Clear aligners are plastic trays that are designed to straighten your teeth without wires and brackets. Unlike metal braces, clear aligner trays can be removed for eating or cleaning your teeth. That means you can still eat all of your favorite foods as well as brush and floss normally to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Since they are invisible and you can remove the trays to eat and clean your teeth, they are a popular orthodontic treatment for adults who want to enjoy straight teeth but don't want to have to wear noticeable hardware for months or even years on end.
Dr. Carroll has a lot of experience in the area of orthodontics, especially when it comes to clear aligners. He has helped many patients achieve a beautiful, straight smile.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
The materials used for clear aligners include both soft and hard plastics. When used for orthodontic treatment, the aligner gradually moves the teeth into a new position. This is done by bringing the top and bottom teeth together through controlled force on the bite. Every few weeks, a new set of aligners is worn to continue moving the teeth along their ideal path. Each set of aligners is slightly different from the last set to move the teeth gradually into the ideal alignment. This process typically takes between six and nine months to complete, depending on the patient's age and the severity of their misalignment.
Once the desired tooth movement has been accomplished, the patient will wear an appliance known as a retainer to ensure that their teeth stay in their new position. Patients are highly encouraged to wear their retainers for at least one year following treatment to prevent regression of the treated teeth.
Though most adults and teenagers can benefit from clear aligners, there are certain situations in which they are not appropriate to use. For example, patients with severe underbite or underjet may need additional orthodontic work prior to using clear aligners, as the treatment is not designed to correct severe bite problems. Likewise, patients with rotated teeth may require a different form of treatment as well. However, the majority of patients who need orthodontic treatment are often good candidates for clear aligners.
Spark Aligners
Spark aligners are one of the most transparent clear aligners in orthodontics and are used to straighten smiles discreetly. They look like sports mouthguards and are custom-made to fit the patient's teeth to guide them into proper alignment.
Invisalign Aligners
One of the most popular brands of clear aligners, Invisalign aligners are custom-made for the patient's mouth to shift their teeth into their ideal positions gradually. Invisalign aligners can be used to correct several orthodontic issues while being less noticeable.
Clear aligners are transparent, removable orthodontic appliances that are made using a digital or physical impression of your teeth. They are designed to gradually shift your teeth into the correct position over time. Visit Carroll Orthodontics at 1116 W Main St, Hamilton, MT 59840, or 3920 US Hwy 93, Stevensville, MT 59870, or call (406) 363-2200 for the best orthodontic care.