A straight, even smile is beautiful, desirable, and healthy. However, many patients are turned off by the thought of wearing traditional metal brackets. For many patients, clear aligner therapy is a great solution to achieve a straighter smile without drawing unwanted attention. In Glendale, CA, Dr. Carlos Garcia and the team at Bright Smiles Dental Studio offer clear teeth aligners to straighten your teeth.
Clear aligner therapy
The purpose of any orthodontic treatment is to improve the function and appearance of the smile. It is not simply a cosmetic treatment. Straight teeth are properly aligned and easier to clean so there are fewer hard-to-reach areas where bacteria can hide and accumulate. Orthodontic treatments address aesthetic and functional problems.
Qualified patients looking for invisible clear braces may prefer the removable trays of aligner treatments over traditional braces. The clear design is comfortable and unnoticeable making it an attractive option to adults and teens who are self-conscious about traditional metal brackets. Although traditional braces are effective, they are immediately obvious and the design can be uncomfortable, especially when the wires are tightened. Aligner trays provide an alternative orthodontic option.
Currently, aligner trays are commonly used for patients needing mild to moderate orthodontic correction. As technology improves, the trays can treat an increasing number of cases. Clear aligner treatment addresses the following needs:
- Crowding – When the jaw is too small, there is not enough room for the teeth to fit correctly. This leads to overly crowded teeth that may be hard to clean properly.
- Misaligned teeth – Teeth that are turned or not in proper alignment impact the overall balance of the mouth. They can also be difficult to clean.
- Gaps – A gap or extra spacing can occur anywhere in the mouth but is most common between the front teeth. Gaps need to be addressed. When the gums are exposed without protection from the teeth, patients are susceptible to gum disease.
- Overbite – When the top teeth extend too far over the bottom, this can cause gum disease, jaw problems, and/or excessive wear on the bottom teeth.
- Underbite – In an underbite, the bottom teeth extend too far beyond the top. In these cases, the teeth may not meet or function properly. The jaw is affected and there may be excessive wear on the teeth.
- Open bite – If the teeth do not meet when the jaw is closed, the patient may have an open bite. This results in speech problems, an improper bite, and issues with jaw alignment.
Straighten your teeth
Clear teeth aligners have been successfully used to straighten teeth effectively and efficiently. Made of BPA-free clear plastic, the trays are created using impressions of the patient’s teeth. This ensures a customized treatment plan and set of trays to gradually shift the teeth into the proper position. Aligner trays fit snugly, but comfortably around the teeth. They are not painful but should not slip or move around in the mouth. The clear design is discrete and not immediately noticeable to others.
Traditional braces use brackets placed on the front of the teeth with a wire connecting them. The wires are changed or tightened periodically to push the teeth into alignment. Treatment with clear aligners relies on gentle pressure within the tray to shift the teeth. A series of trays are used over the course of the treatment. Each set is worn for about two weeks and then discarded so a new set can be used. Since the pressure changes in each tray set, it promoteinvs the continuous movement of the teeth. Progress is monitored regularly throughout the treatment plan. Treatment times may vary, but many patients complete their treatment plans in about one year.
When worn as directed, dental aligners are a successful orthodontic option for many patients. A key point to remember is that the trays are removable. This is a benefit that can be overused. Patients control their own success. Trays should be taken out to eat, drink, brush, and floss. However, they should not be left out for extended periods. Generally, the trays must be worn for about 20 hours per day for optimal results. Wearing the trays as directed increases the effectiveness of the treatment. It reduces the need for longer treatment times or future orthodontic work.
Clean your aligner trays
Orthodontic treatments involve the placement of additional materials in the mouth. This gives bacteria more to cling to and increases the ability to multiply. The added bacteria can cause bad breath or discoloration of your aligner trays. Preventing the buildup of bacteria and plaque is the best treatment option. Following good oral health habits prevent unwanted problems.
To keep your invisible clear braces clean, follow the following tips:
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
- Brush your teeth before putting the trays in your mouth.
- Cleanse your trays daily.
- Do not use toothpaste to clean your trays.
- Soak your trays according to your dentist’s instructions.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is important for everyone but especially for orthodontics patients. Remove the aligner trays for eating and drinking to avoid extra particles building up or getting stuck in the trays. Likewise, take the trays out to properly cleanse the teeth. Brushing at least twice each day and flossing daily removes unwanted bacteria and food particles. Your trays do not stay clean when put on dirty teeth. By brushing thoroughly before putting your trays back in, you minimize the bacteria on your teeth and the trays.
When you clean your teeth at night, clean your trays as well. This removes bacteria, stains, and food particles. If plaque builds up on your trays, odors and spots will appear. You can clean your trays with a toothbrush. Use cool water to cleanse and rinse. However, do not use toothpaste on the aligner trays as the abrasiveness can scratch, damage, and discolor the trays.
Clear teeth aligners successfully treat many orthodontic needs. To learn more about clear aligner therapy to straighten your teeth, contact Bright Smiles Dental Studio in Glendale, CA. Call (818) 290-8788 .
