Do you want to straighten crooked teeth? At Premier Dentistry, Dr. Nechama Brand and Dr. Abraham Stein are Chicago Invisalign providers that can help teen and adult patients achieve a straighter, healthier smile. This orthodontic treatment is becoming more and more popular because of how discreet it is and its ease of use.
A major consideration for many people is the aesthetic appeal of their braces. For those who want a more discreet braces, Invisalign is the better choice as it is practically invisible on the teeth. Metal braces are more noticeable and uses colored bands that can show up in photos.
Our dentists provide Invisalign clear aligners to straighten and reposition crooked teeth over time to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. About every week or two, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners. Each new set will gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. If you want to realign your misaligned teeth, learn more about this treatment during a consultation with one of our experienced cosmetic dentists. It is never too late to enjoy a straighter smile.
Invisalign Treatment in Chicago, IL
Prior to treatment, Dr. Brand or Dr. Stein will discuss your oral health, budget, and goals with you to determine if this clear aligner system is the right treatment for you and your dental needs. We will build a treatment plan after evaluating the current position of your teeth and the desired position. To begin the process, our dentist will take dental impressions of your mouth. We will use the impressions to analyze your smile and plot the movement of your teeth.
Our Chicago-based dentist office possesses top-of-the-line dental technology, including a handheld digital scanner. This allows us to get impressions of your teeth without the use of messy trays. Then, we will send the images of your teeth to the Invisalign laboratory. Here, a lab technician will fabricate your custom clear aligners. After that, they will send us your first set of trays and we will call you back in to our office.
At this second appointment, we will map out your treatment and go over specifics with you. You will wear the first aligner set for about two weeks, then switch to a slightly different aligner every couple of weeks. This ensures that your results are precise and predictable.
We typically have our patients move on to the next set of aligners after about two weeks. Your teeth will slowly shift into a straighter and more balanced formation. After your last set of aligners, we will supply you with a custom-made retainer. You must wear the retainer for at least the same amount of time as your Invisalign treatment to prevent orthodontic relapse and ensure lasting results.
How Long Does The Invisalign Procedure Take?
Depending on your individual needs, the treatment can take as little as six months but up to twelve or eighteen months. On average, a patient should expect their treatment to be shorter than if they had worn traditional metal braces. But, naturally, the length of your treatment is totally dependent on the severity of your misalignment. Patients should wear their clear set of aligners for about 20 to 22 hours per day. Dr. Brand or Dr. Stein will review how to care for the aligners for the best end results.
How Much is Invisalign in Chicago, IL?
Most patients should expect to spend about $3,000 to $7,000. There are many factors that will determine the price of your treatment, especially the severity of your misalignment. Extremely crooked teeth may require longer treatment time which means more aligners, so it will cost more. The best thing to do is schedule a consultation with one of our Chicago dentists to get an idea about how long your treatment will last, how many aligners you will need, and an estimate.
Invisalign vs. Metal Braces
Invisalign and metal braces are two popular orthodontic treatments that can help correct misaligned teeth. Both treatments have their own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the differences between them will help you make the best decision for your needs. Here, we will provide an overview of the pros and cons of Invisalign vs metal braces, including their cost, effectiveness, convenience, and aesthetic appeal.
Invisalign is a more practical treatment that will not interfere with your everyday life as much. The clear aligners consist of clear plastic, and many people may not realize that you are even wearing them. Traditional braces, on the other hand, are very noticeable. The brackets are easy to spot since they consist of metal and protrude from the teeth.
Invisalign is typically preferred for its convenience as you can take out the aligners for eating and brushing your teeth. Metal braces are permanent can can cause food to stick to the brackets and wires, making cleaning difficult. Furthermore, with metal braces the brackets adhere to the front of the teeth and you cannot remove them until the end of the treatment. On the other hand, you can remove your Invisalign clear aligners a few times each day. For example, you can remove them to eat, brush, and floss for up to 2 hours a day.
Invisalign is typically more expensive than traditional metal braces. Invisalign can range in cost from $3,000 up to $8,000+ whereas metal braces are usually around $2,000 – $6,000. Even though they typically cost more than metal braces, they are so much easier to handle.
All in all, both Invisalign and metal braces are effective options for straightening teeth. The most important factor is understanding your own needs, budget, and lifestyle before making a decision.
Invisalign FAQs
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign benefits patients who have mild to moderate tooth misalignment. We will evaluate your smile first so that we can recommend the appropriate treatment option for you. If you have severely overcrowded teeth, we may recommend tooth extraction treatment to make room in your mouth and prevent further problems such as gum disease and tooth decay.
How fast does Invisalign work?
If you follow all of our instructions and wear your aligners for the appropriate amount of time each day, you may start seeing results within the first month of treatment. Generally, our dentists can complete am Invisalign treatment plan in six to eighteen months. Your treatment time will depend on how crooked and misaligned your teeth are.
Will dental insurance cover Invisalign Treatments?
Dental insurance does not typically cover Invisalign treatments. However, we will help you with any billing and paperwork to maximize your dental insurance benefits for treatment. It is important to check with your insurance provider about the specifics of your coverage.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
Metal braces are reportedly more painful than this clear aligner system. Patients claim that traditional metal braces irritate the gums and cause pain. You may feel some mild pressure or discomfort as you wear each new aligner, but this will fade as your teeth adjust.
Can you eat with Invisalign?
Yes, you can remove the clear aligners to eat and brush your teeth. Because of this, Invisalign does not require any dietary restrictions. Remember to brush and floss your teeth after eating so you can keep your aligners fresh and clean.
Are you looking for a dentist that can give you a healthier and more balanced smile in Chicago, IL? Call Premier Dentistry at Millennium Park today to schedule a consultation at 312-586-8596! Dr. Brand and Dr. Stein are your local Chicago Invisalign providers.