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Invisalign in Park Ridge for Straighter, Healthier Teeth

Having crooked teeth as an adult can prevent you from looking and feeling your best. Not only that, it can lead to a number of dental health problems. The same is true for overcrowded teeth, gapping, bite misalignment, and rotated teeth.

Unfortunately, these issues are common, and people often feel like they can’t address them without wearing uncomfortable metal braces. However, there is an alternative treatment option.

Whether you had braces as a kid and your teeth have shifted, or you never got the chance to straighten your smile, Invisalign in Park Ridge, IL, can help. Invisalign can also benefit developing smiles if you’re looking for orthodontic solutions for your teenage son or daughter.

Read on to discover more about the benefits of Invisalign and how it works.

What is Invisalign?

The Invisalign system consists of several sets of clear aligner trays. These trays gradually straighten teeth in much the same way as metal braces.

During the course of your treatment, you will wear each set of trays for several weeks before swapping them out for the next set in the series. Your custom trays will be designed based on your smile goals and oral structure.

Each aligner set slowly moves teeth closer to their proper positions. The aligners are made of clear, durable plastic, which makes them practically invisible.

Additionally, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed when you eat and brush and floss your teeth. This makes them easy to clean. It also ensures you can maintain your oral hygiene without worrying about food particles hiding behind metal wires and brackets.

Benefits of Invisalign

Below are some of the top benefits of Invisalign:

  • Virtually invisible
  • Removable
  • More comfortable than metal braces
  • Predictable results
  • Fewer office visits required than with traditional braces
  • Treats a wide range of orthodontic issues
  • Improved oral hygiene after treatment
  • Easy to keep clean
  • Lower risk of developing cavities than with traditional braces

Why Is a Straight Smile Important?

Achieving straight teeth goes beyond just the appeal of a beautiful smile. Crooked, gapped, or otherwise misaligned teeth can cause a number of oral health issues.
For example, if your bite is off, you may be putting undue stress on individual teeth, your jaw, or even your gums. This stress can lead to chipped teeth, enamel erosion, jaw pain and TMJ issues, and even improper breathing.

Crooked teeth also trap food particles and bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Straight, evenly spaced teeth allow you to maintain proper oral hygiene and avoid costly dental care.

If you have a crooked smile, gapping, rotated teeth, or other dental issues that require orthodontic treatment, Invisalign might be the best option for you.

The Invisalign Treatment Process

Consultation

Before you receive your first set of aligners, you will have to undergo a consultation. At Beyond Smiles, we will conduct a thorough exam of your teeth and gums to assess your oral health and candidacy for aligners. Then, we will discuss your ultimate smile goals and you’ll review a cost estimate for treatment. Finally, your dentist will answer any questions you have.

Preparing for Your Invisalign Clear Aligners

To begin treatment, we’ll start by taking digital images of your teeth. Then, we’ll show you a preview of how your smile will look when your treatment is complete. Your dentist will also use this preview to determine if you need attachments beneath your aligners.

Invisalign attachments are made of a white filling material that is easily removed after treatment. These temporary augmentations help provide leverage for your aligners and guide teeth into their proper positions.

Daily Care

Once you receive your first set of custom aligner trays, you will need to wear them 22-24 hours a day. You should only remove them for meals and daily oral care. You should also rinse your aligners each time you take them out and brush them twice a day. If you neglect to wear your aligners consistently, you risk prolonging treatment.

What to Expect

Like traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can cause your mouth to feel a bit sore, especially right after putting on a new set. You can expect to experience mild discomfort as your teeth steadily shift into a new position.

Although Invisalign aligners have smooth, non-irritating edges, some patients find the aligners distracting at first. Keeping them clean and wearing them regularly can help you get used to them quickly.

Life After Invisalign

Invisalign treatment plans vary in length from patient to patient. Treatment usually takes between 6-18 months, depending on the degree of misalignment.

Once your treatment is complete, a final appointment will be scheduled to remove any Invisalign attachments. You’ll also receive a retainer to wear at night. This retainer will keep your teeth from shifting out of place. It’s also effective at combating wear-and-tear from tooth grinding and jaw clenching while you sleep.

Finally, it’s important to continue seeing your dentist on a regular basis following treatment.

Good Candidates for Invisalign in Illinois

Before talking to your dentist about Invisalign therapy, it’s important to know what disqualifies you from Invisalign.

Patients with active gum disease, cavities, or other ongoing oral health issues are unlikely to be a good fit for Invisalign. Once these conditions are resolved, Invisalign may become an option. Permanent restorations such as dental implants and bridges are also likely to disqualify you for Invisalign.

In some cases, younger patients with developing smiles may need to wait before beginning treatment. However, everyone’s mouth is different, and only your dentist can determine if and when Invisalign is right for you.

Invisalign at Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge

If you’re on the hunt for Park Ridge Invisalign services, Beyond Smiles is here for you. Our caring team dedicates themselves to helping patients meet their smile goals.

We’re excited to welcome new patients to our family. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

Use the QR code below to do a projected smile analysis and see what Dr. Lowery and Invisalign can do for you.

QR Code For Projected Smile Analysis

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