Clear Aligners

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are multi-step plastic trays that are custom designed to fit your teeth. The trays are removable, so you can remove them when you eat, drink, and brush your teeth. The plastic trays are smooth, so they won’t irritate your cheeks and gums.

Clear aligners are made from a detailed impression of your teeth. This helps ensure that each aligner will fit perfectly. The aligners are designed to move your teeth a little bit at a time. Each aligner is also worn for a specific amount of time. Most clear aligner wearers wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day.

Clear aligner benefits

Clear aligners are a popular alternative to braces. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable and only work when you wear them. Many patients prefer this option because aligners are discreet, allowing them to smile confidently during treatment.

Clear aligners are designed to gently shift your teeth into place over time. Each aligner in your set represents a different stage of your smile’s development. Your aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth exactly.

Clear aligners are a convenient alternative to traditional braces. Since aligners are removable, you can take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss. You can also remove them for special events or photos.

Clear aligner risks

Metal braces aren’t the only treatment option for patients who need to realign their smile. Clear aligners are another effective option, but they aren’t right for everyone. Before choosing clear aligners, your dentist will consider your dental health. Your teeth and mouth will need to be healthy enough for aligners to be effective.

Clear aligner cost

Clear aligners are a convenient way to straighten your teeth without metal brackets and wires. Certain aesthetic issues, like minor gaps, chipped teeth, and minor crowding, can be corrected with clear aligners.

The cost of clear aligners varies. Some dentists offer clear aligners for as little as $1,500 per arch, while other dentists may charge up to $5,000 per arch. The cost varies based on the complexity of your misalignment.

Clear aligners are more affordable than traditional braces, and because they are removable, you don’t have to worry about food particles getting stuck in the brackets.

Clear aligner alternatives

Clear aligners can be a great choice for many people looking to straighten their teeth. But they aren’t the best option for everyone. If any of the following apply to you, your dentist may recommend a different orthodontic treatment.

- You have severe misalignment

- You have bite issues

- You grind your teeth

- You have difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene

Clear aligner alternatives

Invisalign clear aligners can straighten teeth, but they can’t do everything that other orthodontic appliances can.

Metal braces can correct bite problems, such as an underbite, overbite, or crossbite. They can also help with jaw problems, such as TMJ disorder.

For bite problems, Invisalign Lite may be an option. For mild and moderate bite problems, Invisalign Express 6 may be an option.

For severe bite problems, traditional braces are often the best solution.

Clear aligner FAQs

Q: Can clear aligners be used to treat TMJ disorder?

A: Clear aligners are sometimes used to treat TMJ disorder.

The clear aligners are custom-made to fit over your teeth. The aligners apply gentle pressure to your teeth in order to move them into the proper position. However, this will only work if your malocclusion is caused by misalignment.

Clear aligner aftercare tips

After your clear aligner treatment, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. It’s important to keep your teeth, mouth, and gums clean and to avoid foods that may damage the aligners.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind for clear aligner aftercare.

Practice good oral hygiene. Brush after every meal and floss at least once every night.

Keep your aligners in for at least 22 hours per day. Taking them out for more than 22 hours can cause the teeth to shift.

Remove your aligners before eating or drinking. This includes snacks, too. Wait until after mealtimes to put your aligners back in.

Clean your aligners every time you take them out. Brush them gently with a toothbrush and water.

If you have a removable retainer, take it out when eating or drinking.

Don’t chew gum or eat hard foods. Don’t bite into ice.

Don’t use teeth whitening products. They can cause the aligners to become discolored.