Tag: Invisalign Palos Park

Why Invisalign is the Go-To Choice for Straighter Teeth in Palos Park

Think about the last time you smiled in a photo.

Did you catch yourself hiding your teeth… or wishing for a straighter smile?

For many, the idea of metal braces feels uncomfortable, inconvenient, and even embarrassing. That’s why more and more teens, professionals, and parents are choosing Invisalign clear aligners—a discreet, comfortable way to transform smiles without brackets or wires.

At Sheehan Dental, we’ve seen firsthand how Invisalign changes not just smiles, but confidence.

The Rise of Invisalign in Palos Park

Invisalign has become the go-to choice for our Palos Park patients who want results without compromise.

  • Teens love that aligners don’t interfere with sports, music, or school photos.
  • Adults appreciate the discreet look that fits their careers and social lives.

With over 14 million Invisalign patients worldwide, Sheehan Dental is proud to be the trusted local provider bringing these results to Palos Park, Orland Park, Palos Heights, and beyond.

How Invisalign Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

No wires. No brackets. Just results.

A typical Invisalign consultation at Sheehan Dental looks like this:

  1. Digital Scans & Impressions: We map your teeth with precision first and check your teeth for any issues/irregularities. 
  2. Customized Clear Aligners: Your trays are designed just for you, each one moving your teeth slightly closer to perfection.
  3. Wear & Progress: You’ll wear your aligners 20–22 hours per day, switching trays every 1–2 weeks.
  4. Check-Ins Without Hassle: Quick visits to track progress (fewer than traditional braces).

Think of Invisalign like GPS for your smile—every aligner tray is one turn closer to your destination.

Find out if Invisalign is the right choice for you.

Invisalign vs. Braces: The Side-by-Side Breakdown

Some of our patients have considered getting braces given their effectiveness for decades. 

However, it depends on the case. If you have…

  • Severe overcrowding
  • Complex rotations or large gaps
  • Significant bite problems (deep bite, underbite, crossbite)

Braces are a better fit especially if you want to correct your teeth properly. 

Invisalign is better suited for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite corrections. 

To give you a better idea between the two, here’s a table detailing their differences: 

Feature Invisalign Traditional Braces
Cost (Palos Park) $3,500–$6,500 $3,000–$7,500
Comfort Smooth plastic trays, no wires Brackets, wires may irritate gums
Visibility Nearly invisible Highly noticeable
Oral Hygiene Easy (remove to brush/floss) Food often gets stuck
Diet No restrictions Avoid sticky, crunchy foods
Lifestyle Great for sports, presentations, weddings May interfere with activities
Office Visits Fewer, shorter check-ins More frequent adjustments

For most adults and teens in Palos Park, Invisalign is the clear winner in terms of comfort, convenience, and lifestyle fit.

What Does Invisalign Cost in Palos Park?

Cost matters.

In Palos Park, Invisalign typically ranges from $3,500–$6,500, depending on:

  • Case complexity
  • Treatment length
  • Insurance coverage

Many plans cover a portion of Invisalign. You can also use HSA/FSA accounts to save money.

Invisalign Benefits That Go Beyond Straight Teeth

Invisalign isn’t just about alignment—it’s for anyone who prefers feeling comfortable above all and doesn’t want to sacrifice diet adjustments like pizza. 

For others, they prefer a more discreet look.

One of our Palos Park patients, a young professional, shared: “I had a big presentation at work—I didn’t want braces to distract me. Invisalign gave me confidence, and no one even noticed.”

Then again, and as a reminder, this all depends on what needs to be corrected. If your teeth have severe overcrowding issues, we’ll recommend braces first then Invisalign midway. 

Other reasons patients choose Invisalign over braces: 

  • Discreet: Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
  • Removable: Eat pizza, brush, and floss without restrictions.
  • Healthier Teeth: Easier cleaning prevents cavities and gum disease.
  • Flexible Lifestyle: Perfect for weddings, job interviews, or sports.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Invisalign in Palos Park?

Wondering if Invisalign is right for you?

You’re likely a great candidate if:

  • You want cosmetic correction without braces.
  • You’re a teen with mild to moderate alignment needs.
  • You’re committed to wearing your trays 20–22 hours per day.

Not sure? We offer personalized consultations.

Invisalign FAQs for Palos Park Patients

How long does Invisalign take?

Most of our patients (specifically those with mild cases) usually wear Invisalign for 12–18 months, but some finish in 6 months.

Does Invisalign hurt?

Invisalign doesn’t hurt at all. You may feel pressure when switching trays, but it’s usually mild and temporary.

What happens if I don’t wear my aligners enough?

Just like braces and retainers, not wearing your aligners enough or as suggested leads to slower treatment and a longer timeline. Consistency is key.

Is Invisalign covered by insurance?

There are insurance plans that cover part of the cost for Invisalign. You can check with us on-site. 

Can Invisalign fix bite problems like overbite or crossbite?

Yes, Invisalign can correct many bite issues—though severe cases may need other orthodontic options such as braces. 

Does Invisalign change your face shape?

Invisalign doesn’t create major changes to your facial shape. They can however subtly enhance facial aesthetics by aligning your bite and smile.

Ready for Straighter Teeth Without Braces?

