Clear Aligners When They're the Right Tool

Clear, removable, and nearly invisible. Invisalign is a great option for the right cases, and we're a certified Gold Provider, but we'll never recommend it just because it's popular. We recommend whatever gives you the best result, and we'll be honest about which option that is.
Father-Daughter Ortho Duo, Not a Corporate Chain
Woman putting on invisalign
Invisalign Gold Provider 2026 badge with gold background and abstract flower design at top.
Invisible aligners

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth into alignment. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before moving to the next in the sequence. The aligners are made from smooth, BPA-free plastic that fits snugly over your teeth and is virtually invisible when worn. Treatment is planned digitally using a 3D iTero scan, so you can see a preview of your final result before you even begin.

Cool Braces has earned Invisalign Gold Provider status, which means we have the experience, training, and case volume to deliver exceptional clear aligner results. Gold Provider status gives us direct support from Invisalign's clinical team, access to the latest aligner technology, and priority handling on adjustments or replacements.

How Cool Braces Approaches Invisalign

At Cool Braces, Invisalign is one tool in the artist's kit, not the whole kit. Dr. Tahir and Dr. Lia evaluate every case individually and recommend the treatment that delivers the highest quality result.
If your case calls for Invisalign, we will guide you through the process with the same precision and attention to detail we bring to every braces case.
If braces would deliver a better result at a cheaper cost, we will tell you honestly.
We never position Invisalign as the premium or default option. It is a different tool for different situations.
This transparency is rare. Most practices lead with Invisalign because it is easy to market. We lead with results because that is what you are paying for.
Doctor holding a jaw model with braces on one hand and invisible aligner on the other
Doctor holding invisible aligner

Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign works well for patients with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues, who can also commit to wearing their aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. Good candidates are disciplined about removing aligners only for eating and cleaning, and are consistent about following their treatment schedule.

Invisalign may not be the best option for complex bite corrections, severe crowding, or cases that require precise three-dimensional tooth movement. In those situations, braces give the doctors a level of clinical control that removable aligners cannot replicate.

During your free consultation, Dr. Tahir will assess your specific case and recommend the treatment that will give you the best result. If that is Invisalign, great. If it is braces, you will understand exactly why.

Ready to explore your options?

Find out more about the available options for you!
Doctor holding mouth guard

What Makes Cool Braces Different From Old-Fashioned Orthodontic Solutions

When Dr. Tahir opened Cool Braces in 1995, he quickly learned that every patient is different. People need orthodontics for wide ranging reasons. Maybe it’s health related, or maybe you want your child to have the best possible prom photos. Since 1995, our main focus has been understanding each patient and giving them the best care for their individual needs.
Cool Braces Family
We don’t give cookie cutter answers or push you to generic treatments. We’re focused on the long term, so we help create the smile that still looks great even years from now. That’s why we have our 25-Year Smile Guarantee. If it doesn’t still look amazing twenty five years from now, we’ll work to fix it!
More than 30 years experience providing expert Orthodontic care in Oak Lawn and Berwyn
Fully customized strategies for each patient
25-year Smile Guarantee*
Cutting edge technology for faster and more reliable results
Flexible payment options for every budget
Fun, friendly practice - our patients become our friends!
Regular, reliable, ongoing care when you need it
* Learn more about our Smile Guarantee.
Father-Daughter Ortho Duo, Family Owned, Not a Corporate Chain

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Invisalign as good as braces?

For the right case? Absolutely. For most cases? Braces give us more control over the precise movements that matter. That's why we recommend braces more often. We're not anti-Invisalign. We're pro-best-result. At your free consultation, Dr. Tahir and Dr. Lia will tell you which one your mouth actually needs.

How long does Invisalign take?

Depends on your case. Most treatments run 12 to 18 months. Simpler cases can wrap up faster. Complex ones take longer. The biggest variable is compliance. Wear your trays 22 hours a day and your timeline stays on track. Skip days and it stretches. Want your actual timeline? First visit is free.

Does Invisalign hurt?

You'll feel tightness when you pop in a new set of trays. Especially day one and two. That's your teeth moving. It's actually a good sign. Most patients say Invisalign is more comfortable than braces overall. Any early sensitivity is normal and fades fast.

How many hours a day do you wear Invisalign?

20 to 22 hours a day. They come out for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing. That's it. Wear them less and your timeline stretches and your result suffers. Invisalign only works if you do.

Is Invisalign worth it?

If your case is right for it and you'll actually wear the trays 22 hours a day? Yes. Great investment. If your case is better suited for braces, choosing Invisalign anyway means paying for a lesser result. Don't guess. Come in for a free consultation and let Dr. Tahir and Dr. Lia tell you which tool fits your mouth.

Can you eat with Invisalign in?

No. Take them out before eating or drinking anything besides water. Eating with trays in damages them, stains them, and traps food against your teeth. Not great for cavities. The routine: remove, eat, brush, put them back. Takes about a minute.

We're Ready When You Are.

Every confident smile begins with one decision. If you are ready to see how orthodontic treatment can transform your look, your confidence, and your life, we are ready to help.
Smiling family of five with a small dog behind a banner reading 'Cool Braces Family.'