How Invisalign Works
The treatment starts with a detailed scan of your teeth using advanced digital technology. This creates a precise 3D model that maps out exactly how your teeth will move from start to finish. You’ll actually see a preview of your expected results before you even begin, which gives you confidence in the process.
Based on that digital blueprint, a series of aligners is manufactured specifically for you. Each set applies gentle pressure to move your teeth incrementally. You wear each aligner for about one to two weeks before switching to the next one in the sequence. Over time, these small adjustments add up to significant changes.
Most patients wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily, removing them only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing their teeth. This flexibility means you can enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about damaging brackets or getting food stuck in wires.
What Invisalign Can Fix
Many people assume clear aligners only work for minor cosmetic issues, but they’re actually quite versatile. Invisalign in Des Plaines addresses several orthodontic concerns:
- Crowded teeth that overlap or twist due to insufficient space
- Gaps and spacing issues between teeth
- Overbites, where the upper teeth extend too far over the lower teeth
- Underbites, where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth
- Crossbites that affect how your upper and lower jaws align
- Open bites where teeth don’t meet properly when your mouth closes
Not every case qualifies for clear aligner treatment, though. During your consultation, the team evaluates your specific situation and discusses whether this approach makes sense for you. Some complex cases still benefit more from traditional orthodontics, and they’ll be honest about what will give you the best outcome.
The Treatment Timeline
How long treatment takes depends on how much movement your teeth need. Minor adjustments might take as little as six months, while more extensive corrections could require 18 months or longer. Most patients fall somewhere in the middle, with treatment lasting around 12 to 14 months.
Regular check-ins every six to eight weeks let the dental team monitor your progress and provide you with the next set of aligners. These appointments typically run shorter than traditional brace adjustments since there’s no hardware to tighten or adjust. You’re in and out quickly, which fits better into busy schedules.
Compliance plays a huge role in staying on track. If you don’t wear your aligners for the recommended hours each day, your teeth won’t move according to schedule. This can extend your treatment time and affect your results. The system works exceptionally well when you follow the guidelines, but it does require discipline.
Life with Clear Aligners
One of the biggest advantages is how little impact treatment has on your daily routine. You can remove your aligners for important presentations, special occasions, or photos. Eating out doesn’t require navigating around food restrictions—just take out your aligner, enjoy your meal, brush your teeth, and pop it back in.
Oral hygiene becomes simpler, too. Unlike braces with brackets and wires that trap food particles, you remove your aligners completely to brush and floss normally. This makes maintaining good dental health throughout treatment much more straightforward.
Some patients experience mild discomfort or pressure when switching to a new aligner set, which is actually a sign that the treatment is working. This sensation typically fades within a day or two as your mouth adjusts. Compared to the soreness many people experience after braces tightening, most find aligner changes much more manageable.
Get Started with Invisalign in Des Plaines
Straighter teeth affect more than just appearance. They’re often easier to clean, which reduces cavity and gum disease risk. Properly aligned teeth can also improve bite function and reduce jaw strain. If you’ve been putting off orthodontic treatment because you don’t want the look or inconvenience of traditional braces, clear aligners might be exactly what you need.
Contact Apple Family Dental today to schedule your Invisalign consultation. Find out if you’re a candidate and see what your new smile could look like.