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October 15, 2026 DentSmileInvisalign0

The best age to get Invisalign depends on dental development, compliance, and the level of commitment since wearing one requires a minimum of 22 hours a day. 

At Beautiful Smiles Dental Center, we tell our patients they can start at almost any age. Kids can begin a first phase around ages 6 to 10, while teens are usually ready once most permanent teeth are in. Adults can also start whenever their teeth are healthy.

If you’re watching your 11-year-old’s smile change, or wondering whether you missed your window, the answer depends less on the age and more so on a couple of candidacy factors.

The Best Age For Invisalign

The Best Age to Get Invisalign: Kids, Teens, and Adults

There’s no single right age to get Invisalign. Although, starting early can have significant benefits for many. 

Some of the most important factors to consider is when the teeth that need moving are in place and the patient can wear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day.

 

Age group Invisalign option What needs to be true
Kids, about 6 to 10 Invisalign First (Phase 1) A mix of baby and permanent teeth, and an orthodontist who sees a reason to start early
Teens, up to 19 Invisalign for teens Most permanent teeth are in, and a steady daily routine
Adults, any age Standard Invisalign Healthy teeth and a plan that allows for slower tooth movement

Why Starting Early Might Be Better

Why Starting Early Might Be Better

Starting early helps in specific cases, not all. If you’re considering Invisalign for your child as soon as they turn 6, here are some benefits to getting Invisalign early:

  • Guiding jaw growth. Invisalign First is aimed at guiding jaw development while a child is still growing.
  • Protecting front teeth. A Cochrane review of early treatment for prominent upper front teeth found new injuries in 19% of children treated early, compared with 30% treated later. That result used functional appliances, which are a different tool than aligners.
  • Catching problems sooner. An early check-up lets an orthodontist spot a developing problem, giving parents more allowance to prepare and find a treatment that matches the child’s problem.

So the useful question for parents is specific: what problem would early treatment fix, and what happens if you wait? Talking to your local dentist early on can help you arrive at a decision faster and more accurately.

Early treatment also isn’t the same as an early check-up. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first check-up by age 7 to observe your child’s bite develop.

Invisalign Treatment Timeline: Why Early Teens Are A Common Sweet Spot

Early teens often work best because most permanent teeth have arrived. The ADA’s tooth eruption chart puts second molars at 11 to 13 years, and wisdom teeth much later, at 17 to 21.

By the age of 13, nearly every tooth aligner needed to move has come in. That gives a teen a full set of working teeth.

Younger kids have a different job to do. For ages 6 to 10, Invisalign First focuses on guiding jaw development, and the full straightening comes later.

So how long does it take? It mainly depends on what age they start:

 

Full disclosure: only a thorough check-up can tell you your exact timeline. Any online guide gives you a close estimate and better expectations, but for an accurate timeline length, only your local dentist can provide you with this information.

Invisalign Age Requirements Guide

Invisalign Age Requirements: 

Age rarely rules anyone in or out. The ADA says healthy teeth can be orthodontically treated at any age. The real questions are about development, health, and daily habits.

  • Tooth development. For kids and teens, what matters is which permanent teeth have come in.
  • A proper exam. A dentist or orthodontist should evaluate your mouth first, preferably in person.
  • Your bite. Your orthodontist weighs whether aligners or braces suit your crowding, spacing, or bite, since both are common tools. Our post on the conditions Invisalign treats covers the common ones.
  • Daily wear. The single most important requirement of Invisalign is consistent wear.

 

Invisalign Age Questions Parents and Adults Ask

When can kids get Invisalign?

Invisalign First is designed for children ages 6 to 10, and it can start while baby teeth are still present. Not every child needs it, but speaking to your local dentist can provide more clarity on the matter. 

Invisalign for teens vs adults: does one get better results?

Neither group gets better results by default. For teens, wear time drives the outcome. For adults, the main difference is that treatment may take longer. Families weighing aligners against braces can read how Invisalign compares with metal braces.

Is there an age limit for Invisalign?

There’s no age at which healthy teeth stop being treatable. The AAO says it’s never too late to have a beautiful and healthy smile.

