How Do I Care for My Clear Aligners?
Caring for your clear aligners can be easy. You must keep your aligners clean during treatment so that you can maintain excellent oral health. To clean your aligners, all you need to do is use your toothbrush and warm water to scrub away harmful bacteria. Do this each time you brush and floss your teeth, so you don’t put dirty aligners on freshly cleaned teeth.
What Is the Treatment Process?
While each of our treatments is unique and built around the specific needs of our patients, all clear aligner treatment plans begin the same way. We create a 3D model of your mouth by using a 3D imaging system to capture every groove of your teeth. We use this model to make treatment decisions and can even adjust the digital image to show you what your smile will look like when you’re finished with clear aligners.
Once you’ve decided on a treatment plan, we will give you the first pair of clear aligners that should fit snugly over your teeth for efficiency and comfort. We can print our aligners in the office, but we will have to get the pair made elsewhere if you choose Invisalign treatment. After you receive your first pair, you will receive a new set of aligners every two weeks until you complete treatment. Each pair will be slightly adjusted so that your teeth gradually shift into place for the perfect smile.
How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?
The price of clear aligners varies depending on how long you need to remain in treatment and the extent of your orthodontic issues. These clear aligners are an investment into not only beautiful aesthetics but also improve oral health. Our team believes that everyone in our communities deserves to have a happier and healthier smile, so we provide affordable payment plans that help our patients budget for the treatment. Additionally, we work with most insurance providers to limit any out-of-pocket costs for your clear aligners.
Are Clear Aligners Effective?
Clear aligners are highly effective, and they have been refined in recent years for maximum efficiency and patient comfort. You receive a series of clear aligners that have been slightly adjusted, and each of these aligners will provide your teeth with consistent pressure as your teeth begin to gradually shift to the desired position. As long as you keep your aligners clean and keep them in for at least 20 hours a day, your treatment will progress smoothly.
How Long Does It Take for Clear Aligners to Work?
We customize our treatment plans to every patient because every smile has a unique set of needs. If your smile has more extensive problems, you may need to remain in treatment for longer and receive more sets of aligners. While every case is different, many of our patients stay in treatment for eight months to two years. To figure out what an accurate timeline would be for your treatment, we suggest you schedule your complimentary first visit so one of our skilled doctors can give you a better estimate.
Are There Any Diet Restrictions?
Patients love clear aligners because of the freedom it allows them and the beautiful results they achieve. Unlike with braces, you don’t have to give up any of your favorite hard, sticky, or chewy snacks because there isn’t a possibility of your appliance breaking. All you need to do is take out your aligners before you eat, place them somewhere safe, and put them back when you’re done. It’s important that you don’t forget to put your aligners in right after you finish dinner or snacking so that your teeth don’t shift back to their original position and you can enjoy a smooth treatment process.
Are Clear Aligners Right for Me?
Every patient has different orthodontic needs and goals, so it’s difficult to say which treatment is the best for your lifestyle before you come in for your complimentary exam. If you are looking for the great benefits of braces with a little more discretion, these aligners are perfect for you and can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.