Getting to Know Invisalign
Have you ever wondered what your smile would like that if you could just shift one tooth forward or backward, or straighten that one a little bit? Does the thought of wearing metal brackets and wires on your teeth for up to two years scare you away from the possibility of braces? Invisalign is an attractive, efficient alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign uses clear aligner trays that look similar to teeth whitening trays. Dr. Thanasi and Dr. Maria Loukas will custom-fit the trays to your mouth and instruct you to wear each tray for approximately two weeks. Each tray gradually moves your teeth into the desired position. At Loukas Family Dentistry, Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas possess many years of hands-on training in Invisalign orthodontics, and they will strive to help you achieve the smile you always wished for.
Getting Started
After listening to your concerns and goals for your smile, our doctors will create a treatment plan which guides your Invisalign aligners. You will wear each aligner tray for two weeks, and then you will proceed to the next aligner tray as the treatment plan instructs. Each tray focuses on altering one area of the mouth or one or two teeth. These trays are removable and should be worn about 20-22 hours a day.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Because the aligner trays are clear, Invisalign is difficult to detect. Adults or older teenagers who want to maintain their sophisticated look often choose Invisalign for this reason. Another benefit is that there are no metal brackets or wires that can catch food or capture attention. Patients can remove the Invisalign aligners to eat freely as well as to brush and floss. Because patients have unobstructed access to all parts of their mouth for proper brushing and flossing, they are less likely to develop cavities or gum disease. In addition, because the doctor will not need to tighten or adjust brackets or wires, patients may not need to visit the dentist as often as they might for traditional braces.
How Long Do I Wear Invisalign?
The length of treatment depends on the amount of work that our doctors and you would like, but the average length of time for adults is 12 months. After treatment is completed, Dr. Thanasi and Dr. Maria Loukas may suggest that you wear a retainer at night to maintain the improvements.
About Our Doctors
Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas provide high quality general dentistry services to Park Ridge and the surrounding Chicago communities. If you would like to learn more about Invisalign, schedule a consultation at (847) 696-1919.
