Invisalign® Clear Aligners

Invisalign® Clear Aligners use a series of clear, custom-fitted trays to gradually move teeth into a straighter, more balanced position. At 1st Family Dental in Chicago, IL, treatment planning starts with a digital scan of your teeth, letting our team map out your case and monitor progress without the wires and brackets of traditional braces.

What invisalign® Clear Aligners is

Invisalign is a system of clear plastic aligners worn in sequence, each one nudging teeth a small step closer to their final position. Instead of metal brackets bonded to each tooth, patients wear a smooth, removable tray that is switched out for the next in the series every one to two weeks, as directed by the treating dentist or orthodontist.

The system is commonly used to address crowding, spacing, and certain bite irregularities in teens and adults. Because the aligners are removable, patients can take them out to eat, brush, and floss, which is a meaningful change from fixed braces that stay on the teeth throughout treatment. Clear aligner therapy is generally considered for patients who want a straighter smile without the visible metal of conventional orthodontics, though not every case is suited to aligners alone — a dentist or orthodontist evaluates the bite and tooth movement needed before recommending a course of treatment.

How we use it at 1st Family Dental

Our aligner treatment planning begins with an iTero Element Scanner, which captures a detailed 3D digital model of your teeth and gums without the messy putty impressions of the past. That scan is used to plan the sequence of aligners you'll wear and to show you a simulation of how your smile may change over the course of treatment.

Dr. Sameer Al-Obaidi, an orthodontist on our team, is trained to provide treatment using several clear aligner systems, including Invisalign, alongside conventional fixed appliances and other orthodontic tools. Dr. Sandy Murad, a general dentist on our team, has also completed specialty training in Invisalign. Depending on the complexity of your case, your aligner treatment may also draw on other tools available in our offices, such as Temporary Anchorage Devices for precise tooth movement or digital x-rays to monitor root and bone health as teeth shift. We also offer related orthodontic services, including retainers to hold your result once active treatment is complete.

What it means for you

For many patients, the biggest appeal of clear aligners is that they are far less noticeable than metal braces, which can make treatment more comfortable to wear in everyday social and professional settings. Because the trays are removable, oral hygiene during treatment is generally more straightforward — you can brush and floss normally rather than working around brackets and wires.

Digital scanning also removes the need for traditional putty impressions, which many patients find uncomfortable. Reviewing a digital simulation of your case before treatment starts can help you understand what to expect and ask informed questions before committing to a plan. Because the aligners are custom-fitted, they are designed to apply controlled, gradual pressure rather than the more variable forces of fixed braces adjusted at each visit.

What to expect during your visit

Your first visit typically involves an exam and a digital scan with the iTero Element Scanner, which takes just a few minutes and does not require biting into a tray of putty. From that scan, a treatment plan and aligner sequence are created and reviewed with you before any trays are made.

Once your aligners are ready, you'll be shown how to insert and remove them and given a schedule for switching to each new tray in the series. Aligners are meant to be worn for most of the day, removed for eating and brushing. Follow-up visits are generally spaced out over the following weeks and months so your progress can be checked and any adjustments made. Most patients feel mild pressure for a day or two after starting a new aligner in the series, which typically fades as teeth adjust.

Frequently asked questions

Is Invisalign treatment safe?

Clear aligners are a widely used orthodontic option and are generally well tolerated. As with any orthodontic treatment, a dentist or orthodontist first evaluates your teeth, gums, and bite to confirm that aligner therapy is an appropriate option for your case.

Will the aligners be uncomfortable?

Aligners are made from smooth plastic with no wires or brackets, so many patients find them comfortable compared with traditional braces. You may notice mild pressure for the first day or two after switching to a new aligner, which is a normal part of the teeth gradually shifting.

How long does treatment usually take?

Treatment length depends on the amount of movement needed and varies from patient to patient. Your dentist or orthodontist will outline an estimated timeline and number of aligners after reviewing your digital scan.

Who is a good candidate for clear aligners?

Clear aligners are often used for teens and adults with crowding, spacing, or certain bite concerns. Some cases are better suited to traditional braces or other orthodontic tools, which is why an exam and digital scan are the starting point before any treatment plan is recommended.

If you're curious whether Invisalign® Clear Aligners could work for your smile, reach out to 1st Family Dental to schedule a visit and discuss your options.