Invisalign® FAQs

What is the process of getting Invisalign at Lovda Family Dental?

1. Complimentary Consultation: We start with a thorough exam and discussion of your smile goals. Dr. Lovda will use 3D intraoral scanning to create a precise digital model of your teeth.
2. Custom Treatment Planning: Using advanced digital software, Dr. Lovda designs a personalized plan that maps out exactly how your teeth will move. You’ll get to preview a simulated “before and after” of your new smile.
3. Aligner Fabrication and Delivery: Your custom series of clear aligners is created. At your fitting appointment, Dr. Lovda will place any necessary attachments (small, tooth-colored dots) and show you how to insert and remove them.
4. Active Treatment: You wear the aligners as directed while we monitor progress.
5. Refinement and Retention: If fine-tuning is needed, we add refinement aligners. Once complete, you’ll wear your retainers to maintain your beautiful new smile.

How often do I need to wear my aligners?

For the best and fastest results, you should wear your Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. That means keeping them in all the time except when eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, or flossing. The more consistent you are, the more predictable your tooth movement will be and the shorter your overall treatment time.

How often do I need to change aligners?

Most patients change to the next set of aligners every one to two weeks, depending on Dr. Lovda’s specific design for your case. He’ll give you clear instructions on exactly when to switch. Consistent wear and timely changes are key to staying on track.

Can I switch to Invisalign if I already had traditional braces?

Yes, in many cases you can switch to Invisalign, whether you finished braces years ago and your teeth have shifted, or you’re considering transitioning mid-treatment. Dr. Lovda will evaluate your current alignment with 3D scans and determine if clear aligners can effectively complete or refine your results. Many adults who had braces as teens choose Invisalign later for its discreet, comfortable approach to correcting minor relapses or finishing alignment.

What issues can Invisalign treat?

Invisalign is highly effective at correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues, including:

• Crowding and crooked teeth
• Gaps (spaces) between teeth
• Overbites
• Underbites (mild to moderate)
• Crossbites
• Open bites

With extensive training and digital planning tools, Dr. Lovda can treat many mild-to-moderate cases completely with clear aligners, often using small attachments or elastics when needed for bite correction. During your consultation, he’ll provide an honest assessment of whether Invisalign is the best option for your specific needs or if another approach would serve you better.

How often do I need to come in for adjustments?

Invisalign typically requires fewer visits than traditional braces. We like to periodically evaluate patients every six to eight weeks for a quick progress check, to give the next set of aligners, and to ensure everything is moving as planned. These appointments are usually short and comfortable.

How do I know my treatment is working?

You’ll notice gradual improvements with each new set of aligners. During your regular checkup visits, Dr. Lovda will show you your progress using 3D scans and comparisons so you can clearly see the changes. Most patients are excited by how quickly they start seeing real results.

Why choose Lovda Family Dental for Invisalign?

As a general dentist with advanced, hands-on training in clear aligner orthodontics, Dr. Lovda offers comprehensive oral healthcare all under one roof. Many local orthodontists focus only on braces or aligners and may refer you elsewhere for cleanings, crowns, implants, or emergency care. In our Hoffman Estates dental office, we can seamlessly combine your orthodontic treatment with any other dental needs you have using the same advanced 3D scanning and digital technology we rely on for precise implant placement and same-day restorations.

Whether you want a subtle improvement or a full smile transformation, you’ll receive expert clear aligner treatment in a comfortable, modern setting without the long waits or fragmented care that can happen when seeing multiple providers.

Invisalign and the Invisalign logo, among others, are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc., and are registered in the U.S. and other countries.