Clear aligners treatment is a relatively new and increasingly popular option for people of all ages who want to improve the appearance of their teeth without the discomfort and hassle of traditional metal braces. Clear aligners are custom-made from transparent plastic and are designed to gradually move teeth into their desired position over time. Compared to metal braces, clear aligners offer a number of benefits, including being virtually invisible, comfortable to wear, and removable for eating and brushing your teeth. This makes them an ideal option for adults who want to improve their smile discreetly without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
There are two main types of clear aligners treatment available on the market: Invisalign®️ and ClearCorrect™️. Invisalign®️ is a popular choice among many adults looking to straighten their smile without the hassle of metal braces. The system uses custom-made, removable plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth and gradually shift them into position over time. The trays are virtually invisible when worn, so nobody will know you’re wearing them unless you tell them! Invisalign®️ also requires fewer trips to the dentist since there are no wires or brackets that need adjusting or changing out during treatment.
ClearCorrect™️ is another type of clear aligner system designed for both adults and teens who want straighter teeth without traditional braces. Like Invisalign®, ClearCorrect™️ uses customized plastic trays that are virtually invisible and comfortable to wear. However, ClearCorrect™️ offers some additional benefits such as improved control over tooth movement and the ability to address more complex cases.
The process for getting and wearing clear aligners is relatively simple and straightforward. If you’re considering clear aligners to straighten your teeth, here are the steps you can expect to take:
A. Consultation with an Orthodontist/Dentist: Your first step should be scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist or dentist who specializes in clear aligner treatment. After a physical examination, they’ll be able to determine whether this type of treatment is right for you and discuss any questions or concerns that you may have.
B. Taking a Mold of Teeth: At the next appointment, the orthodontist will take detailed impressions of your mouth using moulds or digital scans in order to create custom-fit aligners that will move your teeth into place as desired.
C. Receiving the Custom-Made Aligners in the Mail: Once your impressions are complete, they’ll be sent off so that a lab can make custom-made aligners specifically designed for your mouth shape and size. Depending on where you get them from, it can take anywhere from two weeks to four weeks for them to arrive by mail at your home address.
D. Wearing Each Set of Aligners for Two Weeks: Once you receive your custom-made aligners, you’ll need to wear each set of aligners for two weeks before moving on to the next set. This allows your teeth to gradually shift into their desired position over time. Depending on the complexity of your case, you may need to wear your aligners for several months or even up to a year.
Maintaining oral hygiene with clear aligners is important to ensure that your teeth, gums, and clear aligners stay healthy. Poor oral hygiene can lead to an increased risk of developing gum disease and other dental issues. Here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to maintaining oral hygiene with clear aligners:
A. Brushing and Flossing Regularly: It’s important to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Brush from the gum line up in short strokes along the outer surface of your teeth, then brush the inner surfaces, followed by biting surfaces of the back teeth. Use floss or interdental brushes between all adjacent teeth once daily before brushing your teeth for optimal results
