Clear Aligners in Oak Lawn, IL
If you're looking for a subtle, removable solution to crooked or crowded teeth, clear aligners offer an effective, modern alternative to traditional metal braces. At Inside The Smile, we provide customized clear aligner treatment for adults and teens in Oak Lawn and nearby neighborhoods—including Beverly, Burbank, and Chicago Ridge.
Dr. Michael B. Smith uses digital imaging and personalized planning to guide your smile transformation using comfortable, transparent aligners tailored to your specific bite and alignment goals.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a series of thin, BPA-free plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth and gradually shift them into the correct position. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before moving to the next in the series, making small adjustments over time until your treatment is complete.
Unlike metal braces, clear aligners are:
- Removable
- Nearly invisible when worn
- Custom-fitted for comfort
- Easy to clean and maintain
This system is designed to fit seamlessly into your daily life, offering the freedom to eat what you like, brush and floss normally, and avoid the visual impact of traditional brackets.
Conditions Clear Aligners Can Treat
Clear aligners are ideal for treating mild to moderate alignment issues, including:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Minor bite irregularities such as overbite or underbite
- Orthodontic relapse (teeth shifting after prior braces)
During your consultation, Dr. Smith will assess your case to determine whether clear aligners or a more specialized option like Invisalign or ClearCorrect is the right fit for your needs.
Benefits of Clear Aligner Therapy
Choosing clear aligners over traditional orthodontics offers a number of advantages:
- Discreet Appearance – Aligners are transparent and rarely noticed by others.
- Removability – Take them out for meals, special events, or important presentations.
- Improved Comfort – No metal wires or brackets to irritate your cheeks or gums.
- Simplified Oral Care – You can brush and floss as you normally would.
- Fewer Office Visits – You’ll typically visit us every 6–8 weeks for quick progress checks.
Combined with our in-office iTero digital scanning, your treatment plan is both precise and efficient—without goopy impressions or guesswork.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your clear aligner journey begins with a digital scan of your teeth using advanced intraoral imaging. Dr. Smith then creates a customized treatment plan, showing how your teeth will move over time and what your final result will look like.
Once your aligners are fabricated, you’ll:
- Wear them for 20–22 hours per day
- Remove them only to eat, brush, or floss
- Change to a new set every 1–2 weeks as directed
- Attend regular check-ins for tracking progress
Most patients complete treatment within 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of their case.
Clear Aligners vs. Invisalign: What's the Difference?
While Invisalign is one of the most recognized brand names in clear aligner therapy, it’s just one of several systems available. At Inside The Smile, we offer multiple clear aligner options—including Invisalign and ClearCorrect—to ensure the best fit for your needs, goals, and budget.
Dr. Smith will walk you through the pros and cons of each system and help you choose the aligner solution that makes the most sense for your lifestyle.
FAQs
Can I eat with clear aligners in?
No. Aligners must be removed while eating or drinking anything other than water. This helps prevent damage or discoloration and allows for normal chewing function.
How do I clean the aligners?
Rinse them with lukewarm water and brush them gently with a soft toothbrush. Avoid using hot water, which can warp the plastic. We'll also provide care tips and cleaning solutions during your visit.
Will I need to wear a retainer afterward?
Yes. After completing your clear aligner treatment, a retainer is essential to keep your teeth in their new positions. Dr. Smith will provide instructions and fit you with a custom retainer.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For many mild to moderate cases, yes. Clear aligners are very effective for repositioning teeth and correcting bite issues when treatment guidelines are followed carefully.
Our clinic offers multiple booking options. You can schedule online through our website, call our reception, or email for urgent consultations. We aim to respond within 24 hours.
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Schedule Your Clear Aligner Consultation in Oak Lawn
If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth without the hassle of traditional braces, clear aligners may be the ideal solution. At Inside The Smile, we’ll design a treatment plan tailored to your smile goals—using the latest tools to make your experience easy, effective, and discreet.