Thankful for Technology: How We Make Invisalign® and Braces Treatment Faster and More Effective

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we’re taking a moment to appreciate how advancements in orthodontic technology have transformed the way we create beautiful smiles. At Innovative Orthodontic Centers, we’re proud to use some of the most cutting-edge tools and techniques in the industry, allowing us to provide patients with faster, more effective Invisalign® and SureSmile® braces treatment.

Why We’re Thankful for Advancements in Orthodontics

With Invisalign aligners, SureSmile prescription wires and tools like the iTero® digital scanner, we’re able to plan smiles in incredible detail and execute treatments more predictably and precisely. Here’s how we use revolutionary orthodontic technology to enhance your experience and results:

1. Invisalign: A Leader in Clear Aligner Technology
Invisalign is one of the most recognizable names in orthodontics and for good reason. Invisalign aligners are crafted from patented SmartTrack® material, which ensures each set of aligners fits comfortably and exerts the precise amount of force needed for efficient tooth movement.

Our American board-certified orthodontists, Dr. Manal Ibrahim and Dr. Christine Gin, are Blue Diamond+ Top 1% Providers. Innovative Orthodontic Centers is also the #1 orthodontist Invisalign provider in the state of Illinois, meaning we have unmatched case experience. In fact, Dr. Ibrahim has taken part in clinical trials for Align Technology, the makers of Invisalign, and she even pioneered an alternative to jaw surgery using Invisalign.

With Invisalign, patients enjoy a nearly invisible, removable treatment option that doesn’t interfere with daily life. When you visit us for care, a team member takes quick, comfortable digital scans of your teeth, which we use to create a computerized 3D model of your mouth. Dr. Ibrahim or Dr. Gin plans your treatment directly on the model, moving each tooth to its ideal place.

Our patients are especially thankful for the iTero Outcome Simulator, which lets us show you your treatment plan in 3D. The In-Face Visualization tool then creates simulations of your future smile using an image of your face, so you can preview your smile result before ever starting treatment!

2. SureSmile Braces vs. Traditional Braces: Not All Braces Are Created Equal
While traditional braces are effective, SureSmile braces take efficiency and comfort to the next level. Dr. Ibrahim and Dr. Gin use advanced digital treatment planning to customize SureSmile archwires to meet your unique needs.

Unlike traditional braces, which often require frequent adjustments and time spent on remedying unwanted tooth movements after the fact, SureSmile braces use a digitally customized archwire bent by robotic technology to apply continuous, gentle pressure. This reduces discomfort and treatment time by up to 29%.
By mapping out every tooth movement in advance, SureSmile allows our team to design a treatment plan that proactively addresses any potential issues, making treatment smoother and faster. There are fewer appointments and adjustments, so you’ll spend less time in the orthodontic chair and more time showing off your new smile.

3. Next-Level Imaging With the i-CAT™ 3D System
The i-CAT 3D imaging system provides highly accurate, digital x-rays while exposing patients to the lowest amount of radiation possible. Our i-CAT 3D scans allow us to view the teeth, jaw, nerve pathways and facial structures with unparalleled clarity, giving us information that 2D x-rays simply cannot provide.

With multi-dimensional images available in seconds, we can see everything from the roots of your teeth to the alignment of your jaw in relation to the rest of your anatomy, all with a single scan. The ability to zoom in, adjust contrast and isolate specific images enhances treatment planning capabilities. Patients can also skip the discomfort of traditional bitewing x-rays.

4. The Power of the iTero Digital Scanner
Innovative Orthodontic Centers is an impression-free office! That’s right, no goopy molds here. We use digital intraoral scanners like iTero to capture 3D images of your teeth and gums in minutes. These high-definition scans provide an incredibly accurate view of your dental structures, which we use to plan both Invisalign and SureSmile braces treatments.

With the iTero scanner, we can preview different treatment outcomes, troubleshoot potential challenges, and ensure maximum precision from day one. The scan is also used to fabricate clear aligners or custom archwires that are tailored to fit your teeth perfectly. The convenience and accuracy of the iTero digital scanner make it an invaluable tool in providing fast braces and aligner options for our patients.

5. Faster Treatment With Accelerated Technology
Our commitment to utilizing top-tier orthodontic technology extends to tools that enhance treatment speed without cutting corners like VPro+™. The handheld device generates gentle vibrations that improve aligner fit, reduce discomfort, and improve the biological response to your appliance, allowing us to potentially cut your treatment time in half.

6. Comprehensive, Convenient Care With Fewer Office Visits
Our patients benefit from the oversight of an expert orthodontist while only having in-office appointments when they really need them. Our self-ligating braces brackets and SureSmile wires straighten teeth without requiring constant tightening and adjustments. Meanwhile, Invisalign aligners are fabricated in advance based on Dr. Ibrahim and Dr. Gin’s treatment plan.

We also offer iTrack to virtually keep tabs on our Invisalign patients’ progress. With iTrack, you take and submit photos of your smile through an app. The powerful tool uses AI to optimize your treatment and track your tooth movements weekly. Because the orthodontist can see your smile taking shape in real-time, they have more control over your treatment, leading to better results. The virtual check-ups also take the place of many of your in-person visits.

7. A High-Tech Approach Backed by Serious Expertise
While orthodontic technology plays a significant role in making treatment faster and more efficient, the expertise behind that technology is equally important. At Innovative Orthodontic Centers, our doctors bring years of experience and training to each case. As leading SureSmile braces providers and Blue Diamond+ Top 1% Invisalign Providers, Dr. Ibrahim and Dr. Gin have successfully treated thousands of patients of all ages.

This expertise is a reason why every patient is a candidate for Invisalign at our office, including those with complex cases and kids! We’re one of the first practices to offer Invisalign First and the Invisalign Palatal Expander System, which are metal-free, removable alternatives to traditional phase 1 orthodontic appliances.

Our extensive knowledge and proficiency in using advanced tools allow us to maximize the benefits of each technology, giving you a smile that’s the ideal blend of aesthetics, function and health

Experience Our Orthodontic Technology for Yourself

Whether you’re interested in Invisalign aligners or SureSmile braces, our technology-driven approach to orthodontics ensures a comfortable and efficient treatment experience. We’re thankful every day for the advancements that allow us to deliver fast braces and accelerated aligner treatment without compromising on quality.