The transparent and comfortable alternative to conventional braces with Invisalign® that works!
Smile Today Dental is privileged to provide the comprehensive “general dentistry” services and care that our patients from throughout the Glenview, Illinois, area have come to expect. However, our dentists, Drs Evelyn Kidonakis, and Jinyoung Yoo, have also developed specialized expertise in disciplines such as orthodontic treatments. In fact, our practice has been providing orthodontic services for more than five years. We have also become certified in the modern invisible alternative to conventional metal braces: Invisalign®.
Invisalign® is unique and popular – here’s why
Since the late 1990s, when Invisalign® was first introduced, more than 13 million smiles worldwide have been corrected with this system. Many celebrity smiles have been dramatically improved with Invisalign®, and it is even officially endorsed by the NFL (go Bears!). Countless patients have turned to Invisalign® to correct their crowded, overlapped, crooked, and otherwise misaligned teeth and jaws due to its unique design:
- Invisalign® uses a series of oral appliances (aligners) that slip over teeth to correct misalignment and bite problems – not fixed, silver-colored metal hardware.
- The aligners are made from smooth and transparent plastic, making them discreet and comfortable to wear, and these characteristics also support a fast adjustment period.
- Aligners are not fixed or bonded to the teeth like braces. They can be removed for eating and cleaning (brushing and flossing). Invisalign® wearers’ nutrition does not suffer, nor does oral hygiene.
- The aligners are also easy to clean and to keep free of stains.
- A technology-assisted process, our certified providers, can show you exactly how your teeth will look at every phase of treatment. You can also see your Invisalign®-treated smile during your consultation. The software creates a 3-dimensional of your mouth and a simulation of the straightening process.
- The above technology is also used to fabricate the aligner trays. Patients have peace of mind that the trays fit precisely, as the process minimizes human errors.
Moreover, Invisalign® is proven to be an effective way to address more modest cases of uneven spacing and more complex bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite). Invisalign® is based on similar principles to more conventional orthodontic systems; consistent pressure is placed on the teeth to incrementally move them through the bone and facilitate repositioning. Due to the nature of Invisalign®, it is critical that you wear the aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours each day and that each aligner tray is worn in the correct order (as all trays correspond with different phases of treatment). On average, patients smile more confidently with their straight, uniformly-spaced teeth in around nine to 15 months!
Call us at 847-440-3331 to schedule your Invisalign® consultation.
Invisalign before and after real patient images
- Patient presented with misaligned teeth and crowding
- Patient completed 5 months of Invisalign orthodontic correction
- Patient was very happy with the results
- Patient presented with misalignment and lower anterior crowding
- Patient underwent one year of corrective Invisalign treatment
- Patient was thrilled with their results
Invisalign – Invisible Braces FAQs
How many sets of clear aligners do I need?
The number of aligners needed depends on the severity of your issue and compliance with treatment. Some people only need 18-20 aligners, while complex cases may require 30 or more aligners. Your Glenview Invisalign dentist will estimate the number after your exam.
Does Invisalign change how I speak?
You may notice a slight lisp, especially after your first aligner. The good news? This usually fades within a few days as your tongue adapts. However, you can accelerate the transition by speaking aloud to yourself or practicing reading hard words.
How should I maintain my clear aligners?
Maintenance is essential to keep your aligners strong and healthy. Remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything except water. Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water after meals. Daily, gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive detergent. Store the aligners in their case when not in your mouth to avoid damage or loss.
I have lost/broken my aligner—what should I do?
Contact our office right away. We will advise if you should use the previous set, move to the next aligner, or order a replacement. Do not try to fix the aligner yourself. Using a damaged tray can slow down your progress or result in less-than-optimal results. In the future, ensure your aligners are correctly stored to avoid loss or damage.
My dentist said I need attachments—what does that mean?
Attachments are tiny tooth-colored bumps bonded to specific teeth. They help your aligners grip your teeth and make precise or complex movements possible. They are small, discreet, and removed once treatment is complete.
What happens if I skip a day of Invisalign treatment?
Ideally, you should wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Only remove them to eat or clean your teeth. Skipping a day may not have a significant impact on your treatment. However, this can make it convenient to miss another day. Failing to comply with treatment can delay your progress. If you have skipped your routine, put your aligners back in as soon as possible and ensure you don’t miss out again.
Does Invisalign really work?
Yes! Our patient experiences speak louder than words. One of our patients, Rick, completed his Invisalign treatment here, and he says the entire process was smooth and easy. His teeth are now much straighter, and he feels more confident. He gets compliments on his smile all the time.
Stories like his reflect what many patients experience with Invisalign. A seamless orthodontic experience with consistent support and predictable results. So, yes! Invisalign works, and we are here to help you succeed every step of the way.
Does insurance cover Invisalign clear aligners?
Some plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign. Others do not. Our team can check your benefits and explain your coverage before you proceed with treatment.
How much does straightening teeth with Invisalign cost in Glenview, IL?
The cost depends on the length and complexity of your treatment. Simple cases are less expensive, while advanced cases are more expensive. We’ll provide a cost breakdown after your consultation. We’ll also discuss how our payment plans can make your dental care more affordable.
Does my local dentist in Glenview, IL, offer Invisalign treatment?
If you want straighter teeth without metal braces, Smile Today Dental can help. Call 847-440-3331 and schedule your consultation today! We proudly serve clients from Glenview, Northbrook, Northfield, Wilmette, Des Plaines, Niles, Park Ridge, and beyond.
Dr. Evelyn Kidonakis has been treating patients for over 30 years. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago College and its School of Dentistry and the Levin, Crabtree, and Practice Growth Institute Programs. She is educated and has hands-on training in areas such as direct cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers and Lumineers, Invisalign orthodontics, occlusion, and facially-generated treatment planning. Dr. Kidonakis is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr. Jinyoung “Anny” Yoo has studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, and New York University Langone Dental Medicine in San Diego, CA. She has received hands-on training in Botulinum toxin and training in Invisalign orthodontics. Dr. Yoo holds membership in the ADA, Chicago Dental Society, and Illinois State Dental Society and a Fellowship in the AGD.
