Get a Straighter Smile with Clear Aligners
Are you self-conscious about your smile because of crooked teeth? Do you avoid showing your teeth during presentations or social events? Traditional braces can be uncomfortable and unsightly, but there’s a solution that’s nearly invisible and more comfortable: clear aligners
. Our San Diego, CA dentist, Dr. Vaheed Bayette offers clear aligners to not only straighten your teeth, but also help prevent bad oral bacteria from feasting on food particles that hide in the extra nooks and crannies that crowded, crooked teeth create.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are orthodontic devices that are a transparent, plastic form of dental braces used to adjust teeth. They are designed to help guide teeth into proper position, just like traditional braces. Clear aligners are clear, thin, plastic-like trays that are formed to fit an individual’s teeth. They are one of many technological advancements that have made orthodontic treatment less conspicuous.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Nearly invisible: Clear aligners are nearly invisible, making them a popular choice for people who want to straighten their teeth without the look of traditional braces.- Removable: Clear aligners are removable, which means you can take them out to eat, brush and floss your teeth, or for short periods for work or social situations.
- Comfortable: Clear aligners are made of smooth plastic, which can be more comfortable than traditional braces that have brackets and wires.
- Effective: Clear aligners can be effective for moderate crowding of the front teeth.
Who Qualifies for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a good option for people with mild to moderate orthodontic problems, such as crowded or spaced teeth, overbite, underbite, or crossbite. However, they may not be the right choice for everyone. Your San Diego dentist can help determine if clear aligners are a good fit for you.
How Does the Procedure Work?
The clear aligner treatment involves an orthodontist or dentist taking a mold of the patient’s teeth, which is used to create a digital tooth scan. The computerized model suggests stages between the current and desired teeth positions, and aligners are created for each stage. Each aligner is worn for 22 hours a day for one or two weeks. These slowly move the teeth into the position agreed between the orthodontist or dentist and the patient. The total number of aligners will vary by the needs of each patient, and as with traditional braces, patients will need to wear retainers after their teeth reach their new positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s important to see your orthodontist as often as recommended to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned and to catch any issues early on. After completing your treatment, you may still need to see your orthodontist periodically to ensure that your teeth remain in their new positions. Generally, patients should plan to visit their orthodontist every 6-8 weeks.
Yes, it is important to clean your clear aligners regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and to keep them looking clear. You can clean them using a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or by using a specialized cleaning solution designed for clear aligners.
While clear aligners may cause some discomfort or pressure when you first start wearing them or switch to a new set, they are generally less painful than traditional metal braces. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate any discomfort you may experience.
You should remove your clear aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent staining or damaging the aligners. After eating or drinking, you should brush your teeth and rinse your aligners before putting them back in.
Unlock Your Best Smile with Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are an esthetic and comfortable option for orthodontic treatment and have gained immense popularity over the last decade. With clear aligners, patients can undergo orthodontic treatment without drawing attention to their teeth, allowing them to unlock their best smile. Schedule a consultation with your San Diego, CA dentist today by giving our dental office a call at (619) 901-0708 to start your journey to a straighter, brighter smile.