Invisalign – Downers Grove, IL
A Clear Path Toward a Straight Smile
Would you like to straighten your teeth without the hassle of metal braces? You're in luck! At Dentique Dental of Downers Grove, we serve patients in Downers Grove, Lemont, and the surrounding communities. Straighten your teeth with Invisalign® for the perfect smile!
Invisalign® SmileView™
Meet with your dentist and get a sneak peek at your new smile with your free consultation
Using the iTero Element® scanner, your Invisalign dentist can take a fast and precise 3D digital scan of your teeth and map out a custom treatment plan just for you.
Schedule your free consultation today!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign® is a series of clear aligners that gradually move teeth to their ideal positions. Experienced with Invisalign®, Dr. Xhelo personally programs each tooth movement to guarantee that teeth are moved safely and correctly. At our Downers Grove dental office, our clear aligners are custom-made for you! Using digital technology, we create a personalized treatment plan for each patient that works to gradually and painlessly move teeth into place. Best of all, the clear trays are virtually invisible and removable, making them one of the most discreet orthodontic methods while also allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods throughout the process.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
The desire for a straight and beautiful smile is universal. Whether you’re an older patient wanting to impress at the office or a bright-eyed youngster about to set off for college, Invisalign can help you achieve your goals. While these clear aligners may not be for everyone, our team at Dentique Dental is dedicated to helping you find a path forward. If you want to know how Invisalign could help shape your grin, read more below.
Crowded Teeth
Tooth crowding generally happens as you grow older and your teeth shift due to dental issues, diet, or the aging process itself. Crowded teeth present a problem because they are much more difficult to clean. This increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease as bacterial plaque builds up in places you can’t reach. Invisalign moves your teeth back into a natural alignment, making oral hygiene much easier.
Gaps Between Teeth
Tooth loss is one of the primary culprits of tooth gaps, but they can also be caused by genetics and other factors like your tooth shape and size. Gaps in your teeth expose them to chipping and enamel erosion more frequently and can create traps where bacteria and food particles can hide. Invisalign can gently guide your teeth back together over time and restore your smile.
Overbite
While your top teeth should slightly overlap your bottom ones, they shouldn’t hang over so far that it causes discomfort. In the case of an overbite, you may have trouble opening and closing your mouth or find that your top teeth become damaged more easily. Invisalign aligners can be combined with various attachments like buttons and elastics to gradually pull your jaw back into a more natural alignment before your dental health suffers.
Underbite
The opposite of an overbite is an underbite where your bottom teeth just out over your top ones. If left untreated, this bite issue can increase your risk for sleep disorders, speech impediments, and even sinus infections. Thankfully, Invisalign clear aligners can be used to effectively pull your lower jaw back and your upper jaw forward, bringing them back into a uniform alignment and relieving pressure in your facial structure.
Crossbite
When you have some teeth that stick out and others that tilt in, a crossbite can occur. Over time, this mismatched alignment can lead to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) as well as loose teeth and receding gums prone to sensitivity and decay. A custom-fitted set of Invisalign trays combined with attachments can gradually turn and realign your teeth and jaw for better comfort.
Open Bite
Even when you try to close your mouth with an open bite, your teeth in the front won’t touch. Childhood development issues like prolonged pacifier use or thumb-sucking are usually to blame for this as they can lead to an underdeveloped jaw. As you grow older, this can cause speech and digestive issues as it can be difficult to chew or place your tongue properly. With Invisalign, we can help bring your front teeth back together to increase your confidence and soothe your smile.
Benefits of Invisalign
Your closest friends and family may never notice that you are on your way to a new smile with Invisalign®!
- Invisalign® aligners are practically invisible, making Invisalign® the perfect choice for a more aesthetically pleasing and subtle option.
- With traditional braces, brushing and flossing can be difficult, but removable Invisalign® aligners make good dental hygiene a much easier process. This helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Invisalign® aligners are removable temporarily for events like senior photos, sports events, or any other special occasion.
Invisalign FAQs
Why Is Wearing My Aligners for 20+ Hours a Day Important?
Part of your treatment plan will involve the assumption that you’ll wear your Invisalign trays for 20-22 hours every day to successfully move your teeth into their proper positions. Having them on as long as possible will allow your pearly whites to gradually shift as planned, otherwise, they will start to revert to their previous spots/angles. To make it easier for you to keep on track with how long you wear your aligners, make sure to use the timer on your phone so that you can meet the requirements for straightening your smile.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
On average, Invisalign patients can potentially finish their treatments in just 12 to 18 months—which is still four months shorter than traditional braces. Of course, different factors can affect the specific amount of time it’ll take your process to be completed. For instance, those with less severe misalignment issues can sometimes achieve their results in about six months. Other patients might need more than 18 months, especially if they neglect to wear their aligners for 20-22 hours every day.
What Should I Do If My Trays Are Turning Yellow?
In most cases, clear aligners that are turning yellow may be due to poor oral habits, such as sipping on coffee or sodas while still wearing them. During your orthodontic process, make sure to remove your Invisalign trays before drinking or eating anything (other than pure water) so that you can avoid discoloring or even damaging them. Clean your aligners with thorough brushing and rinsing, and be sure to soak them in your cleaning crystals while you’re having a meal.
Who Isn’t a Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is a great option for the majority of teens and adults who are struggling with misaligned teeth. However, those with more severe malocclusions might require treatment from traditional braces instead, as they can be used to correct the placement of the jaw more effectively. Invisalign is also best for those who can commit to a strict regimen for straightening their teeth, such as wearing the trays for 20-22 hours a day. Otherwise, the treatment plan can become significantly delayed and can potentially cost more in the long run.