Clear Aligners
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Clear Aligners in Olathe, KS
People who want to straighten their teeth using orthodontics do not have to rely on traditional metal braces anymore. Teenagers and adults can benefit from clear aligners, which are transparent trays that fit over your teeth and can be removed for eating and drinking. Keep reading to find out more about clear aligners, available at Serenity Dental in Olathe, Kansas.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Invisable aligners are removable plastic trays specially created to straighten your teeth. They fit over your teeth, but they are barely visible. At the beginning of the orthodontic process, we will digitally scan your mouth and teeth and then send those images to a lab. A series of clear aligner trays will be made for you. You use them one set at a time, switching to a new set of trays every few weeks. Over several months, the shape of the trays and the pressure they apply to your teeth will move your teeth to the correct position. It is important to note that the aligners need to be in place 20-22 hours every day to work correctly. You can take them out when you eat or drink anything besides water, and also to brush and floss.
Conditions Treated by Invisible Aligners
The clear aligner system treats the following conditions:
- crowded teeth
- gaps in teeth
- overbite, underbite, and crossbite
- open bite
- misaligned teeth
Clear Aligners vs Braces
One of the main benefits of using clear aligners is how discrete they are. Some people don’t feel comfortable smiling or talking with noticeable metal braces on their teeth. Clear aligners are virtually invisible, so you don’t have to feel self-conscious wearing them.
Clear aligner trays are also removable, which has its advantages. You can eat whatever foods you like! With permanent braces in your mouth, there are certain foods you need to avoid to protect your braces from damage. Removable trays also make it easier to brush and floss your teeth.
Some people get sores in their mouth where the metal braces rub against their inner cheeks. Invisible aligners fit your mouth with precision, so you won’t feel parts of it rubbing a sore spot.
On the other hand, clear aligner trays are not always effective on very crooked teeth. Those situations do require metal braces. Also, if you don’t keep your trays on your teeth for 20-22 hours a day, they won’t work correctly. If this requirement is too much of a challenge, you may want to choose braces instead.
The Process for Getting Invisible Aligners
You begin the process by coming to Serenity Dental for a consultation. We will take digital scans of your teeth. Dr. Silva will then create a plan for your clear aligner treatment.
When your customized invisible aligners arrive at our office, you will come in for your first fitting. You may need to have small composite patches applied to your teeth to help the trays stay on properly. As your teeth adjust to the new pressure, you may feel some discomfort, but this does not last very long, and most patients adapt easily to the clear aligner trays.
We will set you up for follow-up appointments, but these appointments don’t take very long. The trays do all the work of shifting your teeth into their correct places. The length of the treatment varies from patient to patient, but you can expect to use them for a year to a year and a half. Some treatments may be even shorter. After the tray process is completed, we will give you a retainer to help keep your teeth in place.
Caring for Your Teeth While Using Teeth Aligners
Caring for your teeth during the clear aligner process is easy. Simply remove the trays and brush and floss as usual. You need to keep your trays clean, so bacteria do not build up inside them. Brush your teeth after eating before putting your trays back in. Make sure you still go to the dentist for your regular exams and cleanings.
How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?
The cost of your clear aligner treatment will vary depending on the severity of your case. Dental insurance plans may cover part of the costs. At Serenity Dental, we always inform you of total costs before any treatment to help you make an educated decision.
Interested in Invisible Aligners?
Schedule a consultation at Serenity Dental in Olathe, Kansas. We will examine your teeth and develop a plan that works for you. Clear aligners are just one cosmetic dental treatment that we offer our valued patients. Whatever problems you are experiencing with your teeth, our professional dental team is here to help. We make dental and orthodontic care easier.
Contact us today to book your next appointment.