Clear Aligners
A Metal-Free Way to Straighten Teeth
A straight smile can be a source of confidence for many people, but teeth that are out of alignment can negatively impact your self-image and oral wellness. Crooked teeth are much harder to thoroughly clean, and provide the perfect hiding spaces for bacteria. This means you’re at a higher risk for developing cavities and periodontal disease.
Orthodontic treatment can be used to bring your teeth into proper alignment so that they not only look aesthetically pleasing but also protect your health. If you’re a Michigan patient in Norton Shores, Ferrysburg, Spring Lake, and the surrounding areas looking for a discreet way to correct your smile, we offer clear aligners as an effective alternative to traditional braces.
Our expert dentist Dr. John Leitner recommends this comfortable, effective, and virtually invisible orthodontic treatment to patients looking to achieve a straight smile they can be confident in.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are transparent, plastic orthodontic devices used to correct the alignment of teeth. Treatment with clear aligners is designed to adjust your teeth a little bit at a time by utilizing a series of aligners with each set worn for one to two weeks at a time. Clear aligners need to be worn around 20 to 22 hours daily in order to achieve maximum results. Depending on your situation, it may even be possible to switch from metal braces to clear aligners.
Dr. Leitner may recommend clear aligners if you suffer from:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped or spaced teeth
- Overbite
- Open bite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
Clear Aligners vs. Metal Braces
In the past, the only way to realign your teeth was with traditional metal braces, which consist of metal wires and brackets attached to the surface of your teeth with dental-grade cement. Braces straighten your teeth by applying constant pressure and your dentist tightens them periodically to keep the pressure needed to move your teeth in proper alignment.
While they can be effective, patients may find dental hygiene becomes more challenging with metal in the way, and patients must adhere to dietary restrictions in order to protect the braces. Treatment time can take upwards of two to three years, which patients may also find inconvenient.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners may be a perfect solution to address a variety of tooth alignment problems and create a healthy, straight smile. They are a popular orthodontic treatment due to their variety of benefits:
- Discretion — As the name suggests, clear aligners are nearly invisible and unnoticeable, allowing you to straighten your teeth without sacrificing your smile.
- Comfortable — Aligners are made of a thin, flexible material that’s custom-made to provide superior comfort and support throughout your treatment.
- Removable — Clear aligners can be removed for meals, snacks, and drinks, which means you don’t have to give up your favorite foods.
- Enhanced Oral Health Protection — Because clear aligners are removable, it’s much easier to clean your teeth as they are being straightened.
- Faster Results — Patients typically see a straightened smile in half the time as metal braces. Some even see results in as little as three months.
Clear Aligners Process
When you come in for your consultation with Dr. Leitner, we’ll conduct a thorough dental exam and take X-rays before taking a look at your current oral health, medical history, and tooth alignment problems. This will help us determine if clear aligners are the best orthodontic option for you. If so, we’ll take enhanced images and impressions using our advanced dental technology to create a customized set of clear aligners that matches your bite.
You’ll periodically receive a new set of aligners every two weeks as your treatment plan progresses. The aligners gradually correct your alignment over time and patients need to wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to maximize your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are clear aligners painful?
Clear aligners are one of the most comfortable solutions for orthodontic problems. Your teeth require the pressure to guide them into the right place. Clear aligners do so in a much more gentle way than traditional braces.
While it is common to feel some pressure or discomfort when first beginning treatment, your teeth will adjust within a day or two.
Are clear aligners covered by insurance?
Some insurance companies cover orthodontic treatment while others only cover a portion. This is why it’s essential to check your specific benefits. During your consultation, Dr. Leitner will provide you with a more accurate cost estimate for your clear aligners.
How do I take care of my aligners?
Maintaining your clear aligners is simple and easy. We recommend the following tips:
- Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water every morning and night. Avoid using hot water as extreme temperatures can alter the shape of your aligners. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and an antibacterial soap to prevent bacteria from building up.
- Brush and floss after meals before putting your aligners back on. This can prevent food debris from becoming trapped in your teeth or in the aligner.
- Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This can prevent them from becoming stained. Avoid drinking hot beverages with your aligners as they can cause your aligners to become misshapen and set back your treatment time.
- To keep your aligners clean make sure to soak them at least once a day and rinse before use.
Request Your Consultation Today
Dr. Leitner and our expert team offer clear aligners to correct your smile in a discreet, comfortable way while protecting your overall dental wellness. If you’re a Michigan patient in Norton Shores, Ferrysburg, Spring Lake, or the surrounding areas and want to learn more about achieving a straight smile, give us a call at (616) 842-2850. Or, feel free to fill out the form at the bottom of this page.