Everybody wants a great smile, but a lot of us need help getting there. More and more people are having success with clear orthodontic devices called aligners.
Braces use brackets connected by wires to encourage teeth to move. Aligners are a series of tight-fitting custom-made mouthpieces that slip over the teeth.
The main reason why adult patients in our practice choose clear aligners is that they appear invisible.
Clear invisible aligners are not for everyone. The dentists at Cl\u00ednica Dental Champsaur will help you decide what is best for you. We have a lot of experience treating people with aligners and can supply you with references or before-and-after images of past patients.
A dentist will examine the teeth and take a precise digital scan of the mouth. Then a custom treatment plan is made after examining the 3D scan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can Anyone Get Invisible Teeth Aligners?<\/strong>
<\/strong>Because the invisible aligners are custom-built for a tight fit, they are best for adults or teens. Straightening a child\u2019s teeth is more complicated. Young people, and their mouths, are still growing and developing; the doctor must think about this when setting up treatment.
Clear orthodontic aligners are typically used for patients who have mild or moderately crowded teeth or have minor spacing issues. Patients who have severe crowding or spacing problems may need more complex treatment.
How Do Invisible Teeth Aligners Work?
<\/strong>Once our dentists at Cl\u00ednica Dental Champsaur decide how to correct your bite, we will make a plan for moving your teeth.
Clear aligners are made from a clear plastic or acrylic material and fit tightly over the teeth, and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. You will receive a new aligner every few weeks to continue moving the teeth into the desired position.
Multiple aligners are used because a single aligner is only capable of moving the teeth slightly (1 mm or less).
How long does it take to straighten teeth using invisible aligners?<\/strong>
<\/strong>Treatment time with invisible teeth aligners is based on how much the teeth need to be moved or rotated. The more your bite is off or the more crooked your teeth, the longer it will take.
Each set of aligners will slowly move the teeth into the correct position, according to individual treatment plans. Depending on the patient, treatment can take anywhere from 10 to 24 months, sometimes longer.
But if you are an adult who had braces as a child, and your teeth shifted slightly over the years, you may need
Invisible teeth aligners for as little as 10 weeks.<\/strong>
<\/strong>Patients get a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks. In addition, they must wear them for about 22 hours per day to correct even mild malalignment.
Health Benefits Compared to Traditional Braces
<\/strong>Many patients who have traditional braces find it difficult to properly take care of their teeth as they fall into poor oral hygiene habits once their brackets are placed.
Sometimes, patients will develop calcium deposits on the front of their teeth following orthodontic treatment. These deposits are visible when the braces are removed and require the patient either to have cosmetic work done or live with white spots on their teeth.
Poor hygiene habits with traditional braces also may result in swollen gums that can then lead to gingivitis, which if left untreated can lead to lifelong health problems.
Teeth Aligners Preparation
<\/strong>After teeth impressions are made, the custom treatment plan is sent to a digital treatment facility. First, technicians segment the individual teeth and clean up any obvious impurities. The patient\u2019s dental arches are examined to ensure proper fit.
Then, the digital plan is placed online for the doctor to review and approve. Once approved, the digital models are transferred to a production facility and the aligners are fabricated. The clear aligners are sent directly to the doctor and then delivered to the patient.
Tips for Preserving Clear Aligners
<\/strong>\u2022 Always rinse them with cold or lukewarm water after removal. Do not clean them with hot water because heat can damage and warp the plastic.
\u2022 Clean the aligners with mild soap daily. Never clean them with toothpaste.
\u2022 Brush and floss the teeth before wear.
\u2022 Remove aligners before eating.
\u2022 Sensitivity and discomfort are common during the first few days. Your bite may feel different as your teeth are moving. Lisps and speech problems can also occur while you have the aligners in your mouth.
\u2022 After treatment, you will be provided with a custom-made retainer. The retainer can either be removable or permanent, depending on preference. Retainers should be worn every night while sleeping to ensure malocclusion does not recur over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n