Clear Aligners
If you are hoping to straighten your teeth without the commitment of traditional braces, you may be a candidate for clear aligners. Clear aligners are custom made, clear, removable trays that will gradually move your teeth to their proper position.
How do clear aligners work?
Detailed impressions are taken to generate the clear aligners. The aligners are made with BPA free plastic and each one will use gradual forces to move your teeth into a more aligned position. Each aligner should be worn for 2 weeks and at least for 20 hours each day. Every patient is different and the total number of aligners you are prescribed depends on the severity of the case. Once you complete the aligners, you will have the beautiful smile you had hoped for!
What if I sign up for a “Do It Yourself” aligner therapy?
The American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists have been cautioning consumers about the dangers of “Do It Yourself” orthodontics in the past year. You may see commercial and ads about how simple it is to move your teeth at home with clear aligners. Movement of teeth requires proper diagnosis and continuous supervision by a licensed professional to avoid potential harm to your teeth, gums and the bone that surrounds the teeth.
In American Dental Association News, November 20, 2017: “The AAO reported that nearly 13% of its member orthodontists are seeing patients who have tried do-it-yourself teeth straightening for retreatment, with some of those attempts causing irreparable damage.” In addition, “The American Association of Orthodontists is urging consumers to beware of Internet videos and websites which encourage people to try and straighten their own teeth. Moving teeth is a medical procedure and needs professional supervision by an orthodontist. Please be wary of any suggestion to move teeth with rubber bands, dental floss or other objects ordered on the Internet. Moving teeth without a thorough examination of the overall health of the teeth and gums could result in the permanent loss of teeth, which may result in expensive and lifelong dental problems. Orthodontists receive two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school and are specialists in straightening teeth and aligning the bite.”
Advantages of orthodontic treatment with clear aligners:
There are certain advantages that clear aligners offer over standard braces:
- They are a nice alternative for someone who had braces in the past, has experienced mild relapse and would prefer to avoid braces again
- It is easier to brush and floss without braces
- Clear aligners are more comfortable than braces that sometimes will irritate your gums and cheeks
- If you grind your teeth, the aligners offer protection to the enamel as they cover the tops of the teeth
- Your friends and family will have a hard time noticing them
Call our office today to see if clear aligners are a good option for you!