Invisalign® has reshaped how people approach orthodontic care: it blends advanced planning, subtle aesthetics, and everyday convenience to move teeth with predictable, gentle force. For many adults and teens who want a straighter smile without the visual impact of metal brackets and wires, clear aligners offer an elegant alternative that fits modern lifestyles.
Invisalign® for Teens
Invisalign® for Brides
Invisalign® for Travelers
Before & After Photos
Invisalign® Videos
FAQs
Invisalign® vs Braces
Invisalign® vs Direct-To-Consumer Aligners
Is Invisalign® Right For Me?
Invisalign® Costs
Instead of relying on visible brackets and archwires, Invisalign® uses a series of clear, custom-formed aligners that fit snugly over the teeth. Each aligner is worn for a prescribed interval before being replaced by the next in the sequence, creating a gradual, controlled shift in tooth position. The result is a treatment pathway that emphasizes predictability and patient comfort.
Because the aligners are virtually transparent, most people notice the results long before others do. The removability of aligners also means you can maintain your normal oral hygiene routine — brushing and flossing unencumbered — and eat the foods you enjoy without the restrictions that come with fixed braces.
Behind the scenes, powerful software and detailed three-dimensional imaging guide every step of the process. This technology lets your clinician visualize tooth movement from the first consultation through to the final alignment, so the treatment is as efficient and precise as possible.
Treatment begins with a comprehensive examination and detailed imaging of your teeth and bite. Digital scans capture the three-dimensional shape of your mouth, allowing your clinician to plan every tooth movement in the sequence before aligners are ever manufactured. This careful mapping reduces guesswork and gives you a clear preview of expected results.
Using industry-leading software, the planned movements are translated into a series of incremental aligners. Each set applies gentle, targeted pressure so individual teeth move according to the schedule determined during planning. When necessary, small tooth-colored attachments may be placed to help the aligners achieve specific movements more effectively.
One of the strengths of this approach is the ability to refine the plan as treatment progresses. Routine check-ins let your provider monitor progress and, if needed, make midcourse adjustments to ensure the final outcome aligns with your expectations for function and appearance.
Because the entire process is driven by a digital record, it also supports efficient communication between the dental team and manufacturing partners, resulting in aligners that closely match the intended prescription and deliver consistent results.
Clear aligners are versatile and can address a wide range of alignment concerns, from mild crowding and spacing to many common bite irregularities. Adults who prefer a low-profile look during treatment and teens who need an orthodontic option that fits an active lifestyle frequently choose clear aligners.
That said, suitability depends on the specifics of each case. Complex skeletal discrepancies or severe bite issues may still require traditional orthodontic approaches or a combined treatment plan. An in-office consultation is the only reliable way to determine whether aligners are the right choice for your unique dental structure.
Good candidates are committed to wearing their aligners according to the prescribed schedule — typically around 20–22 hours per day — and to attending periodic progress visits. Compliance is a major factor in achieving predictable, timely results, so candidacy reflects both clinical need and willingness to follow the treatment plan.
Age is less important than oral health and growth considerations. For younger teens, the timing of treatment is assessed carefully; for adults, aligners often provide an effective and discreet solution when teeth and supporting tissues are healthy.
The treatment pathway is straightforward and patient-friendly. After the initial exam and digital records, you'll receive a customized plan that outlines how your teeth will move and what the estimated sequence will look like. Many patients appreciate seeing a digital preview of their projected outcome before committing to treatment.
Once the aligners are fabricated, you'll receive them in phases. Each aligner is worn for the period specified by your provider, then switched to the next in the set. Short check-ups allow your clinician to verify progress, offer guidance on comfort and care, and make any necessary refinements to the plan.
Most patients adapt quickly to aligners; early tenderness or mild pressure typically diminishes after a few days with each new tray. Communication with your dental team helps manage any questions about fit, attachments, or schedule adjustments so treatment stays on track.
After reaching the planned result, a retention phase helps maintain tooth position. Retainers are an essential part of long-term success, and your provider will recommend a retention protocol tailored to your needs to keep your smile stable for years to come.
Wearing clear aligners integrates seamlessly into most daily routines. Because aligners are removed for eating and oral care, there are no dietary restrictions and no special tools required for cleaning your teeth. Rinsing and gently brushing the aligners helps keep them clear and odor-free.
Speech may be slightly affected for a brief adjustment period, but most people return to normal articulation within a day or two. Comfort is generally high, as aligners are made from smooth, biocompatible materials designed to minimize soft-tissue irritation. Any initial soreness usually resolves quickly as teeth begin to move.
For active lifestyles — including sports — aligners can be worn with protective mouthguards when necessary, or removed according to your clinician's guidance. Traveling with aligners is simple: carry a few sets and a small case to keep them clean between changes.
Consistent wear and good oral hygiene are the twin pillars of successful outcomes. Keeping a clean aligner and a clean mouth not only improves comfort but also reduces the risk of staining and decay during treatment.
