Clear Aligners
What Are Clear Aligners?
An alternative to metal braces, clear aligners use a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. Each aligner is slightly different, moving your teeth gradually into the desired position. Clear aligners move your teeth by applying pressure on specific teeth. Over time, they gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. One of the popular brands of clear aligners, Invisalign, is an excellent option for most orthodontic patients, including adults who would like straighter teeth but don't want to wear braces. Clear aligners can address dental issues like crossbite, underbite, overbite, gapped teeth, and crooked teeth.
Steps Involved In Getting Clear Aligners
CONSULTATION
At your initial consultation, our dentist will examine your smile and understand your orthodontic goals to determine your candidacy for Clear aligners. After determining that Clear aligners are right for you, our dentist will take digital impressions of your teeth. He can also give you a sneak peek of your new smile after the treatment with a digital mockup.
ALIGNER PICK-UP
After getting the digital impressions of the patient's teeth, Clear aligners are fabricated in a dental laboratory with the help of 3D printing technology as per the treatment plan. Once the aligners are ready, patients can pick them up from the dental office. During the aligner pick-up appointment, the dentist will review the treatment plan that was created before the patient began treatment. The dentist will also give instructions about how and when to wear the aligners.
ALIGNER CHANGE
Clear aligners are comfortable, and they fit snugly over your teeth. Most patients find that they adjust quickly to wearing their clear aligners and can wear them for most of the day without anyone noticing. You will need to wear your clear aligners for about 22 hours per day, removing them only to drink water or eat. Each aligner will move the teeth about 0.25 mm and needs to be changed out every two weeks.
DENTAL OFFICE CHECK-INS
While wearing Invisalign clear aligners, you'll visit your dentist every four to six weeks. During these visits, your dentist will check and ensure that your treatment goes as planned. As long as you are diligent about wearing your Clear aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day, your treatment progress will be on the right track. Besides, during these check-in appointments, you will receive your next set of Clear aligners from the dental office.
MAINTENANCE OF SMILE
Once the treatment is completed, and the treatment goals are achieved, your dentist may suggest retainers to maintain your new smile. These retainers are meant to help maintain the new position of your teeth and are to be worn every night for a few years. If retainers are not worn, your straightened teeth may gradually move back to their earlier, crooked position.
What Are The Advantages Of Clear Aligners?
Comfort
Patients often experience little or no discomfort during clear aligner treatment. Because there are no metal brackets and wires, there's nothing poking and prodding the inside of your mouth. Instead, you'll wear clear plastic aligners that are smooth to the touch. Besides, since the aligners are custom-fit to your teeth, so they'll fit comfortably and without causing irritation.
Have Questions About Clear Aligners? Find Answers Here.
Do you have a question? Or do you wish to schedule an appointment with us? Call Dawson Modern Dentistry at (704) 565-9512 or visit Dentist in Matthews NC at 3555-2 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Matthews, NC 28105.
