Clear Aligners
For those seeking a straighter smile without the look of metal braces, clear aligners offer an excellent alternative. These aligners fit over your teeth like whitening trays and can be removed and replaced every two weeks during your treatment.
Unlike traditional metal braces, which have restrictive brackets and wires that can trap food and complicate cleaning, clear aligners allow for easier oral hygiene. With metal braces, inadequate cleaning can lead to stains when the braces are taken off. Clear aligners help avoid this issue by making it simpler to keep your teeth clean.
With clear aligners, you eliminate the need for fixed wires and brackets, so you won’t have to worry about food getting stuck in your braces. You can smile confidently without hiding a mouthful of metal. Clear aligners are easy to place and remove, making them convenient for meals and social events. Even when worn, they are discreet and blend seamlessly with your smile.
What Are Wisdom Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners straighten your teeth using a series of trays, each shifting your teeth slightly. You will need to switch to a new set every two weeks. Typically, patients use around 20 to 30 sets of aligners, but this can vary depending on individual needs.
Clear aligners are effective for minor to moderate orthodontic issues. However, for more severe cases, traditional metal braces may be necessary as they can correct a wider range of bite problems. To determine the best treatment for your needs, please schedule a consultation with us today!
Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces
While removable aligners offer convenience, taking them out too often can hinder your treatment. If you don’t wear them enough, you might lose progress and extend the duration and cost of your treatment. You may even need to revert to an earlier set of aligners.
- Dentists recommend wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours a day, removing them only for meals and special occasions. Be mindful of the time they are out of your mouth. If you think you might forget to put them back in, traditional braces might be a better option for you.
Procedure Overview
- As your treatment progresses, each new set of clear aligners will make small adjustments to your teeth. Initially, a new set may feel like it doesn’t fit quite right, as your teeth need to shift to match the aligner. This gradual process involves moving a few specific teeth at a time. Your dentist or orthodontist will check your progress every few weeks and provide new aligners based on how well your teeth are moving.
- The aligners exert enough pressure to move most teeth, but some may need additional assistance. To help guide these teeth into place, your dentist can add attachments. These attachments are small dots of bonding resin applied to certain teeth and hardened with a curing light. They enhance the contact with the aligners, applying extra force where needed. The process of adding and removing attachments is straightforward and does not require anesthesia.