A thorough exam and digital scan let your clinician assess alignment goals and explain how clear aligners can meet your expectations.
Digital planning delivers a step-by-step map of tooth movement so you can see a projected outcome before treatment begins.
Each tray is manufactured to match your plan, balancing effective force with a smooth, comfortable fit for daily wear.
Regular visits let your provider confirm movement, address concerns, and ensure your treatment remains aligned with your goals.
*Invisalign® is a registered trademark of Align Technology, Inc.
At Contos Smile Center, we combine clinical experience with digital tools to create treatment plans that fit each patient's life and expectations. Whether you're seeking subtle improvements or a full alignment plan, our team focuses on clear communication, precise planning, and attentive follow-up to help you reach a healthier, more confident smile.
If you'd like to learn more about Invisalign® and whether it could be right for you, please contact us for additional information or to schedule a consultation.
There are many options for patients who want to avoid metal braces! The most popular alternative orthodontic treatment is Invisalign®, which are clear plastic aligners designed to straighten teeth. After an examination of your teeth, your dentist will determine which option is best suited to your wants and needs.
According to the Invisalign® website, the cost for treatment is approximately the same as the cost for metal braces. A portion of this cost may be covered by your insurance. Please call us to set up a consultation and discuss potential payment plan options.
The first step is to schedule a consultation with your doctor, so they can devise a treatment plan that is best suited to your individual dental needs. Once approved, you will receive your first set of aligners. Your doctor will then regularly monitor the movement of your teeth and new aligners will be ordered according to the progress made in your treatment plan.
Invisalign® aligners are made of clear, flexible plastic. The company received a patent for this material – SmartTrack® – to be used exclusively for Invisalign treatment purposes. These aligners are FDA approved and nearly invisible!
Your doctor will give you an estimate regarding how long your Invisalign® treatment should take, which will depend on your specific needs. The average length of time for treatment is approximately 12-18 months. However, some patients may see results far sooner. Remember to wear your aligners exactly as instructed by your doctor to obtain the best results.
Your doctor will most likely recommend that you wear retainers following your Invisalign® treatment. This is a precaution that will prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positioning. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly to ensure long-lasting results.
You must wear your aligners for up to 22 hours daily. You may remove them for eating, drinking and regular oral hygiene.
No. Unlike braces, you may eat whatever you like as long as you remove the aligners before eating. Prior to placing the aligners back on, it is important to brush your teeth and the aligners after you eat.
Like any orthodontic treatment, there is a short adjustment period. The more you speak with the aligners on, the quicker you will adjust.
There will be some pressure and minor discomfort for a day or two after each initial insertion. This is a sign that your teeth are moving sequentially into their final position.
It is recommended that you remove your aligners prior to chewing gum as the gum will stick to the aligners.
We discourage smoking with aligners as the cigarette smoke will tend to discolor them.
Brushing them with toothpaste will keep them fresh and clean.
Regular office visits are every five to six weeks. This will ensure that your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.
All orthodontic patients are instructed to wear their retainers at night indefinitely. Sleeping with your retainers in at night will ensure a healthy bite and maintain the new position of your teeth.
Yes, if their teeth, including second molars, have grown in completely.
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to move teeth incrementally, offering a low-profile alternative to traditional braces. Each aligner is custom-made from smooth, biocompatible material to fit snugly over the teeth and apply controlled pressure as treatment progresses. The digital workflow used to design these aligners allows clinicians to plan tooth movement precisely before any trays are fabricated. Because the trays are removable, they reduce the visual impact and many of the daily restrictions associated with fixed brackets and wires.
Patients can maintain normal brushing and flossing routines and typically eat without the food limitations that accompany conventional braces. Advanced three-dimensional imaging and treatment software create a visual roadmap that shows expected movements and outcomes. This combination of predictability, aesthetics and convenience is why many adults and teens choose clear aligners for orthodontic care.
Treatment starts with a comprehensive clinical exam and detailed digital records that capture the three-dimensional structure of your teeth and bite. These records can include intraoral scans, photographs and radiographs to help identify alignment needs and functional concerns. Using industry-leading software, the clinician maps each tooth movement in a phased sequence before any aligners are manufactured.
The planned sequence is translated into a set of incremental aligners, each designed to produce a small, controlled adjustment. When needed, the plan may call for tooth-colored attachments, elastics or other auxiliaries to achieve specific movements more effectively. Routine monitoring allows the provider to refine the plan if movements deviate from expectations, keeping treatment efficient and predictable.
Clear aligners address a wide range of alignment concerns, including mild to moderate crowding, spacing and many common bite irregularities. They are often well suited to adults and responsible teens who prioritize a discreet treatment option and are willing to follow wear guidelines. Clinical suitability depends on the underlying dental and periodontal health, as well as the complexity of the malocclusion.
