Clear Aligner Tooth Straightening
Traditional metal braces have been used by orthodontists and dentists for decades to straighten teeth. Clear Aligners such as Invisalign, Clear Correct and SureSmile are a newer orthodontic concept that, like traditional braces, improves the alignment of your teeth to produce a straighter smile and better oral health.
Clear Aligner orthodontics involves the use of a series of transparent plastic aligners instead of ”braces” to straighten teeth. It is used primarily in the treatment of mild to moderately crowded front teeth. Clear Aligners have has gained popularity over the years because teeth can be straightened without traditional braces - the clear aligners are virtually invisible!
How Clear Aligners work
Traditional braces make use of metal “brackets” and fixed wires to “pull” the teeth into alignment. Clear Aligners, on the other hand, uses a computer-generated “impression” of your mouth to produce a series of sequential clear aligners that “press” your teeth into a better position over a period of months.
Pros and cons of Clear Aligners vs braces
Though there are some similarities between the Clear Aligners and braces, there are probably more differences. Here are a few:
- Clear vs Visible. Clear Aligners are made from clear BPA-free plastic, which renders them virtually invisible to other people. Traditional braces are made from metal brackets, wires and elastic bands.
- Convenience. Clear Aligner braces can be removed from the mouth whenever necessary. Although guidelines suggest patients should wear their trays for 20 - 22 hours per day. In contrast, traditional braces cannot be removed as they are stuck to teeth by wires
- Treatment Length. The Clear Aligner process is substantially shorter than the usual treatment period for traditional braces. Because of how Clear Aligners work, patients only have to wear the trays for 6 to 18 months whereas traditional braces have an average time of 2 years.
- Cost. The baseline cost for Clear Aligner braces tends to be higher than traditional metal braces, though the upfront costs are not significantly different.
Who are Clear Aligners suitable for
Clear Aligners are suitable for almost anyone wanting to improve their smile or arrange their teeth in a more orderly fashion. Clear Aligners can treat a variety of issues such as gapped teeth, crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and cross-bites.
- Older teens. Clear Aligners can help correct most misalignments for teenagers’ teeth. The clear aligners, shorter treatment times and easier use, make Clear Aligners an ideal treatment for teenagers.
- Adults. More and more adults are choosing correctional dental work and taking control of their own health. Clear Aligners are ideal for adults who want to improve their smile without using a highly-visible metal brace.
Patients needing significant corrective work on their back teeth or jaw position may not be suitable for Invisalign. To get a professional opinion on the suitability for yourself or a family member using the Clear Aligner treatment, simply contact our dental clinic.
Who Clear Aligners are not suitable for
Although Clear Aligners are a good treatment option for many people, it’s not for everyone. Clear Aligners may not be suitable for:
- Severely crowded teeth or like large overbites
- Patients with existing dental decay or severe gum disease
- Some patients with existing crowns
- Some patients with TMJ issues
- Patients under 12 years old
Consult your dentist if you have questions about the suitability of Clear Aligners are for you.
What to expect
The following is general information regarding what to expect during your Clear Aligner treatment process. Prior to starting treatment we will discuss the Clear Aligner process and cost with you so that you can make an informed decision about the treatment.
- Step 1: Initially your dentist will take photos, X-rays, and 3D digital scans or dental impressions of your teeth to develop your treatment plan.
- Step 2: This information will be transferred to a Clear Aligner laboratory where they will use these records, under the guidance of your dentist, to create a customized 3D treatment plan just for you. You will also be able to see an image of the final position of your teeth at the completion of your treatment. This treatment plan is used to develop customized aligners and will determine the duration of your treatment.
- Step 3: The customized aligners are manufactured and shipped to your dentists’ office. Some patients may need small composite filling patches applied to each tooth to help the Clear Aligners grip onto each tooth and move them. In others, spaces may need to be created between teeth, using small sanding discs - “interproximal reduction” to allow the teeth room to move.
- Step 4: A series of custom-made aligners (typically 3 - 4 sets at a time) will be given to you so you can change them yourself every 2 weeks.
- Step 5: Every 6–8 weeks you will visit your doctor so they can monitor the progress of your treatment and provide you with the next series of aligners.
- Step 6: After you have completed your Clear Aligner treatment, you may require the use of retainers to help ensure that the new position of your teeth is maintained.
Your Clear Aligners need to be cleaned thoroughly by rinsing and light brushing in the morning, at night and after meals to control the buildup of food debris and bacteria.
Changes to Your Mouth
When you begin to wear your clear aligners you will feel some peculiar changes going on in your mouth. This is normal and part of the process of getting used to Invisalign. Traditional braces have very similar side effects.
You will experience some discomfort including mild aching as your teeth are pushed into their new positions. This should stop after a few days after every tray change. Some Clear Aligner wearers also feel enhanced sensitivity in their teeth or slight speech difficulties, but these usually subside after a short period of time.