Invisalign® FAQ

Clear Answers About Invisalign in Downers Grove

Thinking about straightening your teeth but not sure where to start? You are not alone. At Jackson Family Dentistry, Invisalign questions come up almost every week, from adults who wanted braces as kids to parents weighing options for a teen. Below, we answer the questions we hear most, including the honest trade-offs, so you can decide with the whole picture in front of you.

What is Invisalign, and how does it work?

Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made plastic aligners to move your teeth gradually. Each set is worn for about one to two weeks before you switch to the next, and every set shifts your teeth a little closer to the planned result.

The process starts with a scan from our digital iTero scanner. There are no impression trays and no impression material at all, so if you remember gagging on goopy trays years ago, you can relax. The scan also lets you preview a 3D model of your projected smile before you commit.

Am I a good candidate?

Many teens and adults are. Clear aligners work well for crowding, spacing, and many bite problems. Some complex cases, such as severe rotations or major jaw discrepancies, may be better served by traditional braces or a referral. During your consultation, we will tell you plainly if aligners are not your best option.

What are the downsides I should know about?

Invisalign has real advantages, but it also asks something of you. Here is what we want every patient to know before starting:

• You have to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day. Aligners only work when they are in your mouth. Skipped hours slow progress and can mean extra aligners or a longer timeline.
• You remove them to eat and drink anything but water. That means brushing before putting them back in, which takes some discipline at work or school.
• Most patients need attachments. These are small, tooth-colored bumps bonded to certain teeth to help the aligners grip. They are subtle but not invisible, and they are polished off at the end.
• Some cases need a little reshaping. To make room, we may lightly polish between certain teeth (called interproximal reduction). It removes a very small amount of enamel, and we will show you exactly where before we do it.
• Retainers are a lifelong commitment. Teeth naturally drift back over time. Without consistent retainer wear, results can relapse.

How does Invisalign compare to traditional braces?

Factor	Clear Aligners	Traditional Braces
Appearance	Nearly invisible; attachments may show slightly	Visible brackets and wires
Eating	Remove trays; no food restrictions	Avoid hard, sticky foods
Responsibility	Depends on you wearing them	Fixed in place; works full time
Complex cases	Handles many, not all	Handles a wider range
Cleaning	Brush and floss normally	Harder to clean around brackets

Does it hurt?

You may feel pressure or soreness for the first few days after switching to a new set. Some people notice a slight lisp at first, which usually improves within a week or two as they adjust.

How long does treatment take?

It depends on your case. Minor corrections may finish in under a year, while more involved cases often take a year or more. Your timeline depends on your bite and may include refinement aligners. We check your progress at regular visits, usually every six to ten weeks, to keep things on track.

What happens after treatment ends?

You will move into retainers to hold your new smile in place. Most patients wear them full time at first, then at night indefinitely.

How much does it cost, and do you take insurance?

Cost depends on how many aligners your case requires. We are considered out-of-network for all insurance companies, but we do accept insurance payments, and many plans with orthodontic benefits contribute toward Invisalign. We also offer payment plans and are happy to help you check your benefits before you start.

Why choose our office for Downers Grove Invisalign treatment?

Your care is led by Eric G. Jackson, DDS, a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD), an honor held by fewer than 1% of dentists worldwide. Dr. Jackson is also a nine-time Chicago Magazine Top Dentist. Jackson Family Dentistry has served Downers Grove since 1980, and we treat the whole family, so your teen’s aligner checkups can happen in the same office where they get cleanings.

Ready to See Your New Smile? Schedule Your Consultation

If you have been curious about Downers Grove Invisalign treatment, the best next step is a conversation. We will scan your teeth, walk you through what aligners can and cannot do for your smile, and answer every question on your list. Call Jackson Family Dentistry at (630) 963-6750 or book your consultation online today. Questions about insurance? Just ask, and our team will help you verify your benefits.