Severe skeletal discrepancies or highly complex orthodontic problems may require traditional braces or a combined orthodontic and surgical approach for optimal results. A careful evaluation of growth, tooth position and jaw relationships is necessary to determine the best pathway for each patient. Your dental clinician will recommend the appropriate option based on diagnostic records and realistic expectations for outcome and timeline.
After the initial consultation and digital scanning, your clinician will present a customized treatment plan that outlines the anticipated movements and an approximate sequence of aligners. Many patients see a digital preview of the projected result before committing to treatment, which can help set clear goals. When the aligners are ready, they are provided in phased sets and replaced according to the schedule determined by your clinician. Short, periodic check-ins let the provider verify progress and address any fit or comfort issues.
Typical sensations include mild pressure or tenderness when starting a new tray, which generally subsides within a few days. Adjustments such as attachments or interproximal reduction may be recommended to optimize tooth movement and improve predictability. Communication with the dental team throughout treatment helps manage expectations and supports timely refinements if needed.
Rinse aligners with cool water and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush to remove plaque and prevent odor; avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic. Maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine after meals before reinserting aligners to minimize staining and the risk of decay. When not in use, keep aligners in their protective case to reduce exposure to contaminants and accidental damage.
Avoid using abrasive toothpaste or harsh chemicals on the trays, and follow any manufacturer or clinician instructions for cleaning solutions. If you participate in contact sports, consult your provider about using a protective mouthguard and the best approach for wearing or removing aligners during activity. Carry a spare aligner case and a few sets of aligners when traveling to stay on schedule between changes.
Attachments are small, tooth-colored bumps bonded to specific teeth to give the aligner greater grip and control for certain movements. They are carefully planned in the digital prescription and are removed or reshaped as movements are completed. Attachments are commonly used to help rotate teeth, close spaces or move teeth with complex root movements.
In some cases, the treatment plan may also incorporate elastics, interproximal reduction or temporary anchorage devices to achieve desired outcomes. Your clinician will explain any adjunctive procedures during the planning phase and discuss how they support the overall strategy. When used appropriately, these auxiliaries enhance the aligners' effectiveness without fundamentally changing the benefits of a removable system.
Patients typically attend periodic progress visits so the clinician can confirm that tooth movement is proceeding according to plan and make any necessary adjustments. Visit frequency varies by case complexity and the provider's protocol, but many practices schedule check-ins at regular intervals throughout treatment. These appointments are generally brief and focus on fit, hygiene, and the need for refinements such as additional aligners or minor corrections.
If any concern arises between scheduled visits, contact your dental team so they can evaluate the issue and provide guidance. Effective communication and adherence to recommended wear times help minimize unscheduled visits and keep treatment on track. Routine monitoring is a collaborative process that supports both clinical predictability and patient comfort.
After finishing active aligner therapy, a retention phase is essential to stabilize teeth and protect the treatment result. Retention commonly involves custom retainers—either removable trays or fixed bonded appliances—tailored to each patient's needs. Your provider will explain a retention schedule, which may begin with more frequent wear and transition to a long-term maintenance plan.
Adherence to the retention protocol is the primary factor in preventing relapse and preserving your smile over time. Occasional follow-up visits allow the team to check retainer fit and make adjustments as needed to maintain stability. Because teeth can shift with age and changes in oral function, many clinicians recommend ongoing, periodic monitoring even after retention is established.
Invisalign can correct many bite irregularities, such as mild to moderate overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite, especially when treatment is carefully planned. The system's digital planning and use of auxiliaries make it effective for a wide range of tooth movements and alignment goals. However, true skeletal discrepancies or very complex occlusal problems may require fixed appliances, orthognathic surgery or a multidisciplinary approach to achieve optimal function and esthetics.
A thorough diagnostic workup helps the clinician identify whether aligners alone are sufficient or if combined therapies are necessary. When Invisalign is appropriate, the treatment plan will outline the role of adjunctive techniques and set realistic expectations for outcomes. Working with an experienced dental team ensures that complex cases receive coordinated care that prioritizes long-term oral health.
To explore Invisalign as an option, request a consultation at Contos Smile Center and bring any questions about your goals, lifestyle and dental history. During the visit, clinicians will perform a focused evaluation, take digital scans and discuss a customized treatment pathway based on your diagnostic records. You will be shown a projected treatment outcome and informed about next steps so you can make a confident, evidence-based decision.
Consultations also include a review of oral health considerations that affect candidacy, such as periodontal status and restorative needs. If aligners are recommended, the team will explain expected timelines for progress checks and retention to help you plan for care. Patients in the West Rogers Park and Chicago area can expect digital precision, clear communication and coordinated follow-up as part of their treatment experience.
Ready to schedule your next dental appointment or have questions about our services?
Contacting Contos Smile Center is easy! Our friendly staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries about treatment options, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you prefer to give us a call, send us an email, or fill out our convenient online contact form, we're here to help. Don't wait to take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams – reach out to us today and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.
