Clear Aligner Therapy at The Hills Family Dentistry
Clear aligner therapy is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth. Invisalign is the most well-known brand of clear aligners, but there are many other options available.
How Clear Aligners Work
Clear aligners are custom-made for each patient using a 3D scan from an intraoral camera of their teeth. Each aligner is slightly different, and as the patient progresses through the series, their teeth are gradually moved into the desired position. The aligners are typically worn for 20-22 hours per day, and each set is worn for usually one week before switching to the next set in the series, however, every patient's timeline of tray wear can vary.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
- Nearly Invisible: Clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth discreetly.
- Removable: Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, making them more convenient and easier to maintain oral hygiene.
- Comfortable: Clear aligners are made of smooth plastic and do not have any sharp edges or wires, making them more comfortable to wear than traditional braces.
- Effective: Clear aligners are effective in treating a wide range of orthodontic problems, including crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, and crossbite.
- Shorter Treatment Time: The average treatment time for clear aligners is 6-8 months, which is often shorter than traditional braces.
Limitations of Clear Aligners
- Not Suitable for Complex Cases: Clear aligners may not be suitable for complex orthodontic problems that require significant tooth movement or jaw correction. In such cases, traditional braces may be a better option.
- Requires Patient Compliance: Clear aligners require patients to be disciplined and wear them as prescribed for the treatment to be successful.
- Cost: Clear aligners are very affordable and often times insurance will cover orthodontic treatment to certain extent.
Choosing a Clear Aligner Provider
When choosing a clear aligner provider, it is important to consider their experience, qualifications, and the technology they use. It is also important to compare prices and payment options. We are happy to refer you to an orthodontist for clear aligner treatment as well, if that is what you'd prefer.
Clear Aligner Therapy at The Hills Family Dentistry
At The Hills Family Dentistry, Dr. Jordan Thomas is Invisalign certified and has provided clear aligner treatment to hundreds of patients. Our office utilizes advanced 3D printing technology to create custom aligners in the office. The benefits of this approach include:
- If a patient loses an aligner or needs a new one, it can be produced in minutes, unlike Invisalign which takes days to ship.
- The aligners are made with variable material thickness for enhanced comfort.
- We can 3D print retainer models if new ones are needed, ensuring long-term straight teeth.
- We maintain a digital catalog of before-and-after images for each patient's case, providing a comprehensive overview of their treatment progress.
For more information about clear aligner therapy and to schedule your consultation, contact The Hills Family Dentistry today at (760) 798-7166.