Invisalign Clear Aligners – Palos Heights, IL
A Subtle Way to Straighten Your Teeth
It’s easy to get people excited about the prospect of a straighter smile. Well-aligned teeth are simple to clean, chew food more effectively, and can afford you a level of confidence that’s hard to get elsewhere. However, no matter how much you might want to fix your crooked or gapped teeth, you might not necessarily be thrilled about the prospect of wire braces.
Thankfully there’s Invisalign, a subtle way to straighten your teeth. These thin plastic trays can align your smile without the need for bulky wires or brackets. If you live around Palos Heights, you can schedule a consultation here at Revival Dentistry—we’ll be happy to show you what they could do for you.
Why Choose Revival Dentistry for Invisalign?
- Modern and Inviting Dental Office
- Personalized Care from a Certified Invisalign Provider
- Precise, Comfortable Digital Impressions
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign aligners are a series of thin, custom-made trays designed to move your teeth into the proper position. They are worn in sequence over the course of 12-18 months (on average), with each tray being progressively tighter than the last until your smile is perfectly straight. You can expect to have each individual tray for 7-14 days before progressing to the next one.
Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn for around 20-22 hours a day, but can be taken out for eating and cleaning. This means that you can skirt many of the dietary restrictions associated with traditional braces, a massive boon for anyone looking to improve their appearance without compromising convenience.
- Series of custom-made clear aligners
- Patient wears each aligner for 7-14 days, and each one picks up where the previous one left off
- The trays must be worn for 22 hours a day - they only work while the patient is wearing them!
- In an average of just 12-18 months, the patient will have the gorgeous smile they’ve been dreaming of
Indications for Invisalign
Invisalign is best suited to addressing mild to moderate instances of malocclusion, with the most severe cases left to traditional braces. However, there are still a variety of problems that Invisalign could help you with:
Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth, or teeth that overlap one another, can have a serious impact on how your smile looks to others and feels day-to-day. Invisalign aligners can slowly push these teeth apart, completely fixing the issue.
Gaps Between Teeth
A gap between your teeth can easily become your trademark—for better or for worse. If you aren’t a fan of how yours makes you look, Invisalign can nudge your teeth a little bit closer together.
Bite Alignment
Overbites or underbites don’t just affect your appearance; they can also potentially lead to jaw discomfort or chronic issues later on down the line. While sometimes limited in what they can achieve, Invisalign can change the alignment of your bite by moving the teeth into more ideal positions.
Benefits of Invisalign
When it comes to achieving a straighter smile, Invisalign offers an easy, comfortable, and convenient alternative to traditional metal braces. We believe you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your confidence or appearance to achieve a beautifully aligned smile. The clear aligners discreetly straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your treatment – and that’s just one of the many benefits to look forward to! Continue reading to learn more.
Enhanced Comfort
Traditional metal braces can be uncomfortable, with wires and brackets that may irritate your gums, cheeks, and tongue. Invisalign is crafted from smooth, comfortable plastic designed to fit effortlessly in your mouth. This means a more pleasant experience throughout your treatment.
Discreet Trays
If you’d rather avoid the noticeable look of metal braces, Invisalign is an excellent choice. These clear aligners are designed to be virtually invisible, allowing you to improve your smile without drawing attention to your treatment. People will likely notice your teeth gradually straightening rather than the aligners themselves!
Better Dental Hygiene
Braces can make brushing and flossing a challenge, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. With clear aligners, maintaining oral health is much easier. Since the trays are removable, you can brush and floss as you normally would. To keep your aligners fresh and clean, simply rinse them or use specialized cleaning crystals.
Quick Follow-Ups
Invisalign check-in appointments are quick and hassle-free, happening only every six to eight weeks and lasting just 15 to 30 minutes. Unlike traditional braces, these visits are far more comfortable and less invasive. They simply ensure your treatment is progressing as expected and that your teeth are shifting according to plan. You can stay on track toward your perfect smile with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Boosted Self-Confidence
With clear aligners, you can straighten your teeth discreetly without the noticeable look of metal braces. This makes it easier to maintain a professional image at work, during job interviews, and in client meetings. Invisalign helps ease social anxiety by offering a less clunky appearance, making it easier to build friendships and feel confident.
Enjoy All Your Favorite Foods
Unlike traditional braces, which come with a long list of food restrictions, clear aligners let you maintain your normal diet. Simply remove your trays before eating, enjoy your favorite meals, then brush and floss before putting them back in. With Invisalign, you won’t have to worry about damaging brackets or wires while eating.
Living with Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments. Chances are, you’re already familiar with the basics. But do you know how to meet the recommended daily wear time? How to clean your trays to keep them clear? Or what to do if you accidentally lose one? If not, that’s okay – click on the button below to get all the answers you need!
Wearing Your Trays
It’s incredibly important to wear your Invisalign aligners as instructed to ensure your teeth track properly. That’s why the “20-22 hour-a-day” rule is essential. Simply put, you need to wear your trays for that long each day, removing them only to eat, drink beverages other than water, and maintain your oral hygiene routine. To help build a consistent habit, consider using the stopwatch on your phone until you’ve established a solid routine.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Cleaning your aligners is quick and easy. It only takes a minute or two! All you need to remove plaque, food particles, and saliva from the surface is clean, cool water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you’re wearing your trays for more than a week at a time, we may suggest using a clear, mild dishwashing liquid as well. Additionally, don’t forget about the cleaning crystals included in your Invisalign welcome kit – they’re another great tool for keeping your aligners fresh and clear!
