Just about everyone in Matteson, Illinois, would prefer to have straighter teeth. At the same time, most find traditional braces to be rather unappealing. If that’s what you’re thinking, you have much to gain by visiting an Invisalign® dentist – and Progressive Dental & Associates is ready to do wonders for your smile. Get the details on the Invisalign® clear aligner system below, then contact our office at (708) 980-0110 and schedule a consultation today.
What is an Invisalign® Dentist?
An Invisalign® dentist is a licensed dentist with expertise in orthodontics and the use of clear aligners to gradually straighten teeth. A number of dental professionals in Matteson, Illinois, offer smile makeovers, but only those with the proper credentials can claim to be an Invisalign® dentist. Before using the title, a dentist must complete Invisalign®-specific training, become certified for Invisalign® treatment and demonstrate a strong commitment to providing top-quality patient care.
Progressive Dental & Associates is home to a highly skilled and experienced Invisalign® dentist, and with the help of our professional team, Matteson patients can have straighter teeth without wearing traditional braces. For those with crooked smiles, bite problems and gapped teeth, visiting our Invisalign® dentist is a simple way to get a gorgeous grin. We have what it takes to:
- Conduct a comprehensive dental health evaluation to identify smile concerns – like gum disease — that require immediate treatment
- Determine the right orthodontic approach for patients with overbites, underbites, crossbites, misaligned teeth and dental occlusions
- Create a customized Invisalign® treatment plan that maps out the step-by-step process of using clear aligners to transform the smile
With the help of an experienced Invisalign® dentist, adults who didn’t undergo the proper orthodontic treatment as children can get the straighter teeth they’ve always wanted. But how? Let’s take a closer look at the alternative to traditional braces.
What is the Invisalign® System?
Also called invisible braces, the Invisalign® system relies on clear orthodontic aligners – not on brackets and wires – to gradually move the teeth into the proper position.
Each transparent aligner is custom-made, constructed from a medical-grade thermoplastic polymer. To ensure an exact fit, an Invisalign® dentist uses a high-tech intraoral scanner to obtain a 3D digital model of the mouth. That, along with specialized computer software, makes the creation of a personalized orthodontic treatment plan possible.
The Invisalign® system uses gentle pressure to shift the teeth, transforming the smile by means of a series of snug-fitting trays. Each set is worn for one or two weeks, then those clear aligners are discarded and replaced with a different pair. To be effective, the trays must be in place for 20 to 22 hours a day, but this is no hard task due to their discreet and comfortable design. As for how many aligners are required, that varies. Some Matteson patients achieve their smile goals with as few as five sets of trays, while those with more significant orthodontic issues often need a few dozen.
In any case, dental experts consider clear aligners to be the ideal solution for an array of orthodontic concerns. Here at Progressive Dental & Associates, our Invisalign® dentist frequently recommends clear aligners for the treatment of underbite, overbite, open bite, and crossbite. Invisalign® can also be an excellent option for patients with gapped teeth, crowded teeth, rotated teeth and protruding teeth. But how does it compare to other treatment approaches? Let’s break down the differences.
Invisalign® vs. Traditional Braces
When compared to traditional metal braces, the Invisalign® system is widely considered to be the superior orthodontic treatment. The reasons are many, but appearance plays a large part – unlike traditional braces, Invisalign® is virtually invisible, allowing patients to undergo a smile transformation without feeling self-conscious.
In addition, clear aligners are designed for comfort. The trays are completely smooth, and according to our Invisalign® dentist, patients appreciate that there are no pokey wires or sharp edges that could potentially irritate the mouth. And since they fit snugly over the teeth, orthodontic aligners remain secure and comfortable during sleep. Yet the trays are easy to snap on and off, which makes it simple to maintain good oral hygiene. All patients need to do is remove the aligners for cleaning, then brush and floss as usual. With traditional metal braces, keeping the mouth healthy and clean is a greater challenge.
Satisfaction is another solid reason to see an Invisalign® dentist. Going with traditional braces means certain foods are off the menu, as they can easily get trapped in the wires and brackets. Clear aligners don’t come with a list of forbidden foods, as patients can simply slip off the trays before dining.
Invisalign® vs. ClearCorrect® Braces
Invisalign® isn’t the only clear aligner system on the market. Some Matteson dentist offices – including Progressive Dental & Associates – also offer ClearCorrect® braces, which straighten teeth in the same way, through the use of a series of custom-made orthodontic trays.
Compared to ClearCorrect® aligners, the Invisalign® system is a bit pricier, and some dental professionals consider the straighter cut and thinner material of ClearCorrect® braces makes them more comfortable. On the other hand, other dental experts say that the slightly thicker, more flexible material used to create Invisalign® trays makes them easier to wear. What’s more, that thickness and flexibility makes Invisalign® slightly more durable.
The Invisalign® system is the gold standard for invisible braces, as the high-tech process used in their creation allows for clear orthodontic aligners that fit the teeth precisely. As such, they tend to provide more effective and efficient tooth movement. However, that isn’t to say that ClearCorrect® braces aren’t a viable option. For some patients, the advantages of the ClearCorrect® system outweigh the benefits of Invisalign®, so seeing a skilled dentist is essential to ensuring optimal short- and long-term results.If you’re ready to have straighter teeth and a more confident smile, the professional team at Progressive Dental & Associates would be happy to help. To schedule a consultation with a friendly, knowledgeable and experienced Invisalign® dentist in Matteson, Illinois, contact us today.
