Most of us desire healthy, beautiful smiles but need help to realize them. But now, with advanced orthodontic treatments, it has become possible to turn those dreams into reality. Clear aligner therapy, also known as invisible aligners, helps correct crooked or misaligned teeth. At Bradshaw + Katras Orthodontic Specialists in Tennessee, we will work to give you a comfortable orthodontic experience, and our practice is committed to providing you quality care.
What Is Clear Aligner Therapy?
The clear aligners are teeth straightening systems that are practically invisible and removable and are designed for flexibility and convenience. They consist of tight-fitting customized aligners that rest over the teeth. Over time, the aligners shift the teeth to the desired positions.
The Candidates for Clear Aligners
The clear aligners are best suited for teens and adults as they are tailor-made for a comfortable fit. This treatment will not be appropriate for children as their oral structures are still developing. Clear aligners are generally used for patients with mild or moderately crowded teeth or those with minor spacing problems. Patients experiencing severe spacing or crowding tooth issues may need more complex therapies.
The Procedure for Clear Aligners
The clear aligners are intended to move the teeth a little at a time. Our orthodontists will examine your oral cavity and take X-rays, images, and impressions of the teeth as a first step. With the help of this information, we will come up with a treatment plan to renovate your smile, which includes guiding the teeth into correct positions. The primary aim of aligners is a healthy bite of the upper and lower arch. The teeth’s straightening is complex and can be done only under expert guidance.
The next step in clear aligner therapy involves the fabrication of the plastic aligners using your scans and impressions. The aligners are plastic imitations of your teeth. They work by putting consistent pressure on the teeth, realigning them gradually. You must wear the aligners for about twenty to twenty-two hours a day. Each set of aligners must be worn for a fortnight before moving on to the next set in the series. As a result of the treatment, the teeth would have shifted to their ideal positions in the mouth. The total number of aligners will be planned according to your individual needs. Upon completing the process, you must wear retainers to maintain your smile alignment.
What Is the Duration of Clear Aligners Therapy?
The treatment duration for clear aligners depends on the severity of your misalignment. The term can increase if your bite needs major corrections or the teeth are more misaligned. But in a majority of the cases, the treatment duration usually takes about nine to twelve months.
If you are interested in learning more about our orthodontic treatments, visit our Bradshaw + Katras Orthodontic Specialists offices in Tennessee.