Eating & Drinking
With Invisalign, there are no brackets or wires, which means no strict dietary restrictions. You can enjoy all your favorite foods throughout your teeth-straightening journey. Just be sure to remove your aligners beforehand to prevent them from breaking, warping, or staining.
Losing or Damaging a Tray
The clear design of Invisalign aligners is a major advantage, until they go missing. If you misplace them, start by retracing your steps from the last place you remember seeing them. They might be in an unexpected spot, like between couch cushions, on the floor near your dining table, or in a pocket of the pants you wore earlier. If you’ve checked these areas and still can’t find them, don’t worry – just give us a call as soon as possible so we can determine the best next steps.
Routine Check-Ins
You’ll visit our office every 6-8 weeks so we can check your progress and ensure your teeth are moving as planned. We’ll take new scans to see if they’re tracking properly. If they’re not, we’ll make any necessary adjustments to get you back on track. If everything is progressing as expected, we’ll schedule your next appointment and provide you with your next set of aligners.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
It can be difficult to say what your treatment will cost without meeting you first. This is because Invisalign, like any orthodontic treatment, is heavily personalized to you. What your procedure will cost has to do with the severity of your misalignment and how long you manage to wear your trays each day, among other things. We’ll be able to give you a complete estimate of what your care will cost when we meet you in person. If you’re considering this option, continue reading or give us a call to learn more.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Several factors can influence the cost of Invisalign in Palos Heights, such as:
- Treatment Complexity: The level of dental misalignment affects the number of aligners required, the potential need for additional accessories, and the frequency of appointments – all of which can impact the overall cost.
- Replacement Needs: If an aligner is lost or damaged beyond repair, you may incur extra charges for replacement.
- Single vs. Dual Arch Treatment: Aligning both the upper and lower teeth typically costs more than treating only one arch.
Invisalign vs. Mail-In Clear Aligners: Which Costs More?
Mail-order clear aligner systems have gained significant popularity in recent years. These options can be appealing, as they generally cost around $2,000 for complete treatment. This is quite the difference compared to Invisalign, which typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000. However, price shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when choosing clear aligners.
With Invisalign, you benefit from the personalized care of an experienced dentist. They use advanced technology and are readily available to address any questions or concerns you may have. Additionally, Invisalign aligners are crafted from a patented, high-quality plastic. In contrast, mail-order aligners often lack dependable support, and the materials used may be of lower quality.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Some dental insurance plans include coverage for orthodontic treatment, which often extends to Invisalign. If your policy qualifies, it could lower your out-of-pocket expenses by several hundred dollars or even more. Our team is here to assist with filing claims and optimizing your benefits.
If your insurance doesn’t cover Invisalign, you might still be able to use funds from a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to help with the cost.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
Along with guiding you through your insurance options, we can help you apply for third-party financing. CareCredit is a third-party financing company which offers plans that allow patients to pay over time, often with low or zero interest. You may even have the flexibility to choose from various monthly payment options to find one that best fits your budget.
Invisalign FAQs
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Fortunately, no! Invisalign is generally not considered painful. In fact, it’s often considered one of the most comfortable orthodontic options due to its smooth plastic design. However, during the adjustment period when you first start wearing the aligners, you might feel slight soreness or discomfort. This is temporary and usually subsides as you get used to the treatment.
Each time you switch to a new aligner, you may notice mild pressure on your teeth, which is a sign that your treatment is working to gradually shift them into alignment. You can manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers, a cold compress, or drink ice-cold water. These remedies can help ease the transition as your teeth adjust to the aligners.
What Happens After Invisalign?
After finishing Invisalign, Dr. Young will evaluate your results to ensure your teeth are in their ideal position. Once confirmed, the post-treatment phase begins, which involves wearing a retainer.
Modern retainers are designed for comfort, and you’ll typically have the option to choose between traditional wire retainers or clear plastic ones similar to Invisalign. Retainers are crucial for maintaining your new smile, preventing your teeth from shifting back, and protecting the time and money you’ve invested in treatment. Dr. Young will guide you on how often to wear your retainer. Initially, you may need to wear it full-time, but over time, you’ll likely transition to wearing it only at night.
What Are Invisalign Attachments?
Invisalign attachments are small, tooth-colored bumps made of resin that are bonded to your teeth to help aligners grip and move them more effectively. They are strategically placed to guide your teeth into the desired position, allowing Invisalign to treat more complex misalignments than when it was first introduced.
Even with attachments, the clear aligners are removable, making it easy to eat, drink, and maintain proper oral hygiene. Additionally, the attachments do not harm or alter your natural tooth enamel. These simply expand Invisalign’s ability to address a wider range of orthodontic needs.
How Do I Clean My Invisalign?
To keep your Invisalign aligners clean, you can use the specialized Invisalign Cleaning System, which uses cleaning crystals to remove food debris and plaque effectively. Another option is Steraligner, a cleaning solution designed specifically for aligners, with straightforward instructions and reliable results.
Alternatively, you can clean your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and room-temperature water. Rinse them throughout the day to prevent debris from sticking. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the aligners permanently.