Clear Aligners: Invisalign and Spark
Kennett Square, PA
 Aligners are a relative new method of orthodontic treatment that is efficient and discreet. Since its inception 20 + years ago, it has become a reliable, predictable method of tooth movement. The customized aligners are made of see-through resin, making them nearly undetectable at social distance.
There are probably over 70 companies that manufacture aligners. At Greeley Orthodontics we use two of the very best: Invisalign and Spark.
If you are a veteran of orthodontic treatment and just need some touch-up or if you have never had treatment and have waited a long time to get a great smile, Greeley Orthodontics has some great options for you!
Benefits
The main reason people choose aligners over traditional braces is that aligners are relatively inconspicuous. The clear nature of the aligners and their snug fit makes them virtually undetectable from most social distances. This allows your smile to still retain its natural appearance while your teeth are aligned. Patients who want to avoid being seen with braces now have a chance to get a great smile without obvious braces.
In addition, aligners can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing. Even if you have small attachments on your teeth to help with certain movements, you generally don’t have to worry about breaking anything while you eat.
Cleaning your teeth is easy with aligners since you can remove them to brush and floss. We recommend using an old tooth brush and liquid soap to brush the aligners in order to avoid scratching them and keep them clear as you wear them. You may also use a peroxide and mouthwash soak for 5-10 minutes followed by brushing the inside of the aligners to be sure all plaque has been brushed away before replacing them back on your teeth. Since most treatment requires 7-14 days wear of each aligner set, there’s always a fresh set ready to insert.
Why Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a great alternative to using braces to move your teeth. Many patients, including those who previously had braces, can benefit from using aligners to address concerns with their smile and function. Aligners can also be effective for teenagers and can even be used for some early phase treatment. Wearing aligners offers a way for you to move your teeth undetected. Commitment to wearing the aligners is an important consideration when choosing this option. Although some treatment plans are too complex for aligner therapy, improvement in aligner technology makes it effective for an increasing number of patients. See Dr. Greeley’s articles: Can Plastic Really Move Teeth and Look What Plastic Can Do.
How Aligners Work
Aligners offer a way for you to move your teeth undetected. Teeth respond best to light continuous forces in order to activate the bone and tissue metabolism that allows movement. If you can commit to wearing the aligners consistently you will experience a great response in a reasonable time period. There is great benefit in encircling each tooth with the aligner material to direct forces properly and eliminate unwanted movement. Recently, we have added the additional benefit of applying vibrations to enhance tooth movement. We are offering the use of the VPRO vibration tool that can be used 5 minutes per day to help improve aligner seating, minimize any discomfort, and may even shorten the time needed to wear each aligner. See Dr. Greeley’s articles: Can Plastic Really Move Teeth and The Concept Of Moving Teeth.
Treatment
Your treatment begins with a consultation appointment to determine whether your teeth can benefit from treatment with aligners or whether braces would be best to obtain an optimal result. During your appointment, we will review your images and discuss how your teeth look now and how they could look at the end of your treatment.
Dr. Greeley will be able to give an approximately length of treatment time. Obviously, dedication to aligner wear will improve your chances of obtaining the result you desire. After digitally scanning your teeth (no need for impressions), you will receive your first sets of aligners to begin your treatment at your next appointment. Each aligner set may be worn for 1-2 weeks depending on your treatment plan. Aligner fit can be monitored in person or through photographs sent to Greeley Orthodontics. Appointments can be spaced out 6-10 weeks apart if you are wearing your aligners faithfully. You can expect to have at least 2 batches of aligner sets to achieve a great result.
We recommend wearing aligners 21 hours per day leaving time for eating, brushing, and flossing. The aligners are removed for eating and drinking hot liquids. Thorough cleaning of the aligners is discussed above under Benefits.
Greeley Orthodontics offers Invisalign and Spark aligners to make alignment of your teeth easier and less visible. Call for an appointment today at 484-346-6008.
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