Invisalign – Deerfield, IL
Get the Smile of Your Dreams Without the Metal
Although traditional orthodontics are a tried-and-true treatment, there is much to be desired when it comes to aesthetics. Fortunately, for patients in Deerfield, IL, Dr. Mark Jacob has a solution that is just as effective and reliable but is immensely more discreet: Invisalign. With the clear aligners, your teeth will be gently moved into their properly aligned positions – no metal brackets or wires needed. If you’d like to learn more about this teeth-straightening solution, schedule a consultation with our team or read on!
Why Choose Dr. Mark Jacob For Invisalign?
- Dentist with 35+ Years of Experience
- Additional Financing Through CareCredit
- Early Morning and Weekend Hours
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign has helped more than 12 million patients around the world achieve their dream smiles, but how do the clear aligners work? In short, Dr. Jacob will provide you with a custom series of clear aligners. You’ll wear each one for 20-22 hours a day and around two weeks at a time. Each time you move onto a new set of trays, your teeth will be moved slightly closer to their ideal positions. By the end of your treatment, you’ll have the straight teeth and beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!
Who Can Invisalign Help?
Does Invisalign fix crooked teeth? Can it align a severe crossbite? Patients who are considering Invisalign to straighten their teeth and/or bite must first schedule a consultation with Dr. Jacob. This is essential to determine whether this clear aligner system is enough to achieve long-lasting results – the kind that produce better oral and overall health as well as enhanced aesthetics. In most situations, Invisalign is considered a reliable option that can successfully fix the following problems:
Crowded Teeth
Crooked teeth that overlap don’t just come with aesthetic drawbacks; they can negatively impact your oral health because of how difficult it is to brush and floss between teeth. That’s why Invisalign isn’t just a “cosmetic” treatment. By moving your teeth into their proper positions, you can enjoy a healthier and more beautiful smile!
Gaps Between Teeth
While some patients like the gap between their front teeth, many aren’t enthused. Plus, the spaces can harbor food particles and debris, increasing your chances of tooth decay and gum disease. If the space is minor, our team may be able to fill it with veneers or cosmetic dental bonding. If the gap is larger, though, Invisalign can be used to bring teeth closer together.
Overbite
When the upper row of teeth extends over the lower row of teeth, it is known as an overbite. Creating problems of enamel erosion, unnecessary bite pressure, and a heightened risk of dental damage, this type of malocclusion can be improved with the help of Invisalign. The clear aligners will guide your teeth, so they properly align, creating a more functional and smoother bite each time you close your mouth.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower row of teeth sits in front of the upper row of teeth. This developmental problem can cause wear and tear on your tooth enamel and increase discomfort when trying to eat. With Invisalign aligners, the clear trays can pull your lower teeth back so that your bite comes together without placing additional pressure on certain areas of your smile. This also generates an aesthetic you can be pleased to show off.
Crossbite
Overlapping teeth along the upper and lower arches form what is known as a crossbite – a common problem that weakens teeth and causes uneven bite pressure. To minimize further damage and jaw pain, our team can use Invisalign to shift overlapping teeth into alignment so that they come together in a fluid motion. Instead of worrying about how they will hit or rub against each other, your pearly whites will function normally without causing additional pain; instead, they’ll create a healthier and more beautiful smile.
