Invisalign clear aligners are made of invisible plastic. Rather than being cemented or bonded to the teeth like metal or clear braces, the clear aligners are completely removable for things like eating, special occasions, and most importantly brushing and flossing. There are many advantages to Invisalign:
- Improved Oral Hygiene: With an orthodontic appliance that is removable, you will be able to clean your teeth much more easily than if you were wearing metal braces.
- A Discreet Look: If you consider your orthodontic treatment to be a private matter, or simply feel that metal braces don’t fit with your self-image, a practically invisible form of orthodontic treatment might suit you.
- More Dietary Choices: To protect metal wires and braces, some diet modifications are necessary. With clear aligners, you can still bite into an apple or a crispy pizza crust.
- Comfort: The thin, flexible material of which Invisalign is made will not irritate the soft tissues of the mouth, as metal wires and braces can.
- Teeth-Grinding Protection: If you have a teeth-grinding or clenching habit, clear aligners can function as thin nightguards that will protect your teeth from excessive wear.
How It Works
Invisalign clear aligners work the same way that traditional braces do. They apply carefully controlled forces to move your teeth into a better position without using metal wires. The plastic trays are specially designed to fit your teeth, and will slowly move the teeth from their current positions to the best possible alignment. This process is broken down into a few different stages, where you will have a different set of trays for each stage. Usually each stage lasts a few weeks, and you are advised to wear your trays for a minimum for about 20 hours per day. After each stage, you will receive a new set of trays and repeat this process for gradual movement of your teeth. This will continue until your teeth are perfectly realigned.
Invisalign has even added features to the trays for teenagers like spacing for molars that have not grown in yet and compliance indicators that allows the dentist and the patient to see if the trays are being worn for the appropriate amount of time.
Clear Correct
ClearCorrect is a clear aligner system used to straighten teeth as an alternative to traditional braces. Similar to other clear aligner brands (like Invisalign), ClearCorrect straightens teeth using a series of clear, custom-made, removable aligners that over time move your teeth, eventually correcting them as well as your smile to create a brand new, rejuvenated look.
ClearCorrect treatment involves four phases of aligner therapy. Each phase requires a new set of aligners that are worn for a three-week period. The time between each phase allows for control and flexibility.
ClearCorrect aligners are worn all the time, except when eating and drinking, or while brushing and flossing. Designed with aesthetics in mind, the aligners are barely noticeable and won’t have an impact on your daily routine.
After wearing each aligner set, results will be noticeable as your teeth begin slowly adjusting and aligning to your desired smile. Periodic check-ups with your dentist are required so your progress can be evaluated and you can be given the next set of aligners. This sequence will continue until you have achieved your new smile.
Treatment time can vary from one to two years, depending upon your specific condition and degree of misalignment. There are three treatment options available:
Unlimited: Patients are provided with as many aligners needed to complete the case.
Limited 12: Patients are provided with 12 sets of aligners.
Limited 6: Patients are provided with 6 sets of aligners.
ClearCorrect currently is available to treat adults and teenagers. Children who might not have all of their molars and senior citizens who present with more complicated dental cases also may be candidates for ClearCorrect, but should consult with their dentists to determine the treatment option that best suits their needs.
ClearCorrect can be used to treat the following orthodontic conditions:
-Crowded teeth
-Spacing between teeth
-Overbites
-Underbites
-Crooked or turned (rotated) teeth