Are at-home clear aligners a safe shortcut at any age?

The FDA warns that clear aligners sold directly to consumers, without a dentist’s or orthodontist’s supervision, may raise the risk of complications. It advises an evaluation before you start. Comparing in-office brands instead? See how ClearCorrect and Invisalign differ.

Invisalign Consultation Beautiful Smiles Dental Center

Not Sure Where You Fit? Start With an Invisalign Consultation in Park City

Dr. Milagros Gálvez and the team at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center offer Invisalign in Park City and Gurnee, and a consultation can show where you or your child stand.

Want to read more first? Start with the pros and cons of Invisalign or our guide to your child’s first dental visit.

Whether you’re asking about your child, your teen, or yourself, the best age to get Invisalign comes down to an exam, not a guess. Call (847) 249-5700, book online, or visit us at 355 S Greenleaf St, Ste E, Park City.


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September 25, 2026 DentSmileInvisalign

Invisalign for teens works well for kids who already have most of their adult teeth in, usually around age 13. It also takes a lot of commitment; wear time is between 20 to 22 hours a day. 

Typical features also include compliance indicators, eruption tabs for teeth still coming in, and up to six free replacement aligners, all built for a mouth that’s still changing.

Technology-aside, if you’re considering getting Invisalign in Park City and Gurnee, we’ll help you understand…

  • How is it different from braces
  • If it’s the right decision to make and when
  • What features are necessary for teeth between the age of 13 and 18
  • Everyday care and maintenance around Invisalign

Why Dentists Recommend Invisalign

Invisalign Teen treats most of what traditional braces treat: crowding, gaps, and bite problems like overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite BUT without wires or brackets.

In addition, it doesn’t come with dietary restrictions since you’re allowed to remove them when you eat, drink, or brush teeth. We’ve also had parents come in saying how their kids prefer wearing aligners that are subtle and not as obvious. 

As for what Invisalign is designed to treat, the American Association of Orthodontists list bite problems that benefit the most:

  • Spacing. Noticeable gaps between teeth, often from missing or undersized teeth.
  • Open bite. The upper and lower teeth don’t touch at all when the mouth is closed.
  • Overbite (deep bite). The upper front teeth cover the bottom teeth more than they should.
  • Crowding. Not enough room for every tooth, so they overlap, twist, or get pushed out of line.
  • Underbite. The lower jaw sits forward enough that the bottom front teeth sit in front of the top ones.
  • Crossbite. Upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth instead of outside them, in the front or back of the mouth.

Beautiful Smiles Dental Center treats both simple and more complicated versions of these cases with Invisalign. 

The trays are also built to keep pace with a mouth that’s still changing; eruption tabs leave room for teeth still coming in, and the plan already includes up to six free replacement aligners if one gets lost or chewed up.

Is Invisalign Right For Your Teen

Is Invisalign Right for Your Teen?

Knowing whether Invisalign is right for your teen has less to do with how crowded your teen’s teeth are, and more to do with daily commitment. 

Of course, factors like overcrowding and bite correction still play a huge role, but overall, Invisalign only works if they stay in. And at the very least, 20 hours a day. A teen who resists wearing them, or treats the routine as optional, ends up with a longer, more frustrating process than the one they started.

A few signs it’s a good fit:

  • They can comply and commit to wearing one for at least 20 to 22 hours a day.
  • Their case is mild to moderate, and they want to correct issues like underbite, gaps between teeth, crooked teeth, crossbite, etc.
  • Your teen already manages other daily routines (examples could be a retainer, contacts, medication) without much reminding

A few signs it might be worth waiting, or choosing braces instead:

  • Your teen seems lukewarm or resistant about the whole idea.
  • The case involves real correction such as a severe teeth misalignment or jaw correction
  • You’re not confident enough they can keep up with a regular, disciplined wear time routine.

This is also why some orthodontists recommend braces instead for teens who need correction now and aren’t yet managing a routine like this one. 

The best way to know which category your teen’s case falls into is a consultation, so that a proper assessment can also be made for any complex or severe cases. 

