Invisalign® in Palatine, IL
Perhaps you’re embarrassed by that gap between your front teeth, or you have a slightly crooked smile that you want to fix but aren’t keen on getting braces. The good news is that today our older teen and adult patients living in Palatine, IL, can get a straighter smile without having to wear metal brackets and wires. Invisalign® provides you with a clear and nearly invisible way to straighten your smile without others even noticing.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
Anyone interested in Invisalign® probably wants to know how these clear orthodontic aligners can straighten teeth as traditional braces can. While Invisalign® is completely different in the way that traditional braces work, the goal is the same: to move teeth into their ideal alignment.
When you come into our office for treatment planning, we will take digital images of your teeth. We will then use software to determine specific tooth movements. This information is then sent to a laboratory that will create a series of aligners that are designed to apply the perfect amount of pressure to your teeth to move them gradually throughout your treatment process.
What is it Like to Wear Invisalign® Aligners?
It’s important to understand that Invisalign® requires full compliance from its wearer for it to be effective. Yes, aligners are removable, making it convenient to brush and floss your teeth and enjoy meals without worrying about your braces; however, you still need to wear your aligners for about 22 hours out of the day if you want to see results. Each aligner is also worn for about two weeks at a time.
Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a great orthodontic alternative for older teens and adults because their teeth have fully matured. Aligners won’t be effective if teeth are still growing like in younger children. Invisalign® is also great for addressing minor to more moderate-to-serious orthodontic problems such as bad bites (e.g. overbites; underbites), crookedness, and gaps between teeth.
If you are interested in getting Invisalign® for yourself or your teen, then call our Palatine, IL, dental practice today to learn more about this popular orthodontic treatment and whether it’s right for you.