You may have heard a lot about clear aligners lately. Many people are choosing this orthodontic treatment instead of traditional braces. Because this approach uses different methods, you should be familiar with what will take place during the process. Your dentist will explain how aligners work and why this approach may make sense to you. As you learn more about the procedure, you can have peace of mind in knowing that a new smile is just several months away.
Aligners offer an alternative way to restore smiles and give people a good self-image once more. Aligners are made of clear plastic and resemble mouthguards. They are practically invisible, so the appliance will not stand out and be noticeable to others. The aligners are also removable and do not need to stay in the mouth 24 hours a day. People also like that the total treatment time does not last long.
Orthodontic treatment should begin as early as age 7. By the time a patient is in their late teens, clear aligners could be the right answer to fixing crooked teeth. A dentist should meet with an interested patient to discuss the process of getting aligners. This dental professional can talk about treatment details, including what the results can look like and how to keep the appliance clean. At the consultation, the dentist can address concerns and answer questions.
Once the patient decides that clear aligners are right for them, the dentist will take X-rays of the teeth. Also, 3D images will be taken to give the dentist a model of the person’s mouth. These pictures allow the professional to devise a treatment plan. Also, these enable a technician to fabricate the first aligners.
Once the clear aligners are ready, the dentist places the appliance over the person’s teeth. The professional will ensure that the mouthguard fits properly and comfortably. Any adjustments should occur at this appointment. The dentist will explain how many hours a day the person should wear the aligners and how to properly clean and care for them.
As the teeth move, the aligners will no longer fit. Every few weeks, the patient will return to the office and get a new set of clear aligners that once again fit over the teeth. This new set will continue to shift the teeth. If there are any issues with the appliance in between appointments, the patient should inform the dentist right away.
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If you are looking for an alternative way to straighten your teeth, then clear aligners could be the right answer for you. You will not have metal wires and brackets in your mouth. Your dentist can explain how aligners work and how you can benefit. Make an appointment to talk to your dentist today.
Request an appointment or call Mission Valley Dental Arts at 619-805-4248 for an appointment in our San Diego office.
It takes dedication to wear clear aligners often enough, but patients need to know what to do afterward. However, without the right after-treatment care, the teeth might begin to shift. That undoes the work of the clear aligners. That means the patient will need to have a retainer after the aligners come off.A retainer can…
Patients who want to get straighter teeth might consider using clear aligners. These provide a discreet method of getting straighter teeth. Many times, patients find them more comfortable than traditional braces. If you want to know more, keep reading about clear aligners and how attachments work with them.Clear aligners are a discreet method of straightening…
If you are thinking about clear aligners as a way to fix your crooked teeth, you should talk to your dentist. This professional can tell you whether you are a good candidate for the treatment. There are many differences between aligners and braces, but the goals are the same: to change your smile. You can…
For a long time, if a person wanted straighter teeth, the only option was traditional braces. However, the introduction of Invisalign® in 1999 changed that. This treatment involves a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit the patient's teeth and gradually guide the teeth into the desired position. Many patients prefer aligners…
It takes dedication to wear clear aligners often enough, but patients need to know what to do afterward. However, without the right after-treatment care, the teeth might begin to shift. That undoes the work of the clear aligners. That means the patient will need to have a retainer after the aligners come off.A retainer can…
