What is clear aligner treatment?
Clear aligner treatment uses clear, virtually invisible aligners, rather than metal bands, brackets or wires, to straighten teeth comfortably. The aligners are custom-made to fit the teeth, and are easily removable so patients can eat, drink, brush and floss. The advantage of clear aligners over regular braces is that they are virtually undetectable.
How do clear aligners work?
Clear aligner treatment uses advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology to project tooth movement in a patient's mouth. This allows Dr. Hinz to create a series of clear, custom-made aligners that gradually move the teeth in line with one another. A patient wears each aligner for about two weeks, then moves on to the next set, and then the next, until the teeth-positioning goal has been met.
What do clear aligners treat?
In addition to straightening crooked or misaligned teeth, clear aligners can eliminate crowding and large spaces between teeth. More complex conditions, such as overbites, underbites and crossbites, can also be treated.
What are some of the benefits of clear aligners over regular braces?
Clear aligners offer many benefits over traditional metal braces. They may include:
- Cosmetic appeal
- Lower cost
- Little to no impact on daily life
- Less pain
- Greater flexibility because aligners can be removed at any time
- Easier to keep teeth clean and healthy
- No dietary restrictions
- No "tightening" required
Who is a good candidate for clear aligner treatment?
Clear aligners are an effective tool for straightening teeth, and for patients who want to:
- Straighten crooked or misaligned teeth
- Eliminate teeth crowding
- Close up large spaces between the teeth
- Correct overbites, underbites and crossbites
How does clear aligner treatment start?
The first step is for a person to make an appointment with Dr. Hinz, who will decide whether clear aligner treatment is appropriate. If so, a course of treatment is mapped out. Steps in the treatment process include:
- Digital impression scans are taken and sent out for processing.
- Aligners are created using advanced 3-D computer imaging based on the digital impressions.
- The patient receives the custom-made aligners.
- The patient wears the clear and removable aligners day and night.
- Aligners should be removed only when the patient is eating, drinking, brushing and flossing; the more they are taken out, the longer it will take to achieve the desired goal.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Typically, clear aligner treatment takes about a year from start to finish. The patient sees Dr. Hinz for a brief appointment every 6 to 8 weeks to review progress. The next few sets of aligners is given to the patient at each visit.
Do clear aligners work?
Yes, clear aligners have been shown to be highly effective at straightening teeth. Check out some of our before and after photos of treatment done here at Priest Dental!
Is clear aligner treatment covered by insurance?
If a person has dental insurance that covers orthodontic treatment, clear aligner treatment may also be covered.