Have you ever wished you had straighter teeth but didn’t want the hassle of traditional metal braces? Did you avoid braces when you were younger because of the bulky wires and brackets? Do you think a beautiful smile is out of your reach? If you are a teen or adult with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, you could likely be a candidate for Invisalign® clear aligners.
This revolutionary treatment uses customized, clear plastic aligners to gently shift your teeth into the proper position, improving your smile and oral health. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Invisalign clear aligners in Palatine, IL.
How Invisalign Works
This clear aligner system is designed to straighten your teeth using custom-made, clear aligners instead of brackets and wires. The process is simple; your dentist will instruct you on how long to wear each set of aligners before switching to the next set. This process continues until your treatment is complete and you have achieved the desired results.
If you have any of the following orthodontic conditions, you may be a candidate for Invisalign:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
Your Journey Begins Here
The Invisalign process involves several steps; here’s what you can expect from your journey toward the gorgeous smile you’ve always wanted:
- Consultation—During this initial visit, we will conduct an assessment and discuss your treatment goals. If you are a candidate for clear aligners, we’ll use 3-D imaging to plan your treatment and help you visualize your results.
- Aligner fabrication—Once you have approved your treatment plan, we will send your images to the Invisalign lab so they can create your custom aligners. The Invisalign lab will create a set of aligners that will gradually straighten your teeth a little at a time.
- Aligner fitting—When your aligners arrive at our dental office, you’ll return for a fitting and instructions on achieving the best results. You will wear each set of aligners for about two weeks and come back to see us periodically so we can check your progress.
- Retainer fitting—After your teeth have shifted into the appropriate position, we will fit you for a retainer. You’ll need to wear the retainer to keep your teeth from returning to their original position.
Invisalign Tips for Success
Your commitment to following these tips can make your Invisalign journey more successful and give you the smile of your dreams as quickly as possible:
- Wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day. You will only remove them to eat, brush, and floss your teeth.
- Brush and floss your teeth daily, preferably after every meal. This will keep plaque from building up on your teeth and getting trapped under your aligners, which can cause tooth decay.
- Rinse your aligners when you remove them, and brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least once daily.
- Make sure to change your aligners according to the schedule your dentist provides. Each set of aligners is designed to shift your teeth slightly.
The Many Benefits of Clear Aligner Therapy
With Invisalign clear aligners, there are so many benefits over traditional braces, including the following:
- Discretion—Because they are nearly invisible, you can wear clear aligners without affecting your self-esteem.
- Comfort—You can straighten your teeth comfortably without brackets and wires irritating your gums, lips, and the insides of your cheeks.
- Convenience—Since your aligners are removable, you won’t have to worry about keeping your teeth clean, and you’ll be able to eat all your favorite foods, too!
- Fewer visits—Because you won’t have brackets or wires that need to be tightened or adjusted, you can expect to make fewer trips to the dentist’s office, saving time and money.
Thinking about Invisalign in Palatine, IL?
If you want to learn more about how orthodontics from Palatine Complete Dental can make you look forward to smiling again, we would love to hear from you! With clear aligners, you can discreetly and comfortably achieve straighter teeth and improve your self-confidence. Imagine being able to love your smile again.
Call (847) 359-7520 to arrange a consultation with us and begin your journey to a more beautiful smile.