Open Bite
If you close your mouth and your back teeth touch but your front ones do not, you have an open bite. The most likely reason for this type of malocclusion is non-nutritive habits as a child (i.e., thumb sucking or overuse of a pacifier). To fix this type of problem, clear Invisalign aligners can be crafted to draw the upper and lower arches closer together so that an even and level bite develops.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Each year, more and more patients choose Invisalign because of the numerous benefits clear aligners offer, including:
- Virtually undetectable treatment
- No dietary restrictions
- Hassle-free oral hygiene
- Fewer check-in appointments
- Comfortable, custom-made trays
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Sadly, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the cost of Invisalign. That’s because each patient’s smile is unique! Although there isn’t a flat fee, our team will always be transparent about the price, and we can even provide you with an estimate at your consultation. If you would like to learn more on the topic beforehand, then this next section is for you!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
As we mentioned above, each treatment plan is completely custom. To determine the price of your treatment, Dr. Jacob will need to consider several important factors, like how severe your misalignment is, how many trays you’ll need, and if you need to straighten one or both arches of your teeth. Once your time with clear aligners begins, you’ll need to stay on-track with your treatment plan to avoid additional costs. That’s why we encourage our patients to do their best not to lose any aligners and to always meet the 20-22 hour-a-day wear time.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
Mail-order clear aligners are cheaper than Invisalign. However, the price isn’t the only factor you should consider, especially since these alternatives have numerous lawsuits from previous patients who had nightmare experiences. Simply put, when it comes to something as important as your smile and oral health, it’s important to invest in a reliable, safe orthodontic treatment that is supervised by a licensed dental professional. If you’re worried about the cost, don’t hesitate to talk to our team about the financial solutions we offer, including dental insurance.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
While dental insurance plans aren’t the same across the board, there are several that include a once-in-a-lifetime orthodontic benefit. So, if you are interested in Invisalign and are currently insured, then review the fine print on your plan or give your provider a call.
Note: our team always welcomes dental insurance so, if you have any questions about your coverage or your out-of-pocket expenses, give us a call so we can help.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
In addition to welcoming dental insurance, our patients can utilize the following financial solutions to make Invisalign more affordable:
- In-house membership plan – For a low monthly or annual fee, you can join our in-house membership plan and get valuable discounts on your dental care. One of the biggest perks of this financial solution is that, unlike dental insurance, there aren’t any annual deductibles, yearly maximums, or waiting periods!
- Flexible financing – If paying for the entire price of your treatment in one lump sum isn’t feasible, don’t worry. We’re happy to welcome flexible financing through CareCredit, which allows you to space out your payments into manageable chunks instead.
Invisalign FAQs
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
12-18 months is the average treatment timeline with Invisalign. That said, there are several factors that could make yours shorter or longer than that. For example, if your case of misalignment is relatively minor, your teeth-straightening journey may only be six months or so. It’s also possible for your treatment to take well over 18 months if you adopt bad habits, like not wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day.
Why Is Wearing My Aligners for 20+ Hours a Day Important?
When your treatment plan is made, certain things are assumed, like the fact that you’ll wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. If you consistently miss the mark, then it won’t take long for you to fall off-track with your treatment plan. The best way to prevent this from happening is to make a proactive effort to meet this goal, which is significantly easier if you use the timer on your phone to keep track.
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Invisalign?
We don’t recommend overindulging on foods and drinks with lots of added sugar since this can result in a cavity and bring your orthodontic treatment to a temporary stop. Outside of that, however, there aren’t any dietary restrictions! Since you can remove your trays, you can eat everything from whole apples to raw nuts and tortilla chips.
Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
You can drink coffee throughout your Invisalign treatment as long as you take your aligners off first. If you don’t, then your trays will turn yellow, which isn’t aesthetically pleasing. Plus, hot coffee can actually warp your trays, negatively impacting your orthodontic treatment in the process.
What Should I Do If My Trays Are Turning Yellow?
If your trays are yellow, it may be due to bad habits, like drinking iced coffee with your aligners in. If you always do a good job at removing your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, then it may be the result of something else, like not brushing your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Simply put, it’s best to go back to the basics if you find that your aligners are discoloring, including completing your oral hygiene regimen after each meal and rinsing your trays with water each time you take them off.
Who Isn’t a Candidate for Invisalign?
Since more than 12 million patients have chosen to straighten their teeth with Invisalign, you might be wondering, “Is there anyone who isn’t a candidate?” The answer is “yes.” If your case of malocclusion is more severe, then traditional braces may be the only option. Additionally, you might not want to choose Invisalign if you have a hard time keeping track of your things since losing your aligners can result in considerable treatment plan delays.