CLEAR ALIGNERS & INVISALIGN®
Clear Aligners
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Clear aligners are an effective alternative to traditional braces, because they use a system of clear, removable trays used to straighten teeth. Each aligner is custom-made to fit over your teeth and is designed to gradually move teeth into their proper position. Using clear aligners for orthodontic treatment is not for everyone. The best way to find out if clear aligners are the right option for you is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligners are used as an alternative to traditional braces, and are designed to help guide teeth into proper position. Just like braces, clear aligners use gradual force to control tooth movement, but without any metal wires or brackets. The aligners are made with a strong plastic material that has been fabricated to fit your mouth. As treatment progresses you switch aligners. Each aligner is a little different, so your teeth move a little more with every change.
Aligners are worn for at least 20 hours each day, and you'll receive a new aligner every two weeks. The length of your treatment depends on the severity of your case, and treatment can take anywhere from six months to two years.
Advantages Of Orthodontic Treatment With Clear Aligners:
Clear aligners are a great alternative for patients who want a straighter smile but do not want to wear metal braces, or for patients who have had treatment in the past and want to make minor corrections to their smile. There are several advantages to orthodontic treatment with clear aligners.
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Clear aligners are easier to keep clean, making it easier to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
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Clear aligners are comfortable and less likely to irritate your gums and cheeks.
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Clear aligners prevent wear on the teeth from tooth grinding.
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Clear aligners are removable, so it's easier for you to brush and floss after meals.
If you're interested in orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, schedule an appointment and talk to your orthodontist about whether this is the right treatment option for you. Scheduling a consultation is your first step toward achieving the beautiful smile you've always wanted.
Invisalign®
Consider Invisalign to get the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted – without braces. A consultation with your doctor can determine if Invisalign is right for you.
What Is It?
Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3D computer imaging technology and has been proven effective. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign.
Why Would I Want It?
Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your doctor's office getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.
How Does It Work?
You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move — little by little, week by week — until they have straightened to the final position your doctor has prescribed. You'll visit our practice about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time typically lasts nine to 15 months, and the number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both numbers will vary from case to case.
