Many adults and teens want straighter teeth but are afraid of traditional metal braces because they are so noticeable. At Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry we totally get it. We’ve learned over the years how important it is for patients to feel good about themselves during treatment. People in Round Lake who want to improve their smile without anyone knowing they’re in treatment can now use clear aligner technology.
Clear aligners work by using a series of clear trays that fit tightly over your teeth. Each tray in the series applies gentle, controlled pressure to certain teeth, slowly moving them into place. These clear trays are different from regular orthodontic appliances because you can take them out when you need to. With this feature you can eat your favorite foods without worry, keep up with your regular oral hygiene without a hitch, and even take them out for special occasions when you want to.
Your treatment starts with a full evaluation where we examine your teeth and talk about what you want to achieve. We use high-tech digital scanning tools to get exact measurements of your teeth and gums. These digital impressions are way more comfortable than the old impression materials most people remember from going to the dentist. The scans provide a 3D model that helps us plan each step of your treatment. One cool thing about this technology is you can see a simulation of your future smile before you even start wearing aligners. This preview helps you get ready for the change and get excited about it.
You wear each pair of aligners for one to two weeks before moving on to the next set in your series. Your teeth move a little bit with each adjustment, following the plan we made at the beginning. The number of aligner sets you need depends on your situation. Simple repairs might only take 15-20 sets, but more complex ones might take 40 sets or more. We check on you every 6-8 weeks to make sure everything is on track and give you your next set of aligners.
Many of our patients in Round Lake, IL like that clear aligners are invisible. When your orthodontic treatment is almost undetectable to others, it makes professional situations, family events and everyday life more comfortable. The smooth plastic also stops the discomfort of the cheeks and lips that can happen with metal brackets and wires. Many of our patients have told us that their friends and coworkers didn’t even notice they were straightening their teeth until they told them.
For clear aligners to work, patients need to be very committed. You have to wear the trays for 20-22 hours a day because you can take them out. You can stay on track by simply taking them out for meals and brushing your teeth. Patients who don’t wear their aligners as much as they should will find that their treatment takes longer than they thought and may not get the results they want. From the very beginning we help each patient develop healthy habits so wearing their aligners feels normal instead of hard.
Clear aligners are good for fixing many common orthodontic problems like crowded teeth, spacing issues, overbites, underbites and crossbites. But for more complex cases, older procedures might work better or younger kids with developing teeth might need to see a Pediatric Dentistry specialist. We do a full evaluation on your first appointment to see if clear aligner treatment is right for you. We base our recommendations on your dental history, your treatment goals and your lifestyle.
Most people finish their clear aligner treatment in 12-18 months but time varies from person to person depending on how bad their teeth are out of alignment and how much correction is needed. Some cases that are not as complex finish faster, while cases that need a lot of changes take longer. Because clear aligner therapy is so predictable we can tell you a realistic timeline from the start. Some orthodontic methods don’t tell you when they’ll be done but clear aligner therapy shows you the whole journey ahead of time so you know what to expect.
Some orthodontic methods don’t tell you when they’ll be done but clear aligner therapy shows you the whole trip ahead of time so you know what to anticipate.
People think about cost when they look into orthodontic solutions. The cost of clear aligner treatment is usually the same as traditional braces but the actual cost depends on how complex your case is and how long the treatment takes. We have several payment plans to make it more affordable for more families to get good orthodontic care. Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic work which can be used to pay for clear aligners. Our team will help you fill out the paperwork for your insurance so you get the maximum coverage.
Clear aligners make it much easier to keep your teeth clean than fixed appliances. All you have to do is take the trays out, brush and floss like you normally would and then rinse the aligners before putting them back in. This simple method helps patients avoid cavities and gum inflammation that can happen when brackets and wires make it hard to clean teeth well. We give you all the information you need to keep your teeth and aligners clean and healthy during your treatment.
At Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry we love helping our patients get healthier, prettier smiles with modern orthodontic techniques. One of the ways we help people improve their dental health and boost their confidence is through clear aligner therapy. We like being part of your journey since every smile tells a story. Clear aligners can be what you need if you’ve been thinking about getting braces but are afraid of how it will change your looks or daily life. We’d love to see your smile and talk to you about how we can help you achieve your goals. Dr. Derek Bock is a trusted orthodontist in Forest Hill, IL, dedicated to creating confident, healthy smiles through personalized and compassionate care.