If you are looking for a way to straighten your teeth without using traditional metal braces, clear aligners may be right for you. This innovative system uses computer technology to straighten teeth in about half the time as conventional braces. It simply involves inserting a new set of clear plastic aligners every two weeks. These aligners are specially designed to apply pressure to the teeth to gradually reposition them.
Clear aligners were originally developed by Invisalign and introduced in the 1990s. Recently, other manufacturers have come out with their own versions. These newer variations have made some refinements of the Invisalign system and, since they aren’t as heavily marketed, they tend to be less expensive than Invisalign. Some of them, because of increased efficiency of tooth movement, provide even shorter treatment times than Invisalign.
Initial Exam
Treatment begins with a complete examination by Dr. Peterson. This will include x-rays of all your teeth and impressions of your teeth. Before we can begin treatment, decay or any other needs will need to be treated.
Clear Aligner Treatment
The impressions (usually done with optical scans) are sent to a lab to create a series of precision aligner trays that you will wear in sequence. Every two weeks, you will put in the next new set of aligners. When you put them in, they will feel like they don’t fit. This is because they are made to apply gentle pressure to your teeth to move them to their new positions. It a couple of days, your teeth will move and the aligners will feel comfortable. Over the remainder of the two weeks, your bone will remodel to accommodate the new positions of your teeth, and you will be ready for a new set.
You will come in to our office every few weeks to check on your progress and possibly make some refinements. At the end of your treatment, you will have a final set of aligners that you can use as retainers.
Advantages of Clear Aligners
- No one will know you are wearing them. They are virtually invisible from a conversational distance.
- Because they involve precise, computer-controlled movements, they move teeth more quickly. Typical cases take from six months to a year, as opposed to conventional braces requiring 2-3 years.
- You can brush and floss normally. Just take out the aligners and put them back in when you are done.
- You can eat whatever you want. Again, you just need to take out the aligners to eat, brush your teeth, and put them back in.
- No more irritation of your cheeks and tongue from metal brackets.
However, they aren’t for everyone. Some orthodontic cases aren’t appropriate for clear aligners and may only be treatable with conventional braces. Also, they require patient cooperation. They won’t work if you don’t wear them as directed, and, if you lose aligners, it can complicate your case. Also, because of the increased lab costs, they are more expensive than traditional braces.
Are you interested?
You can call the office for an appointment or use our online appointment request form and we will call you to set up an appointment time that fits your schedule.