SPECIALTY

Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable trays that are worn over the teeth to help move teeth into proper alignment. They are virtually invisible when worn. Each custom aligner is specifically made to fit over an individual tooth and, over time, will gently shift the teeth until the ideal position is achieved. The aligners should be worn at least 22 hours a day for the best results.

Are clear aligners suitable for you?

Clear aligners are most often used to treat mild to moderate malocclusions and are often used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances, such as braces or traditional headgear. They can correct a variety of issues, such as spacing issues, crowding, crossbite, overjet, underbite, and open bite. They can also be used to align the upper and lower jaw with treating TMJ.

Clear aligners make it easy to remove the trays while eating or brushing your teeth. This eliminates the foods that are normally restricted during treatment, like hard candy, caramel, gum, and popcorn. Clear aligners are also easy to clean. Simply take the aligners out and rinse with a toothbrush and water or a denture cleaning solution. They can also be easily adjusted to a new tray, so you won’t need new impressions at each visit.

Advantages of clear aligners

A benefit of choosing clear aligner therapy is that they’re virtually invisible when worn. This makes them an attractive option for people who don’t like the look of metal braces but still want to correct their alignment and bite. Another reason to consider clear aligner treatment is that they can be removed for important occasions, such as photos or meetings.

When wearing clear aligners, patients can straighten their teeth without drawing unwanted attention to their mouths. With metal braces, brackets are bonded to the teeth, making them very noticeable to others. Another major benefit is that aligners are removable, while braces are not. This can be a big perk for people who play sports, as well as those who enjoy food or beverages that are off-limits with braces. For instance, some people will swap out their aligner trays before eating a meal that they know may stain the tray.

Candidacy for clear aligners

However, treatment with clear aligners isn’t always recommended for patients with certain orthodontic concerns. Patients with severe misalignment may need to use traditional braces to move their teeth into the proper position. This is why it’s important to have a consultation with your orthodontist to determine if you’re a candidate for treatment.