Questions about Invisalign™?

We want to take a moment to answer every question you might have about Invisalign™ treatment!

Considering Invisalign™ treatment?

You probably have a lot of questions.

How much does Invisalign cost? What are the advantages of Invisalign over braces? How long does Invisalign take? If you’ve got questions about Invisalign, we’ve got answers. At Advances Orthodontist Specialists, we are proud to offer Invisalign Elmhurst, IL and Invisalign Forest Park, IL. Below, we will answer the most common questions that we received regarding Invisalign treatment.

How Does Invisalign™ Work?

Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that allows you to get the smile you want, how you want to.

Invisalign treatment involves custom-made, clear aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired position. The clear aligners are virtually invisible, and therefore much more discreet than typical braces. During treatment, you will wear the aligners 22 hours per day, only removing them when you eat, drink, brush and floss. This means that you can eat and drink normally during your treatment without any diet restrictions. 

To create your custom aligners, Dr. Bicknell or Dr. Agarwall will take a high-quality digital scan of your teeth and jaw. The scan will be used to create your custom aligners. Once your aligners arrive, we will check them for proper fit, and then you can begin wearing them right away! Every few weeks you will get a new set of aligners as your teeth begin to move into their new, ideal position.

How Many Hours Per Day Should I Wear My Aligners?

One of the most important factors in the success of Invisalign treatment is how consistently the aligners are worn.

For this reason, it is important to be honest about you or your child’s likelihood of wearing the aligners for the recommended 22 hours per day. If it is unlikely that you or your child will remember to wear the clear aligners consistently, Invisalign may not be right for you. Fortunately, wearing your clear aligners will quickly become second nature. You may even have to make a concerted effort to remember to take them out for eating and drinking!

How long does Invisalign™ treatment take?

It is impossible to give an exact amount of time for how long Invisalign treatment will take, because every case is different.

On average, Invisalign treatment will take 12 months to complete. There are several different factors that affect how long treatment takes. Both age and severity of misalignment affect how long Invisalign treatment continues. Patients with mildly misaligned teeth will have quicker results than more severe cases. Additionally, teenagers will have greater variety in their treatment time due to the fact that their mouths are still developing. As always, treatment will be significantly stalled or fail all together if aligners are not worn at least 22 hours per day.

How do I clean my Invisalign™ trays?

You may be wondering how to care for your clear aligners. The most important thing to remember is to find a cleaning routine that works for you.

Regularly cleaning your clear aligners is important, so finding an easy to stick to routine will set you up for success. For most people, this means cleaning their aligners with regular toothpaste and a toothbrush. Gently scrub your aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste,and then thoroughly rinse will cool water. Some patients may prefer to soak their aligners in Invisalign brand cleaning solution, or a denture soak. The only firm rule on caring for your aligners is to never soak or leave them in hot water. The heat may warp the plastic of your clear aligners.

Have A More Questions About Invisalign™ & Invisalign Teen™?

How often will I have check-up appointments for Invisalign™?

Much like treatment time, it is difficult to give an exact answer for this questions without knowing the specifics of your individual case.

Most patients will visit one of the Advanced Orthodontist Specialists offices every six weeks for a check up. At this time, Dr. Bicknell or Dr. Agarwall will examine your progress and make sure that your treatment is progressing as planned. In some cases, it may be necessary to have more frequent check-ups during your treatment.

How to find the best Invisalign™ doctor near me?

One of the first questions you may have when considering Invisalign treatment is how to find the best Invisalign doctor near you.

While many orthodontists offer Invisalign treatment, it is important to do your own research to find the best fit for you or your child. Google reviews are often a great way to hear from real patients about their experience with an orthodontist. Additionally, look for an orthodontist that stays up to date with technological advances and equipment. Finally, finding an orthodontist near you with convenient locations is a factor to consider. During your Invisalign treatment, you will visit your orthodontist regularly for check-ups and examinations. Finding an orthodontist with convenient locations will save you time and money in transportation over the course of your treatment. Advanced Orthodontic Specialist is proud to be a top provider for Invisalign Elmhurst, IL or Invisalign Forest Park, IL.

Can I start Invisalign™ treatment if I have had braces or other orthodontic work in the past?

Some patients who have previously had adult orthodontic treatment, may wonder if adult Invisalign is right for them.

Absolutely! Even if you have had orthodontic or Invisalign treatment previously, you are still a candidate for Invisalign treatment now. For a variety of reasons, your teeth may have moved and become misaligned since your last treatment. Dr. Bicknell or Dr. Agarwall will work with you to evaluate your desired results and orthodontic condition. Remember, it is never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted.