Invisalign Vs Braces Key Differences

Invisalign Teen vs. Braces: Key Differences

Invisalign Teen tends to fit self-directed teens with mild-to-moderate cases. Braces tend to fit teens who need more built-in oversight, or have more complex correction needs. 

Invisalign Teen Traditional Braces
Visibility Nearly invisible Visible metal or ceramic brackets
Daily responsibility High: worn 20–22 hrs/day, removed to eat Low
Food restrictions None;  aligners are removable Sticky, hard, and chewy foods off-limits
Typical treatment length 6–18 months, depending on compliance and growth Hard to say; generally more predictable once installed
Office visits Fewer, shorter check-ins More frequent adjustments
Best fit for Mild-to-moderate cases, steady daily routine Complex cases, or less independent oversight


That 6-to-18-month range might surprise you since it’s longer than the typical adult timeline. 

And that’s because both growth and day-to-day wear affect it. Not to mention, your child’s teeth are still growing at this stage. Braces remove that variable. That’s exactly why some families choose them on purpose.

Invisalign Teen’s First Two Weeks: What to Expect

The hardest part of Invisalign Teen usually isn’t pain. It’s the small lifestyle changes that can happen all at once like a temporary lisp, eating around trays at school, building a new routine from scratch.

It’s still painful per se, but in a mentally and emotionally challenging way. 

Most teens notice a mild lisp for the first few days and it is a normal part of the process since their tongue is adjusting to the plastic. It usually fades within one to three weeks too.

A few tips can make the first two weeks easier:

  • Start new trays at night. Swap them before bed, so the tightest, most uncomfortable hours happen while your teen is asleep.
  • Pack a small “aligner kit.” A travel toothbrush, floss picks, and the aligner case keep school-day brushing simple.
  • Rinse and floss count between meals when a full brush isn’t practical. Save real brushing for morning and night.
  • Practice talking beforehand. A few minutes of reading out loud with the tray in, a day or two before starting, helps the tongue adjust faster.

How To Get The Best Results For Your Teen With Invisalign

How to Get the Best Results for Your Teen With Invisalign

Consistent wear is what makes Invisalign work as fast and as well as it’s supposed to. The trays are built to make that easy to track.

Invisalign recommends 20 to 22 hours a day in the tray, the same guidance the American Association of Orthodontists gives. Stick close to that, and most teens finish treatment in the timeline their orthodontist mapped out from the start.

Invisalign also reports that 98% of orthodontists say the teens in their care stay highly compliant with their wear schedule.

Tips to Help Your Teen Stick With Invisalign

The goal is a routine your teen can take responsibility on his/her, not one that’s forced. Over the years, we’ve learned a few key tips that have been proven to work:

  • Tie trays to an existing habit, like right after brushing, instead of a standalone reminder.
  • Build the kit together before treatment starts, so it’s their system, not one imposed on them.
  • Consistency beats perfection. A missed hour here or there isn’t going to derail treatment. A pattern of skipping days is what does.

Cost Of Invisalign Teen

Cost of Invisalign Teen

Average Invisalign costs based on national averages range between $1,200 to $8,000 but it mostly depends on case complexity (more correction means higher costs) and treatment length. 

Mild cases (small bite readjustment) can cost up to $1,200 whereas a complex case like malocclusion can cost between $3,000 to $5,000. Costs can be higher if the treatment length extends – say for example from the initial 8-month treatment to 12 months due to inconsistent wear time.

Insurance can also help cover the costs, with the maximum capped between $1,500 to $2,000. 

Although national average costs provide a good starting point, it’s important to note that a proper assessment and consultation is the only way to find out how much it truly costs. At Beautiful Smiles Dental Center, we offer a free Invisalign consultation so you can get a clearer answer and understanding of how complex your teen’s case is, along with the costs associated with it.

FAQs About Invisalign Teen

Does Invisalign hurt more than braces for teens?

No. Most teens feel pressure or tightness for a day or two after a new tray. That’s similar to braces after an adjustment, not sharper or longer-lasting.

Can my teen still play sports or an instrument with Invisalign?

