Best Aligners by Hinsdale’s Best Orthodontists
In the past, metal braces were the only way to get straighter teeth. These bracket and wire combos make you stand out, leading to name-calling and teasing. Because of this, many people hate the thought of wearing braces. This led people to ignore their alignment issues, causing their oral health problems to get worse.
Advances in technology have led to new and improved options for straightening teeth. Clear aligners are an example. For these removable aligners, there are options such as Invisalign and Spark who have revolutionized the dental industry, allowing people to straighten their teeth discreetly. These aligners can help with mild to moderate crooked teeth issues, such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite.
Clear aligners are great orthodontic treatment options to fix mild to moderate alignment issues. Many dental patients are good candidates for aligners. Interested in learning more about how they can help achieve straight teeth? Contact our Clarendon Hills orthodontists at Hinsdale Ortho to schedule a free consultation. Learn more about your options for a straighter smile and see if aligners are the clear choice for you.
The Process
When you choose Hinsdale Ortho, your free initial consultation starts with impressions from a high-tech iTero digital scanner. Our orthodontists, Dr. Riccio and Dr. Blair, will make your first set of custom aligners. You’ll change them out every week or two as your teeth move into place.
Every patient is unique, so there is no set time period for your treatment. However, your orthodontist will likely provide an estimate for how long you need to wear your aligners. You’ll likely wear your aligners for 12-18 months unless your case is extreme. You will typically use 18-30 sets of aligners throughout the course of your treatment at Hinsdale Ortho. You should notice your teeth getting straighter every month.
You should aim to wear the trays for about 22 hours a day. Remove your aligners to eat and brush your teeth.
How Do Aligners Work?
There are two main manufacturers of clear aligners: Invisalign and Spark. Both use clear plastic aligners to move teeth gradually into their desired positions. These aligners are custom-made for each patient using 3D computer imaging technology.
The aligners are designed to apply pressure to specific teeth in order to gradually shift them into the desired position. Each set of aligners is worn for a specific period of time — typically a week or two — and then replaced by the next set in the series.
The movement of teeth with Invisalign and Spark aligners is accomplished through a combination of several factors, including the shape of the aligners, the material they are made of, and the specific movements that are programmed into the treatment plan.
As each set of aligners is replaced, the teeth are moved a small amount, gradually bringing them into their desired positions. Over time, the aligners work to gently and continuously move the teeth into their final positions, resulting in a straighter smile.
The team at Hinsdale Ortho has expertise with clear aligners. We are a Premier Preferred Provider of Invisalign and Spark and have proven experience treating patients. We know the benefits and limitations of this type of treatment.
Dr. Riccio and Dr. Blair stay current with advancements in clear aligner technology. We have watched it become much more efficient over the years. This means that many Clarendon Hills patients who were not good candidates for aligners in the past can now take advantage of it. Contact us to learn more.
Why Choose Aligners Over Braces
Clear aligners offer many benefits over traditional metal braces. They include the following:
- Aesthetics. Clear aligners are virtually invisible, so you can straighten your teeth without anyone noticing. This is particularly appealing to teens and adults who may feel self-conscious about wearing metal braces.
- Comfort. Clear aligners are made of smooth, comfortable plastic, which means they won’t irritate your mouth like traditional braces can. There are no metal brackets or wires that can poke or scrape the inside of your mouth.
- Convenience. With clear aligners, you can remove them when you eat or brush your teeth. This means you can eat what you want and don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in your braces. This can help you maintain better oral hygiene.
- Predictable results. Clear aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and gradually move them into the desired position. The treatment plan is also digitally mapped out, allowing for precise movements and more predictable results.
- Shorter treatment time. For minor cases, clear aligners can sometimes straighten teeth faster than traditional braces. Clear aligners also require fewer office visits, which can save you time and money.
Which is Better?
Spark vs. Invisalign: which is the better option for clear aligners? You may be more familiar with Invisalign. After all, it’s been around for a couple decades now, while Spark is much newer. However, there is evidence that shows that Spark may actually be better, as it uses newer, more innovative technology. Here are some reasons why Spark may be the better choice:
- More clear. While Invisalign is very clear, Spark is even more clear. That’s because it is made of TruGen material, which is nearly invisible.
- More comfortable. Spark aligners are more comfortable due to the extra effort involved. Spark hand trims and polishes the edges of aligners. This helps prevent irritation on the lips and gums.
- Stains less. The TruGen material is clearly superior to Invisalign’s SmartTrack material. It is known to be more durable and more resistant to stains. Any stains are minimal.
- Improved efficiency. Spark aligners have better contact with your teeth, allowing them to move more efficiently and effectively.
Contact Us Today
Aligners are a great way to straighten teeth. Both Invisalign and Spark offer high-quality aligners that are clear and hardly noticeable, unlike traditional metal braces.
Interested in clear aligners? The Clarendon Hills team at Hinsdale Ortho can assess your situation and help you understand the right options for you. Straighter teeth are within reach — we have flexible payment options that can help. Call (630) 528-0909 or go online to schedule a free consultation.