Ask an Orthodontist — How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear Aligners Kids Fullerton, CA

If the idea of wearing clear aligners intrigues you, do not hesitate to find out more about this treatment. For a long time, traditional metal braces were the only teeth-straightening method available. Now, you can count on aligners to correct bite problems and misalignments.

Hardly noticeable

It is not difficult to see braces on a person. This orthodontic option stands out and may even hinder a person’s social life. Clear aligners are virtually invisible. This appliance is made of clear plastic and fits nicely over the person’s teeth. The aligner is lightweight but able to withstand everyday use. This mouth appliance is much like a mouthguard that a person would wear at night or while playing sports.

The process of getting clear aligners

More and more orthodontic offices are offering the options of aligners in addition to braces. If the patient and orthodontist agree that this treatment makes sense, the staff will get right to work. The orthodontist will take X-rays of the patient’s teeth and make a digital mold of the mouth. The orthodontist will review this information and create a treatment plan. This will include detailing which teeth to move and where to move them. The orthodontic professional will then fit the person with a custom-made mouth appliance.

Wearing the aligners daily

While braces can be bulky and clunky, the clear aligners should not get in the way. One of the advantages of wearing the appliance is that the person can remove it at any time. The orthodontist will recommend how long it should stay in the person’s mouth, which is usually between 20 and 22 hours a day. The patient should remove the aligners during meals and for cleaning.

Regular follow-up

When a patient wears braces, the orthodontist will replace the bands and may add other elements, such as spacers, throughout the treatment. Similarly, the patient will make consistent visits to the orthodontist for adjustments to the aligners. At each appointment, the person should get a new appliance. Appointments are every four to eight weeks, depending on the issues the orthodontist is helping to correct.

Duration of treatment

Another critical benefit of wearing clear aligners is that the patient should not have to wear this mouthpiece as long as metal braces. For traditional braces, treatment time is typically between one and three years. Orthodontists can address the misaligned teeth with aligners in as few as six months. Every patient has different needs and goals, but this alternative offers an abbreviated timeframe.

Move forward with eagerness

If you are not happy with the way your teeth look, there are ways to correct the problem. Whether you have crooked teeth, a crowded mouth, gaps or bite dysfunctions, aligners could be the answer you need. Comfort, shorter treatment length and invisibility are a few of the benefits this appliance offers. Call your orthodontist today and discuss your interest in correcting your teeth with this method.

Are you considering getting clear aligners in the Fullerton area? Get more information at https://www.elevatekidsdental.com or give us a call at (714) 888-4980.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Clear Aligners in Fullerton, CA.

Related Posts

Are X-Rays Important For A Child's Dental Visit?

Are you wondering whether your child's dental visit should include X-rays? Read on to find out. There is much more to your teeth than what you can see with the naked eye. During a dental visit, an X-ray is used to examine the areas of your teeth that cannot be seen, such as the spaces…

Dental Habit Counseling For Pacifier Use

Concerned about your child's pacifier use? Read on to find out why it is important to break that habit sooner rather than later. Breaking an ingrained habit in a child is a difficult task. As a kid grows older and their behavior persists, it becomes important to seek a professional for dental habit counseling. According…

Safe Sedation Used By Pediatric Dentists

Pediatric dentists may use sedation to put children at ease during dental procedures. These dentists have the training and certification to administer anesthetics and sedatives. They can use measures like mild sedatives to keep your child calm and comfortable during treatment.Tools like safe sedation enable a kids’ dentist to create a positive experience for your…

Metal-Free Kids Dental Crowns

Caring for kids' teeth is essential for their health and speech development. When a tooth becomes damaged, kids' dental crowns can help restore its function and protect it from further harm. In the past, dentists commonly used metal crowns for kids, but advancements in dentistry have introduced metal-free options. These modern crowns provide a natural…