Arlington Heights dentist Dr. Brent Engelberg is a certified Chicago area Invisalign® provider, often recommending this orthodontic treatment for teen and adult patients. Invisalign® can be used for cosmetic and restorative purposes to strengthen teeth and improve dental health. It is an effective and convenient alternative to traditional metal braces for patients who need mild to moderate orthodontia.
Invisalign® uses proprietary digital treatment planning software and a series of clear aligners. These comfortable, invisible aligners gently reposition your teeth without the embarrassment and hassles of traditional metal braces. Although Invisalign is not for everyone, it can effectively treat many common dental concerns:
- crooked or misaligned teeth
- underbite
- overbite
- cross bite
After a thorough dental examination and discussing your dental and cosmetic concerns, Dr. Engelberg will determine if Invisalign is right for you.
THE BENEFITS OF INVISALIGN®
Straightening your teeth has benefits beyond enhancing your smile. Crooked teeth can be the underlying cause of many dental problems, including TMJ. Your treatment will improve your dental health with minimal discomfort.
The clear aligners will not irritate the soft tissues of the gums, and you can remove them for daily oral hygiene, enabling patients to brush and floss during treatment effectively. They can also be removed for eating and require no dietary restrictions.
One key benefit attracting most adult patients is that they are invisible- no one has to know you are wearing braces.
WHY STRAIGHTEN CROOKED TEETH?
If you don’t have a smile you’re proud of, you will be reluctant to show it off. Crooked teeth can make you try to hide your smile when you’re laughing or speaking in public. Depending on the nature of your crooked teeth, they may also cause you to have a lisp or some other speech impediment.
But crooked teeth aren’t just an aesthetic issue. Crooked teeth are harder to clean in between. There may be places your toothbrush or dental floss don’t reach, and it may be difficult for even specialized dental tools. When plaque and tartar continue to build up in these places, you’re more likely to suffer from tooth decay or gum disease.
Crooked teeth mean you have an uneven bite as well. This is one of the main contributors to TMJ disorders. Since your bite is uneven, it isn’t coming together in the way it’s supposed to. It can unevenly wear down the cartilage disc in your jaw joint, allowing smooth movement. Your jaw can catch and malfunction, and you may experience pain throughout your jaw and face.
An uneven bite means uneven pressure distribution throughout your teeth. Some teeth have to take on more pressure and stress than they should. These teeth wear down much faster than their counterparts and are more likely to crack or fracture. Since they experience more wear, they’re also more likely to suffer from tooth decay or infection.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your process will begin with a consultation with Dr. Engelberg to determine if Invisalign is right for you and to create your personalized treatment plan. We will take digital impressions of your teeth and send them to the Invisalign laboratory to make a series of custom, clear aligners for your teeth.
Most patients receive several sets of trays and wear each pair for about two weeks to reposition the teeth gradually. The length of treatment depends on your condition as well as your goals. Generally speaking, treatment takes 6 to 9 months, but some patients may achieve the desired results in as few as 3 or 4 months.
Your final aligner is a retainer that will maintain your new, straighter smile. Routine dental visits with Dr. Engelberg are also important in keeping your new smile healthy and functional.
The cost of Invisalign clear aligners depends on the individual treatment. Factors determining pricing include the number of setups and aligners needed to achieve the desired straightening results. When compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign is typically less expensive.
Does insurance cover clear aligners?
Insurance doesn’t usually cover Invisalign clear aligners. Our office will help you with billing and paperwork to maximize your dental insurance benefits. We also offer third-party financing and payment plans for patients concerned about the cost of Invisalign treatment.
Calculate Your Treatment
You may be surprised to find out how affordable Invisalign can be. Dr. Engelberg can help you find the monthly payment that fits your budget. Calculate your cost at Invisalign.com/cost
SCHEDULE AN INVISALIGN CONSULTATION TODAY
Schedule a visit to AH Smiles for an Invisalign consultation with cosmetic dentist Dr. Engelberg. Call our comprehensive dentist office at (847) 230-9703 or contact us online at your convenience. AH Smiles is conveniently located for patients in Long Grove, Deerfield, Northbrook, Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, IL, and many suburbs in Northwest Chicago.
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign is a popular method of straightening crooked teeth. Learn more about Invisalign by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Can I eat while wearing Invisalign?
You should take it out before if you want to eat something while wearing your Invisalign. Most people have a case or a specific place where they always store their appliances while eating so they do not misplace them. It is also always a good idea to clean your teeth and Invisalign after eating.
What can I eat and drink while wearing Invisalign?
Many people habitually drink coffee and other drinks while keeping their Invisalign in. This is not a good idea. Drinks can discolor your Invisalign quickly, making it look like you’re wearing a yellow appliance instead of a clear one. You can drink water while wearing an Invisalign, but that’s it.
How painful is Invisalign?
Invisalign is known to be uncomfortable for the first few days after it has been fitted and when things are changed throughout the process. Most people describe this pain as mild and slightly uncomfortable but completely bearable. It may feel tight after getting it changed or refitted, like wearing a tight pair of pants, but the pain is mild.
What happens if I don’t wear my Invisalign aligners 22 hours a day?
Your treatment will take longer if you don’t wear your aligners for the correct length of time each day. They keep your teeth in the correct position, allowing the structures of your mouth to adapt. If you don’t wear them long enough, the teeth can move and shift back to their original position.
Can I speed up my Invisalign treatment?
No, you should never attempt to speed up your treatment. When you change to each new aligner set, you have some soreness and discomfort as your mouth adjusts. Just because this goes away doesn’t mean that you’re now ready to move to the next set. Your bone and gum tissue need to be fully set into the right position. If you continue to try to speed things up, your teeth start to loosen and may even fall out.
Is Invisalign treatment permanent?
Technically, your teeth should be in these positions permanently. However, you usually have to continue with some work to ensure the results stay permanent. Usually, we’ll make you a retainer to continue to wear at night to ensure that your teeth stay in the correct position.