Invisalign®
Dentist McHenry, IL
 There are many different dental conditions which would require teeth realignment. In the past, traditional brace and surgical reconstruction were two of the limited options that patients had. Now, McHenry Smile Center has Invisalign clear aligners available. These clear aligners are subtle and easy to wear. When you call us, we will explain what they can treat, how they work, and what you can expect from the process.
What Invisalign Treats
There are numerous dental conditions that Invisalign can treat. For instance, conditions such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, teeth gaps, and crowding can benefit greatly from Invisalign treatment. Invisalign can be used for all ages, including patients that have a mixture of baby and adult teeth. In addition, Invisalign can also be provided to patients who seek straighter teeth in general, even if they do not necessarily have one of these conditions.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign is actually a more effective solution than many other aligner treatments since they are custom fit to your mouth. Every Invisalign tray is slightly different than the next. Therefore, it is a bit more gradual than braces, but this also makes it more comfortable for the patient. These aligners work by slowly pushing the teeth into better alignment over time, rather than pushing or pulling them into an optimal alignment as braces do.
Process
Before you begin treatment, you will meet with our dentist to get dental impressions and x-rays. After this, we can develop a personalized treatment plan for you. It may take a week or two for your first Invisalign tray to arrive.
You will need to wear Invisalign for about twenty to twenty-two hours per day in order for the treatment to be effective. You will receive a new aligner, which is slightly different than the last, every two weeks. This way, your teeth will gradually move into place over time. You should also meet with our dentist every six to eight weeks to check progress and address any concerns that you may have.
Overall, the entire process could take up to a year and a half. In addition, many of our patients use retainers following Invisalign treatment. These are trays that are worn overnight in order to prevent the teeth from shifting out of alignment over time.
It is normal for our patients to feel a slight pressure in the first few days of wearing each new aligner. However, this should fade as your teeth move into place. If you experience pain or long-lasting discomfort, be sure to let us know.
Oral Hygiene and Invisalign Maintenance
Invisalign can be taken out for about two to four hours each day. However, you should only take it out when it is absolutely necessary. Take Invisalign out to eat or clean your teeth. Continue a regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing daily. In addition, the aligner will need to be cleaned every day to prevent bacteria build-up. You can simply rinse it and brush it gently using a toothbrush to keep it clean. Keep Invisalign in a storage case when you are not wearing it. For additional information on Invisalign, call
(815) 578-1000, and schedule a consultation appointment today! |
