What are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners therapy uses a series of plastic trays, or aligners, to incrementally move your teeth from one position to another. Because of this, clear aligners are often called clear braces. These clear braces are made by melting down plastic and using a 3D printer to print and create each aligner.
Invisalign® isn’t the only brand of aligners. Much like Kleenex® is the name a lot of us call facial tissues, Invisalign® is just one of many brands out there. It has a lot of name recognition, but there are other great alternatives that work just as well and may fit your needs better during this process.
Am I a Candidate for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are specifically designed for the controlled movement of teeth without obstruction from metal brackets and wires, however, they are not meant to treat every patient’s case. Contact our office to see if you are a candidate for clear aligners.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Teeth move due to consistent pressure being applied over time. Which means you need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours every day. Aligners should be removed when you eat, drink, and brush your teeth. Treatment may take longer if you don’t wear your aligners consistently.
What is an Attachment?
Many people don’t expect to have something attached to their teeth when wearing clear aligners. Most people will need these. The purpose of attachments is to help your trays stay in place on your teeth to make sure your aligners are applying the pressure in the correct places. This allows the aligners to correctly shift your teeth.
Why See an Orthodontist During Clear Aligner Therapy?
The initial scan and treatment plan will get you into the right ballpark. However, it is important to have an orthodontist supervising your treatment in order to make sure that mid-course corrections are made. This is because each person is a unique individual and you orthodontist can keep tabs on the way your teeth are moving to fine tune the treatment as you progress. This will result in a more beautiful smile.
