Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry Blog

My Clear Aligners Won’t Go On! Now What?

November 21, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 6:15 pm
A dentist putting on a patient’s clear aligners.

While your clear aligners are supposed to fit securely to your teeth, sometimes things don’t go as planned. If you’re struggling to get yours to go on properly, it can be easy to want to give up on treatment and stop wearing them. But don’t despair. Here are a few tricks you can try to help get them in place, so your treatment doesn’t derail.

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The Clock’s Ticking! Here’s Why Now Is the Best Time to Start Invisalign

October 21, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 4:46 pm
Patient smiling with their Invisalign aligner

If you’ve been considering Invisalign to straighten your smile, now is the perfect time to get started! As the year winds down, taking advantage of your dental insurance benefits before they reset can save you money. But how exactly can starting treatment now maximize your benefits? Read on to see why the end of the year is a great time to take the plunge on Invisalign.

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Causes of Swollen Gums with Braces and How to Treat It

September 24, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 12:29 am
closeup of teen with braces smiling

Does your child have misaligned teeth? If so, braces can be an effective solution for achieving a straighter smile. However, you may be surprised to learn that braces can also impact your child’s gums. It’s not uncommon for kids in braces to experience swollen gums, a condition that is typically temporary but may occasionally persist. So, what causes this gum swelling, and how can you help? Continue reading to explore the reasons behind gum inflammation during orthodontic treatment and discover ways to support your child in having a more comfortable experience.

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Less Sugary Alternatives You Can Give Halloween Trick or Treaters

September 4, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 8:29 pm
Kids swarming a house for cavity-causing candy

You know that plenty of others will be handing out candies and chocolate for Halloween this year, and you simply don’t want to contribute to the monstrous cavity count already brewing. At the same time, Halloween should be fun, right? You don’t want to be known as “that” house.

Keep calm and scroll on. These less sugary and fun alternatives will save your neighborhood reputation!

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How to Hit your 20-22 Hour Quota with Clear Aligners

August 28, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 2:44 am
Someone holding a clear aligner

One of the things that distinguishes clear aligners from other methods of orthodontics is the fact that the clear trays used for the treatment are completely removable. This allows you considerable freedom when compared to other methods of straightening your teeth.

However, it also means that you’ll have to put a little bit of thought into how long you’ll have to wear your aligners each day. Most dentists recommend that you wear your trays as much as possible; realistically, this means keeping them on 20-22 hours a day. Here’s how you can make sure that you’re meeting that quota.

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How to Take Your Clear Aligners Off Easily

July 9, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 1:43 am
Picture of clear aligners

Clear aligners are a popular choice for straightening teeth, offering a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. However, removing these aligners can sometimes be tricky, especially if you’re new to wearing them. In this guide, we’ll explore some simple tips and techniques to help you easily take off your clear aligner, ensuring you keep your oral hygiene routine smooth and stress-free.

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Will Clear Aligners Affect How I Speak?

June 4, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 3:29 am
person smiling while holding clear aligners aligner

Clear aligners have gained popularity as a discreet solution for dental issues such as gaps, misalignment, and bite problems. This treatment utilizes custom-made plastic aligners to provide a comfortable way to correct these concerns. However, adjusting to aligners may temporarily impact your speech. Read on to learn how clear aligners can affect your speaking abilities and discover strategies to overcome any challenges that may arise.

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The Top 5 Freedoms You Can Enjoy with Invisalign

May 30, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 6:25 pm
Closeup of man smiling while holding clear aligner

To date, more than 12 million patients have chosen Invisalign. If you’re considering following their lead, but you haven’t quite signed on the dotted line yet, then you might find it helpful to learn about the many benefits that come with clear aligner treatment. To learn about the top five freedoms you can enjoy with Invisalign, read on!

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Transparent Truths: What to Expect Before Getting Clear Aligners

April 12, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 9:20 pm
Patient smiling as they put in their clear aligners

If you’ve been looking for orthodontic treatment, chances are you’ve stumbled upon multiple options. However, clear aligners are becoming an increasingly popular choice for achieving a picture-perfect smile without the hassle of traditional braces. And it’s easy to see why! They’re discreet, effective, and comparable in price to traditional treatments. But before you buy, you should know what to expect. Read on to find a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for clear aligners.

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Ortho Outrage: Why Are My Child’s Clear Aligners Yellow?

March 4, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — ahorthopeds @ 6:43 pm
Girl in grey sweater holding clear aligner in front of a yellow background

Clear aligners continue to gain popularity as a discrete alternative to traditional braces to straighten smiles. Instead of bulky metal brackets, this method utilizes clear plastic aligners to gently shift your teeth. Patients love that they’re less visually intrusive and therefore don’t cause the same anxiety over their appearance.

That said, if you’ve noticed that your child’s aligners are tinted yellow, it’s natural to feel concerned. It defeats the purpose of an ‘invisible’ treatment if it becomes discolored. Keep reading to learn 3 reasons this happens and what you can do!

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