What orthodontic conditions can be treated by Invisalign™?

Invisalign treatment can offer effective solutions to a variety of orthodontic issues.

Most commonly, Invisalign can treat spacing issues such as gaps between teeth and crowding. Bite issues such as overbite, underbite and crossbite, are also commonly treated with Invisalign aligners. As you can see, Invisalign can treat a wide variety of orthodontic conditions. It is important to note that not all orthodontic cases are best fit for Invisalign treatment. Dr. Bicknell and Dr. Agarwall will evaluate your specific orthodontic needs and determine if Invisalign is right for you or your child.

Will Invisalign™ treatment hurt?

A common question, especially for parents of children undergoing Invisalign treatment is, “Will it hurt?” We want to help put your mind at ease.

Invisalign is one of the most comfortable orthodontic treatments available. Unlike metal braces that have brackets and wires that could cause rubbing and abrasions, Invisalign aligners are totally smooth. While there may be some slight discomfort when initially getting used to the aligners, it is mild and fleeting. If you do experience mild pain in this time, over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen can be helpful. If you are experiencing intense pain or discomfort with your Invisalign aligners, contact your orthodontist immediately.

How much with Invisalign™ cost?

The cost of your Invisalign treatment will largely depend on the severity of your case and the time your treatment takes.

Without first evaluating your specific orthodontic case, it is impossible to give an accurate estimate of your Invisalign treatment cost. At Advanced Orthodontic Specialists, our team members will help you to evaluate your financing options and insurance coverage. Many people wonder if insurance will cover their Invisalign treatment. Some insurance plans include orthodontic care, while others do not. You can call your insurance provider directly to find out about the benefits included in your coverage. If orthodontic treatment is not included in your insurance coverage, that does not mean that treatment is impossible. At Advanced Orthodontic Specialists, we will work with you to find a financing option that works for you and your budget. We are committed to making orthodontic treatment accessible for those who need it, and we will work with you.

What is Invisalign™ Teen?

If you’re the parent of a teenager, you likely have enough to worry about. Whether or not they are wearing their Invisalign aligners properly, should not be one of them.

That is why Invisalign Teen has a built in system of accountability to help you and your teen stay on track. Invisalign Teen has a faint blue mark built in to the clear aligners that gradually fades over time if the aligners are being worn consistently. Let’s face it, teens these days have busy lives! No one wants to be the nagging parent, and with Invisalign Teen, you have a little help built in!

Is Invisalign™ the same as mail-order aligners?

Since Invisalign first introduced their groundbreaking orthodontic technology 20 years ago, they have consistently led the way in invisible orthodontic treatment.

Since that time, competitors have launched replicated versions of the Invisalign technology, more recently through mail-order aligners. While many of these companies promise Invisalign quality results for a fraction of the price, patients should beware. Unlike Invisalign treatment which is monitored closely, in-person by your chosen orthodontist, these mail order companies have no direct supervision. With mail-order aligners, an orthodontist you don’t know, with uncertain credentials, virtually monitors your progress. Orthodontics is not suited for full-time, virtual care. Teeth are not virtual, and they require the hands-on expertise of a professional to get the best results. Additionally, cheaper cost means cheaper quality materials. Mail-in aligners are not made from the same high-quality, SmartTrack plastic as Invisalign aligners, and are more prone to malfunction. Finally, mail-order aligners can only treat extremely mild cases that require no complex tooth movement. This means that many orthodontic cases simply cannot be treated properly without the direct care of an orthodontic professional. For these reasons, the American Association of Orthodontists has specifically cautioned against using mail-order aligners. 

AOS is a proud Invisalign provider.

At Advanced Orthodontic Specialists, we are proud to offer Invisalign and Invisalign Teen to Elmhurts and Forest Park, IL.

Our team’s philosophy is centered around exceeding our patient’s expectations for all that an orthodontist experience can be. We don’t just care about the end result of creating a beautiful smile, we care about every interaction along the way. That is why we strive to live out our office values of kindness, honesty, and happiness, every day. Partially because, it is just how we prefer to live life, and partially because, our patients deserve nothing less. 

If you are considering Invisalign treatment for yourself or your child, we would love the chance to serve you. For more information on Invisalign or Invisalign Teen, or to book your free consultation, visit our website here. With two doctors, two convenient locations, and an incredible team of compassionate professionals, we’d love to show you what makes Advanced Orthodontic Specialists stand out from the rest.

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