Clear Aligners
If you have crooked or crowded teeth, you may be a good candidate for clear aligners. Many people choose clear aligners as an alternative to traditional braces because they’re subtle and discrete. Your orthodontist in Cordova and Ashland City, TN, can help you determine whether you’re a good candidate for clear aligners, and if so, can get you started with treatment.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners fit over the teeth and push them gently in place. They’re made from clear plastic that can’t be easily seen. From a distance, no one can tell that you’re wearing aligners. Up close, clear aligners are still subtle and difficult to see. Many people who are good candidates for braces are also good candidates for clear aligners.
Who Needs Clear Aligners?
Your orthodontist will tell you if you need clear aligners. Here are some symptoms to watch for:
- You have a misaligned jaw.
- You have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or saying certain words.
- You get fatigued while chewing, or find chewing painful.
- You feel self-conscious about the appearance of your smile.
- You often bite the inside of your mouth.
These are all signs of a problem and may indicate that you could benefit from clear aligners. Make an appointment with your orthodontist.
Benefits of Clear Aligners in Cordova and Ashland City, TN
Clear aligners have many benefits. They can be removed without help from an orthodontist. This feature distinguishes clear aligners from braces, which are always on the teeth unless the orthodontist takes them off.
This makes clear aligners easier to clean and keep clean. Patients with clear aligners can eat whatever food they want, without concern they will damage their clear aligners.
Clear aligners are also more difficult to see, so they often leave people feeling less self-conscious.
Which Is Better: Braces or Aligners?
For many people, braces and aligners produce the same outcomes. Aligners have benefits that braces do not, so for many patients, the choice is easy. However, braces are better for complex cases. Not every patient who needs braces is a good candidate for clear aligners. In addition, the cost difference between braces and aligners can lead some people to choose braces.
Clear Aligners FAQ
Do you have to wear clear aligners all the time?
Unless your orthodontist tells you otherwise, plan to wear your clear aligners for 22 hours each day. You should remove your clear aligners for meals, but leave them on the rest of the time.
How long will I need to wear clear aligners?
Your orthodontist will tell you how long you will wear clear aligners. Most people need to wear clear aligners for 12 months to 18 months. How long you wear clear aligners depends on the severity of your condition and whether you’re wearing clear aligners for the full 22 hours every day.
How do clear aligners work?
Clear aligners shift the teeth into place by applying gentle pressure to the teeth. You’ll get a new set of clear aligners periodically. Each new set will shift your teeth more.
How do you maintain clear aligners?
Clean your clear aligners twice per day with a soft bristle toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste. Rinse your clear aligners after meals, and clean your teeth after meals before putting clear aligners back in. When you remove clear aligners, put them in a case to avoid losing or breaking them.
After completing clear aligner treatment, what happens next?
Your orthodontist will probably give you a clear aligner retainer to wear at bedtime. This will help keep the position of your teeth in place.
Interested in Clear Aligners? Contact Us!
Clear aligners can help you achieve a beautiful smile. If you’re interested in clear aligners for your orthodontic solution, contact our orthodontist in Cordova and Ashland City, TN. We provide excellent patient care to help our patients through the process of realigning their teeth and jaw. Want to know more? Call today to make your first appointment.
