403 West Windsor Road, Champaign, IL 61820.
A Straighter Smile, Without the Metal
A straight smile is about far more than how you look. Improper alignment can cause jaw pain and chewing dysfunction. Overcrowded teeth are harder to clean and more susceptible to decay. And when teeth don't fit together properly, the surrounding gums are more likely to develop periodontal disease. At W. Eric Martin, DDS, PC in Champaign, IL, clear aligner treatment addresses all of that discreetly, comfortably, and with results our patients consistently rave about. Not just the smile they ended up with, but the experience of getting there.
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Why Alignment Matters for Your Health
Many people pursue clear aligner treatment for aesthetic reasons and that's a completely valid place to start. But the benefits of a properly aligned smile go well beyond how you look in photos.
Misaligned teeth can place uneven stress on your jaw joints, leading to pain, clicking, and chewing difficulties over time. Crowded or overlapping teeth create tight spaces where a toothbrush and floss simply can't reach, allowing plaque and bacteria to accumulate increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease. An improper bite can even contribute to premature wear on your enamel.
Correcting your alignment doesn't just give you a more confident smile. It gives you a healthier, more functional mouth, one that's easier to care for and better protected against long-term dental problems.
Our Clear Aligner Options
At W. Eric Martin, DDS, PC, we specialize in two of the most trusted clear aligner systems available today — giving us the flexibility to match the right solution to each patient's unique needs.
Invisalign® is the most widely recognized name in clear aligner therapy and for good reason. Using a series of custom-fabricated, BPA-free plastic aligners, Invisalign® gradually and precisely moves your teeth into their ideal positions. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately one to two weeks before progressing to the next in the series, with each tray moving your teeth a small, controlled amount.
Invisalign® Teen is specifically designed for younger patients, with features like compliance indicators and replacement aligners built in to accommodate the realities of teenage life. Whether you're an adult looking to refine your smile or a parent exploring options for your teenager, Invisalign® delivers proven, reliable results with the discretion of a nearly invisible appliance.
SureSmile® is an advanced clear aligner system that uses 3D digital scanning and precision-engineered aligners to deliver efficient, accurate tooth movement. SureSmile® is known for its highly customized treatment planning and the quality of its aligner fit, making it an excellent option for patients seeking a thorough, technology-driven approach to straightening their smile.
Our team will assess your alignment, discuss your goals, and recommend the system that's best suited to your case and your lifestyle.
What to Expect During Clear Aligner Treatment
Clear aligner therapy is a straightforward, well-tolerated process but knowing what to expect helps you get the most out of your treatment. Here's a general overview of the journey from consultation to confident smile:
Consultation & Assessment
We start with a comprehensive exam and digital scans of your teeth. This allows us to evaluate your alignment, discuss your goals, and map out a precise treatment plan, including a digital preview of what your smile will look like when treatment is complete.
Custom Aligner Fabrication
Your aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth precisely, using your digital scans as the blueprint. Each aligner in your series is slightly different, designed to move specific teeth in a controlled sequence toward their final positions.
Wearing Your Aligners
For best results, aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss. The more consistently you wear them, the more efficiently your treatment progresses.
Progress Check-Ins
You'll visit our office periodically throughout treatment so we can monitor your progress and ensure your teeth are moving as planned. These appointments are typically brief and straightforward.
Retention
Once your final aligner is complete, you'll transition to a retainer to hold your teeth in their new positions. This step is essential. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back without retention, and wearing your retainer as directed protects the investment you've made in your smile.
Why Choose Clear Aligners Over Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are effective but clear aligners offer a number of advantages that make them the preferred choice for a growing number of teens and adults:
- Nearly invisible — Clear aligners are virtually undetectable, letting you go through treatment without the self-consciousness that often comes with metal brackets and wires.
- Removable — Unlike fixed braces, aligners come out for meals, so there are no food restrictions and cleaning your teeth is just as easy as always.
- Comfortable — Smooth plastic aligners have no wires or brackets to irritate the inside of your mouth.
- Predictable — Advanced digital planning means we can map out your entire treatment sequence before you even begin, giving you a clear picture of what to expect.
- Fewer emergency visits — Without wires to snap or brackets to pop off, aligner patients typically experience fewer unexpected issues during treatment.
The Smile You've Always Wanted is Within Reach
Whether you're looking to correct a mild crowding issue or a more significant alignment concern, clear aligner treatment at W. Eric Martin, DDS, PC in Champaign, IL is a comfortable, discreet, and proven path to a healthier, more confident smile. Our patients consistently leave treatment not just loving their results but reflecting on how positive the experience itself was. Schedule a consultation today and find out which clear aligner system is right for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligners
Am I a good candidate for clear aligners?
Clear aligners are effective for a wide range of alignment issues — including crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, and crossbite. The best way to find out if you're a candidate is to schedule a consultation. We'll assess your teeth and bite and let you know which system is best suited to your situation.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of your case and which aligner system is used. Many patients complete treatment in 12 to 18 months, though simpler cases can be shorter and more complex cases may take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline estimate during your consultation.
Does clear aligner treatment hurt?
Most patients experience mild pressure or discomfort for a day or two when switching to a new set of aligners — which is a sign the trays are working. This typically fades quickly and is far less uncomfortable than the soreness associated with traditional wire adjustments.
How often do I need to come in for appointments?
Check-in appointments are typically scheduled every six to eight weeks to monitor your progress. These visits are brief — usually just long enough for us to confirm your teeth are tracking as planned and provide your next sets of aligners.
Can I eat and drink with my aligners in?
You should remove your aligners before eating anything and before drinking anything other than plain water. Eating with aligners in can damage them, and colored or sugary drinks can stain or promote decay beneath the trays. The good news: no food restrictions — you can eat everything you normally would.
What happens if I lose or damage an aligner?
Contact our office as soon as possible. Depending on where you are in your treatment sequence, we may recommend moving on to the next aligner or having a replacement made. This is why Invisalign® Teen includes replacement aligners as a built-in feature — a practical consideration for younger patients.
Will clear aligners affect how I speak?
Most patients notice a very slight adjustment period of a day or two as they get used to wearing aligners. Any changes to speech are typically minor and temporary — most people adapt quickly and find aligners have little to no impact on how they sound.
Do I really need to wear a retainer after treatment?
Yes — and this step is just as important as the treatment itself. Teeth naturally want to drift back toward their original positions, and a retainer is what keeps your results intact. We'll provide you with a custom retainer and a wear schedule tailored to your situation.
