Trivial Pursuit -- Invisalign Edition

Got a few crooked teeth, or an overbite you’ve never liked? Been wondering if Invisalign might just be the best option for you? We at Dr. Sellke's office want to help you understand the facts. Brush up on the facts with our Invisalign trivia questions:

1. Each set of aligners in your series should be worn for approximately:

A – 2 days
B – 2 weeks
C – 2 months
D – 2 years

2. Your aligners are custom-created for your teeth based on:

A – A CT scan that produces a 3-D image of your teeth
B – A set of 24 high-resolution photos of the inside of your mouth and exterior jaw line
C – X-rays taken from the front, back, left and right of your head
D – bronze cast of your teeth

3. Which of the following is not recommended during Invisalign treatment:

A – Chewing gum
B – Smoking
C – Eating popcorn
D – Smiling

4. Invisalign treatment has been chosen by:

A – More than 1000 people
B – More than 10,000 people
C – More than 50,000 people
D – More than 500,000 people


How many did you answer correctly? Check your choices:

1. B – 2 weeks: In most cases, each set of aligners should be worn for approximately two weeks. As you replace each set with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the position we’ve prescribed. You’ll visit our office about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligner sets worn during treatment is between 18 and 30.

2. A – A CT scan: A CT or Computed Tomography scan is made from your dental impressions. The CT scan produces an extremely accurate, 3-dimensional digital model of your teeth. We then use Invisalign’s proprietary CAD (Computer Aided Design) software to simulate the movement of your teeth during treatment to create your unique treatment plan.

3. B – Smoking. We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored. (We also discourage smoking due to the dental and medical health problems it causes.) You are, however, able to eat any kind of food you like and smile with abandon during Invisalign treatment. The aligners are clear, so they don’t hide your pearly whites, and they’re removable, so you can take them out to eat, brush and floss.

4. D – More than 500,000 people. That’s right, more than half a million people have chosen Invisalign to brighten their smile. You could be next! If you are interested in Invisalign treatment, give us a call at Dr. Sellke's office to set up a consultation.

When Is Thumb-Sucking a Cause for Worry? - Grayslake, IL Orthodontist

Lots of you have asked us about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs. Is this anything to worry about?

In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, contact us and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.