At Northalsted Dental Spa, our philosophy is that it’s never too late to get the straight, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. That’s why we offer Invisalign for adults and teens looking to improve the appearance and health of their teeth.
Whether you’ve never undergone orthodontic treatment, or previous treatment results have been compromised, we can help you achieve a flawless smile through Invisalign therapy.
Continue reading to learn about this revolutionary treatment. We also invite you to contact our cosmetic dentist’s office to schedule a consultation.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment option that gently and discreetly aligns and straightens teeth. Our talented dentist, Dr. Michael Griffin, has many years of experience helping patients achieve beautiful smiles with this method. As a matter of fact, Dr. Griffin was recognized as a Top Invisalign Dentist by the Invisalign company in 2019.
What To Expect From Invisalign
How does Invisalign work? Invisalign works by slowly moving misaligned, crooked, and poorly spaced teeth into proper alignment. Custom-made, clear aligner trays gradually move teeth into place just like traditional braces.
As your treatment progresses, you receive new trays every few weeks to continue moving your teeth. With each set, you get closer to reaching your smile goals.
The Treatment Process
During your initial consultation at Northalsted Dental Spa, we’ll perform a dental exam and discuss your smile goals. Once we’ve determined you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, we’ll take impressions of your teeth to create dental molds.
These molds and X-ray images will be used to outline a customized treatment plan. We will discuss the realistic expectations of your treatment with you, including how your teeth will shift during each stage. Every stage comes with a different set of aligners.
The Aligners
The aligners are clear and made of durable plastic. They are custom-made to fit comfortably in your mouth so you can wear them throughout the day. This makes Invisalign a great choice for individuals who are self conscious about wearing metal braces.
Invisalign: How Long Does It Take?
Treatment varies depending on every patient’s unique needs and smile goals. However, many patients get to enjoy the cosmetic benefits of treatment in as little as 6 to 12 months.
At Northalsted Dental Spa, we can show you a complete 3-D view of the anticipated results using an Invisalign treatment simulation. The system allows us to view potential changes tooth by tooth. You’ll be amazed at what your new smile is going to look like before even starting treatment!
Patients must wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day for treatment to be effective. Failing to wear your aligners for the appropriate amount of time each day can lead to a longer treatment period.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign provides results consistent with traditional braces and addresses a range of dental health concerns. It can treat issues like overbites, underbites, crooked teeth, protruding teeth, and gaps between teeth.
Some other benefits of the Invisalign experience include:
- Aligners are clear and nearly invisible.
- Aligner trays are removable for eating, brushing, and flossing, unlike traditional metal braces.
- Aligners don’t irritate soft oral tissues.
- Aligners don’t come with metal brackets, wires, or bands that can break.
- The plastic trays are smooth and comfortable to wear.
- When comparing braces vs Invisalign in cost, they are typically similar.
- Invisalign therapy frequently takes less time than metal braces to move teeth into proper alignment.
Another benefit of Invisalign is that it’s easily integrated into a range of lifestyles. This treatment option seamlessly blends with your daily activities and habits. For example, if you have a job where you meet with clients on a regular basis, you don’t have to worry about metal braces being the first thing they see when you greet them.
The Differences Between Invisalign & Metal Braces
The biggest difference between Invisalign and traditional braces is how unnoticeable and comfortable one is over the other.
Other differences include:
- Orthodontic treatment can typically take longer with traditional braces.
- Invisalign trays are removable, while metal braces can only be removed by a dental professional.
- Aligner trays are often more comfortable than braces because they can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. They’re also smooth and don’t have any jagged metal edges.
- It’s easier to maintain good oral hygiene when you wear aligner trays instead of traditional braces. Therefore, they are usually better for patients who are prone to cavities.
- Metal braces are more noticeable, even if they are clear in color.
- Sometimes, wearing braces involves wearing small rubber bands on your teeth to improve treatment. These can be uncomfortable and get in the way of eating, laughing, talking, and even smiling.
If you’re looking for a discreet, effective way to straighten your teeth or correct a misaligned bite, Invisalign could be the right choice for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment options.
Cost
The cost of Invisalign in Chicago will vary from patient to patient depending on their treatment plan. Fortunately, many dental insurance plans will cover a portion of orthodontic care.
At Northalsted Dental Spa, we work with most dental insurance providers and offer financing options to place the treatment cost of Invisalign within your budget.
Contact Northalsted Dental Spa for Orthodontic Treatment
If you’ve been putting off orthodontic treatment because you’re concerned about having to wear braces, Invisalign offers a solution. This treatment option can help you get the smile of your dreams without wearing noticeable and uncomfortable orthodontic appliances.
To get started on your journey towards achieving a picture-perfect smile, call us at (773) 296-0325 or schedule an appointment online. After treatment, if you’re looking to add some extra sparkle to your new smile, we also offer teeth whitening for that special finishing touch.
Reach out to Northalsted Dental Spa to schedule your consultation and find out more about our cosmetic dentistry services.
FAQs
Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite?
Yes, it can fix an overbite by slowly realigning teeth, just as it can fix crooked teeth, gapping, and overcrowding.
Can Invisalign Fix an Underbite?
Some underbites can be corrected with Invisalign. In severe cases, orthodontic treatment combined with surgery may be necessary.
What Can You Eat With Invisalign?
Unlike with braces, you can enjoy all the foods you’ve always loved while undergoing Invisalign treatment. This is because the aligners are removable, allowing you to chew hard, crunchy, and even sticky foods without worrying about wires or brackets getting in the way. Aligner trays also make it easy to clean your teeth after eating. Simply remove them and brush and floss normally.
Can You Get Invisalign With Missing Teeth?
In many cases, patients with missing teeth can benefit from orthodontic care as part of their smile makeover. Depending on your goals, Invisalign might be the first step to achieving the smile of your dreams in a comprehensive treatment plan. Restorative dentistry is often combined with orthodontic treatment to build beautiful, natural-looking smiles.
Is Invisalign Worth It?
Invisalign before and afters can range from extreme smile makeovers to minor cosmetic tweaks. Regardless of what flaws you want to address, Invisalign can significantly improve your smile. This can elevate your self confidence and even benefit your oral health.
