Are you self-conscious about how your smile looks because your teeth aren’t straight? You are not alone. Many people are self-conscious about their smiles, in fact, nearly half of all Americans feel self-conscious about their smiles. And another 61% of Americans wish they could change something about their teeth, whether it be the crookedness, whiteness, or gaps.
The bottom line is that most people aren’t born with perfectly straight teeth. At any given point, approximately 4 million Americans will utilize some type of teeth-straightening method, 25% of those being adults. So, will you be one of them?
Invisalign vs. Braces
Maybe you’ve avoided treatment because of dental anxiety or because you’re dreading the idea of how traditional metal wires and brackets look…
Our patient (who we’ll refer to as Fluora) felt exactly the same way. Fluora wasn’t happy with how her smile looked because of crowded teeth on the bottom arch, a misaligned deep bite, and an upper left canine jutting out. Unfortunately, she visited multiple dentists without being offered viable treatment options.
Unsure of other teeth-straightening methods, Fluora thought the only way to straighten her teeth was with traditional braces—but she didn’t want to deal with the unsightly metal! After researching cosmetic dentists in Lake Bluff, IL, she found Dr. Fauzia Khan.
Dr. Khan specifically recommended Invisalign treatment because it’s:
- Adult-friendly: Invisalign is made for adults. Your clear aligners move teeth discreetly so you won’t ever have to feel the dreaded “brace-face” embarrassment.
- Convenient: You’ll have time to check things off your to-do list since you’ll spend less time in the dentist’s office than you would with braces.
- Removable: Your aligners are removable, meaning you’ll be able to floss, eat, drink, and brush regularly.
During her initial consultation, Dr. Khan took a quick digital impression of her teeth and discussed the issues and end goals. Using ClinCheck® software, Dr. Khan mapped out Fluora’s treatment plan and showed her a virtual preview of how her teeth would look at the end.
Now that she could see the result of her new smile, she couldn’t wait to start treatment.
How Invisalign Works
If Invisalign is a good fit for your needs, your provider will use a digital scanner to create a 3D image of your mouth and come up with a treatment plan. Invisalign’s parent company uses the image to create a series of clear aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Each aligner is specific to you and your desired results.
The aligners work by applying gentle yet constant force to the teeth. Depending on the severity of your issue, you may also need certain attachments to wear under your aligner. Treatment requires constant contact with your provider. You will wear a new aligner every one to two weeks and will need to visit your provider every 6 to 8 weeks for an evaluation.
Dr. Khan briefed Fluora on what she could expect throughout the entire Invisalign process:
- How many aligners she’ll need
- Her anticipated timeline
- The total cost
- Financing options
Fluora was genuinely happy that Dr. Khan provided her with a treatment that fit her busy lifestyle. She returned a month later to receive her first set of aligners and had check-up appointments every four to eight weeks.
In the meantime, she was able to continue with her life without any interruptions to her usual routine, all because her clear aligners are removable!
A Happy Ending
At the end of her treatment, Fluora finally felt confident in her smile. For the first time in a while, she could smile freely without worry. Not only did Invisalign change her smile, but this treatment also brought out the best aspects of her personality.
Additionally, after her treatment, Dr. Khan created a custom retainer to preserve her straight smile and gave her a complimentary teeth whitening treatment to add sparkle to her new smile.
Fluora has finally found the best orthodontic treatment for her needs and desires.
Check out her before-and-after picture below!
What Else Does Invisalign Fix?
Invisalign fixes:
- Mildly crooked teeth
- Central tooth overlaps
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Gap teeth
In our patient Fluora’s case:
Her teeth were shifted into optimal position by Invisalign treatment, which corrected her crowding, misalignment, and left canine.
Is Invisalign Better Than Braces?
The orthodontic treatment that’ll work best for you depends on the complexity of your case. Your dentist can advise you on which procedure best suits your smile’s needs and goals. In cases where your teeth are severely misaligned, your dentist may recommend braces instead.
In our patient’s case, she preferred the convenience and appearance of Invisalign clear aligners over traditional braces.
What’s the Price Difference Between Invisalign and Braces?
The cost of Invisalign treatment depends on the following:
- The length of your treatment
- How many aligners you’ll need
- Case complexity
Overall, the price is comparable to traditional braces. Both traditional metal braces and Invisalign average between $3,000 and $7,000. But these averages are on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, your dentist may offer financing options or an in-house membership plan.
At Lake Bluff Family Dentistry, Dr. Khan is proud to offer The Fresh Membership, which includes a bonus gift: $500 in savings on Invisalign.
Learn more about our membership plan now.
Is One More Comfortable Than the Other?
Braces and Invisalign work to move your teeth into place, and this may cause some discomfort or soreness. However, Invisalign tends to be more comfortable because it gently moves teeth into place with less pressure. Plus, with modern technology, your personalized aligners are created to fit perfectly over your teeth without irritating your gums. While braces may have sharp edges that can cut the inside of your lip or tongue.
Which is More Effective?
Effectiveness with Invisalign strongly depends on your compliance. Since the aligners are removable, patients may not always remember to leave them in for the correct amount of time.
It’s strongly recommended to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day. Of course, you can take them out when necessary, but putting them back in immediately is key.
Braces aren’t removable by the patient, so they’re effective in enforcing the straightening of your teeth 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?
If you qualify for braces, you may be eligible for Invisalign too! The only way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation with your dentist.
Here are a couple of factors that are considered:
- Age: Teenagers and adults can both enjoy a modern orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. It’s most suitable for those who have all of their permanent teeth in.
- Health: Dr. Khan will examine your mouth before beginning treatment. Having healthy gums and teeth is essential in Invisalign treatment.
- Discipline: Compliance is key! You need to wear your trays for the instructed amount of time to straighten your teeth effectively.
Want to Meet Our Invisalign Dentist?
Schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Khan today!
Dr. Khan’s passion for dentistry is fueled by seeing patients like you leave their appointments happy and smiling. She’s a compassionate Invisalign provider who’ll help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted—just like she did with our patient in this case study.
Or:
- Call us at (847) 604-4012
- Email us at info@lakeblufffamilydentistry.com
Our office is conveniently located in Lake Bluff… This text opens a new tab to the Google Maps website…. We welcome patients from all over the surrounding areas, including Lake Forest and North Shore.