Yes. Aligners come out for contact sports, worn with a mouthguard, and for instruments that need direct lip pressure. They go back in right after, the same as removing them to eat.

What happens if my teen loses a tray?

Invisalign Teen includes up to six free replacement aligners for exactly this reason. One lost tray at school doesn’t derail the treatment plan or the budget. 

Invisalign Teen Questions? Let’s Talk at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center

Every teen’s case looks a little different. If you’ve considered getting Invisalign for your teen or simply want to plan ahead for the future, that’s exactly what a consultation with Dr. Milagros Gálvez is for. 

The same goes if you’re weighing Invisalign for teens against braces, Beautiful Smiles Dental Center serves families throughout Park City and Gurnee with several dental options built for growing smiles.

Call (847) 249-5700 or contact us immediately to schedule a consultation and get answers today.

Invisalign for Teens in Park City & Gurnee, IL: What Parents Should Know


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October 21, 2020 DentSmileCosmetic Dentist

Invisalign Dentist in Chicago

Beautiful Smiles Dental Center – Invisalign Dentist in Gurnee IL

 

Invisalign is on the rise for those looking for more options to have a straighter, more natural, and fresher smile. Invisalign is a game changing option for one definitive reason; it is doing the same work as traditional braces. If you have had braces, you understand the discomfort and restrictions it has on your daily life. Well, imagine an option where you don’t need to experience that.

Metal braces, although helpful, are described as annoying and uncomfortable. They restrict the average person from enjoying the foods they love, being free in the activities they partake in, and the comfortability they deserve. Well, now, there is a better option. At Beautiful Smiles Dental, we are always looking for better ways to serve our patients, and Invisalign is changing the game of dentistry as we know it, and here is why:

Provides A Natural Look

Looking natural is something that we strongly believe in at Beautiful Smiles, and those living with metal braces can attest to their teeth standing out more than those without them. Well, Invisalign eliminates that problem.

With a natural, incredible look, Invisalign is a clear tooth straightening option. When wearing Invisalign, it is almost completely unrecognizable to the common eye. Get the smile that you deserve without standing out with big and heavy metal braces weighing you down from showing those pearly whites!

The Invisalign System Works

Metal braces have been something that we have been using for decades. Though still a dependable option, Invisalign gives you a clean look while also doing the same work as regular braces. Invisalign is breaking through in dentistry due to its functionality and innovative design, and though you can’t see it, Invisalign is working to help straighten your teeth day and night.

Invisalign Straightens Your Teeth On Your Terms

Comfort and aesthetic are two things that make Invisalign stand out, but one of the most important aspects is, it doesn’t stay in forever. Braces cannot be removed, resulting in the need to avoid certain foods, hard cleaning situations, and painful experiences. Invisalign aligners are flexible and can be removed. That’s right, say goodbye to avoiding certain foods and regular trips to the dentists for braces cleanings.

Though it is not recommended to keep your Invisalign aligners out for too long, they are easy to remove and pop back in when eating and cleaning your teeth. This option is extremely easy, especially for young children and teens who often fuss over the restrictions that come with traditional braces.

Achieve Quicker Results with Invisalign

Perhaps the most attractive option, Invisalign will start working in a matter of months. That doesn’t mean a straight smile so soon, but you will be able to see the difference sooner than you would with braces. As long as you follow the recommended guidelines from your dentist, you will see the transformation of your smile right in front of your eyes!

Dental Safety

Many people don’t look at straightening their teeth as being dangerous, but braces pose a potential risk for its wearers. One of the main components of braces is the wiring, but a small impact on the face can potentially release a wire putting the person in harm. As a clear plastic aligner, Invisalign models a no-risk option for the wearers. For active people, this is an extreme advantage as there is no worry of damage as you can simply take the aligner out. Don’t only protect your teeth, but protect the rest of your body with Invisalign aligners.

Cost Effectiveness

The cost depends on each patient and their individual needs, but generally, the price is similar to if you were to choose a brace option. Invisalign is an investment for your oral health, both cosmetically and functionality. Those who choose Invisalign find the option to be better on the wallet if the wearer chooses to follow the plan of their dentists. Due to the ability to remove the aligner, there is a lot of self-discipline needed, but if you follow the plan your dentist gives you, the results are found to be quicker and better than traditional braces.

