What to Consider Before Invisalign® Treatment

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Getting teeth in the right position isn’t always easy, although your orthodontist at Goshgarian Orthodontics make everything easier. Invisalign® is a great option, but it’s not one to be taken lightly, as there are some things to take into consideration. While the clear aligners are comfortable and nearly invisible, there are a few important factors to think about before starting treatment. Knowing what to expect helps you get the best results and keeps the process smooth from start to finish.

Your Commitment to Wearing the Aligners

Invisalign® works best when the aligners are worn consistently—about 20 to 22 hours each day. They should only come out for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing. Imagine how easy it would be to forget to reinsert it—by doing so you slow down—or stall—progress, which is very serious.

The Condition of Your Teeth and Gums

Before treatment begins, your orthodontist in Gurnee, IL will check for any issues like cavities, gum disease, or misalignment that’s too severe for Invisalign® alone. Clear aligners are great for mild to moderate adjustments, but more complex cases might need braces or a combination of treatments. A healthy mouth creates the foundation for a successful outcome.

Lifestyle and Daily Habits

Because you remove aligners to eat, frequent snacking or sipping coffee throughout the day can make things tricky. You’ll need to brush after every meal before putting the trays back in. For people on the go, that might mean carrying a travel toothbrush or adjusting meal routines. The payoff, though, is freedom from wires and the ability to enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions.

Invisalign in Gurnee, IL  is a fantastic option for many adults and teens, but success comes from preparation and discipline. By understanding the process and committing fully, you can look forward to a healthier, more confident smile that truly lasts.

4 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Clean While Wearing Braces

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Wearing braces can straighten your teeth, improve your appearance, and align your jaw. There are many great things about braces! Unfortunately, braces can also be difficult to keep clean, and this can impact your dental health.

If you’re new to braces, ask your orthodontist in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, about what you can do to keep your teeth clean. Your orthodontist can give you specific instructions to help you maintain good oral health and hygiene. Below are a few suggestions that can help.

1. Brush After Every Meal

Food has a way of getting caught between teeth. Brushing after every meal is important. If you go to school or have a workplace, keep a spare toothbrush available to brush your teeth after lunch breaks and snacks. Make a point of brushing your teeth after you eat – no matter where you are at.

2. Don’t Skip Dental Appointments

You should continue to see your normal dentist even when you’re visiting the orthodontist regularly. During your visits with the dentist, the dental professional will clean your teeth to ensure that you’re maintaining good oral health and hygiene.

3. Floss

Flossing is hard when you’re wearing braces. Your orthodontist (or dentist) can show you how to floss your teeth with a floss threader. Using a floss threader makes it much easier to keep your teeth clean.

4. Avoid Eating Sticky Foods

Sticky foods can get caught in your braces easily. Avoid eating sticky foods like caramel and other sticky candies. Your orthodontist will give you a list of foods to avoid.

Have Questions About Maintaining Braces in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL? Call Today

If you have braces in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, the professionals at Goshgarian Orthodontics are here to help. Call to make your next appointment or to speak with one of our professionals.

Is Invisalign the Right Orthodontic Treatment for You?

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Do you keep your mouth closed when smiling to stop crooked teeth from showing? You may want to consider Invisalign as a way to correct this issue. Our orthodontist in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, at Goshgarian Orthodontics may recommend this solution if you’re a good candidate for it. Let’s explore when Invisalign may be the best option.

Types of Dental Issues

What kind of problem are you hoping to correct? Invisalign can treat many types, including the following:

  • Crowding
  • Misaligned or crooked teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Underbites
  • Overbites
  • Crossbites
  • Open bites

Note that this treatment is designed for less severe issues. We might recommend braces or another option for more severe problems.

Commitment to Wearing Invisalign

Are you willing to wear your aligners for up to 22 hours per day? You’ll need to keep them in for at least 20 hours a day for them to work. But always remove them prior to eating to prevent damage.

Regular Orthodontic Visits

Do you mind coming in as often as needed for us to check your progress and provide your next set of aligners? You’ll go through multiple sets during treatment as your teeth move.

Invisalign Timeframe

Are you ok with waiting weeks or months for straighter teeth? This treatment might take 6 months or more to complete — it’s not considered a quick fix for bite problems.

Visit Us for Invisalign!

Thinking of trying this option for straighter teeth? If you’re not sure whether it’s right for you, we can help you decide. Our orthodontic team at Goshgarian Orthodontics offers Invisalign in Gurnee and Lake Forest, IL, for patients who are suitable candidates for this treatment approach.

How to Choose an Invisalign® Provider

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Choosing the right Invisalign® provider is essential for effective treatment and overall satisfaction with the process. If you’re considering Invisalign® and are located near Lake Forest, IL or Gurnee, IL, here are some guidelines to help you select the best provider for your needs:

Proximity

Since Invisalign® treatment requires multiple visits for adjustments and progress assessment as treatment progresses, selecting a provider close to your home or work can make the process more convenient. With locations in both Lake Forest, IL and Gurnee, IL, Goshgarian Orthodontics will very likely be nicely close to your home, school or work. Consider which location is more accessible to you based on your daily routine and transportation options.

Choose an Orthodontist

Although both dentists and orthodontists can provide Invisalign® treatments, keep in mind that orthodontists specialize in the alignment of teeth and have additional specialized and important training in this specific area. Orthodontists are experts in diagnosing and treating improper bites, which often underlies issues requiring Invisalign®. Choosing an orthodontist especially for Invisalign® in Lake Forest, IL can work wonders in terms of more specialized and expert care during your treatment.

Experience and Expertise

Check the provider’s level of experience specifically with Invisalign®. Providers with more experience may be better equipped to handle complex cases and provide customized treatment plans.

Consultation

Don’t be shy about scheduling a consultation to discuss your needs and expectations around Invisalign®. This visit wouldn’t only be about the orthodontist examining your teeth but also a nice chance for you to evaluate the environment and the team’s approach to patient care. This is when you can ask all the burning questions that have been running rampant in your head about Invisalign®.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose an orthodontist in Lake Forest, IL or Gurnee, IL who will best meet your needs for Invisalign® treatment.

5 Foods to Avoid When You Have Braces

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Traditional braces can be easily damaged by certain foods. In addition, some foods just get easily stuck between brackets and wires, and that can make keeping your teeth clean extra difficult. As your dentist in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, we can help you every step of the way when you have traditional braces. Below are some of the foods that we recommend our patients avoid when they have traditional braces.

1. Hard Foods

Hard foods like candies can easily damage braces, and even if they don’t damage the braces, little bits of hard candy that become stuck in between brackets can be bad for your teeth. Avoid hard foods like candy canes while you’re wearing traditional braces.

2. Sticky Foods

Sticky foods like caramels can become a real mess to clean out of braces. If you eat sticky foods while you have braces, you may not be able to fully clean your teeth afterward. Leave these foods to consume after your braces have come off.

3. Crunchy Foods

Crunchy foods like nuts and pretzels put a lot of stress on your braces and can lead your braces to develop broken wires and other problems. Avoid nuts, chips, hard taco shells, and other crunchy foods to help maintain your braces.

4. Tough, Chewy Breads

Just like crunchy foods, tough, chewy breads also put stress on your braces. Avoid breads with tough crusts and dense interiors.

5. Gummy Candies

Gummy candies can be very tough, which can damage the brackets in your braces. In addition, gummy candies can become stuck in your braces, just like hard candies, and that can be very bad for your teeth.

Have more questions about how to maintain your braces in Forest Lake and Gurnee, IL? Call Goshgarian Orthodontics to talk to one of our dental professionals.