Winston Cutler
2 months ago
Professional cleanings, comprehensive exams, and personalized prevention plans at Big City Dental on Southport Ave.
Clear aligner therapy in Chicago has become one of the most popular ways for adults and teens to straighten their teeth without the visibility or inconvenience of traditional braces. At Big City Dental, Dr. Nilay Patel is a certified ClearCorrect provider with experience guiding patients through full aligner treatment from start to finish. If you have been thinking about straightening your smile, there has never been a better time.
What Are Clear Aligners: Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays that gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment over time. Each set of trays is worn for approximately two weeks before progressing to the next set. Because they are clear and removable, they fit into your life without changing the way you eat, speak, or look during treatment.
Nearly Invisible Treatment
ClearCorrect aligners are made from clear, BPA-free plastic that is virtually undetectable when worn. You can go through treatment without anyone noticing unless you tell them.
Removable for Eating and Cleaning
Unlike braces, aligners come out for meals, snacks, and oral hygiene. Eat whatever you want. Brush and floss normally. There are no wires to clean around and no food restrictions to follow.
Comfortable and Low-Profile
ClearCorrect aligners are smooth, with no metal brackets or wires to irritate the inside of your cheeks and lips. Most patients adjust to their aligners within a day or two of starting a new tray.
Predictable Results With Digital Planning
Dr. Nilay uses digital scanning and treatment planning software to map out the entire movement of your teeth from day one. You can see a preview of your projected result before you even start treatment.
Fewer Office Visits
Clear aligner treatment typically requires fewer in-office check-ins than traditional braces. You will come in periodically for progress checks, but much of the treatment happens on your own schedule.
Step 1 — Free Consultation
Dr. Nilay will evaluate your teeth, bite, and alignment during a complimentary consultation. He will let you know whether clear aligners are the right solution for your situation and give you a realistic sense of what treatment will involve.
Step 2 — Digital Scanning and Treatment Planning
Using Trios 3D digital impressions, Dr. Nilay captures a precise model of your teeth. No putty, no mess. The digital scan is used to create your custom ClearCorrect treatment plan, including a projected view of your final result.
Step 3 — Receive Your Aligners
Your custom-made aligner trays are fabricated and delivered to the office. Dr. Nilay will walk you through the wear schedule, care instructions, and what to expect as treatment progresses.
Step 4 — Progress Check-Ins
Every six to eight weeks, you will come in for a brief progress check. Dr. Nilay will confirm that your teeth are moving as planned and make any adjustments needed.
Step 5 — Retainers and Final Results
Once treatment is complete, you will transition to retainers to maintain your new alignment. Dr. Nilay will fit you with a customized retainer and give you clear guidance on how long and how often to wear it.
Our friendly team is here to help with anything you need — from insurance questions to treatment details.
ClearCorrect is a highly effective clear aligner system used by certified providers worldwide. It is capable of treating a wide range of alignment issues including crowding, spacing, and bite correction. Dr. Nilay will evaluate your specific needs during your consultation and let you know if clear aligner therapy is the right fit.
Treatment length varies based on the complexity of your case. Mild cases may be complete in six months, while more comprehensive treatment can take 12 to 18 months. Dr. Nilay will give you a projected timeline during your initial consultation.
You should remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This protects the trays from staining and damage, and keeps food particles from getting trapped. Most patients adapt to removing and reinserting their aligners quickly.
Contact the office as soon as possible. Depending on where you are in your treatment sequence, Dr. Nilay may recommend moving to the next tray or having a replacement fabricated. Wearing your aligners consistently is important for staying on track.
Treatment costs vary based on the complexity of your case. Big City Dental offers Cherry financing and Archie payment plans to spread the cost over time. Members of our in-house savings plan receive 10% off aligner therapy as part of their membership.
Our patients come from across Chicago’s Northside neighborhoods. Here’s what they’re saying about their experience at Big City Dental.
2 months ago
Another great visit w Ashley! Chopping it up between spritzes!
3 months ago
I was taken back for my cleaning exactly on time, and the entire visit was efficient without feeling rushed. Another great experience and visit.
3 months ago
I've been going to this practice for over 30 years, and my long-time dentist finally retired a few months ago. I'm very happy to report that the new dentist who has taken over is a very sociable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy person. I'll be happy to continue going here for another 30 years!
4 months ago
I can’t say enough good things about this dental office. From the moment you walk in, everyone is kind, welcoming, and professional. The dentist truly takes the time to explain everything, answer questions, and make sure you’re comfortable throughout the entire visit. I always feel like I’m in great hands and that they genuinely care about doing excellent work—not rushing or cutting corners. The quality of care is consistently wonderful, and I leave every appointment feeling confident and well taken care of. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a dentist they can truly trust!
4 months ago
Been a patient here for years, and every time I leave, I swear I’m going to floss every day… it lasts about a week, but they never judge me! The hygienists are gentle, esp Abby. Dr. Nilay is awesome, and they somehow make dental cleanings almost enjoyable. Highly recommend this crew!
5 months ago
Big City Dental was clean, efficient, and friendly. I will be requesting Abby every time I go now!
5 months ago
Love the place. Amazing people. Friendly staff 🫶🏼✨
5 months ago
I had such a wonderful experience with Raquel and Serena. They were incredibly kind, patient, and professional from start to finish. Their calming personalities and friendly attitudes made the entire visit so much more comfortable. They took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I felt at ease throughout the appointment. You can truly tell they care about their patients. Thank you, Raquel and Serena, for providing such exceptional care—your teamwork and positivity make all the difference! 🌟🦷
5 months ago
I would definitely recommend Big City Dental to everyone that I know. My Hygienist Ashley was very efficient and thorough and my teeth especially clean. I was totally impressed. I will definitely recommend Ashley to all my family and friends.