Dr. F. Michael Sheehan is a Certified Invisalign Provider
Invisalign Dentist in Palos Park IL
Are you unhappy with the appearance of your teeth or concerned that existing dental issues like overcrowding and misalignment may cause long-term oral problems? When it comes to common problems with the appearance and position of teeth, braces are often suggested as an effective solution for lasting results.
If you’ve been put-off the idea of braces in the past due to the appearance of traditional braces or how they can impact speech and eating, then modern advancements in brace technology is very good news for you!
The world of braces has been turned on its head with the introduction of Invisalign® treatment. Today you can transform your smile and reduce the risk of developing dental problems with Invisalign® clear braces in Palos Park, IL. These revolutionary braces are nearly invisible, don’t restrict what you can eat, and typically have no impact on speech.
You may have seen the commercials about one of the most popular new ways to straighten the teeth of both teens and adults: Invisalign®. Read on to find out more about Invisalign® and request a free consultation with Dr. F. Michael Sheehan to decide if Invisalign® is right for you.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a teeth straightening program that works for both teens and adults. Invisalign® provides a series of clear aligners that are created specifically for each individual patient using 3D computer imaging. Each aligner gradually and very gently shifts the position of your teeth so when your teeth have adjusted to one aligner, you move onto the next. Your teeth therefore move closer and closer to the desired end result: straight teeth!
Many of our patients are thrilled when they learn about Invisalign® because Invisalign® carries with it far fewer lifestyle disruptions and much less discomfort than traditional braces do. The aligners are constructed from a medical-grade thermoplastic, so not only will you find that they’re comfortable, but also that they’re very durable and more than up to the task of being used every day.
What dental conditions can Invisalign® correct?
Much like traditional braces, Invisalign® treatment can be used to correct a large number of common orthodontic issues that surround tooth position and placement. Commonly, Invisalign® will be advised in cases of minor orthodontic issues, where the underlying problems are not in relation to the position or structure of the jaw.
Your dentist at Sheehan Dental in Palos Park may suggest Invisalign® as the best treatment option for you if you have minor problems with:
- Overcrowding
- Crooked teeth
- Crossbite
- Misaligned teeth
- Open bite
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Malocclusion
- Protruding teeth
- Gaps between teeth
If you’re experiencing any of these common orthodontic problems, then Invisalign® could be the perfect solution to improve your smile and the function of your teeth in the long term. For more information about the conditions that can be corrected by Invisalign® clear braces in Palos Park, you can book a free consultation with Dr. Sheehan at Sheehan Dental.
Who is the ideal candidate for Invisalign®?
Most people suffering from orthodontic problems, such as overcrowding and crooked teeth, are suitable candidates for Invisalign® treatment in Palos Park, but there are some exceptions where Invisalign® won’t be the most suitable treatment option.
While Invisalign® is an ideal option for many adolescents and adults, it’s often not the best treatment for younger teenagers and children who may not be able to follow the instructions for correct aligner use, although this does differ from case to case.
If you have crowns, then you may not be a good candidate for Invisalign®, as if attachments are required during the treatment, there may be some difficulty with bonding. People with temporomandibular jaw conditions can sometimes also be unsuitable for Invisalign®.
Just as there are some situations where Invisalign® is not the ideal treatment, there are also instances where the clear braces are very well-suited to a person’s lifestyle. This is particularly the case for people who play sports and need a brace that’s quick and easy to remove, and people who are too busy to meet the demands of the regular dental visits required when traditional braces are fitted.
The best way to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for Palos Park Invisalign® treatment, is to speak to a dentist directly. When you book your consultation at Sheehan Dental, you’ll be able to discuss your suitability for Invisalign® with Dr. Sheehan, who will also be able to answer any questions that you may have about Invisalign® treatment.
Why is Invisalign® superior to traditional metal braces?
- – Invisalign® braces are clear and virtually invisible: no unsightly metal brackets or wires.
