Do you look in the mirror and immediately notice an imperfect smile? Are you at an age where the look of wearing braces could put you at a disadvantage? Thankfully, throughout the years dentists and orthodontists have developed a product that can help you straighten your teeth without the look of chunky metal braces. Clear aligners are essentially specially crafted hard plastic that look similar to a retainer. In this case, though, they are made with the purpose to shift your teeth instead of keeping them in the same place after treatment. Clear aligner brands like Invisalign can give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of without the look of traditional braces.
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are essentially plastic braces. They are made specifically crafted to the exact specifications of your mouth and oftentimes take a fraction of the time than traditional braces do. One of the best parts of the aligners is they are removable, so you take them out to eat. Unlike braces, this means you can eat whatever foods you want as long as you brush your teeth before putting the trays back in your mouth.
Clear aligners are best for people who don’t have a significantly severe case of tooth placement. This means that if it would originally be difficult to straighten your teeth with traditional braces, then you most likely won’t be a candidate. Speak to your dentist or orthodontist to identify if your oral situation would qualify you to receive clear braces and how you can proceed.
Process
The process of getting your clear aligners is actually quite simple. Once you and your dentist or orthodontist have agreed that you’ll be receiving them, the next step is to have your mouth scanned. Traditionally, molds are taken of your mouth to see the exact tooth placement in a physical three-dimensional object. Now, because of upgrades in technology, your dentist may just take an electronic scan of your mouth. This creates a digitally three-dimensional picture of your teeth and makes it easier for the aligner company to shift them around to your exact specifications.
After the scan is over, your dentist will send them over to the company where they will tailor a number of aligners for you. When they receive them, the dentist will call you back, give you a few aligners, and explain the details of using them. You’ll switch your aligner to a new one of a slightly different shape about every two weeks.
Cost
The cost of clear aligners is slightly more than traditional braces. This is because it takes more time to craft and cut each aligner to your oral specifications. You can expect to pay anywhere between $3,500 and $8,000 for treatment. The price depends on how many trays you need and how long you use the Invisalign for. If your case is milder, you’re looking at the lower end of the spectrum. Compared to traditional braces that cost between $3,000 and $7,000, the price jump isn’t bad for what you’ll receive in return. You won’t have metal in your mouth, and you’ll end up with a faster treatment!
Talk to Your Dentist Today
If you’re unhappy with your smile, it’s time to talk to your dentist and orthodontist about braces. Clear aligners are a great way to provide you with straight teeth, yet they don’t take away from your physical appearance through the duration of treatment. As you can see the plenty of benefits of receiving clear aligners, you shouldn’t pass on the opportunity. Why live life unhappy with the way your teeth look when you can fix them quickly and permanently using clear aligners?
Teach Dental Group can help you with this process. Call or visit us today to schedule your complimentary consultation and determine if you’re a candidate for clear aligners!
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