Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment system that gives you beautiful, straight teeth without traditional metal braces.
Instead, we use clear plastic aligners to move your teeth into the correct alignment gradually. Clear aligners treat many of the same alignment problems as traditional braces, from crooked teeth to dental bite issues.
You should wear your aligners throughout the day and while you are sleeping, removing them only for meals and brushing and flossing. They are virtually invisible, and most people will never know that you are wearing them.
Clear aligners are available for both teenagers and adults. Average treatment times are 18 to 24 months, but everyone starts with different needs, so your treatment time may be longer or shorter. Dr. Severs will work with you to create your customized plan and keep you informed of your progress.
Why Choose Clear Aligners?
There are numerous advantages:
- Traditional braces require appointments to change the wires and check the condition of the braces. With clear aligners, you just switch to the next set of aligners in the order of treatment laid out by Dr. Severs.
- Braces can leave permanent marks on your teeth if you do not do a good job brushing, plaque can develop around brackets and damage tooth enamel.
- Clear aligners allows you to eat any foods you want without restrictions.
- The wires of traditional braces can poke at your mouth and cause pain and even injury. A broken wire often means an additional visit to your orthodontist.
Who Is a Candidate for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are great for less complex orthodontic care. Clear aligners can treat many mild forms of the following common problems, including:
- Protruding teeth
- Gaps or spaces
- Uneven spacing
- Crowding
- Overbite
Caring for Clear Aligners
It is easy to practice good oral hygiene habits during clear aligners. Remove the aligners and brush and floss your teeth as usual. Brush your aligners and rinse with warm water to keep your aligners in good shape and free from bacteria.
Never use hot water to rinse or clean your aligners, as it can damage the plastic. You should also call our office if you crack or damage your aligner in any other way. A cracked aligner will not correctly move your teeth and impede your progress.
You should always brush your teeth following a meal and before placing your aligners back in your mouth. If you don't brush, bacteria become trapped against your teeth, and could cause cavities to form rapidly.
Please contact our office to find out more information and to see if clear aligners are right for you.
