What Is Invisalign & How Does It Work?

invisalign treatment

Invisalign is a cutting-edge dental treatment used to straighten crooked teeth. While similar to braces in many ways, Invisalign offers some unique advantages that have made it a highly sought-after alternative to traditional braces. 

If you’re wondering, what is Invisalign, and could I benefit from it? Continue reading or get in touch with The Chicago Dental Studio to learn the answers to these questions.  

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign uses clear aligners to apply gentle pressure to realign and straighten crooked teeth. Aligners are clear and virtually unnoticeable and must be worn for a minimum of 22 hours a day to yield satisfactory results.

Invisalign vs. Braces: Which Is Better? 

This is a tough question to answer definitively. While both Invisalign and braces offer similar benefits and dental results, there are several factors that may make one method the superior option for a particular patient. Find more about Invisalign vs Braces

How Long Does Invisalign Take & What Steps Are Involved In the Procedure? 

Invisalign treatments typically take between 12 and 18 months to complete, though sometimes achieving desired dental results may take around two years. 

The Invisalign process follows four steps, including: 

1. Initial Consultation

Before Invisalign treatments can begin, an initial consultation must take place. During an initial consultation, your mouth will be examined, result desires discussed, and the dentist may offer suggestions or an estimate for how long it may take to align your teeth. 

2. X-rays, Photographs & Digital Scans

X-rays and photographs and digital scans of your mouth will be taken to ensure that an accurate aligner is created for your jaw and teeth. 

3. Aligner Fitting Session

Once your aligners have been made, you will need to test them to see if they fit correctly. Your dentist will check and ask you questions about the comfort of how they feel in your mouth and will then instruct you on how to care for your aligners and use them properly. 

4. Follow-Up Consultation

In order to ensure that your aligners are doing their job, you will need to revisit your dentist in a few weeks. Your dentist will check again how your aligners are fitting and see if your teeth have moved at all. 

Can I Switch From Invisalign to Braces? 

Suppose Invisalign is not yielding the results you want. In that case, your dentist may recommend having new X-rays and photographs taken of your teeth and mouth in order to see if the previous aligners were made using inaccurate dimensions. 

If, however, you decide that Invisalign is not the treatment route you wish to take and instead you want to switch to traditional metal braces, your dentist will help you make that transition. 

Average Invisalign Cost in Chicago

As with most dental procedures, Invisalign isn’t cheap. When patients opt for Invisalign, they choose a premium dental service that will improve their smile quality and confidence.  

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Get Premium Invisalign Services at The Chicago Dental Studio 

Here at The Chicago Dental Studio, we are passionate about helping patients achieve the world-class dental experience they deserve. Our studio wishes to change the narrative that all dental procedures are a nuisance. Instead, we aim to shift the perspective by creating a luxury experience for each of our patients. 

From the moment a patient walks through our studio doors, we prioritize their unique dental needs and tailor treatments to give them the premium care that their teeth deserve. 

For a comfortable and fitted-to-you dental experience, schedule a consultation at The Chicago Dental Studio today.

 

Dentist Chicago

Author: Dr. Nathan Hoffman

Doctor / Practice Owner

Dr. Nathan Hoffman’s philosophy is to provide quality care in a warm, comfortable environment, maintain the highest standards of practice and strive for perfection in all aspects of dentistry. Dr. Nathan Hoffman is continually expanding his education and is ever evolving with the newest advancements in dentistry, offering the latest techniques and technology to his patients.