Get the smile you’ve always dreamed of without the hassle of traditional metal braces. Invisalign aligners provide a discrete alternative that’s virtually invisible.
What Is Invisalign?
Unlike other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign treatments straighten teeth without wires and brackets. Instead, these see-through braces alternatives rely on removable aligners to realign crooked teeth, crowded teeth and a variety of other issues. Invisalign uses 3D computer imaging to create your individual aligners that allow your tooth color to shine through their transparent material.
Why Would You Want Invisalign?
On top of being see-through, you can remove Invisalign aligners to simplify eating and drinking during treatment. Removing the aligners also makes it easier to brush and floss, promoting positive oral hygiene habits. Plus, Invisalign aligners tend to be more comfortable than traditional treatments because they don’t require metal brackets or wiring.
Less Time In Dr. Neal’s Office
Because Invisalign doesn’t have any metal or wires, treatments and adjustments are typically faster. You’ll also be able to see a preview of your new smile through Invisalign’s virtual treatment plan. So you can see what your new smile will look like before treatment even begins!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign invisible ‘braces’ aren’t really braces at all. Traditional braces pull teeth into place with uncomfortable metal brackets and wires. To contrast, Invisalign aligners slide over your teeth much like a mouth guard. The aligners apply slight pressure to your teeth, slowly nudging them into place.
Your dentist or orthodontist designs each set of aligners to fit the current position of your teeth. Patients wear each set for roughly two weeks before moving on to a new set designed to fit your teeth’s new position. Each new set of aligners move your teeth closer to the final positions that Dr. Neal has designed for your new smile.
To ensure the fastest possible treatment times, it’s important to wear your aligners all day and night. However, you should remove them to eat meals, drink, brush and floss. Doing so helps prevent food particles or drinks from staining the aligners or getting trapped beneath them.
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work?
The entire treatment traditionally lasts twelve to eighteen months. Most patients will cycle through anywhere from twenty to thirty sets of aligners. However, some patients require fifty aligners or more. Call to schedule a consultation to find out how long Invisalign will take to work for your teeth.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Like most orthodontic treatments, Invisalign can be painful from time to time. However, when compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are far more comfortable. Rather than having metal brackets brushing up against your cheeks, Invisalign relies on smooth aligners that rest gently in your mouth.
That said, you will likely feel pressure and some slight discomfort. This discomfort is most noticeable when you first start to use a new set of aligners. After a few days, most patients are completely comfortable with their new aligners.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re interested in Invisalign in Elmhurst, Oak Brook or any of the surrounding areas, give us a call at 630-705-7900. We’ll go over your various treatment options and help you decide on the best path forward for your specific needs and budget. Your perfect smile is only a phone call away.