Straight teeth are not only more attractive, but they’re also easier to keep clean and improve overall oral health. Luckily, orthodontic technology has improved in recent years and now patients can get straighter teeth with less intrusive treatment options, clear aligners near me are a subtle, comfortable, and effective way to correct misalignment. But what exactly are they?

Invisible

Using clear plastic aligners to correct misaligned teeth is an excellent alternative to metal braces. These trays are custom-made for each patient and gradually shift the teeth into place. The treatment is quick, effective, and discreet. It can also address more serious problems, such as an overbite or underbite.

Invisible braces are also a good option for people who do not want to wear metal braces. However, they do require more effort on the part of the patient to keep them clean and in place for the recommended amount of time. According to a survey by our product review team, this was the biggest drawback of invisible braces for 18 percent of users.

Invisalign is the best-known brand of invisible braces, but there are several alternatives on the market. Some, such as NewSmile and Candid, are direct-to-consumer companies, while others, like Invisalign and ClearCorrect, work with dentists and orthodontists to provide in-person assessments and monitor patients’ progress.

Comfortable

Clear aligners are a flexible, comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces. They can correct a variety of issues including relapse after previous orthodontic work, mild cases in mixed dentition, and misalignment with baby teeth. The treatment also can help align teeth before a restorative procedure such as veneers or crowns.

Unlike metal braces, clear aligners are removable. This allows patients to eat and drink without worrying about damaging the brackets. They can also brush and floss their teeth as usual. However, it is important to rinse the aligners and clean them well before putting them back in.

The Invisalign clear aligner process begins with a consultation. The doctor will take impressions & x-rays of the mouth and jaw to create a 3D digital model. This will allow the doctor to visualize the alignment stages of the treatment and see a virtual image of how your smile will look at the end of the procedure. Once the digital image is ready, the dentist will order a set of custom clear plastic aligners that will fit snugly over your teeth to promote gentle, consistent pressure and tooth movement.

Removable

While braces have sharp metal wires and brackets that can irritate the soft tissue in the mouth, clear aligners are made of smooth plastic to minimize discomfort. They also are fully removable so that patients can remove them before meals, eat whatever they like, and place the trays back in as soon as possible. This allows patients to skip tedious dietary restrictions that can cause a rash or gum recession.

They also are easy to keep clean, requiring nothing more than a quick rinse with lukewarm water. This means that they are also more convenient than traditional metal braces, which can be difficult to clean and may even lead to food stuck between the teeth. Moreover, they allow patients to continue their normal routine, such as playing sports or attending professional events. However, it is important to note that patients need to wear their trays for at least 22 hours each day in order to achieve the best results from their treatment.

Effective

Clear aligners have been shown to be a highly effective orthodontic treatment. They are able to correct a variety of misalignment issues, including crowding, gaps in teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and more. They also provide other health benefits, such as easier teeth cleaning and more effective jaw function.

While they are more discreet than traditional metal braces, clear aligners still require a significant commitment to the treatment process. They should be worn as often as possible to ensure that your desired results are achieved. If you do need to remove them, you should make sure that they are replaced as quickly as possible. The longer you leave them out, the longer they will take to return to their original position.

Another important factor in the effectiveness of clear aligners is how thoroughly you clean them. You should rinse your aligners before and after each meal to keep them free of food debris and bacteria. You should also brush your teeth before putting your clear aligners back in, as well as floss at least twice a day.