How Do Clear Aligners Straighten Teeth?

Custom-made, clear aligners are a great alternative to metal braces for adults and teens who need mild to moderate orthodontic treatment. Our dentists will take impressions of your teeth, which will be sent to an off-site lab for fabrication. Once your custom aligner trays are ready, you will return to our office to try them in and ensure a proper fit. You’ll need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours daily and change them out every two weeks for a new set. The aligners move your teeth gradually into proper alignment.

Invisalign® is a popular choice because of its easy use and clear appearance. You won’t have to worry about eating certain foods or needing special teeth-cleaning tools. Your dentist can recommend you to certain brands depending on your needs. While traditional metal braces are still effective in some cases, their gradual movement can cause discomfort as the teeth shift into place. This can cause many patients to stop wearing their devices, making the process take longer. With custom-made clear aligners that are only worn during the day and night, patients find them much more comfortable to wear throughout treatment.

Clear aligners have many benefits over traditional braces, including improved social confidence, reduction in tooth sensitivity, and improved hygiene. Patients can brush and floss like normal without fearing getting food stuck in their teeth or causing damage to their appliances. Each set of aligners is removable, so you can take them to eat and clean your teeth. Most patients also find them more comfortable than metal brackets and wires against their cheeks and lips.

How Clear Aligners Straighten Teeth?

While clear aligners are removable, they do work to reposition the teeth using a series of custom trays made from BPA-free clear plastic. Each tray is worn for a certain number of hours daily or at night to guide your teeth into proper alignment slowly. Because they’re removable, patients can enjoy their favorite foods and drinks without the worry of the bulky parts getting in the way. For the best results, wear your aligner for the recommended amount of time per your schedule.

Some patients find their teeth easier to clean after straightening them with clear aligners. Because the teeth are gently repositioned in stages, they also tend to appear more, even when you smile! Patients typically report feeling more confident once their treatment is complete.

Benefits of Clear Aligners

A benefit of using a clear aligner is that the trays are removable, so patients can easily remove their aligner before meals and brush and floss! Patients also appreciate the ability to remove the tray for photos and other special occasions. The treatment process is also discreet. The clear aligners are virtually invisible when worn and do not attract unwanted attention like traditional metal braces. Many teens and adults considering orthodontic treatment prefer that their teeth be straightened with a method that is less noticeable to others.

Another benefit of clear aligners is that the procedure is reversible. The trays can be removed if patients no longer want to wear their aligners. Traditional metal braces cannot be removed until the treatment is complete, even if the patient decides mid-treatment that they no longer want to pursue orthodontic treatment. With these aligners, the process can be stopped at any time without altering the results of previous treatments.

In addition, these aligners are typically more comfortable than traditional metal braces. Since they are made of smooth plastic that is custom fit, they don’t irritate the lining of the mouth or gums as metal brackets can. They’re also less likely to cause cuts in the mouth from the wires as with traditional braces.

Finally, many patients find the treatment time associated with clear aligners to be shorter than conventional metal braces.