The Invisalign Method – Designed For You

One of the main reasons wearing Invisalign is so comfortable to wear is because your dentist fits your Invisalign aligners perfectly for your mouth. No more standard braces; your aligner will fit in your mouth so well that you will barely notice that it is there.

At Beautiful Smiles Dental Center in Gurnee, IL, you will have a consultation appointment where your highly trained dentist will examine your teeth and fit you for an Invisalign aligner that is designed for your mouth. A process that is quick and easy to ensure you start your journey to a healthier smile in no time at all! We strive to give our patients plenty of options so that they can make the decision that is best for them. Invisalign is proving to be one of the best options for so many people across the globe.

Is Invisalign Right For You?

Invisalign Clear Braces - Gurnee IL Family DentistryIf you want a straighter and healthier smile without having the hassle of regular metal braces then yes! All you need to do is come and see the incredible team at Beautiful Smiles for your consultation. Your dentist will walk you through the entire treatment, assess your teeth, and provide you with the absolute best option.

Beautiful Smiles Dental Center is one of the only dental clinics in the Gurnee area offering this method, showing how much we care to offer our patients the absolute best and nothing less. If you want to learn more about Invisalign and other dental topics, do not forget to follow Beautiful Smiles Dental Center on Facebook to learn more about your dental health. Contact us today if you are ready for a brighter smile!


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December 27, 2021 DentSmileUncategorized

(How to Make the Most Informed Decision When it Comes to Clear Aligners)

It wasn’t very long ago that a patient’s only option for a straighter and healthier smile was the uncomfortable, unwanted metal brackets. There was nothing a patient dreaded more than hearing that they needed braces. Not only are they irritating and awkward to wear, but they also restrict patients from enjoying food, drinks, and activities that they love. Now, through the advances of dental technology and the strive to allow for more comfort and options for dental patients, you can now get the straight smile you desire with aligners that don’t appear or feel like they are there.

While Invisalign has quickly made a name for itself as the #1 clear aligner for all ages of patients, they are no longer the only option for a discreet and comfortable smile. ClearCorrect is another leading option that has straightened the smiles of thousands of Americans. Now, choosing between the two is a difficult decision without the facts, and that is where the experts at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center come in to assist patients living in Park City, IL, and the surrounding Chicagoland area.

Beautiful Smiles Dental: Helping Dental Patients Make the Best and Most Informed Orthodontic Decisions

Our dental clinic is locally owned and operated, and we genuinely care about the healthy smiles of all of our patients. We take the time needed to create a personal plan for children, teens, and adults, ensuring that they have all the information they need to make a decision based on the health of their smile and budget. At Beautiful Smiles Dental Center in Gurnee, our experienced dentists, and dental team supply Invisalign as an orthodontic solution to improve misalignment and an alternative to metal brackets.

Keep reading to learn about the differences and similarities between ClearConnect and Invasilin so you can determine which is best for you.

Invisalign Clear Aligners – Leading Orthodontic Advancement

Gurnee (Park City, IL) Invisalign Clear Aligners - Leading Orthodontic Advancements

Invisalign clear aligners are the leading advancement in dentistry for teeth straightening. They present the same results as traditional braces without the hassle. This new treatment option is more bearable and boasts significantly fewer restrictions during daily life. Each aligner is properly fitted to the patient’s mouth for absolute comfort and can be removed whenever need be.

Their lack of visibility and ability to be removed allow for patients to get an improved smile without giving up the things that they love. As a leading dental clinic in the Chicagoland area and a provider of Invisalign Braces, our team of dental professionals have experience fitting patients and helping them stay on the right track towards a gorgeous smile without complications.

What is ClearCorrect?

 

ClearCorrect clear aligners are made out of hardened clear plastic. These aligners undoubtedly straighten teeth, making them an ideal alternative to braces for many patients. These clear aligners offer three distinct options:

  • A set of six aligners (For mildly crooked teeth)
  • A set of 12 aligners (For moderately crooked teeth)
  • An unlimited number of aligners (For severely crooked teeth)

The treatment plan and time period for ClearCorrect depend on the severity of the patient’s malocclusion. During your initial consultation, your dentist will determine the number of aligners you require to fix and shape your new smile.

