Do you wish you could straighten your teeth without metal brackets or wires? You can, thanks to clear aligner treatment. These removable plastic aligners can achieve many of the same effects as braces, but without brackets and wires. Not only does this mean that they’re practically invisible, but because they’re removable, you don’t have any diet restrictions–and you don’t have to mess with the trying to brush and floss around your braces.
Plus the Invisalign technology is getting better thanks to computer analysis of millions of cases, so it’s faster and can treat more cases than ever!
Would you like to learn whether your case is one that clear aligners can treat? Please contact us today to schedule an appointment with cosmetic dentist Dr. Shahin Safarian at Lovebites Dental San Diego.
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear Aligner Treatment is a technology-based approach to orthodontics. Centuries ago, people realized that the body had the ability to remodel bone when subjected to constant force. This means that when you apply force to teeth, the body reshapes the jawbone around the teeth, which allows them to move. They tried many tools to apply this force, but the only ones they had that could work reliably were metal brackets and wires.
But today we have access to many more sophisticated technologies, and Invisalign uses them to create a better approach to moving teeth. Instead of metal brackets and wires, the treatment uses removable clear plastic aligners, designed in a precise sequence to gently guide your teeth into place. A computer designs each series of aligners, and the results of each procedure can be fed back into the computer so it can constantly learn better ways to guide your teeth.
Benefits
Clear Aligner Treatment is rapidly becoming the most popular orthodontic treatment because of all the benefits it offers. people like clear aligners because:
- Aligners are almost invisible
- There are no wires or brackets to poke cheeks and tongue
- You don’t have to give up foods
- You don’t have to clean around wires
- You can remove aligners for special occasions
Clear aligners are almost invisible, so people are likely to notice them. Probably no one will know you’re wearing them unless you tell. Clear aligners are also more comfortable–there are no brackets or wires to poke your cheeks and tongue, which also means no wires to break or bend.
Because aligners are removable, you don’t have to give up any foods. Keep enjoying popcorn, pizza, crusty bread–everything you want. And you don’t have to clean around the brackets and wires, which can make brushing and flossing a huge task. Plus, you can remove aligners for special occasions where it might matter, such as getting close-up pictures or delivering a speech.
Treatment
First, Dr. Safarian will use photos, X-rays, and impressions to create a complete 3D image of your teeth. Then, he will use this image to craft you a custom set of smooth and clear BPA-free thermoplastic aligners. Every two weeks you progress to the next aligner, slowly moving your teeth in the exact direction that Dr. Safarian has plotted out to build your perfect smile.
That’s all you really need to do: put in a new aligner every two weeks. Also, be sure to wear the aligners for about 20 hours a day (don’t forget to take them out during meals) and come in for a checkup about once every six weeks to make sure you’re progressing at the proper rate.
Not everyone is a candidate for clear aligners. The treatment is only recommended for mild to moderate cases of misaligned teeth. Unfortunately, those with severe cases will likely only have the option of metal braces for their straightening solution.
Interested in clear aligner treatment? Contact us at 858-255-9689 for more information.