Orthodontics & Invisalign
At North Aurora Smiles, Drs. Hammad Aziz and Stephanie Janes believe in providing a wide selection of treatments to help patients with various dental concerns. This includes helping patients with misalignment of the smile. Many patients in the area of North Aurora, IL, may fear bringing up their desires with their dentist, worrying that they will be told they need traditional braces. Instead, our dental team provides orthodontic treatments that eliminate metal brackets and wires, offering services such as clear aligners and Six-Month Smiles.
What methods of orthodontia are available?
At North Aurora Smiles, we are pleased to provide two methods of braces, including Six Month Smiles and clear aligners.
- Six-Month Smiles – Six-Month Smiles is a type of braces treatment that utilizes brackets and wires. However, these are tooth-colored, making them far less noticeable than other orthodontic alternatives. Six-Month Smiles is best used for patients with mild to moderate misalignment of the teeth near the front of the smile, known as the anterior teeth or the “social six.” Six-Month Smiles often achieves results in approximately half a year.
- Clear aligners – another option for patients to consider is our clear aligner therapy. Instead of brackets and wires glued to the teeth, clear aligners allow men and women to realign their smiles with removable aligner trays. These trays are made of high-quality clear acrylic to provide a discreet way of enhancing the smile. Patients progress through a custom series of trays to get their desired results, realigning the smile when mild to moderate misalignment is present.
Which treatment is right for me?
We welcome patients to book a consultation visit and initial evaluation with our team to determine which treatment is best suited for their needs. Patients can ask about the cost, length of treatment, expectations of this, and alternative options. If patients have severe misalignment or malocclusion, a referral to an orthodontist might be in store.
Are you ready to learn more about orthodontic treatment?
If you are considering ways to realign the smile while avoiding traditional metal bracket and wire braces, we strongly encourage you to book an evaluation with the team at North Aurora Smiles. Call (630) 984-2223 to learn more about the options available at our facility, conveniently located at 601 Randall Crossing Lane in North Aurora, Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Invisalign treatment system is a very well-regarded and popular orthodontic treatment that makes straight teeth possible by utilizing a series of clear, removable aligners that shift your teeth into proper alignment. The aligners are custom-made for each patient using 3D imaging technology and are designed to fit snugly over the teeth. They apply gentle, consistent pressure to move the teeth into their desired positions. Invisalign is an effective alternative to traditional metal braces, offering a more discreet option for improving your smile. The aligners are removable, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene and enjoy your favorite foods without the restrictions that come with braces.
The cost of Invisalign treatment will vary depending on factors that include the complexity and length of treatment. When looking at the average cost, the Invisalign treatment system can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000. You can check with your insurance carrier to see if they may cover some or all of the cost, similar to traditional braces. Additionally, many dental offices offer payment plans or financing options to make the treatment more affordable. It’s best to consult with your dentist or orthodontist for a personalized estimate based on your specific needs.
To remain on your treatment timeline, you will want to wear your aligners for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day. This allows the aligners to apply consistent pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position. You should only remove your aligners for oral hygiene and when you want to eat or drink (anything other than water). Consistency is key to the success of Invisalign treatment, so it’s important to follow your dentist’s or orthodontist’s instructions regarding wear time. Failing to wear the aligners as recommended can prolong treatment time and affect the final outcome.
Whether Invisalign is better than braces depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. Invisalign is popular for its discreet appearance and the convenience of removable aligners, which makes it easier to maintain oral hygiene and enjoy food without restrictions. It’s also more comfortable as it has no metal brackets or wires. However, traditional braces are more effective for treating complex orthodontic issues and may offer faster results for certain cases. Your dentist can help determine which option is best suited for your specific situation based on your dental needs.
The most common complaint with Invisalign is the need to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, which can be challenging for some people to maintain consistently. Additionally, there may be some mild discomfort or pressure when switching to a new set of aligners as the teeth are gradually being moved. The aligners can also cause slight lisping initially as the patient adjusts to wearing them. Despite these minor drawbacks, many patients find Invisalign to be a convenient and effective way to straighten their teeth.
Invisalign is generally less painful than traditional braces, but some may experience mild discomfort or pressure when they start wearing a new set of aligners. This discomfort is a normal sign that the aligners are working to shift your teeth into their desired positions gradually. The discomfort typically subsides after a few days as your teeth adjust to the new aligners. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign does not involve metal brackets or wires that can irritate the inside of your mouth, making it a more comfortable option for many patients.
