for 20-22 hours each day for maximum results. Gradually, your teeth will shift according to the treatment plan. You may even start seeing results after a few weeks.
Based on decades of expertise in material science and biomechanics, each aligner is made from SmartTrack® material, which is engineered for comfort, predictability, and gentle force. By using this smooth, durable plastic instead of metal brackets and wires, many of our patients experience fewer emergency visits and less hassle during their orthodontics treatment.
How Long Will My Invisalign® Treatment Take?
The length of your Invisalign® treatment depends on what you are correcting with the aligners and the degree of correction required. Other factors that impact treatment duration include:
Age
The teeth of younger patients generally move more quickly compared to those of adults, so teen Invisalign® patients may have a shorter treatment time than adults.
Treatment Compliance
You will need to follow your provider’s instructions regarding the length of time you must wear your aligners each day. If you don’t regularly wear them for the required amount of time, your treatment may take longer.
Frequency of Aligner Changes
Each set of aligners moves your teeth into a new position, so if you have frequent aligner changes, your treatment may progress more quickly.
Adherence to Follow-up Appointments
Follow-up appointments for checkups and aligner changes keep your treatment on track and moving forward. Scheduling and keeping regular checkup appointments will help your treatment move faster.
Individual Physiology
The rate at which your teeth move, the initial position of your teeth, and other physiological factors can all impact how long it takes to align your teeth.
While most Invisalign® treatments average between 12 and 18 months, some can be as short as six months or as long as two years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign®
Do I really have to wear my Invisalign® aligners for 22 hours every day?
To reap the maximum benefits of your Invisalign® treatment, you should wear your aligners for 20-22 hours every day. Is this number set in stone? No, but it is the length of time recommended for optimal results. The aligners can only do their job when they are in contact with your teeth, so wearing them the recommended amount each day will help keep your treatment on track. However, if you go a day here and there where you don’t wear them as long, it typically won’t have a noticeable effect on your results.
How many rounds of Invisalign® is normal?
There is no truly “normal” number of Invisalign® rounds. For some people who need only mild to moderate correction, six rounds will give them the results they desire. Others requiring correction for more severe crowding or bite issues may need 26 or more. On average, most people need between 14 and 20 rounds of aligners.
Can you sleep while using Invisalign®?
You can absolutely sleep while wearing your Invisalign®, and in fact, you should. Since you’re required to wear the aligners for at least 20 hours each day, wearing them overnight is a must. It may take a few days to get used to them, but once you do, you’ll hardly notice they’re there. Just make sure that you are rinsing them each morning when you wake up and each evening before you go to bed to ensure that there is no buildup of food in them that can affect your oral hygiene.
How do I clean my Invisalign® aligners?
The best and safest way to clean your Invisalign® aligners is by brushing them at least twice daily with warm water and a soft toothbrush. For deeper cleaning, you may soak them in water with a denture or retainer cleaner tablet and rinse them well after cleaning. Do not use toothpaste to clean your aligners, as it is too abrasive. Brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth after eating or drinking anything other than water can also help keep your aligners clean.
How much does Invisalign® cost in Norridge and Schaumburg?
The cost of your Invisalign® treatment depends on several factors, including the level of correction needed and number of trays required. Your commitment to wearing the trays as directed also plays a role in the cost, as the longer your treatment takes and the more follow-up visits you need, the pricier it may become. When you come in for your Invisalign® consultation, we will let you know how long we estimate your treatment will take, as well as the cost.
Learn More About Invisalign® in Norridge and Schaumburg
Our skilled team of dentists offers comprehensive orthodontic treatments in our state-of-the-art location. A certified Invisalign® Silver Provider, Dr. Agnieszka (Agnes) Kucharska also completed a two-year orthodontic program at Progressive Ortho Seminars and became certified in a variety of other orthodontic solutions as well. Trusted authorities in orthodontics, our team can provide the customized treatment solutions your teeth and your confidence need. Find out if the noticeable results you’re searching for can be found through barely visible Invisalign® aligners! To schedule a consultation, call us today at (773) 232-3929 (Norridge) or (847) 999-7620 (Schaumburg).