Clear Aligners Kennet 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! BenefitsThe 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 WorkAligners 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.   TreatmentYour 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. Learn more about clear aligners:Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the benefits of choosing clear aligners over traditional braces?For a long time, metal braces were known as the best practice when it comes to correcting teeth misalignment. The introduction of clear aligners has been a game changer. Clear aligners are now a chosen option for most people for several reasons. Clear aligners are invisible unless someone pays very close attention. The clear aligners allow you to smile confidently throughout your treatment. Traditional braces make brushing and flossing more challenging, necessitating additional tools such as interdental brushes or floss threaders. Clear aligners are removed while brushing and flossing, making oral hygiene maintenance much easier. Who is a good candidate for clear aligners?Clear aligners can be used to treat various types of misalignments. These may include underbites, crossbites, and open bites, among others. The clear aligners are customized based on the specific type of treatment to be undertaken. Anyone needing their teeth aligned is a good candidate for aligners. Teens and working adults tend to be the most common groups of people to choose clear aligners, as they offer treatment without being noticeable like traditional metal braces with their brackets and wires. The best way to determine an ideal solution to your dental situation is to consult with our dentist, who will provide the perfect clear aligner solution for your teeth. How long does the treatment typically last?Treatment times for clear aligners are generally shorter than that of traditional metal braces. Patients wearing metal braces may have them on for up to two years or more. Most patients typically wear clear aligners for only about 12 to 18 months, with some experiencing results in as little as six months for minor adjustments. What happens if I lose or break an aligner?If you lose or break an aligner during treatment with clear aligners, it's important to contact our office as soon as possible to prevent interruption in your treatment. We will provide guidance on what steps to take next based on your specific situation. If you misplace or lose an aligner, depending on your progress in treatment, we may advise you to move on to the next set of aligners if you are close to transitioning. If not, we will provide instructions on how to wear the previous set until a replacement can be made. If an aligner breaks, do not attempt to continue wearing it, as it may not provide the necessary pressure to continue tooth movement effectively. Contact us for guidance. We may advise you to temporarily revert to wearing a previous set of aligners until a replacement can be made. Can I eat and drink while wearing clear aligners?Many patients prefer clear aligners over traditional braces because they can be removed when not in use. Clear aligners can be removed while eating, brushing, and flossing, making them the optimal choice for people who do not want their daily routines interrupted by braces. Additionally, people who wear braces need to have a list of foods to stay away from, which can be discouraging. Patients who choose clear aligners do not have to avoid foods that are hard and sticky, since brackets and wires will not come loose because of eating those types of foods. 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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