Everything You Need To Know About Invisalign Clear Aligners

You already know that First Class Smiles is your one-stop-shop for world-class dental services, from general care and sedation dentistry to teeth whitening and implants. We’ve been creating healthier smiles here in Des Plaines for many years, but did you know we can also help patients achieve a straighter smile? 

As Invisalign providers, our expert team is able to offer teens and adults the same stunning results as traditional braces without using any brackets or wires. Clear aligners can be the perfect choice for patients who are looking for a more flexible treatment process, but what exactly is Invisalign? How does it work? To learn more about this innovative system, keep reading below! 

What is Invisalign? 

Instead of using brackets, bands, and wires to create a straighter smile, the Invisalign system moves the teeth with a series of removable clear aligners. These customized aligners are created with the help of 3-D computer imaging, which gives us a precise look at where the teeth are and where we want them to be. 

If you’ve ever seen a clear aligner, the design looks simple, but there’s a lot that goes into those trays! Invisalign aligners are constructed of a special thermoplastic material that’s smooth enough to be comfortable but strong enough to move your teeth into alignment. When aligners are worn as directed, they can be just as effective as traditional braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues.

How does Invisalign work?

The first step in any orthodontic journey is an initial consultation with an experienced dentist or orthodontist. When you schedule your free Invisalign consultation with us, one of our experienced doctors will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and jaws. If you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, a personalized treatment plan will be mapped out for you, taking into account your specific needs, preferences, and goals. 

This plan will include all the movements we want your teeth to make and an estimate of how long we expect treatment to take. We may even be able to give you a sneak peek of what your new smile will look like once treatment is complete! We’ll then begin the process of designing your aligners using the 3D scan of your teeth and gums as our guide. 

Because they’re custom-designed, the aligners will fit firmly but comfortably over your own teeth. For them to work properly, you must wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours every day throughout the course of treatment. They should only be removed to eat, drink anything other than water, and to brush and floss. Failure to follow these recommendations can result in longer treatment times and subpar results.  

Aligners are also designed to be switched out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. This allows them to keep up with the movements the teeth are making. We’ll schedule follow-up visits for you every 6-10 weeks or so to check that everything is progressing as it should be. Every case is different and every patient responds to treatment in their own way, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer as to how long treatment is likely to take. On average, however, most patients tend to wear anywhere from 24-36 aligners over a 9-15 month period.

Everything You Need To Know About Invisalign Clear Aligners

What are the benefits of Invisalign clear aligners?

It’s not surprising that what patients love most about Invisalign is the fact that the aligners are almost invisible and also removable. This innovative system has many other advantages, however! We’ve outlined some of them here.

Zero food restrictions

The food restrictions that accompany braces can be one of the toughest parts of treatment. Food that’s crunchy or chewy can break or otherwise damage the wires and brackets, so they must be avoided until the braces come off. Even though the end result is worth it, having to forego some of your favorite foods for months on end can be frustrating. Unlike braces, which are a fixed appliance, Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed every time you eat. That means you’re free to enjoy all the treats you normally would as long as you brush and floss afterward. 

Easy to maintain a good oral hygiene routine

We should all do our part to keep our teeth and gums healthy and clean, but this is even more important for orthodontic patients. It can sometimes be tough with braces, though, as the nooks and crannies make it easy for bacteria to hide and multiply. With Invisalign, it couldn’t be easier to keep your teeth free of pesky food particles and harmful plaque! The aligners are designed to be removed before you begin brushing and flossing, making it simple to maintain a great dental hygiene routine. There are also special kits available to specifically clean Invisalign aligners, or you can brush them with a soft toothbrush and denture crystals. 

Convenience and flexibility 

For athletic patients who regularly participate in sports, Invisalign can be a game-changer! The aligners can be removed before practice or the big game and replaced with a mouthguard to keep the mouth safe. They’re also beneficial for musicians who play certain types of instruments since they can be taken out for short periods of time, like the duration of a concert. And when it comes to special occasions like weddings, prom, and senior pictures, Invisalign aligners can be removed to allow nothing but your natural smile to shine through!

Invisalign aligners are the clear winner at First Class Smiles

First Class Smiles is proud to offer Invisalign to patients in Des Plaines and the surrounding areas! Could this exciting system be a good fit for your orthodontic needs? Schedule a FREE consultation today and let’s find out! Your very best smile could be waiting for you here.