Clear aligners are common these days, but they really only came to exist in the last thirty years or so! They marked an important advent in orthodontic treatment around the world, allowing patients to achieve gorgeous new smiles without brackets or wires. The thing is, clear aligners require a highly skilled orthodontist to oversee treatment—which is where Straight Smiles Orthodontics comes in.
We’re going to take some time to tell you about this treatment option and give you some tips on how to adjust to clear aligners. Our third-generation, family-owned practice will make this an exceptional experience for you!
What Makes Clear Aligners Work?
In our three state-of-the-art offices, we offer Invisalign and ClearCorrect aligners, which are both fabulous options for teenage and adult patients. These are a few points on how they work:
- Dr. Tom and Dr. Nicholas Rafaill will initiate your treatment by taking a 3D scan of your entire mouth. We’re able to create a fully custom treatment plan with this information that can give you a visual reference of how your teeth will change over months of treatment until they’re in their final placement.
- Your aligners will be fabricated in a special lab by technicians, where extreme attention to detail ensures they fit your teeth like a glove.
- A single set of aligners is usually worn for 1-2 weeks, with a daily wear time of 20-22 hours. Each set is designed to be slightly different, gently shifting your teeth into their new positions over time.
Advantages of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners have a wide variety of benefits for a wide variety of patients. Under our all-star team’s care, you will have the smile of your dreams before you know it. Here are several reasons why clear aligners are at the top of many patients’ wishlists:
- In & Out: The fact that these aligners are removable is maybe the most important quality of them. This characteristic directly impacts everything from diet to oral health management.
- A Comfy Fit: Braces are made up of a few components, namely brackets that attach to your teeth and wires that attach to the brackets. Invisalign and ClearCorrect don’t beat any of those additional pieces, which equates to a more comfortable experience.
- Improved Hygiene: The removability of clear aligners is wonderful for keeping your hygiene top-tier. You won’t have any obstacles when you floss or brush, unlike traditional braces.
- A Workplace Wonder: Let us give a brief disclaimer: Adult braces can be an exceptional option! In fact, they are for many of our patients. But a lot of adult patients enjoy the appearance of clear aligners when they’re at work or in social settings.
- The Adolescent Advantage: This same aesthetic quality makes clear aligners a popular pick for teens. Students love the lowkey look of clear aligners during the school day and major events like prom and graduation.
A Straighter Shot
Our doctors know clear aligner treatment very well. In fact, providers have to be certified and tested to offer Invisalign and ClearCorrect—not just anyone can do it! So, here are a few primary tips for the trade to remember when you have clear aligners:
- Keep in Touch: Really, for every treatment we offer in our practice, we emphasize the importance of patient-provider communication. Our doctors’ ability to connect with patients is part of what makes our practice feel like one huge family! Never hesitate to express any concerns you have during your treatment. We will work closely with you to address and resolve them.
- Superior Scheduling: With clear aligners, staying on track with your wear schedule is very important. You’ll also be expected to change your new aligners on time and attend regular appointments for check-ins. Working around all of these dates might be a challenge, but our offices will accommodate you to the best of their ability!
- Practice Makes Perfect: Removing aligners can be a bit tricky at first—think of them like a super snug pair of winter socks. It takes some practice getting them on and off! Try using a gentle rocking motion, starting at the back teeth, to ease them off, or keep a removal tool on hand.
- Keeping Up: Since clear aligners are clear, they can be a bit hard to keep track of if you aren’t careful. If you’re prone to leaving them outside of their case, for example, don’t be surprised if you lose them entirely. This can delay treatment, especially if it happens routinely. We encourage you to use your carrying case wisely.
- Drink Water: Dry mouth is a very common symptom of various orthodontic appliances. Having these in your mouth can impact saliva production and result in some discomfort. Double down on drinking plenty of water every day to avoid this.
Staying on Track
At Straight Smile Orthodontics, we will never give you your appliance and say, “Goodbye and good luck!” Our team partners with you from the first day of treatment to the last and is committed to providing you with guidance every step of the way. We look forward to starting this new adventure with you soon in Shelby Township, Novi, or Rochester Hill.