GALLERY
Discreet Orthodontic Treatment in Chicago
You might not feel it happening, but your teeth are always on the move. Even patients who wore braces as teenagers are often surprised to learn that their teeth have been gradually shifting for years. Without consistent retainer use, this movement is inevitable — and it can lead to visible crowding, spacing, or a bite that just feels "off."
The good news? You don't have to live with it, and you don't have to go back to metal braces to fix it.
Clear Aligner Therapy: Straighten Your Teeth Without Anyone Knowing
Clear aligner therapy has transformed adult orthodontics. Today, thousands of patients across Chicago are achieving straighter smiles using a system that's virtually invisible, removable, and far more comfortable than traditional braces. Whether you're dealing with mild crowding, noticeable gaps, or an issue that's been bothering you for years, clear aligners offer an effective solution that fits your lifestyle.
The system works through a series of custom-made, ultra-thin plastic trays worn over your teeth. Each tray is slightly different from the last, applying gentle, consistent pressure to guide your teeth into their ideal position over time. Most patients wear each set of trays for one to two weeks before moving on to the next, with the full treatment typically lasting anywhere from six to eighteen months depending on your individual needs.
Why Patients Choose Clear Aligners
Virtually Invisible
The medical-grade plastic trays are transparent and form-fitting, making them nearly undetectable to others. Most people won't notice you're in orthodontic treatment at all — which is a significant advantage for working professionals, parents, and anyone who wants to improve their smile without drawing attention to the process.
Removable for Eating and Oral Hygiene
Unlike fixed braces, clear aligners come out completely for meals and brushing. There are no food restrictions, no wires to clean around, and no special tools required for flossing. You simply remove your trays, eat normally, brush and floss as you would, and put them back in. This makes maintaining good oral health throughout treatment significantly easier.
Comfortable Fit
Smooth plastic is a very different experience from metal brackets and archwires. There are no sharp edges rubbing against the inside of your cheeks or lips, and adjustments don't involve tightening anything. Most patients report minimal discomfort — usually just a sense of mild pressure for a day or two after switching to a new tray.
Predictable Results You Can See in Advance
Before you commit to a single thing, Dr. Asghar uses highly advanced 3D digital scanning technology to map your teeth and create a precise treatment plan. This technology allows us to show you a "smile preview" — a digital simulation of what your teeth will look like at the end of treatment. You'll see your projected results before you begin, so there are no surprises along the way.
Not Ready to Start? We Can Still Help.
If you're curious about how your teeth have shifted over time but aren't ready to begin orthodontic treatment, we offer annual 3D scans to track changes to your smile year over year. It's a great way to stay informed and make decisions from a place of knowledge rather than guesswork.
Is Clear Aligner Treatment Right for You?
Clear aligners are an excellent option for most adults and teenagers dealing with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, including:
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Crowded or overlapping teeth
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Gaps or spaces between teeth
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Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
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Teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment
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General misalignment affecting appearance or bite function
A consultation with Dr. Asghar is the best way to find out whether you're a good candidate. We'll review your dental history, perform a thorough examination, and walk you through your options — with no pressure to commit on the spot.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT CLEAR ALIGNERS
What are clear aligners?
Clear-aligner therapy is a modern alternative to traditional metal braces. Using this system, patients go through a series of clear plastic trays that gradually move crooked teeth into alignment. The trays are designed specifically for each individual so they fit perfectly over your teeth every step of the way.
What kind of issues do clear aligners help with?
Clear aligners are effective at fixing a number of dental spacing problems, including crowding, gaps between teeth, overlapping teeth, overbites, and underbites. They are especially helpful for people who had braces as a child but stopped wearing a retainer at some point. In those cases, people can experience relapse, in which their teeth eventually move back to where they started.
Straightening teeth is not purely cosmetic, it’s functional too. People with crowded or overlapping teeth experience more plaque buildup and are susceptible to gum problems, no matter how well they brush. Aligning teeth can also help prevent grinding and clenching, which can be helpful for people with temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ. In addition, clear aligners act as nightguards, so people who grind or clench will be protected from further damage during therapy.
Are clear aligners the same as Invisalign?
Yes, all clear aligners, including Invisalign, are essentially the same. Invisalign is the name of one lab that manufactures clear aligners. However, there are other labs that do the exact same thing, while charging dentist offices less money for their services. Dr. Asghar uses one of these other labs and is able to pass those savings on to patients.
With these clear aligners, you can expect the same process, the same product, and the same results as you would get from Invisalign.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
Yes, in most cases, clear aligners are just as good as traditional metal braces—and they have the added benefit of being virtually unnoticeable, which appeals to many adults. In some rare, more extreme cases, metal braces might be necessary. But clear aligners are a great option for most people who want to straighten their teeth.
How does clear-aligner treatment work?
Before starting alignment treatment, Dr. Asghar will address any active cavities or infections and make sure you have an up-to-date cleaning. We’ll then start the process by taking a scan of your teeth with an iTero intraoral 3D scanner. This advanced process takes only 5-10 minutes, and it eliminates the need for taking traditional impressions with goop that many people find distasteful. The digital scans are then submitted to a lab that fabricates the clear trays specifically for your teeth.
The first tray arrives about three weeks after the initial scan. You’ll come back into the office to pick up your first tray and to learn how to use them. At this point, we’ll place tiny, temporary buttons on your teeth for the trays to adhere to. These buttons are tooth-colored, so they’re not visible, and they are removed once the process is done.
You’ll wear your tray for 22 out of 24 hours each day, only taking them out to eat. Each tray is worn for two weeks, then it’s switched out for the next tray. Once you get the hang of it, we’ll give you several trays at once, so you only need to see the dentist every 6 to 10 weeks. Dr. Asghar can combine these follow-up visits with your regular check-ups and cleanings in order to maximize your time.
How long does clear-aligner treatment take?
The length of treatment will vary, depending on every individual situation. But most people only require treatment for 6 months to a year and a half. More-involved cases might require two years of treatment. Dr. Asghar will be able to give you an accurate estimate during a consultation. At the end of treatment, Dr. Asghar recommends that patients wear a retainer to keep their teeth properly aligned for good.
Is the clear-aligner orthodontics process painful?
No, using clear aligners for teeth straightening is not painful, and the most common side effects tend to happen early on. For example, when patients switch to a new tray, they might feel a small amount of discomfort as they adjust to the new fit. Some people notice that it can affect their speech at the beginning of the process, but that typically goes away once they get accustomed to it.
Are clear aligners covered by insurance?
Coverage varies from plan to plan, so your coverage will depend on your dental insurance plan. Coverage for clear-aligner treatment is the same as for regular orthodontia, so if regular braces are covered by your insurance plan, the clear aligners will be covered too. In addition, Dr. Asghar offers CareCredit, with up to 12 months of no interest, and many of her clear-aligner therapy patients opt for that. Patients can also use their FSA or HSA plans for this type of treatment.