Differences Between ClearCorrect and Invisalign Aligners

When it comes to clear aligners, it may seem that they are all the same thing, but each of these products has small differences that set them apart and play a huge role in the way you go about improving your teeth.

  1. Invisalign boasts different options to accommodate the severity of the condition, age, and price range. These include:
  • Invisalign Full – A comprehensive package focusing on treating the entire mouth.
  • Invisalign Express 5, Invisalign i7, Invisalign Express 10 – This is a more affordable option for spacing and crowding problems.
  • Invisalign Teen – This package is suited specifically for teens and allows them to avoid the days of metal brackets.
  • Invisalign Lite – This is designed to correct less severe conditions between six to eight months.
  1. Invisalign aligners are thicker and more flexible than ClearCorrect aligners. Through their unique design, Invisalign trays only cover the teeth and not the gums to reduce rubbing and provide a more relaxed fit.

3. ClearCorrect may present faster results in some cases, but patients find them uncomfortable due to how firm and inflexible they are.

Similarities Between ClearCorrect and Invisalign Aligners

  1. They are both FDA-approved and made from plastic that is BPA-Free.
  2. Both aligners use the same technology to move teeth into a healthy position correcting:
  • Overbite
  • Crowding
  • Spacing
  • Underbite
  • Deep Bite

3. Invisalign and ClearCorrect are both excellent clear options for patients who want to avoid unattractive metal braces.

4. Patients boasting either of these treatments achieve incredible results while others barely notice that they have them on.

5. They both can be removed while eating, participating in activities, and brushing teeth/flossing.

Making the Best Choice for Your Teeth with Beautiful Smiles

Invisalign Dentistry in Gurnee (Park City, IL) - Family Dental Clinic

Our leading dental clinic in Gurnee – (Park City, IL)  is a proud provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. Metal brackets no longer have to be the only option to achieve a healthier and straighter smile. Patients don’t have to face challenges while eating, keeping up with their daily dental routine, or participating in their favorite activities anymore. With regards to your dental therapy at Beautiful Smiles Dental, our clinic does everything possible to ensure that each patient has plenty of options to choose from that works with their budget.

As the leading dental clinic in Chicagoland, our certified, licensed, and experienced dental team in Gurnee (Park City, IL) strongly recommends Invisalign as the best alternative to metal braces. Through various treatments of our past teen and adult patients using Invisalign, we have consistently seen incredible results that start to show in no time. These aligners are made from top-of-the-line plastic and allow for the patient to be in control of their treatment while enjoying the things they would have to give up with other teeth-straightening methods. Listen to the experts and see what Invisalign is all about!

Contact Beautiful Smiles for Invisalign Clear Aligners Today

Choose a more comfortable therapy today with Beautiful Smiles! Invisalign is a revolutionary treatment that will transform your smile and improve your overall oral health. Visit us at our Gurnee (Park City, IL) Location: get directions here.  Allow for your journey to better-looking teeth to be painless without traditional braces taking away from your gorgeous smile. Contact Beautiful Smiles Dental Center to learn more about how Invisalign!


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Do you wish you could straighten your teeth without needing traditional metal braces? How about an option where no one knows that you are getting dental treatment? As the name suggests, Invisalign are aligners that are nearly invisible. They move your teeth gradually over time. The result is a more attractive and straighter smile. If you are considering this more modern and easier option to straighten your teeth, you need to know the pros and cons of Invisalign! Keep reading to find out more. 

What is Invisalign and How Does it Work?

 

What is Invisalign and How Does it Work?

Before we dive into the pros and cons of Invisalign, let’s go over how it works! Invisalign involves clear, BPA-free plastic aligners like flexible, thin, see-through mouthguards that slip over your teeth. First, your dental specialists use an intraoral scanner to take a digital impression of your teeth. Next, the team will create a 3D model of your mouth using advanced computer technology. This ensures that every mold and each aligner is specifically designed for the patient’s mouth, unlike metal braces which are a more general treatment option. These aligners move the teeth incrementally into their prescribed positions. 

