Clear Braces/Aligners

Close-up of smile with clear braces used for orthodontic treatment

Clear braces, sometimes called clear aligners, are the discreet way to straighten your teeth without traditional metal braces. To discuss clear braces in the Oakbrook Terrace IL area, please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment.

What are Clear Braces or Aligners?

Clear braces are a series of clear, removable aligner trays that fit snugly over the teeth to guide them into proper alignment gradually. Each tray in the series moves the teeth incrementally closer to their final positions. The beauty of clear braces is that they are made of a clear plastic that is nearly invisible when worn, making them a discreet alternative to conventional brackets and wires. Clear aligners are also more comfortable than metal braces, with no sharp edges or wires to irritate delicate mouth tissues.

How Clear Braces Work

The aligners are made through a combination of Drs. Ivanova, Aleman, Salem or Kufta‘s expertise and 3-D computer imaging technology based on digital photographs of your teeth and gums. You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move week by week until they attain their final position.

Unlike traditional braces, you can remove your clear aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. This makes it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. However, for your clear braces to be effective, you should wear them 20-22 hours daily. You’ll visit Drs. Ivanova, Aleman, Salem or Kufta about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time is typically 9–18 months, and the average number of aligners worn ranges from 18 to 30, but both vary depending on the degree of correction needed.

What Can Clear Braces Correct?

Clear braces can correct most mild to moderate orthodontic conditions that metal braces can, including underbites, overbites, crossbites, tooth crowding, gaps between teeth, and tooth misalignment. For more severe issues, Drs. Ivanova, Aleman, Salem or Kufta may refer you to an orthodontist if they believe clear aligners will not be effective.

Benefits of Clear Aligners

  • Nearly invisible
  • Removable for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene
  • Easy to keep clean
  • Can be removed for special events
  • More comfortable than conventional braces
  • Less prone to breakage or damage than brackets and wires
  • Fewer dental office visits
  • Treatment is often quicker and less expensive

If you are interested in clear braces to correct issues with your bite or teeth alignment, please get in touch with us at Oakbrook Terrace Office Phone Number (630) 571-3030 to schedule a consultation.