When you think of clear aligners, you probably think of Invisalign. But did you know it is not the only easy and convenient orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners? In our Plano office, we offer clear aligners that are thoughtfully designed and engineered with the goal of providing comfortable, efficient treatment — without the inconvenience of brackets and wires. Would you like to learn more about this cosmetic treatment option? Continue reading below, or get in touch with us to request a consultation.
Clear aligners are custom plastic trays that slide onto and off of your teeth. They are designed to place gentle pressure on your teeth so they gradually move over time. You should wear each set of aligners for 20 – 22 hours a day for about 2 weeks. As you make your way through your series, you should find that your teeth subtly shift, making their way closer and closer to their ideal positions.
Periodically throughout your clear aligners journey, you should visit us so we can monitor your progress, answer any questions you have, and make sure you have what you need for your treatment to be successful.
Do you want to straighten your teeth without the metal? If so, we have good news: clear aligners can be used to treat most cases of mild to moderate dental misalignment. If you are interested in learning some specific examples of issues that they are commonly used to address, simply read on!
Over the years, have your teeth rotated out of position? If so, you might be wondering if clear aligners can fix crowded teeth. Fortunately, the answer is “yes!” If we determine that you’re a good candidate, then we can have a custom series made to guide your teeth into their ideal positions. Not only will this improve the appearance of your smile, but it will also reduce your risk of experiencing problems like tooth decay, cavities, and bad breath.
Another common question that we’re asked is: Can clear aligners fix teeth gaps? The answer is often “yes” for patients with several smaller spaces throughout their mouth or one large gap between their two front teeth. If we decide together that this is the best orthodontic treatment for you, then we can gently shift your teeth closer together over the course of several months. That way, they have improved aesthetics and better functionality.
Good news: overbites are another common orthodontic problem that clear aligners can correct. So, if your upper teeth extend beyond your lower ones more than they should, don’t just assume you need metal braces! If we determine that you’re a good candidate for clear aligners, then your journey to straighter teeth and a healthier bite will be clear, comfortable, and convenient.
While some patients visit us because their upper teeth protrude beyond their lower ones, others visit us for the opposite reason: their lower teeth jut out. If that’s the case for you, then you already know how difficult it can be to smile confidently, chew properly, and enunciate clearly with an underbite. The good news is that clear aligners can often correct mild to moderate cases – without any metal, too!
What if only a few of your upper teeth sit behind your lower ones? If that’s the case, then you likely have a crossbite. This bite problem, like the others on this list, can lead to several issues, including premature wear and tear on certain teeth. So, don’t wait – come to our office to explore your treatment options. You may be surprised to learn that clear aligners are one of them!
When you bite down, is there a space between your upper and lower teeth? Whether the opening is toward the front of your mouth or between your molars, you likely have an open bite. Since even relatively mild cases can lead to chronic jaw pain, premature wear on certain teeth, and other problems, we recommend scheduling an appointment with us sooner rather than later.
Like many other patients who are ready to leave overcrowding, overbites, and other common orthodontic problems in the past, you might be wondering if clear aligners are the ideal option for you. If that’s the case, then you might find it helpful to learn about the numerous benefits that they come with, including:
Let’s start with one of the most prominent benefits of clear aligners: the subtle appearance allows you to smile with confidence throughout your orthodontic treatment. Plus, if you’re going on a first date, you need to take new passport photos, or you have an important meeting with a client, you can take off your trays! Just make sure that you wear them for a minimum of 20 hours each day.
Patients are given a long list of dietary restrictions with traditional braces. That’s not necessary with clear aligners because they are removable! So, as long as you take them off before eating or drinking anything (other than water, of course), you won’t have to give up any of your favorites on your journey to a straighter, healthier smile.
Tip: Limit your intake of ice cream, soda, and other sweet treats. This is important because even a small cavity can add weeks or months onto the backend of your treatment.
With traditional braces, patients need to commit to monthly adjustment appointments. One benefit of clear aligners that often isn’t as talked about is the fact that you’re allowed to progress through portions of your treatment plan at home. So, there are usually fewer check-in visits! Not only that, but they are usually very brief, resulting in you spending less time in the treatment chair overall.
Another noteworthy benefit of clear aligners in Plano: they don’t have annoying brackets and wires. Instead, they are crafted from smooth plastic, they have a low profile, and they are custom-made to fit the contours of your teeth perfectly. So, you should experience little-to-no soft tissue irritation throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Tip: Get in touch with our team at Preston Bend Dental if there is a rough edge on one of your aligners. We can carefully file it down so it fits as comfortably as it should.
Usually, patients achieve the results they desire with traditional braces in 2-3 years. Clear aligners, on the other hand, have a shorter average treatment time. In fact, if your case of malocclusion is relatively minor, you may have the straight teeth and beautiful smile that you desire in just 6-8 months! If you are interested in getting a more accurate estimate, then schedule a consultation with us. That way, we can determine if you’re a good candidate and, if you are, begin working on your custom treatment plan.
Clear aligner treatment is customized for each patient, so there is no set price. Most patients pay at least a few thousand dollars. During your consultation, we will evaluate the extent of your dental misalignment before we provide a cost estimate. We will also be happy to help you understand your payment options, such as financing. With the assistance of available provisions, most patients are able to afford clear aligners.