Lets Explore Pros and Cons of Invisalign

Pro: Minimal Changes to Your Diet 

Patients who have chosen to go with traditional metal braces are required to avoid certain sticky and difficult foods to chew. However, when choosing Invisalign, you won’t have to follow the same restrictions. Since Invisalign consists of aligners, they are removable. Therefore you’ll be able to continue enjoying your favorite foods without worry or complications. However, there are certain things you have to do after eating, like brushing your teeth to avoid staining or damaging your aligner. 

If you choose to go with Invisalign, dental specialists recommend you take a travel toothbrush wherever you go to ensure both your teeth and aligners stay in the best shape. Additionally, you need to ensure your clear aligners are placed in their case whenever you are not wearing them. Putting them on the table next to you or on a napkin increases the risk of breaking or even throwing them out by accident. 

Con: You Have to Wear Invisalign 20 to 22 Hours Per Day

Invisalign clear aligners must be worn a minimum of 22 hours per day. The only time you should take them out of your mouth is when you are brushing, flossing, or eating. If you leave them out for more than what’s recommended, you risk your teeth not aligning correctly, and you will be behind schedule. Your aligners may also continue to feel tighter the next time you put them on if you fall behind. 

Pro: Smile With Confidence

Pro: Smile With Confidence

One of the main reasons that patients consider Invisalign is that they don’t want to wear bulky and unattractive metal braces for an extended period. These aligners are just like what it sounds like, virtually invisible, making them one of the most important benefits for most patients. They are clear and molded to your teeth. Therefore anyone around you is unlikely to notice that you have them on. Clear aligners benefit teens and adults by allowing them to continue in their personal and professional lives without feeling like everyone is gawking at their teeth. Additionally, due to the fact braces won’t cover your smile, your confidence will likely be enhanced! 

Con: More Expensive 

One of the biggest disadvantages of Invisalign is that they are expensive. Depending on whether or not your dental insurance covers them, patients who don’t have insurance can expect to pay anywhere between $3000 and $8000 for them. Therefore, if your insurance doesn’t cover the Invisalign aligners and you are on a tight budget, you may want to rethink Invisalign. 

Pro: Enhanced Comfort 

While Invisalign can be a bit uncomfortable at the start as your teeth and mouth get used to the dental aligners, they are generally more comfortable in the long run. Invisalign does not require any brackets or wires. That means you don’t have to worry about any painful cuts or nicks in your mouth. The aligners are similar to a mouthguard; they are molded exactly to your mouth’s shape and have no sharp edges. 

Con: Easier to Lose 

A downfall to the ease and comfort of removable aligners for teeth straightening treatment is that they can easily be lost. Let’s face it; everyone is a bit forgetful and clumsy, but it’s completely normal. However, due to the amount of hours patients are required to keep them in their mouths and the price of the aligners, they are going to have to be extra careful of them. This can be problematic, especially for teenagers. Some added tips for patients are to always carry their case with them so that when they do take the aligners out, they know where they are while protecting them from being damaged. 

Pro: More Convenient 

Visiting the dentist is never anyone’s favorite thing to do. It’s time-consuming and can be stressful for patients. Those with metal braces are required to constantly visit the dentist’s office for check-ups and adjustments. However, with Invisalign clear aligners, you won’t require any adjustments. You simply move through your series of aligners. You will be required to come in for regular appointments so that your specialist can monitor your progress. However, as the treatment goes along, you will be required to visit less and less. 

Invisalign Clear Aligners in Chicago

Metal braces are no longer the only option for patients wanting to correct their smiles; therefore, if you want to break the status quo, choose Invisalign. These aligners will ensure you have a brighter, straighter, and more beautiful smile without the hassle and unattractiveness of metal brackets. Fix your teeth without anyone even noticing, keep on enjoying your favorite foods, and boost your self-confidence. Beautiful Smiles offers Invisalign clear aligners for both teens and adults in the Chicagoland area; find out more by scheduling an appointment today.

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