Invisalign Des Plaines, IL
Clear orthodontic aligners have been growing in popularity for many years. One of the most recognizable brands is Invisalign®. Invisalign is a form of orthodontics that uses clear tray aligners to straighten the teeth instead of the traditional mouthful of metal wires and brackets.
If you are a candidate, Invisalign provides an almost invisible way to straighten your teeth. Invisalign is available at Apple Family Dental in Des Plaines and the surrounding area. Call us at (847) 553-4848 to schedule an appointment to see if this treatment is right for you.
History of Invisalign
Invisalign is a nearly invisible orthodontic alternative to traditional metal braces. This treatment uses clear plastic trays that apply gentle, consistent pressure to specific parts of teeth to move them into alignment slowly. It is a great option for people who do not want visible metal brackets and wires in their mouths.
Zia Chishti got the idea for Invisalign after realizing that a series of retainers could move teeth just as effectively as metal braces. Chishti and his team created a program to model a patient's current bite and design the series of trays that they would need to achieve a straight smile. Invisalign has made it possible for people who would never choose metal braces, for cosmetic or health reasons, to get the smile they have always wanted.
“Invisalign is a nearly invisible orthodontic alternative to traditional metal braces.”
Invisalign’s Three Steps
The first step to getting Invisalign is by scheduling a consultation with our dentist. Our staff will look at overall oral health and take impressions of the mouth. Next, that impression is sent to Invisalign and used to make aligners unique to the patient's mouth for a custom fit.
Once the aligners have been made, our staff will make sure they fit well, answer any questions, and go over the treatment plan. Patients will be expected to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to get results. Regular checkups with Apple Family Dental will make sure treatment stays on track. Our staff will determine how often new aligners are needed.
After the desired results have been achieved, the patient may be expected to wear a retainer to maintain those results. This will prevent teeth from gradually shifting back to their initial position. Our doctor will provide specific instructions on how often a retainer will need to be worn.
“The first step to getting Invisalign is by scheduling a consultation with our dentist.”
Pros and Cons
There are several advantages to opting for Invisalign treatment. Since Invisalign aligners are clear, patients do not have to worry about visible metal brackets and wires. The removable trays provide an additional benefit of convenience. Patients do not have to restrict their diet since they can remove their trays when eating or drinking. With Invisalign, people can easily clean their teeth since they do not have the brush or floss around metal appliances. The trays are also comfortable to wear since they consist of smooth plastic trimmed to fit around the patient's gums.
There are also some potential disadvantages to Invisalign. The removability of aligners can cause people to forgo wearing them for long enough or even misplace them. The need for strict treatment adherence means that Invisalign treatment is not for everyone. Additionally, Invisalign is most effective for people with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, not those with more severe problems. Invisalign treatment was the most accurate at moving the buccal-lingual crown tip and least accurate at rotating teeth in a 2020 study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
“Invisalign wearers can easily clean their teeth since they do not have the brush or floss around metal appliances.”
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Caring For Invisalign
Keeping aligners clean and caring for them properly is a vital part of Invisalign treatment. With the right care, patients can keep their aligners free from discoloration, smell, plaque, and bacteria. People with Invisalign should brush their trays every time they take them out or put them back in.
It is essential for people to not only keep their aligners clean but also their teeth. Use a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap or the Invisalign cleaning system to keep aligners free from plaque and bacteria. Avoid eating or drinking anything that can stain aligners and leave an unpleasant smell. It is best to take out aligners while eating or drinking anything.
“With the right care, patients can keep their aligners free from discoloration, smell, plaque, and bacteria.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What steps are involved with getting Invisalign?
Q. How long will I have to wear Invisalign aligners?
Q. What are the pros and cons of Invisalign?
Q. How should patients care for their Invisalign?
People Also Ask
Q. How often do I need to wear my clear aligners?
Q. What are some examples of purely cosmetic procedures?
Q. How should you choose the right treatment and cosmetic dentist?
Q. What are the differences between braces and Invisalign?
Q. Is there commonality by age group?
Q. When are braces more effective than Invisalign?
Q. What are some of the types of cosmetic dental treatments?
Length of Treatment Time
Only a dentist can reasonably predict the length of the Invisalign treatment time. The severity of the condition, how well the patient adheres to the treatment plan, and age are all factors. On average, it takes less than two years to see results. The treatment time for teens is typically a little shorter than adults.
Following all the recommended guidelines will ensure patients do not extend the treatment time. Patients need to switch trays on schedule and talk to our staff if there are any concerns. If the aligners are not worn for the recommended time, the teeth may start to shift back to their original positions.
“Only a dentist can reasonably predict the length of the Invisalign treatment time.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does Invisalign hurt?
A. Invisalign treatment is not painful, but it can cause teeth to feel sore. When patients switch out their trays, it is normal to experience some discomfort due to the pressure exerted on teeth. This is a sign that the treatment is progressing and teeth are moving into alignment.
Q. How often will I return for appointments during Invisalign treatment?
A. Invisalign treatment can save patients time coming to the office. While other orthodontic treatments typically require patients to return for adjustment appointments about every three or four weeks, Invisalign patients do not need checkups as often. Patients will need to visit our office about once every four to six weeks to ensure that the treatment progresses as planned.
Q. What are Invisalign attachments?
A. Invisalign attachments are small button-like attachments that are temporarily attached to teeth. We place these attachments at specific locations to help the aligners grip teeth as they are moving them into alignment. Not every patient will need Invisalign attachments. Our team will determine whether they are necessary.
Q. Is it normal for my teeth to feel loose after removing my Invisalign aligners?
A. It is normal for patients to feel like their teeth are loose after removing aligners. This is because their teeth are shifting. As aligners gradually move teeth into their proper position, the gums are also re-forming around each tooth.
Q. Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
A. Any orthodontic appliance has the potential to affect a person's speech. Invisalign is not likely to cause any speech problems. Patients may notice a slight lisp when speaking, but it should disappear as the tongue gets used to the aligners.
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Invisalign® Terminology
Learn More About Invisalign
For many patients, Invisalign is a practical alternative to traditional braces. If you are interested in finding out whether this treatment is right for you, call Apple Family Dental in Des Plaines at 847-553-4848 to learn more about whether or not you are a candidate.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- Invisalign®. How Invisalign Works. 2024
- Invisalign®. Take the Smile Assessment. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Apple Family Dental was established in 1994.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Cook County and Lake County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Des Plaines, Niles, Glenview, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, Northbrook, Wheeling, Skokie, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, and Prospect Heights
- National Provider Identifier Database (1558090167). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
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