Clear aligner

Orthodontics

Misaligned teeth can lead to discomfort when eating, a lack of confidence in your smile, and a number of oral health issues.

Orthodontic treatment with clear aligners can address these concerns without resorting to bulky metal braces. 

Learn how Dr. Alkassir in Rockford, IL, can transform your smile with comfortable, discreet orthodontics.

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a field of dentistry in which dentists and orthodontists correct dental alignment issues. Our Rockford, IL, dental practice offers orthodontic treatment with clear aligners rather than traditional metal braces. Our clear aligners can help patients with orthodontic concerns like:

  • Crooked Teeth
  • Gapped Teeth
  • Crowded Teeth
  • Overbite
  • Deep Bite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Open Bite

Shouldn't I See an Orthodontist For Orthodontic Procedures?

You don't have to visit an orthodontist to achieve a straighter smile. While an orthodontist focuses primarily on orthodontic issues, our dentists are trained in orthodontics and a wide variety of other dental issues and procedures. This means that you can receive effective orthodontic care and comprehensive dental care in one convenient location—our dental practice near Rockford, IL

How Does Clear Aligner Treatment Work?

Our clear aligners are just like Invisalign aligners. They work by gradually guiding your teeth into proper alignment. After a few weeks wearing one set of aligners, you'll switch to the next set in your custom series and continue until treatment is completed. This orthodontic alternative can align your teeth over the course of 12 to 18 months. Some minor misalignment issues can be corrected even sooner. 

The Benefits of Orthodontics Why Straighten Your Smile?

Improved Oral Health

Overcrowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss properly, which can result in cavities, decay, and other oral health issues. Treatment using braces or orthodontic aligners can align your bite so you can brush and floss more effectively and preserve your oral health. 

Prevent or Relieve Pain

A misaligned bite can cause tension and pressure in the jaw. This can lead to pain in the temporomandibular joints, or TMJs. By aligning your bite, you can prevent or relieve pain associated with TMJ disorders caused by improper alignment.

Prevent Wear

A misaligned smile can cause unnecessary wear on certain teeth due to how you bite and chew. By properly aligning your bite with orthodontics, your bite force will be evenly distributed to prevent uneven or excessive wear.

Enhanced Appearance

Crooked, gapped, or misaligned teeth can affect the look of your smile. By receiving orthodontic care at our Rockford dental practice, our dentist can give you beautifully straight teeth that enhance your appearance and self-esteem.

Get the Care You Need for a Straighter Smile Request an Orthodontics Consultation Today

Misaligned teeth can cause pain, oral health issues, and even embarrassment for some patients, but we can help. Your dentist can craft a custom clear aligner treatment plan to address your specific issues, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of orthodontic treatment without obvious, bulky braces.

Unlike most orthodontists, our skilled dentists, Phil Herlihey and Mohamad Alkassir, can address all your oral health needs with comprehensive care performed using state-of-the-art technology. We treat patients of all ages and offer flexible scheduling and financing options. 

Ready to straighten your smile with our Invisalign alternative? Start your journey to a beautiful and healthy smile with clear aligners by calling our Rockford, IL, dental practice, or by reaching out using our online form.

(815) 633-3865

Gentle Dentist Office exterior

Northern Illinois Patients Love Gentle Family Dentistry

1

Brenda Martin

2022

Google logo

From the very first call to Gentle Family Dentistry I was treated with kindness and professionalism. Everyone was so pleasant and understanding of my uneasiness and helped me to relax. They came up with a plan to fix the issue and I'm so pleased I gave them a call.

View on Google
1

James Wines

2022

Google logo

The staff there was absolutely amazing. Dr. Phil Herlihey was so great. I will be going nowhere else for my dental needs. Thanks again to everyone there for taking great care of me.

View on Google

The Treatment Timeline For Clear Aligner Patients

Treatment time for orthodontics at our northern Illinois dental practice will vary based on each patient's unique needs. In general, you can expect your treatment to take 12 to 18 months.
Treatment time for orthodontics at our northern Illinois dental practice will vary based on each patient's unique needs. In general, you can expect your treatment to take 12 to 18 months.

Planning

Your dentist will begin by examining your mouth and taking impressions. These will be sent to our trusted lab so they can fabricate your series of aligner trays. These trays are an affordable alternative to Invisalign and work the same way.

Treatment

Once your clear aligners arrive at our Rockford practice, you will begin your orthodontic treatment by wearing the first set of trays. Use them for 2 to 4 weeks before switching to the next in the series. Your dentist will give you all the instructions you need for your specific treatment. Your aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day to achieve optimal results.

Check-Ups

You will visit your dentist about once a month so he can monitor your progress. These monthly visits will continue throughout the duration of your treatment. The average treatment time for clear aligners is 12 to 18 months. 

Retainer

Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, you will receive a retainer to wear at night. This is an important step, as it can help prevent your straightened smile from shifting in the first few months after clear aligner treatment. 

Questions about treatment with clear aligners? 

Caring for Your Clear Aligners

Caring for your teeth and clear aligners is simple and can help you keep your treatment process running smoothly. Here are a few helpful tips to follow: 

Remove Your Aligners Before Eating

Remove your aligners before you eat or drink anything but water. Place them in a protective case to keep them safe. Be sure to rinse them clean before you put them back in your mouth. 

Clean Your Aligners Every Day

Twice a day, remove your aligners and clean them using mild soap, warm water, and a soft-bristled brush. Do not use hot water, as it can warp the thin plastic material, potentially prolonging your treatment. 

Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine

It's important to keep your teeth clean and healthy during orthodontic treatment. After removing your aligners, brush and floss your teeth as you normally would—just be sure to put your aligners back in before bed.

Insurance and Financing Information for Our Patients

We work with most insurance plans to help reduce or eliminate the cost of treatment. For those without insurance and to help with costs not covered by insurance, we accept financing options. To learn more about financing, contact us online or call us at (815) 633-3865.

"Clean, friendly, and absolutely wonderful." Hear From More Satisfied Patients

1

Robbin Bowers

2022

Google logo

This office is clean, friendly, and absolutely wonderful. They scheduled quickly and the dentist is the best I've ever seen. 5 Stars Plus.

View on Google
1

Maha Chahin

2022

Google logo

I was very happy with the service the time management is amazing they respect your time a lot. I highly recommend Dr. Alkasier he was very nice and understanding!

View on Google
Gentle Dentist Rockford Logo

Gentle Family Dentistry

Dr. Mohamad Alkassir can meet all of your family's dental needs in Loves Park, IL. Our dentists are proud to be affiliated with:

  • American Dental Association
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • American Academy of Facial Esthetics
  • Illinois State Dental Society
  • Chicago Dental Society
  • Winnebago Dental Society

To request an appointment, please contact us online or call (815) 633-3865.

Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite