What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are polymer or plastic trays that are formed around your teeth, and they're customized to each person's smile. They're used to move teeth in different directions and into different positions so that we can work toward a good aesthetic and functional outcome for our patients.
How do clear aligners work?
Clear aligners work by applying controlled pressure to move your teeth gradually. We also often use what we call attachments, which are little tooth-colored shapes that we put on certain teeth. The aligners fit over the teeth and work with those attachments to create specific movements as we work toward the planned alignment and bite.
How are clear aligners different from traditional braces?
Clear aligners are different from traditional metal braces because they don't use metal brackets and wires. We may use tooth-colored attachments to help the aligners move the teeth, and the trays are removable. With traditional braces, the brackets remain attached to the teeth throughout treatment.
What can clear aligners fix?
Clear aligners can address many bite and alignment issues. If you have an overbite, crooked teeth, crowding, spacing, or certain other bite concerns, we may be able to use clear aligners to move the teeth into better positions. Some mild underbites may also be treated with clear aligner therapy, depending on what's causing the bite problem.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
The length of treatment with clear aligners depends on each person and each situation. Minor adjustments may take less time, while more involved tooth movement requires a longer treatment plan. After evaluating your teeth and bite, we can give you a better idea of what your individual timeline may look like.
How many hours a day should clear aligners be worn?
How long you wear your clear aligners each day depends on the specific aligner system and treatment plan you're using. Invisalign treatment commonly involves wearing the aligners for about 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them mainly for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing.
Other aligner systems may have different wear protocols for selected patients. If you're using OrthoFX or another system, we'll give you specific instructions based on that product and your individual treatment plan. It's important to follow the prescribed wear schedule rather than reducing your wear time on your own.
Do clear aligners hurt?
When you wear clear aligners for the first time or change to a new set of trays, you might feel some pressure or temporary soreness as your teeth begin moving. How much discomfort you experience varies from person to person, but it typically improves as you adjust to the new aligner.
Do clear aligners affect speech?
Clear aligners can temporarily affect speech, and some people notice a slight lisp when they first begin wearing them. In many cases, speech improves as you become accustomed to having the aligners in your mouth.
If you're having ongoing difficulty with speech, let us know rather than changing your wear schedule on your own. We can evaluate what's happening and determine the appropriate next step.
What can you eat or drink while wearing clear aligners?
When you're wearing clear aligners, water is generally the safest thing to drink. We recommend removing your aligners for meals and snacks and for drinks other than water. Hot liquids can also affect some aligner materials, so follow the instructions provided for your specific trays.
How often do you change clear aligners?
How often you change to a new set of aligners depends on your treatment plan and how your teeth are responding. Many treatment plans involve changing trays about every one to two weeks, but we'll give you a specific schedule to follow.
How do you clean and care for clear aligners?
To clean and care for your clear aligners, follow the instructions provided with your particular aligner system. Generally, you can rinse them and gently clean them with an appropriate cleanser and a toothbrush dedicated to your aligners.
Some aligner-cleaning products or tablets may also be appropriate. Avoid very hot water because it can potentially distort the trays.
Are clear aligners discreet?
Clear aligners are pretty discreet when you wear them. A lot of people may not immediately notice that you're wearing them, although tooth-colored attachments can sometimes be visible.
Who is a good candidate for clear aligners?
Many people can be candidates for clear aligners, but we would have to see you and consult with you to make sure. There are certain tooth movements and bite problems that may require a different approach.
We also evaluate the health of your teeth and gums before starting treatment. If you have active gum disease or other oral health concerns, we may need to address those before moving the teeth.
Can teenagers and adults use clear aligners?
Clear aligners can be an option for both teenagers and adults. The important thing is determining if the teeth, bite, oral health, and patient's ability to follow the wear schedule make clear aligner therapy appropriate.
Does dental insurance cover clear aligners?
Some dental insurance plans provide orthodontic coverage that may apply to clear aligner treatment. It depends on your individual plan and benefits, so we'll want to review your coverage.
Do you need retainers after clear aligner treatment?
When you're done with clear aligner treatment, retainers are important for helping maintain the new positions of your teeth. We'll give you instructions for how often to wear them based on your individual treatment and retention needs.
How do you get started with clear aligner treatment?
To get started with clear aligner treatment, we need to see you for a consultation. We may take photos, appropriate X-rays, and a digital scan of your teeth so we can evaluate your bite and how your teeth come together. Then we'll be able to determine if clear aligners are appropriate and make our recommendation.
If you’re searching for quality dental care, we’re here to help. Call (310) 499-2048 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is committed to keeping your smile healthy.