Clear Aligners

The Benefits of Clear Aligners

Aligners offer several advantages over traditional braces. For instance, clear aligners are:

• Removable
• Discreet
• Smooth and nonabrasive

Unlike metal braces, clear aligners will not irritate sensitive mouth tissues. Patients who opt for aligners can also skip tedious dietary restrictions. Those who choose braces may have to avoid hard candy and sticky treats. With aligners, however, one can simply remove the trays to enjoy their favorite foods.

Keep in mind that aligners are not suitable for everyone. For example, aligners are not an appropriate option for young children whose mouths are still developing. Dental providers generally recommend clear aligners for patients who have already achieved their adult jaw size and shape.

Clear aligners cannot fix every dental concern. Some complex issues may require traditional braces or headgear. We can provide in-depth guidance. If clear aligners are not an option, we can help select an alternate treatment.

Consistency is Key

Patients must wear clear aligners for 20-22 hours per day. Patients who reach this target enjoy a faster treatment and more consistent results. Most providers recommend removing the aligners only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Patients can expect to wear their aligners overnight, too.

Complying with treatment can be a roadblock for some patients, especially teens. Patients who tend to snack or sip coffee throughout the day may have trouble keeping their aligners in place. However, removing the aligners for several hours each day can reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.

Before investing in clear aligners, patients must be realistic about their limitations. This involves considering their lifestyle and personal habits. If they suspect that they may have trouble sticking to the treatment plan, braces might be a better choice.

What to Expect from Treatment

Once a patient opts for clear aligners, our team begins by taking impressions of the mouth. We send the impressions to a dental lab that produces the aligners. The first set of aligners will be ready within a few weeks.

Most patients can expect to switch out their aligners every one to two weeks. Each new set shifts the teeth a bit more. We provide a schedule that explains when it is time to switch to a new set of aligners. Patients can change out their aligners in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.

During treatment, patients may need to visit the office every six weeks. During these visits, we provide the next few sets of aligners. Our team also takes a look into the mouth to assess the treatment’s progress. These checkups are generally brief.

Treatment Time With Clear Aligners

Treatment time with clear aligners varies on a case-by-case basis, and more complex orthodontic issues typically take longer to treat. Factors to consider can include how much the teeth need to be moved or rotated, how misaligned the bite is, and how crooked the teeth are.

According to WebMD, the typical treatment time ranges from 10 to 24 months. However, treatment may be completed in as little as 10 weeks for adults who have previously had braces. In any case, patients will need to wear a retainer afterward to maintain results.