Having a healthy and beautiful smile is important because your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. When you visit your dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings, they ensure your mouth is healthy by removing plaque and tartar from your teeth and checking for other dental issues.
However, if your smile isn’t as beautiful as you’d like because your teeth are misaligned or gapped, you may consider asking your dentist whether clear aligners would work to straighten and improve the aesthetics of your smile. In this comprehensive guide to clear aligners, we’ll look at everything you need to know about Invisalign to help you decide if this popular treatment might be right for you.
What are clear aligners?
The orthodontic treatment consists of a series of custom-made, clear aligners that work to gently shift your teeth into the desired position. Made from smooth plastic, Invisalign clear aligners are nearly invisible, as well as comfortable, making them a popular choice for teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
The Many Benefits of Clear Aligners
There are several advantages to choosing Invisalign clear aligners for your orthodontic needs. Some of the benefits of clear aligners over traditional metal braces are as follows:
Discretion
One of the most significant benefits of clear aligners is that they are nearly invisible, making them the most discreet option for straightening your teeth. If you don’t want to worry about how traditional metal braces will look, consider clear aligners.
Comfort
Because they are made from soft plastic and custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth, you can expect your Invisalign clear aligners to be more comfortable than traditional braces. You won’t have to worry about brackets or wires poking your lips, gums, and cheeks.
Removability
With traditional metal braces, you have to carefully clean around the wires and brackets, making it more challenging to maintain your oral health. With clear aligners, you simply remove your aligners when it’s time to brush and floss your teeth and put them back in when you’re finished.
Predictability
With the computer imaging system, you can see your expected results before you start wearing your clear aligners, making your outcome more predictable than with traditional braces.
Cost
Generally, Invisalign clear aligners cost about the same amount as traditional braces, making them a good option.
Are You a Candidate for Clear Aligners?
When you visit your dentist for your consultation, they will evaluate your teeth to see if you have any of the following dental conditions:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Misaligned teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Crowded teeth
If you are a teen or adult with a mild to moderate case of one of these dental conditions and you practice good oral hygiene, Invisalign clear aligners may be right for you.
The Clear Aligner Process
When you visit your dentist in Evansville for clear aligners, you can expect these treatment steps:
Consultation
Your dentist must first ascertain whether you are a candidate for clear aligners and discuss your smile goals to see if clear aligners meet your needs.
Treatment Plan
Next, your dentist will use 3-D imaging technology to create a customized treatment plan. At this stage, you will get a digital preview of how your teeth will look after your Invisalign treatment.
Aligner Production
Once your treatment plan is complete, the lab will create your aligners. You will be expected to wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks before changing to a new set.
Wearing Aligners
You will only remove your aligners when you eat, brush, and floss, so your wear time is between 20 and 22 hours each day.
Periodic Dental Visits
You will need to visit your dentist occasionally to check your progress until your treatment is complete.
Caring for Your Aligners and Oral Health
During your treatment, it’s essential to follow these steps to maintain your aligners and your oral health:
Brush and floss your teeth – Make sure to remove your aligners twice a day to brush and floss your teeth.
Brush your aligners – Each day, use a soft toothbrush and warm water to clean your clear aligners.
Remove your aligners when you eat and drink – To avoid damaging or staining your aligners, be sure to take them out before eating or drinking.
Do You Need More Information about Clear Aligners in Evansville, IN?
If you would like to learn more about how orthodontic treatment with clear aligners can help you achieve a straighter and more beautiful smile, we are ready to take your call! At All in the Family Dental, we want to help you achieve the best oral health and the most dazzling smile possible. Call our dental office at (812) 423-6113 for more information or to schedule a consultation.
We look forward to hearing from you.