5 keys to creating beautiful smiles with aligners

Only some people who come through the doors at Windy City Orthodontics require braces. Surprised? It’s the truth. Dr. Pakravan doesn’t recommend braces for every patient. Instead, many of our Chicago area patients receive clear aligners like Invisalign or Spark. Here are five keys to creating beautiful smiles with aligners. 

Aligners Are Distinct From Braces

A clear aligner’s purpose is to straighten teeth over a period of time. Like traditional braces, a patient may have to wear aligners for an extended duration. In those ways, clear aligners are similar to conventional braces. But to call them the same would be inaccurate. Braces, whether metal or clear, have brackets and wires.

Additionally, Dr. Pakravan will likely recommend braces to fix a bad bite. You may hear him use the term “malocclusion.” Braces can work better (and, in many cases, more quickly) on bad bites. Nevertheless, clear aligners and braces are distinctly different for that reason. 

Braces are affixed to the teeth. The wires and brackets help pull the teeth into position over time. We might give you a list of food and beverages to abstain from if you have braces. You might have to temporarily say goodbye to some of your favorite snacks and drinks. But with clear aligners like Spark and Invisalign, that’s not the case. Aligners are 100% removable. That’s one of the features that makes it so convenient and ideal for treatment. 

Aligners Are More Affordable Than You Think

Windy City Orthodontics understands budget constraints. In any circumstance, patients come first. Dr. Pakravan will only offer treatment plans a patient will actually benefit from. We don’t believe in surprise charges or hidden fees. 

With that in mind, sometimes people are intimidated by anything described as “state-of-the-art.” To many folks, that’s just another word for “expensive.” In reality, the price for clear aligners like Spark isn’t that different from traditional braces. Speak with your insurance company about coverage for orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. In addition, we can discuss payment plans to fit your budget. 

Aligners Are Very Easy To Keep Clean

Dr. Pakravan recommends wearing your clear aligner for 22 hours a day. It’s completely removable, and thus you can take it out as you like. Most people will wear aligners anywhere from 12-24 months. Here are a few tips to help you keep your aligner intact: 

• If you’re not wearing it, put it in its case.
• Clean your aligners as directed (more on that below). 
• If you drop, break, or damage it, bring it into our office. Don’t try to fix it yourself. 
• Your aligners are yours. You’re the only one who should be wearing it (we’ve seen it before).

How To Clean Your Aligner

Clear aligners are just as easy to clean as your teeth. Within a few tries, you’ll know exactly how to clean yours. Make sure that whatever you use to clean your aligner is designed for that purpose. We can advise you of specific cleaners to use. Soak your aligner in the appropriate cleaning solution for about 20 minutes daily. If all else fails, opt for a gentle soap. Remember to keep your toothpaste away — toothpaste is abrasive and can damage aligners. That said, using an additional soft bristle brush doesn’t hurt to keep your aligner clean. 

We suggest cleaning your aligners at least twice a day. After all, that’s how often you brush, right? Many patients find it easiest to clean their aligners once before breakfast and again after dinner. Do what works best for you and your schedule, but try to clean your aligner twice daily. 

Aligners Work For Patients of All Ages

No matter how old you are, clear aligners like Spark or Invisalign can work wonders for you. Kids, teens, and adults can all benefit from wearing clear aligners. No two smiles are the same. Therefore, all treatment plans will be different. At Windy City Orthodontics, we’ve used clear aligners from Spark and Invisalign to provide orthodontic intervention for all ages. We’d love to help you too! 

Remember Your Pearly Whites

We must remember our teeth among all this talk about our aligners! That’s the whole intent behind the aligner in the first place — taking care of your teeth! On that note, always follow the doctor’s guidance. Brush your teeth at least twice daily. Remember to take it easy on your gums. Brush thoroughly but gently. 

Furthermore, pay attention to floss. Flossing helps reach the tiny nooks and crannies between your teeth that your brush simply can’t. Rinse with a mouthwash that has the American Dental Association seal of approval – many store-brands have similar formulas and also have the sel. Keeping your teeth clean will make it easier for your aligners to do their job. 

Get Your Aligners At Windy City Orthodontics

With these five keys in mind, it’s time to take steps toward your first set of aligners. Head over here to schedule your free consultation. 

We suggest cleaning your aligners at least twice a day. After all, that’s how often you brush, right? Many patients find it easiest to clean their aligners once before breakfast and again after dinner. Do what works best for you and your schedule, but try to clean your aligner twice daily.

Aligners Work For Patients of All Ages

No matter how old you are, Invisalign clear aligners can work wonders for you. Kids, teens, and adults can all benefit from wearing clear aligners. No two smiles are the same. Therefore, all treatment plans will be different. At Windy City Orthodontics, we’ve used Invisalign to provide orthodontic intervention for all ages. We’d love to help you too! 

Remember Your Pearly Whites

We must remember our teeth among all this talk about our Invisalign aligner! That’s the whole intent behind the aligner in the first place — taking care of your teeth! On that note, always follow the doctor’s guidance. Brush your teeth at least twice daily. Remember to take it easy on your gums. Brush thoroughly but not too hard. 

Furthermore, pay attention to floss. Flossing helps reach the tiny nooks and crannies between your teeth that your brush simply can’t. Rinse with fluoride mouthwash. Keeping your teeth clean will make it easier for your Invisalign to do its job. 

Get Your Aligners At Windy City Orthodontics

With these five keys in mind, it’s time to take steps toward your first set of aligners. Head over here to schedule your free consultation. 

Posted by Dr. Pakravan