Many people dream of having the perfect smile. However, some people avoid actually getting orthodontic treatment because they don’t want to deal with how visible and cumbersome braces can be. Fortunately, there’s a discreet way to straighten your teeth –clear aligners.
Having crooked teeth not only makes people self conscious of their smiles, but it can also hinder their dental hygiene, which can lead to tooth decay or gum disease if it’s not treated in a timely manner. Fortunately, clear aligners are nearly invisible plastic replicas of your teeth. As you wear them, they put gentle pressure on your teeth to gradually reposition them.
Do I Need Clear Aligners?
Signs that you may need clear aligners include:
Gapped teeth
Crowded or cramped teeth
Overbite
Underbite
Open bite
Crooked teeth
Cross bite
That being said, aligners are not right for everyone. Aligners work best at straightening teeth and fixing the above conditions so long as they are mild or moderate. Those with more severe cases may need more complex treatment.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligners are clear, thin, plastic-like trays that are formed to fit an individual’s teeth. Patients are responsible for putting in and removing their aligners. A series of aligners is created to move teeth. Each aligner is worn for 1 week at a time, and moves teeth a fraction of a millimeter at a time. Patients must remove aligners for meals and when brushing/flossing. The number of aligners needed to correct misaligned teeth varies based on the individual’s orthodontic problem and its correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there anything that needs to be done before getting clear aligners?
Before you get aligners, visit your family dentist for a cleaning and check-up. Visits to your dentist should continue at least every six months for the duration of treatment, or more often, if recommended.
2. How long does it typically take to get clear aligners?
You should be in and out of the office within an hour.
3. How will my mouth feel after getting clear aligners?
Expect some discomfort for the first few days. This is temporary and can be relieved by rinsing with warm salt water (1 tsp. salt to half cup of warm water), or by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
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