Clear Aligners - Naperville, IL

Does Wearing Clear Aligners Aligners Hurt?

Daily wear of clear aligners should not cause pain. However, it is normal for these trays to cause minor discomfort when first put into place. Also, each time a patient switches to a new set, some soreness will likely occur. This is due to the aligners gently applying pressure to teeth to keep them moving in the right direction. As teeth move into proper alignment, it is natural to feel some aching and minor pain. An over-the-counter pain reliever can minimize discomfort.

Are Clear Aligners Results Permanent?

The results achieved with Clear Aligners are designed to be permanent, but patients who do not adhere to the strict guidelines following the completion of treatment may experience issues. A retainer is required after Clear Aligners is complete. Patients who wear it according to the recommendations of our Grand Dental – Naperville team will discover their teeth remain in place. Those who forgo necessary retention can expect to see their teeth shift back into their original position, undoing months of orthodontic work.

What Should I Do If I Lose My Clear Aligners Trays?

Our team recommends all patients receiving Clear Aligners treatment purchase a protective case. This is designed to keep aligners safe while the person eats or drinks. It is too easy to accidentally discard the aligners, especially if they are wrapped in a napkin. Instead, keeping them in a case not only protects them from harmful bacteria and particles in the air but also, the potential for damage or loss.

Should a patient accidentally lose a tray, it is essential to wear the previous set of aligners to minimize the amount of teeth movement. If a new aligner is needed, another one will be created. After an evaluation by our cosmetic dentist in Naperville, we may recommend moving on to the next set in the series.

Can I Be Treated with Clear Aligners If I’ve Worn Braces in the Past?

A consultation with our dental team is the only way to know if an individual can pursue Clear Aligners. Many patients who previously wore traditional braces have found success with clear aligners, but it’s ultimately based on the severity of the problem and the person’s commitment to the process. Overcrowding, gapped teeth, misalignment, and crooked teeth are evaluated with modern dental technology to determine if Clear Aligners will lend effective results.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Clear Aligners

When calculating the cost of Clear Aligners, we will factor in the following information:

• The severity of the alignment issue (e.g., gapped teeth, overcrowding, bite misalignment)
• The number of aligners required
• The duration of treatment, because some issues take more time to fix than others

Clear Aligners vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

There is some appeal for do-it-yourself clear aligners, which are becoming more and more popular. However, what they don’t tell you is that many potential issues can come up. Treatments like Smile Direct Club may cost less than Clear Aligners in Naperville, but having no oversight can lead to costly oral health problems.

Before choosing a DIY solution, we strongly encourage you to consider the following:

• You have to take impressions at home. If this process is not done correctly, the aligners may not fit properly, and your treatment plan can be inaccurate.
• No orthodontist will oversee your treatment or meet with you face-to-face. Instead, you are expected to engage in virtual visits and report your own progress.
• Clear aligners are not always the right option. Moving forward with this treatment can damage teeth in certain situations.
• If you experience a problem, you will need to work with a local orthodontist anyway.

When you choose Clear Aligners, you can have peace of mind and confidence pursuing treatment that is safe and effective.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Clear Aligners?

Although many dental insurance plans have orthodontic coverage, some don’t. You should review your policy to find out if there are stipulations or exclusions. Often, insurance companies offer coverage only for patients 18 years old or younger, or they only cover traditional orthodontic care. If you aren’t sure about your specific plan’s verbiage, you can ask a member of our team for assistance. Our expert administrative staff can answer any questions in terms of the financial side of treatment.

Options for Making Clear Aligners Affordable

At Grand Dental – Naperville, we can help whether you do or do not have insurance coverage. We offer various payment options, including our Grand Advantage Plan. This alternative to insurance requires a single yearly fee in exchange for access to basic preventive care as well as a 20% discount on dental treatments that are completed within the first year of enrollment.

We accept flexible financing through CareCredit, breaking up the total amount for Clear Aligners treatment into monthly payments, which helps anyone who is on a budget.