For Invisalign dentistry near you in Palos Park Area, Sheehan Dental is the top choice.

Call Sheehan Dental today at 708-671-1510 or schedule your Invisalign consultation online.

Don’t wait another year—your confident smile starts now.

Things to Know Before Getting Invisalign

If you are self-conscious and tired of crooked teeth and how they look, the last thing you probably want is bulky and very visible metal brackets. While braces have been one of the more acceptable and traditional ways for teens and adults to correct certain blemishes, it is no longer the only option. Invisalign is one of the newest and most innovative ways to restore crooked teeth currently available for teens and adults. While it holds many advantages, which we will discuss in this blog, you should know everything you need before getting Invisalign. So, keep reading to find out more! 

What is Invisalign and How Does it Work? 

What is Invisalign and How Does it Work? 

Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal braces, currently available for teens (Invisalign Teen) and for adults. This treatment method consists of clear plastic aligners that are expertly fitted to the unique teeth and mouth of each patient. Using advanced technology, patients are fitted with their aligners to fix a range of different problems, including: 

  • Gapped teeth
  • Crowded teeth
  • Crooked teeth
  • Mild overbite

Each set of Invisalign aligners is worn for about two weeks. The aligners are specially manufactured to move the teeth in small increments. When a new aligner is put in, the teeth in the tray are slightly straighter than the teeth outside of the aligners. This technique puts pressure on the teeth, manipulating your teeth to move over each treatment session. After each aligner replacement, the teeth will continue to move until they have straightened to their final positions. Treatment time depends on each patient but typically lasts about 12-18 months.

 

Now, here are a few things you need to know about Invisalign: 

 

1. You May Talk a Little Funny in the Beginning 

Wearing aligners on your teeth every day is going to be a little bit of an adjustment, especially when trying to talk. Due to the face, the aligners cover the back of your teeth where the tongue moves when speaking, so there can be a little bit of difficulty enunciating certain words. But don’t worry. Patients tend to only experience this for the first couple of days until they get used to the feeling and location of the aligners. 

2. No One Will Notice You Wearing Them 

Ok, some people, if they look really, really close, may be able to notice that you are wearing the aligners, but generally, unless someone around you is looking for them, they won’t even notice you have them on. This is one of the leading advantages of Invisalign and the main reason patients choose this dental treatment method. Once you have them on, the aligners blend perfectly with your teeth and are very transparent; no one will even notice that you are straightening your teeth. No more unattractive metal brackets affecting your self-confidence every time you open your mouth. 

3. You Can Continue to Eat Your Favorite Foods

One of the worst things about wearing metal braces is the fact that you should avoid certain foods. These include: 

  • Chewy candy 
  • Bagels 
  • Chips 
  • Popcorn 
  • Chewing gum 
  • Hard candies 
  • Nuts 
  • Apples 
  • Corn on the cob 
  • Carrots 
  • Among others 

Many teen and adult treatments can expect to have their braces for 18 months to about three years. That’s a long time to avoid certain foods that you love. So, don’t with Invisalign! Thanks to the ability to remove the aligners, you can take them out before eating. No restrictions. However, it is essential to remember that certain foods can damage the teeth, so ensure that you follow regular dental recommendations on your diet regarding the health of your teeth. 

4. Your Dental Routine is Extremely Important with Invisalign 

Now, we’re not saying that your dental routine isn’t important on a regular basis, but to ensure that your aligners do the proper job, you must always brush and floss. While taking your aligners off to eat is extremely beneficial, you have to ensure to brush your teeth each time you eat. This is to reduce the chances of staining your aligners which will make them more noticeable and, in time, possibly damage them. We recommend keeping a travel toothbrush on you at all times! 

Additionally, don’t forget to floss as well. While it may be a bit inconvenient, it is critical during Invisalign treatment. These aligners fit right against the teeth, pushing them into the right position. If food debris is stuck between your teeth, the aligner will push that debris right against your tooth all day. This can lead to cavities. Therefore, make sure to floss and brush constantly. 

5. More Comfortable than Traditional Braces

In addition to being discreet, these aligners are known to be more comfortable when compared to traditional braces. For many patients, the pain associated with brackets leads to an over uncomfortable experience. Remember, treatment time for braces is quite long, and while you may get used to the discomfort, you shouldn’t have to. While braces cause irritation due to the sharp edges that rub and cut against different areas in the mouth, Invisalign custom aligners pop right over the teeth with no sharp edges, similar to a mouth guard. 

6. They are Very Effective 

While Invisalign is typically not as transformative as braces, it is still ideal for patients with mild conditions such as mildly crooked teeth. Invisalign’s customized plastic aligners allow for teeth to adust and straighten gradually over time. While it’s understandable to have doubts, as metal braces have been around a lot longer, your dentist will never recommend Invisalign if your condition cannot be treated with these clear aligners.  

Invisalign Clear Aligners in Palos Park, IL

Invisalign Clear Aligners in Palos Park, IL

If you are interested in correcting your smile and want a way that doesn’t include months of metal braced on your teeth, then Invisalign may be right for you. Sheehan Dental provides patients with Invisalign clear aligners in Palos Park, IL. Therefore, if you are interested in an easier, more comfortable way to correct misalignments in your smile, then contact Sheehan Dental to learn more. Book your appointment online.