You might have been told that your teeth are crooked or might not fit together correctly. This can feel like a big problem and make you feel self-conscious and embarrassed.
Clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment that can help to straighten teeth without using metal wires and brackets. They are made from transparent plastic and are almost invisible when worn so that you can smile with confidence.
What Do Clear Aligners Look Like?
Clear aligners are made from a strong plastic material to fit snugly over your teeth. They can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, so it is easy to maintain good oral hygiene
when wearing them.
Many adults want to straighten their teeth but don’t want to wear traditional metal braces. We have clear aligners that are a great option, but there are some essential differences between the two types of treatment.
In-Office vs. At-Home Aligners
Teeth aligners are used for straightening teeth, with both in-office and at-home treatments available.
In-office treatments involve the dentist working on your teeth directly, while at-home treatments involve the patient using teeth aligners at home under the direction of a dentist.
Invisalign is the clear alternative to metal braces for kids, teens, and adults. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign not only uses a series of clear, removable aligners, but it’s virtually undetectable! This is why many people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth.
Invisalign also allows you to view your virtual treatment plan when you start to see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete. You’ll wear each set of aligners for
about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move — little by little, week by week — until they have straightened to their final positions. You’ll visit us approximately once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment progresses as planned.
Total treatment time averages 9 to 15 months, and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.
How Does Clear Aligner Work?
The first step is to impress or scan your teeth using Digital Impression systems like iMedit (which we use), iTero or 3Shape Trios Scanner by your dentist or orthodontist. Then the process is the same as Invisalign treatment; a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners will be custom-made for your teeth.
As you replace each aligner every two weeks, your teeth will move gradually until they have straightened to the final position prescribed by your dentist or orthodontist. You’ll visit us about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment progresses as planned.
Total treatment time averages 6-18 months, and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 10 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.
Conclusion
Clear aligners are a good alternative for adults who have minor discomforts and desire corrections to their teeth. They can be less expensive, take far less time than traditional
braces, look like your regular teeth and remove any limitations on your diet that other options might pose.
If you are looking into these, please remember that they do work; they are not a painful alternative to orthodontics; they can last anywhere between 8 months to 5 years or longer. If you think you would benefit from clear aligners, please contact us.
We offer several different plans based on your needs and budget. We will work with you to determine which method is best for you and help you decide if this alternative is suitable for you.
Please schedule your consultation to learn more about teeth straightening.