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Clear Aligners Offer an Alternative to Braces B y To n i R o c h a ntil relatively recently, just the word “braces” was enough to make people frown. Now clear aligners are an innovative way to realign teeth gently and flexibly while keeping smiles on patient faces. In its clinic at 5051 E. State St. in Rockford, Orthodontic Experts is one of the leading Midwest providers of Invisalign and similar products. Dr. Yaroslav Yarmolyuk, DDS MS, owner of the Rockford location and nearly a dozen locations in the Chicago area and Colorado, says the clear aligner advantage is, well, clear. “They are more esthetic and comfortable than metal braces,” Yarmolyuk says. “Patients used to need adjustments every six to eight weeks, but now they change trays every week, slowly easing teeth into proper position. Patients are given 12 to
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16 trays so the number of appointments are reduced.” Patients can remove clear aligners to eat, floss and brush their teeth, which helps to keep their mouths hygienically cleaner. And the more gradual correction causes less discomfort than traditional metallic braces. Yarmolyuk says it takes six months to a year or more for the process to be completed, depending on how much alignment is necessary. “Plus there are no dietary restrictions,” he adds. “They can eat anything they want because their braces are removed for meals.” Other benefits of this new alignment system include compatibility for patients with less than perfect oral hygiene or a higher risk of dental decay. Appointments are shorter and less frequent, giving pa-
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tients more scheduling flexibility. Also, Yarmolyuk says patients involved in active sports can remove their aligners during practice and games. For more information about clear aligners or other orthodontic needs, call Orthodontic Experts at (815) 918-4427 or visit orhodonticexperts.com. ❚
Smart Living Weekly
Jan. 23
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