Commonly Asked Questions About Clear Braces
Question: How do clear braces work?
Answer: Invisalign employs a series of clear aligners made from BPA-free plastic material. The aligners are worn daily to reposition the teeth and correct misalignment. Every two weeks you upgrade to a new set as your teeth are moved into optimal positions.
Question: Who qualifies for Invisalign?
Answer: We typically recommend treatment for patients aged 16 and older, who have minor alignment issues. We can examine your teeth and jaw to see if this is the best option for correcting your smile. If not, we can discuss alternate treatment options.
Question: How long will I wear them?
Answer: The total treatment time takes about a year. Younger patients or those with more serious misalignment may need up to 18 months. On a daily basis, you will wear them for about 20-23 hours every day, removing them only for meals or when you brush/floss your teeth, or special occasions. But we also offer alternatives to Invisalign with Red, White, and Blue and Simpli5 from AOA labs. They both employ aligners and can treat misalignment in one or both arches, treatment taking as little as 9 to 15 weeks in some cases.
Question: Will I need to make lifestyle changes to accommodate them?
Answer: With braces, you need to avoid certain foods and drinks. Hard and sticky foods can become stuck in or damage orthodontics. Drinks with dark pigments increase the risk of stains when you remove your orthodontics. However, aligners can be removed during meals, so you don’t need to avoid certain foods. In addition, they can be removed before you brush and floss, allowing better oral maintenance and a reduced risk of teeth stains.
ABOUT YOUR NORTHBROOK DENTIST:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including: Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.