When clear aligners came into the orthodontic scene, and as they continue to grow in popularity, there has been one question Sturgill Orthodontics has gotten and expects to still continue to get from patients who are used to the idea of shiny metal braces: “How do clear aligners straighten teeth?” Luckily, it’s a pretty straightforward answer.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Have you ever noticed someone’s smile slowly improving, but they didn’t have metal or clear braces? They were probably wearing clear aligners (or lingual braces, but that’s a blog for another day).
Clear aligners are those nifty, almost invisible trays that straighten your teeth without the hassle of metal braces. Aligners are custom-made for every individual using BPA free plastic and 3D technology for precision and comfort. They’re super popular because many patients of all ages want to straighten their smile but don’t want braces.
How Does Invisalign Work?
At Sturgill Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing our patients with the best care possible. That’s why we offer Invisalign, the leading in-office clear aligner treatment for children, teens, and adults! How Invisalign works is simple yet incredibly effective. Let’s break it down:
- Consultation: The process begins with a free consultation where we will get to know you and conduct a thorough assessment of your teeth, gums, and facial structure. Then, we’ll create a treatment plan.
- The Making of Clear Aligners: We’ll create an interactive 3D model of your mouth using high-tech scanning technology. With this model, we can design your clear aligners for a perfect, custom fit. We can even show you a simulation of what your final alignment will look like!
- What They Do: You’ll get more than one set of clear aligners. Since they don’t have adjustable wires like metal, clear, and lingual braces, we adjust your teeth by having you change out the trays every two weeks. Because each set of clear aligners differs slightly from the last, they can apply the gentle, continuous pressure that guides your teeth along the pre-determined path.
- Things You Should Know: In some instances, Dr. Sturgill, Dr. Williams, or Dr. Harper might recommend Invisalign attachments for rubber bands or other accessories that can assist in perfecting your smile. For them to work properly and quickly, you must wear the clear aligners and their attachments for 22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat, drink, and perform oral hygiene. Also, just like with metal and fixed braces, you have to maintain the excellent condition of your clear aligners. This means putting them in a safe place when you’re not wearing them, cleaning them daily, and ensuring they don’t get broken, lost, or damaged.
- Important Notices: It is crucial that you follow the schedule Dr. Sturgill, Dr. Williams, or Dr. Harper has created for you. Any attempts to speed up the process by skipping aligners or advancing to the next set early will only slow you down and potentially cause unnecessary and avoidable discomfort. Another thing that will slow down your treatment is not wearing your clear aligners! Invisalign, Invisalign for Teens, and Invisalign First cannot straighten your smile magically from a distance. Forgetting or neglecting to wear your aligners can cause avoidable delays and extend your overall treatment time.
Every few weeks, you’ll have a check-up with your Sturgill Orthodontics orthodontist to see how things are moving along and to pick up your next set of aligners. By consistently wearing your aligners and following the treatment plan, you’ll start seeing your teeth shift into their new, straighter positions. In no time, you’ll be showing off a smile you’re proud of!
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners come with a bunch of perks that make them a popular choice for straightening teeth:
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- Practically Invisible: You can straighten your teeth without anyone even noticing. Perfect for self-conscious teens and adults who want a discreet option.
- Comfortable: Made from smooth plastic, clear aligners don’t have brackets and wires that can poke and irritate your mouth like traditional braces. As long as you take care of your aligners, the custom-made trays should be comfortable to wear (minus, of course, the expected discomfort of your teeth moving around!).
- Removable: You have to take them out to eat or drink. That means you don’t have to avoid your favorite foods. Brushing and flossing are hassle-free, too, as you can maintain your regular oral hygiene routine without any obstacles.
- Easy Maintenance: Cleaning the aligners takes only a couple of minutes per day. You can soak them in Invisalign Cleaning Crystals, or you can give them a gentle brushing. There are no wires or brackets to clean around, so you can worry less about your smile having food or bacteria in hard-to-reach places.
- Effective: Clear aligners are designed to provide consistent, gentle pressure to move your teeth into their new positions efficiently and effectively. In some cases, they can help you complete treatment faster than traditional braces!
Overall, clear aligners offer you a chance to continue to live your regular lifestyle with little to no compromise while improving your smile. How cool is that?
Get Started With Sturgill Orthodontics Today!
Ready to achieve a straighter smile with clear aligners? Sturgill Orthodontics is the place to go. We offer personalized, family-friendly care and the latest orthodontic technology to make your treatment as pleasant and beneficial as possible. Our Johnson City, Bristol, and Norton experts are here to help transform your look. Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward a more confident, attractive, and healthier you.