Everybody wants a great smile, but a lot of us need help getting there. More and more people are having success with clear orthodontic devices called aligners. Braces use brackets connected by wires to encourage teeth to move. Aligners are a series of tight-fitting custom-made mouthpieces that slip over the teeth. Clear aligners are made by a variety of companies. Most patients have heard of Invisalign but ClearCorrect, Six Month Smiles, Candid Co., and Byte are also popular brands. At Lowcountry Family Dentistry generally use the largest producer and industry standard, Invisalign clear aligners. Clear (or “invisible”) aligners aren’t for everyone. Our dentists have years of experience and will help you decide what’s best for you.
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are an alternative to traditional braces and are designed to help guide teeth into their proper position. Similar to braces, clear aligners use a gradual force to control tooth movement, but without metal wires or brackets. The aligners are made of a strong plastic material and are fabricated to fit each individual’s mouth. If a series of aligners are needed, each aligner moves the teeth in increments until the desired movement is achieved.
Aligners are worn for at least 20 hours a day to reach the desired maximum effectiveness. Each aligner is worn for three weeks before changing to the next one. The length of treatment with aligners depends upon the severity of each case. Typically, aligner treatment can be as short as three weeks or as long as six months. Overall, aligners offer a much shorter treatment than traditional braces.
Advantages of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a great alternative for patients who want a straighter smile, but do not want to wear traditional metal braces. Also, aligners are beneficial for patients with previous orthodontic treatment that want to make minor corrections to their smile. There are several advantages to using clear aligners:
- Improved Oral Hygiene — With an orthodontic appliance that is removable, you to brush and floss after meals much more easily than if you were wearing metal braces.
- Less Maintenance — Clear aligners are easier to keep clean
- A Discreet Look — If you consider your orthodontic treatment to be a private matter, or simply feel that metal braces don’t fit with your self-image, a practically invisible form of orthodontic treatment might suit you.
- More Dietary Choices — To protect metal wires and braces, some diet modifications are necessary. With clear aligners, you can still bite into an apple or a crispy pizza crust.
- Comfort — The soft, flexible material of which Invisalign is made will not irritate the soft tissues of the mouth, as metal wires and braces can. Thus, they are comfortable and less likely to irritate your gums and cheeks
- Teeth-Grinding Protection — If you have a teeth-grinding or clenching habit, clear aligners can function as thin nightguards that will protect your teeth from excessive wear.
Can anyone get invisible aligners?
Because the invisible aligners are custom-built for a tight fit, they are best for adults or teens. Straightening a child’s teeth is more complicated. Young people, and their mouths, are still growing and developing; the doctor must think about this when setting up treatment.
Clear orthodontic aligners are typically used for patients who have mild or moderately crowded teeth, or have minor spacing issues. Patients who have severe crowding or spacing problems — or severe underbites, overbites, or crossbites — may need more complex treatment.
How do they work?
Invisalign clear aligners work the same way traditional braces do: by applying carefully controlled forces to teeth to move them into a better position. But they are not made of metal; instead, they are made of clear, flexible plastic.
Once a dentist decides how to correct your bite, they’ll make a plan for moving your teeth. If you get the clear aligners, you’ll be fitted for several versions that make slight adjustments to move your teeth over the treatment time.
They’re made from a clear plastic or acrylic material and fit tightly over the teeth, but can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. You’ll get a new aligner every few weeks to continue moving the teeth into the desired position.
How long is the process?
Treatment time with invisible teeth aligners is based on how much the teeth need to be moved or rotated. The more your bite is off or the more crooked your teeth, the longer it will take. Treatment usually takes between 10 and 24 months. But if you’re an adult who had braces as a child, and your teeth shifted slightly over the years, you may need invisible teeth aligners for as little as 10 weeks.
Schedule A Clear Orthodontic Aligner Consultation
Drs. Covington and DuRant are your local Invisalign specialists in Beaufort SC. Our dentist office is proud to serve our local Ladys Island, Port Royal, Dataw Island, Harbor Island, Fripp Island, St Helena Island and surrounding communities. When you are ready, schedule an clear aligner consultation with one of our cosmetic dentists today. You can reach us at (843) 986-0177 or request with our online appointment form.
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