- – Invisalign® is gentle. Anyone who lived with metal braces can tell you that having your braces tightened every few weeks was a pain – literally! Also, no more abrasions inside your mouth from irritating metal brackets.
- – Invisaligners® are removable, so you can continue to brush and floss your teeth as normal. No more trying to brush around the metal brackets and wires. When you brush your teeth, you brush or rinse your Invisaligner® in warm water and then replace. It’s that easy.
- – Invisalign® braces are cleaner. With metal braces, there were always foods you couldn’t eat: corn, caramel, even crusty bread. Really, anything really chewy or sticky was off the menu. But with Invisalign®, you remove your aligner while you eat. When you’re finished, you pop your aligner back in. No more food stuck in your braces.
- – Your favorite hobbies are unaffected by Invisalign®. Whether you play the trumpet or play on the soccer team, you don’t have to worry about metal brackets and wires cutting up the inside of your lip anymore. Invisalign® aligners are smooth and comfortable, and, for the most part, are flush with your natural teeth. And, of course, no more worries about getting literally lip-locked when smooching!
- – Invisalign® also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.
How does Invisalign® work?
You wear each set of Invisalign® aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Sheehan has prescribed.
To ensure that your Invisalign® treatment is a success and you get the best possible results on schedule, you’ll need to wear the clear braces for at least 22 hours a day during the course of the treatment.
How often do I have to see the dentist while using Invisalign®?
You’ll visit Dr. Sheehan about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your Invisalign® treatment is progressing as planned. As always, if you ever have any questions or problems between scheduled appointments, you can call our offices and even schedule a visit as necessary.
How long will it take for my teeth to straighten to the desired position with Invisalign®?
Just like with other teeth-straightening techniques, your treatment time with Invisalign® will vary depending on how far your teeth need to move and genetic factors that control how long it takes your teeth to adjust to each new aligner. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.
Will I need to wear a retainer after Invisalign® treatment?
As with any form of orthodontic treatment, you’ll be required to wear a retainer after you’ve completed Invisalign®. Retainers are an essential part of straightening your teeth and maintaining the results of Invisalign® in the long term.
By wearing a retainer after Invisalign®, the new position of your teeth will be maintained; this is a step in the treatment process that is typically started when you receive your final Invisalign® aligner. Going forwards, you’ll have a discussion with Dr. Sheehan about the best retainer options to maintain the results of the treatment.
Are there any downsides to Invisalign®?
Anything that might be bothersome about Invisalign® is generally true about other teeth-straightening techniques. For instance, after you get your traditional braces straightened, you will generally feel sore for a few days. The same is true after you first put in a new Invisalign® aligner. It is important to wear your aligner just as much as you normally would, even if you are slightly uncomfortable. Generally, over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can relieve you of the discomfort for the day or two after switching aligners.
Also just like when patients first get traditional braces, you may find you have a slight lisp or find it difficult to say certain words when you first begin your Invisalign® treatment. After all – there is something in your mouth that is changing the way your mouth moves. But don’t worry. You will adapt quickly to this and your speech will not be permanently affected.
Want to know more about Invisalign®?
Consider Invisalign® to get the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted – without braces. Request a complimentary consultation with Dr. F. Michael Sheehan to determine if Invisalign® is right for you.
How can I find out if Invisalign is right for me?
If you’re ready to take the next step towards achieving the smile of your dreams see and whether Invisalign® clear braces in Palos Park are the perfect option for you, then Sheehan Dental are on hand to make your dreams a reality. When you choose Sheehan Dental for Invisalign® in Palos Park, you can rest assured knowing that you’ll be able to discuss the treatment with orthodontic specialists who are always happy to answer your questions.
Learn more about Invisalign on their web site at www.invisalign.com, or call us today at 708-671-1510 for a free Invisalign consultation.
You can also schedule an invisalign appointment online here.
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