Invisalign In Aurora, IL
Invisalign
Research has proven that most people have some type of malocclusion or tooth misalignment. There are very few people who have perfectly straight teeth. Many people simply live with it. However, many others seek treatment- especially if it is causing them to have oral health concerns.
Before the 1990s, the go-to treatment was traditional braces. However, in the late 1990s, the FDA approved Invisalign clear aligners as a treatment option. This is a system of clear plastic aligners designed to shift teeth into their appropriate positions, creating a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Invisalign treatment is a popular option at City of Lights Dental in Aurora, IL. Here’s what you need to know about this treatment.
Why Choose City of Lights Dental For Invisalign Treatment?
Dr. Julie Lies-Keilty is a certified Invisalign dentist. This means that she has been through additional training to ensure the best possible results with Invisalign. She and Dr. Marvin Amayun strive to provide a comfortable environment for their patients. They both understand that dental visits can be stressful and will work with you to help you feel relaxed and at ease with your treatments.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign is a system of clear aligners that fit snugly against the teeth, gradually shifting them into their appropriate position within the jaw. The aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, for a period of 1 to 3 weeks. The average treatment time ranges from around 12 to 18 months. However, treatment time can be as short as 6 months for very mild cases and as long as 24 months for more severe cases.
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces
Both Invisalign clear aligners and traditional braces are orthodontic treatments used to resolve malocclusions. However, there are several differences between the two:
Appearance
Invisalign teeth aligners are transparent, which means that most people won’t notice them- even at close range. Traditional braces, on the other hand, involve brackets and wires, which are not aesthetically pleasing.
Comfort
Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic, which means they are comfortable in the mouth. There is no risk of cuts/scrapes on the tongue, cheek, or lips. One of the most common complaints about traditional braces is the brackets and wires scraping the inside of the mouth. Additionally, the pressure put on the teeth by traditional braces can cause severe discomfort.
Convenience
Traditional braces require visits to the dentist every few weeks to adjust/tighten the archwire. Invisalign teeth aligners do require visits, but they are only required after every few aligner changes- and only to monitor progress. This allows the dentist to make changes to your treatment plan if needed.
Food Restrictions
Patients who have traditional braces must give up certain foods because they could damage the brackets and wires. However, Invisalign does not require any food restrictions because the aligners are designed to be removed while eating. The only caveat is that you must at least rinse your mouth if not brush/floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in.
Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene can be a struggle with traditional braces and requires special tools such as an interdental brush to get between the brackets and wires. However, since Invisalign teeth aligners are removable, oral hygiene is easy- simply brush and floss as you typically would.
Who is the right candidate for Invisalign?
Treatment eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. However, certain criteria must be met. To qualify for Invisalign treatment at City of Lights Dental, patients must:
- Have healthy teeth and gums
- Be committed to the process/mature enough to comply with the requirements
- Practice proper oral hygiene
- Not smoke
- Have a mild to moderate misalignment
- Have no major dental issues or dental work that could impact treatment with Invisalign
Benefits of Invisalign
There are several advantages of Invisalign over traditional metal braces, including:
- Comfort
- Convenience
- Fewer food restrictions
- Easier brushing/flossing
- Reduced risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease during treatment
- Fewer dental visits
How Much Does Invisalign Cost In Aurora, IL?
The average cost of Invisalign ranges from around $1,200 to $8,000. This depends on several factors including the location of the dental clinic, the experience/expertise of the dentist, the number of aligners required/length of treatment, and dental insurance coverage.
Many dental insurance providers cover a portion of treatment. Our office staff will work with your provider to determine coverage. If you do not have insurance or if your insurance does not cover treatment, we will explain our financing options.
Pros and Cons of Invisalign
When considering Invisalign treatment versus traditional braces, it’s important to consider the pros and cons:
Pros of Invisalign
The pros of Invisalign treatment include:
- Discreet
- Removable
- Comfortable
- Easy to clean
- Low risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease during treatment
Cons of Invisalign
The cons of Invisalign treatment include:
- Effectiveness depends on compliance with wearing the aligners
- Can be expensive without dental insurance
- Must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day
- Not always effective for more complex misalignments
Let City of Lights Dental in Aurora, IL Direct Your Invisalign Treatment
If you have a mild to moderate misalignment, consider Invisalign treatment. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Julie Lies-Keilty at City of Lights Dental. She will work with you to determine if you qualify.
We are located at 1940 W Galena Boulevard, Suite 11 in Aurora. Our office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and two Saturdays a month from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
FAQs on Invisalign
Dr. Keilty is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions or concerns about Invisalign treatment or other orthodontic treatment alternatives, please let us know.
Is Invisalign faster than braces?
The average treatment time for Invisalign treatment is 12 to 18 months. The average treatment time for traditional braces is 12 to 24 months. In very mild cases Invisalign can resolve the misalignment within 6 months, while severe cases may take up to 24 months.
What is the success rate of Invisalign?
Research shows that Invisalign aligners have a high success rate in patients who are compliant with wearing the aligners. If the aligners are not worn as directed, they will not be able to straighten the teeth, rendering them ineffective. Other factors include proper oral care, regular check-in visits to the dentist to monitor progress, removing the aligners while brushing/flossing and eating, and keeping the aligners clean.
How much is Invisalign without insurance?
The cost of Invisalign varies depending on several factors including the experience/expertise of the dentist who is overseeing the treatment, the location of the dental clinic, treatment length, and the number of aligners required. On average, treatment ranges from around $1,200 to $8,000, which is comparable to that of traditional braces.
What are the minimum hours to wear Invisalign?
Dental experts recommend that Invisalign aligners be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day- the longer, the better. Some research indicates that longer wear may help expedite the straightening process, reducing the length of treatment. However, research is still being done in this area- there is no guarantee that it will.
How long does Invisalign treatment last?
Invisalign treatment typically lasts anywhere from about 6 months for very mild cases of misalignment to 24 months for severe cases. However, the average treatment time is somewhat comparable to that of traditional braces, at about 12 to 18 months.
