Do you want to straighten your crooked teeth? At Premier Dentistry, Dr. Nechama Brand and Dr. Abraham Stein are Chicago Invisalign providers. Our dentists can help teen and adult patients achieve a straighter and 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 more discreet braces, Invisalign is the better choice. Metal braces are more noticeable and uses colored bands that can appear in photos. However, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible when you have them on.
Our dentists provide Invisalign clear aligners to straighten and reposition your crooked teeth over time. 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.
Learn more about this treatment during a consultation with one of our experienced cosmetic dentists. Realign your misaligned teeth at our dental practice to enjoy a straighter smile.
Invisalign Treatment in Chicago, IL
Prior to treatment, Dr. Stein will discuss your oral health, budget, and goals with you. We will 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 dental office possesses top-of-the-line dental technology, including handheld digital scanners. 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 dental 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. Wear the retainer for at least the same amount of time as your treatment to prevent orthodontic relapse and have lasting results.
How Long Does The Invisalign Procedure Take?
Depending on your individual needs, the treatment can take as little as six months or up to eighteen months or longer. On average, a patient should expect their treatment to be shorter than if they had worn traditional metal braces.
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 maintain your aligners for the best results.
How Much is Invisalign?
Most patients should expect to spend about $3,000 to $7,000. Many factors 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 Millennium Park dentists. We will provide you with an idea about how long your treatment will last, how many aligners you will need, and an estimate.
Unfortunately, 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. Check with your insurance provider about the specifics of your coverage.
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.
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. On the other hand, traditional braces are noticeable and not easy to hide. The metal brackets are easy to spot since they are shiny and protrude from the teeth.
Patients prefer our Invisalign treatment for its convenience because you can take the aligners out. Eating and brushing your teeth is much easier without metal braces. Metal braces are permanent can can cause food to stick to the brackets and wires, making cleaning difficult.
Furthermore, 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. You can remove the aligners for up to 2 hours a day to eat, brush, and floss.
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 a tooth extraction treatment. Removing extra teeth will make room in your mouth and prevent further problems such as gum disease and tooth decay.
How fast does Invisalign work?
You will begin to see results within the first month of treatment. Follow all our instructions and wear your aligners for the appropriate amount of time each day. Generally, our dentists can complete an Invisalign treatment plan in six to eighteen months. Your treatment time will depend on how crooked and misaligned your teeth are.
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.