Table of Contents
- Introduction – Why More People Are Choosing Clear Aligners
- What Is Clear Aligner Therapy?
- Common Dental Issues Clear Aligners Can Fix
- How Clear Aligner Therapy Works
- Advantages of Clear Aligner Therapy
- Potential Limitations to Consider
- Life After Clear Aligners
- Conclusion – Is Clear Aligner Therapy Right for You?
Introduction – Why More People Are Choosing Clear Aligners
Clear aligners have become a popular solution for patients wanting a beautiful smile without traditional braces. They are practically invisible and have fewer restrictions to your lifestyle. Most of our teens and adult patients tell us they fit conveniently into their day-to-day lives - at school, work, and the social aspects of their lives.
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What Is Clear Aligner Therapy?
Clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment that utilizes a series of customized, removable trays to gently reposition your teeth into their desired positions. Here at dobie revolution orthodontics we offer Invisalign, which has the most experience in the industry with moving teeth using plastic trays. Clear aligners are made of smooth, clear plastic that conforms to the teeth without the need for metal brackets and wires. Each set of aligners is designed to make small movements and over time they will straighten your smile as you use new aligners. Since the aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating or cleaning, many older teens and adults find them to be a much more comfortable and convenient orthodontic option than traditional braces.
How It Differs from Traditional Braces
It’s true that clear aligners do not use wires and brackets like braces. Clear aligners use customized plastic trays that move your teeth, just not using wires and brackets! They are easy to keep clean, less irritating to your gums and cheeks and are removable. However, wearing these is team work! You must be very compliant and wear them 20 - 22 hours a day. If you are not good at wearing them, then braces are a better option.
Who Can Benefit from Clear Aligners
For everyone from teens to adults looking for a subtle, unique way to fix crooked, crowded or gapped teeth and even improve bite problems like overbites, underbites and crossbites, clear aligners can be a choice.
Popular Clear Aligner Brands (Invisalign and Others)
At dobie revolution orthodontics, we use Invisalign which is the most established and trusted aligner company in the dental industry. Patients love it because of its precision fit and already established history of excellent results. Invisalign is our primary clear aligner product. While there are other brands out there that offer clear aligners, we focus on the one that we know has the most established success and comfort.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces:
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Common Dental Issues Clear Aligners Can Fix
Crooked or Crowded Teeth
They gently reposition teeth into better alignment, allowing for easier access for brushing and flossing while improving the appearance of your smile.
Overbites, Underbites, and Crossbites
Aligners help keep teeth aligned while working to align jaw lines. Correcting these bite issues allows for more comfortable chewing, and reduces stress on jaws.
Gaps Between Teeth
Aligners naturally close spaces over time, helping to stop food from getting stuck and making it easier to clean your teeth while maintaining a healthier bite.
Preventing Tooth Wear from Grinding
Tooth movement outside their original position may result in uneven wearing of teeth. Clear aligners would aid in re-establishing balance, aiding in the reduction of grinding damage, which helps to protect your smile long term.
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How Clear Aligner Therapy Works
Consultation and Digital Scans
First, we analyze your teeth using digital photographs, digital x-rays and a 3D intra-oral scan. This step allows us to see exactly how your jaws and teeth move and fit together.
Custom Aligner Fabrication
Your aligners are tailored from those custom 3D scans. They are designed to match your smile goals and to accurately fit your teeth allowing for precise tooth movements.
Wear Schedule and Aligner Changes
For them to work properly, you'll need to wear aligners for about 20 - 22 hours per day. You are only supposed to remove them for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing and flossing. You will typically move to your next aligner on a weekly basis (sometimes it can be a 2 week interval).
Tracking Progress with Your Orthodontist
We will check your progress during your scheduled appointments. At each visit we will check how well the aligners are fitting. At the end of each round, your teeth and bite will be evaluated closely to see if you are finished with treatment or if you need to be rescanned for more aligners. Make sure not to miss your appointments because this can delay your progress!
Advantages of Clear Aligner Therapy
Nearly Invisible Appearance
They’re so unobtrusive, most people don’t even notice that you’re wearing them. This makes aligner therapy especially popular with patients who are cosmetically focused.
Removable for Meals and Special Occasions
Additionally, you have a little more freedom with your diet since they come out easily - just remove the aligners for meals then pop them back in afterwards.
Easier Oral Hygiene Compared to Braces
No wires or brackets mean that brushing and flossing is just as easy as usual. Please brush and floss your teeth as you did prior to starting treatment.
Reduced Irritation to Gums and Cheeks
Patients appreciate the smooth surfaces of aligners without metal brackets, because they are less likely to snag or poke soft tissue. Many patients find aligners much more comfortable.
Potential Limitations to Consider
Compliance and Wear Time Requirements
Aligners are ONLY effective if worn full-time. If you take your aligners out for extended periods of time or forget to wear them, then your progress will be severely affected. Aligners should be worn between 20 - 22 hours a day to maintain good bone physiology and efficient tooth movement.
Not Suitable for All Cases
For some complex dental cases, conventional braces are still needed even with today's aligner technology. We will always help you make the right decision when choosing which option is better for your smile journey.
Risk of Misplacing Aligners
Because aligners are removable, it is easy to misplace an aligner or accidentally throw them away. It is imperative that you have a case with you at all times for storage. Never place aligners in tissues, napkins, directly in your purse or pocket and avoid leaving them on countertops. All of these are a great ways to lose them! Your aligners should either be IN YOUR CASE or IN YOUR FACE and NO OTHER PLACE!
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Life After Clear Aligners
Retainers become your best friend when you finish active treatment! If you wear your retainers as prescribed, your teeth will stay in the right place and your smile will look amazing for years to come. Our team will walk you through this process to make sure you protect your investment.
Conclusion – Is Clear Aligner Therapy Right for You?
Many patients find that clear aligners are a low-profile, highly effective, and convenient opportunity to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. If you commit to wearing your aligners as instructed, clear aligners are a fantastic option for enhancing your smile. When you are ready, book a free consultation at dobie revolution orthodontics to determine if clear aligners are the right treatment option for your goals.