How can I straighten my teeth with clear aligners (invisible braces)?
Clear aligner therapy is an orthodontic treatment that uses nearly invisible, custom-fitted aligners (mouth trays) to straighten your teeth and correct your bite. This treatment is tailored to your unique smile goals, offering a discreet and effective way to achieve the beautiful smile you desire.
I’m interested in clear aligners (invisible braces), what happens now?
The first step in clear aligner treatment is an evaluation and consultation with our doctors. During this consultation, we will discuss your goals for the appearance and function of your smile. Using a digital 3D scan of your mouth, along with x-rays, and photos of your current smile and profile, our doctors will evaluate if clear aligner therapy can achieve your desired results.
If clear aligner therapy can achieve your desired results, a digital treatment plan is created, using the images taken. This plan will illustrate the intended alignment and correction of your teeth and outline the number of clear aligner trays needed and duration of wear for each one.
Are clear aligners (invisible braces) an option for my teeth?
Clear aligners (invisible braces) can treat many alignment concerns, and is most effective for esthetic concerns and mild to moderate alignment corrections such as:
Crowded teeth
Gaps between teeth
Crooked or rotated teeth
Openbite
Overbite
Underbite
Crossbite
How do clear aligners (invisible braces) straighten my teeth?
As you wear your clear aligners, they apply gentle pressure on your teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position Throughout your treatment, you will progress through a series of aligners, each designed to make small adjustments to your teeth.
It’s normal to experience some discomfort as your mouth adjusts to each new aligner and your teeth move into their corrected positions. The number of aligners and the length of treatment will vary depending on the extent of correction needed to achieve your desired results. Typically, aligners are worn for at least 22 hours a day, and should only be removed for eating, brushing, flossing, and cleaning the trays. Consistent wear is key to the success of your treatment.
Once you’ve completed your aligner series, you’ll receive a retainer tray to wear overnight, helping to maintain the alignment of your teeth and preserve your new smile.
What happens if I lose or don’t wear my retainer?
If you don’t wear your retainer as instructed, your teeth may begin to shift back toward their original positions, potentially undoing the progress made during your treatment. If you lose your retainer, it’s important to contact our office quickly to replace it to avoid unwanted movement of your teeth.