Are you looking for a way to straighten your teeth but don't want to deal with wearing traditional braces? Clear aligners may be the perfect solution for you. Dr. Choi at Prizm Dental in La Verne, CA, offers clear aligners as an alternative to traditional braces for adults and teens. If you’ve wondered how clear aligners can give you the smile you want, we’ve put together a guide on how clear aligners work, how to get them, and how they compare to traditional braces.
The first step to getting clear aligners is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Choi at Prizm Dental. During the consultation, Dr. Choi will examine your teeth and determine if clear aligners are a suitable treatment option for your specific bite. He will also discuss the treatment process and what you can expect during your orthodontic process.
If clear aligners are the right option for your smile, Dr. Choi will take digital impressions of your teeth and create a 3D model of your mouth. He will use this model to design a customized treatment plan to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Then, you will receive a set of virtually-mapped clear aligners that are specifically tailored to your oral anatomy.
How Clear Aligners Work
Clear aligners use gentle, continuous force to move your teeth into the desired position. Each set of clear aligners is designed to shift your teeth slightly closer to their final position. You will wear each set of clear aligners for approximately one to two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series. Instead of having braces “tightened,” you’ll shift your teeth closer to the end results by wearing your aligners as directed.
Clear aligners offer several advantages over traditional braces. One of the most significant benefits is that they are virtually invisible. Clear aligners are made of a transparent plastic material that blends in with your teeth, making them almost impossible to detect.
Orthodontic clear aligners are also removable, so you can take them out when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. Traditional braces are permanently attached to your teeth and cannot be removed until the end of your treatment (meaning they’re more challenging to clean and you’ll have to alter your diet during treatment.)
Another benefit of clear aligners is that they are more comfortable than traditional braces. The plastic material used in clear aligners is smooth and does not cause the same irritation as metal braces. You’ll never have to worry about a wire or bracket rubbing the inside of your mouth.
The length of your clear aligner treatment will depend on the severity of your case. Mild cases of misaligned teeth can be corrected in as little as 2-3 months, while more complex cases may require up to 18-24 months of treatment. You will need to wear your clear aligners for 20-22 hours per day for the treatment to be effective.
Plan to visit Prizm Dental every 6-8 weeks to monitor your progress and receive your new sets of clear aligners.
Clear aligners are an effective and discreet way to straighten your teeth without the discomfort and appearance of traditional braces. If you’re interested in clear aligner treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Choi at Prizm Dental in La Verne, CA today.
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