Modern dentistry has changed the way we treat patients who want a straighter, healthier smile. Traditional braces have given way to a new system that straightens teeth while giving the patient flexibility and freedom.
Clear aligners are a discreet, convenient way to straighten teeth and improve bite alignment. Virtually invisible, removable, and customized to each patient’s smile, clear aligners fit easily and discreetly into everyday life.
Clear aligners are removable, custom-made trays that gradually move teeth into their planned positions. They are different from traditional braces in that they are virtually invisible and fully removable. This means that you can remove them to eat your favorite foods or to brush and floss your teeth. Patients progress through a series of aligners as treatment moves forward, switching to a new tray each time they get closer to their smile goal.
There are several orthodontic concerns that clear aligners can treat. Specifically, clear aligners are an excellent treatment option for:
Only a consultation can really determine if a patient is a good candidate for clear aligners or if the complexity of their case excludes them as a treatment option.
It is natural for patients to want to take into consideration the advantages of any treatment before committing. At Today’s Dental Comfort, we walk our patients through every step and answer all questions to help guide them towards making the right choices for their oral health.
That said, there are some straightforward advantages to clear aligners.
Clear aligners are made of a clear plastic, and they become virtually invisible once positioned. For patients who remember traditional braces and what they look like, this can be a deciding factor.
For clear aligners to be effective they must be worn with consistency, at least 20 to 22 hours a day. However, they can be removed during meals and while brushing and flossing. This means patients can continue to enjoy their favorite foods and they can easily maintain their oral hygiene routine.
Traditional braces have brackets and wires that can be uncomfortable or painful. Clear aligners don’t have either and are custom-made to fit the patient’s teeth. The trays are smooth and designed to be comfortable while worn.
With traditional braces, patients are often advised to avoid certain foods. Because patients can remove clear aligners when they eat, these restrictions no longer apply. Patients can continue to enjoy their favorite foods without risking damage to their oral appliance.
If you are considering clear aligners and want an idea of what the process looks like, you can read a general breakdown of what you can expect from clear aligner treatment.
Treatment begins with a consultation to evaluate your teeth, bite, and overall oral health. We will also talk with you about what you would like to change about your smile and determine whether clear aligners are a good option.
Next, we will take detailed digital scans or impressions of your teeth. This information allows us to carefully plan how your teeth will move throughout treatment.
Your aligners are created specifically for your smile and treatment plan. Each set is designed to make small, controlled adjustments to the position of your teeth.
You will wear your aligners according to the instructions we provide, removing them when appropriate for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Consistent wear is important for keeping your treatment progressing as planned.
As your teeth gradually move, you will switch to the next set of aligners in your series. Each new set continues the process, bringing your teeth closer to their planned positions.
We will see you periodically to check your progress and make sure your treatment is moving in the right direction. These appointments also give you an opportunity to ask questions or discuss any concerns.
Once active treatment is complete, you will typically wear a retainer to help maintain your new smile. Retainers help prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back toward their previous positions.
Successful treatment depends heavily on consistent wear. One thing to remember is that with traditional braces, once they are on, they stay on. To make the most of clear aligners, you have to wear them consistently.
You should only remove them to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss your teeth. Ideally, you should wear them 20 to 22 hours a day.
Determining a specific timeline is difficult without a consultation. Treatment length varies according to the amount and type of tooth movement required. This will be different for everyone, but following wear instructions can help keep treatment progressing as planned.
Clear aligners can treat many orthodontic concerns but may not be appropriate for everyone or every type of tooth movement. It is also important to evaluate a patient’s oral health before beginning any orthodontic treatment.
More complex cases may require another treatment approach.
Finding the right solution always begins with a consultation. Whether or not clear aligners work for you, we will always find the right solution for your smile.
Caring for your teeth during clear aligner treatment is not much different than caring for them now. You still have to brush twice a day, floss daily, and go for regular checkups.
You may already have a list of questions that you want to ask us, so here are some of our most frequently asked questions:
You may notice some pressure or mild discomfort when you begin wearing a new set of aligners. This is normal and usually improves as your teeth adjust. The gentle pressure is part of how the aligners gradually move your teeth into their planned positions.
Clear aligners should generally be removed before eating. Because they are removable, you can continue enjoying your usual foods without many of the restrictions associated with traditional braces. Be sure to follow the specific instructions we provide for your treatment.
It is best to remove your aligners before drinking coffee or other beverages besides water. Coffee can stain the aligners, and beverages can become trapped between the aligners and your teeth.
You may notice a slight change in your speech when you first begin wearing your aligners. Most people adjust as they become accustomed to speaking with the aligners in place.
The frequency of your appointments will depend on your individual treatment plan and how your teeth are progressing. Regular progress appointments allow us to monitor tooth movement and make sure your treatment stays on track. In-person monitoring is an important part of safe and effective orthodontic treatment.
Contact our office if an aligner is lost or damaged rather than simply moving on to the next set. We can let you know whether you should wear a previous aligner, move forward to the next one, or have a replacement made.
Absolutely. Healthy teeth can be moved at virtually any age, and many adults choose orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance, alignment, or function of their smiles. We can evaluate your teeth and bite to determine whether clear aligners are appropriate for your needs.
Yes, most patients will need to wear a retainer after completing clear aligner treatment. Teeth can naturally shift over time, so wearing your retainer as directed helps maintain their new positions and protect the results of your treatment.
If you are curious about clear aligners or want to know if they are the right solution for your smile, please reach out to us and schedule a consultation with our office located in Burton, MI. We would love to help you design your personalized treatment plan and give you the smile of your dreams.
We are proud to offer SureSmile® Clear Aligners as one option for creating a straighter, more balanced smile. These custom-made, virtually invisible aligners gently guide your teeth into their planned positions while giving you the flexibility to remove them for meals, brushing, and flossing. SureSmile® can address a variety of orthodontic concerns, including crowded or spaced teeth and certain bite problems, and we can help you determine whether it is the right choice for your smile.
