Clear Aligners – Arlington Heights, IL

A Clear Path to a Straighter Smile

A straighter, healthier smile doesn’t have to come at the cost of wearing awkward metal braces! At Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we’re proud to offer a clear path to a straighter smile that doesn’t involve any wires or brackets. With Clear Aligners, you or your teenager can enjoy the easiest and most convenient way to overcome orthodontic issues. Read on to learn more about this state-of-the-art treatment and give us a call today to see if it’s right for you!

Closeup of patient after Clear Aligners in Arlington Heights

How Clear Aligners Work

Smiling teenager pointing to Clear Aligners in Arlington Heights

First, we’ll take digital impressions of your mouth (or your teen’s mouth) and use them to plan out the entire treatment. A series of aligners will be created, with each set moving the teeth closer and closer to their ideal positions. The aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours every day for about two weeks, and then you’ll move onto the next set. We’ll see you every few weeks for periodic checkups to monitor your progress, and after 12-18 months on average, you’ll have a beautifully straightened smile!

Who Can Clear Aligners Help?

Closeup of woman removing clear aligner from upper arch

Clear aligners continue to gain popularity as a more comfortable and discreet alternative to traditional orthodontics, thanks to their smooth, transparent material. But that doesn’t always mean this option is the best solution to meet everyone’s unique needs.

Before proceeding, you’ll need to consult one of our Arlington Heights providers to determine whether this treatment can successfully straighten your or your loved one’s smile. Continue reading to learn more about the types of concerns this service can address to help you decide if it’s right for you!

Crowded Teeth

Nose-to-chin view of someone’s crooked teeth

If your teeth are pressed too closely together, they might overlap, making it difficult to thoroughly brush and floss all their surfaces. Unfortunately, this can increase the risk of cavities, injuries, misaligned bites, or jaw aches.

Thankfully, clear aligners can shift everything to their ideal places to improve your appearance and oral health.

Gaps Between Teeth

Nose-to-chin closeup of a woman with a pronounced gap in top teeth

Wider spaces in your smile can easily trap bits of food or other debris, encouraging harmful bacteria to flourish and contribute to dental concerns, such as tooth decay or gum disease. Plus, it leaves sections of your connective tissue unprotected, which can increase the likelihood of injury or infection.

These transparent trays fit snugly over your arches to gently close the gaps in your grin.

Overbite

Teen with overbite holding clear aligner

It’s normal and healthy for your upper teeth to rest over your lower ones when your mouth is closed. However, if your top arch extends too far, you might wear down your enamel unevenly or develop a stiff, sore, or locked jaw.

Our team can use clear aligners to help bring it back into its proper position to protect your smile.

Underbite

Nose-to-neck view of man with underbite and clear aligner attachments on enamel

If your upper arch rests inside your lower teeth when you bite down, you likely have what is referred to as an underbite. This can be caused by genetics, injuries, or non-nutritive habits as a child, like thumb-sucking.

Whatever the cause, it can cause additional health concerns, such as sleep apnea, difficulty speaking, or challenges with biting and chewing. Clear aligners can sometimes help correct this condition, though bands, buttons, attachments, or other accessories may be required.

Crossbite

Closeup of someone’s misaligned bite

Some patients have upper teeth that rest in front of their lower ones but others are positioned behind them when they bite down, which is known as a crossbite. Whether this is due to the premature loss of baby teeth as a child, poor oral habits, or genetics, our team can use clear aligners with elastics and other supplies to help reduce the likelihood of associated symptoms that can occur, including teeth grinding, headaches, changes to speech patterns, or facial asymmetry.

Open Bite

Nose-to-neck view of woman with open bite smiling

Those whose teeth don’t come together when their mouth is closed might have an open bite, which can lead to changes in enunciation, excessive damage to the back surfaces of enamel, and an increased risk of damage or decay.

Clear aligners can help position your teeth and jaw to attain their proper alignment.

The Benefits of Clear Aligners

Smiling woman holding out Clear Aligners in Arlington Heights

Clear Aligners offer numerous advantages over metal braces, including:

  • Practically invisible appearance when worn
  • No diet restrictions
  • Removable for easy cleaning
  • A far more comfortable experience without poking wires and brackets
  • Typically a faster treatment timeline

How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?

dentist and patient discussing how much do Clear Aligners cost in Arlington Heights

Our clear aligner treatments don’t have a set cost because every smile is different. However, that doesn’t mean you have to go in blind! After we’ve seen you or your teen for a consultation, we’ll be able to put together a custom estimate so you’ll know what you can expect to pay. Additionally, our knowledgeable front desk staff would be happy to go over your dental insurance coverage to ensure your benefits are being maximized if you have any applicable coverage.