Gone are the days when bulky brackets and uncomfortable wires were the only way to straighten your teeth and restore your oral health. You don’t have to worry about cuts on your tongue and cheek anymore, and covering your mouth when you talk or smile due to embarrassing braces is a thing of the past for many patients with orthodontic concerns.
Thanks to clear aligner therapy, you can achieve straighter teeth and improved oral health without the stress associated with traditional braces.
At Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer Invisalign® and SureSmile® clear aligners; we’ll work with you to choose the best option for your smile and tailor a treatment plan to your needs.
So, how do you know if you’re a candidate for Invisalign or SureSmile? Keep reading to learn more.
Who’s a Candidate for Clear Aligners?
Both Invisalign and SureSmile are treatment options for teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. If you have severe orthodontic issues, traditional braces might be necessary.
Some of the orthodontic concerns that clear aligners can correct include the following:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Gapped teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
How Do Invisalign and SureSmile Work?
Clear aligners are made from clear plastic and are customized to fit snugly over your teeth. Over time, they gently shift your teeth into the proper position. You can expect to change to a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks as directed by your dentist until your treatment is complete.
Once you finish wearing your clear aligners, you’ll need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting back to their previous position.
Your treatment time will vary, depending on the severity of your orthodontic concerns, but for some patients, clear aligners work more quickly than traditional braces.
The Clear Aligner Process: What to Expect
Both Invisalign and SureSmile have a similar treatment process; when you visit your Scottsdale dentist, these are the steps you can expect:
- Consultation and 3-D scan — The first thing your dentist will do is determine whether you are a candidate for clear aligner therapy. Using digital technology, they will create a three-dimensional model of your teeth.
- Treatment plan — Using the 3-D model as a guide, your dentist will customize a treatment plan and show you a digital mockup of what your smile will look like once you complete treatment. Imagine seeing the results before you begin!
- Aligner creation — Your scans are then sent to the laboratory; once there, they’ll create your custom aligners and send them back to your dentist. You’ll return to the office so your dentist can show you how to wear them.
- Aligner wear — Following your dentist’s instructions, you’ll wear your aligners for the allotted time before switching to the next set. Each set brings you closer to a straighter, more beautiful smile.
- Routine checkups — Every few weeks, you’ll visit your dentist so they can monitor your progress and address any concerns. At these visits, you’ll receive your new aligners.
- Retainer wear — Once treatment is complete, you’ll wear a retainer to maintain your new smile and improved oral health.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign and SureSmile?
It’s no wonder that clear aligners are a popular orthodontic option for teens and adults alike; here are some of the biggest benefits of Invisalign and SureSmile:
- Comfort — Clear aligners are made from soft, pliable plastic, so they don’t hurt your gums, cheeks, lips, or tongue. Unlike traditional braces, you won’t have to worry about sores in your mouth or metal wires poking your cheeks.
- No food restrictions — Because you can remove your aligners to eat, no foods are off-limits! You can enjoy popcorn, chewy candy, and crusty bread without worrying about breaking a bracket or wire. Just make sure to brush and floss after you eat!
- Fewer dental visits — With traditional braces, you have to visit your dental office more often so they can tighten your wires and replace broken or missing brackets. But not with Invisalign and SureSmile! You’ll have occasional appointments, but that’s it.
- Improved oral health — You can also remove your aligners to brush and floss your teeth, making dental hygiene easier and more effective. You can clean your teeth and gums with ease and then put your aligners back in when you’re finished. Food and bacteria get trapped in traditional braces, making it more difficult to keep your teeth clean. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease during treatment.
- Boosts confidence — Clear aligners are nearly invisible, so you won’t feel embarrassed about wearing them. You can feel confident when you smile, knowing your aligners provide a seamless appearance.
- Treatment time — For some Invisalign and SureSmile patients, treatment time could be shorter than with traditional braces. Your dentist can give you a time estimate when they go over your treatment plan with you.
- Better oral hygiene — Brushing and flossing is no different with clear aligners; you just take them out to keep your teeth looking and feeling their best.
Caring for Your Clear Aligners Is Easy
Now that you know how easy it is to care for your teeth and gums during clear aligner therapy, you may wonder if caring for the aligners themselves is just as easy. The answer is yes!
Here’s how to care for them:
- Rinse them in warm water each time you take them out.
- Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and aligner cleaner.
- Soak them in aligner cleaning solution each day, and let them air dry before putting them back in your mouth.
- Remove your aligners when you eat or drink anything besides water; be sure to store them in their case to avoid losing or damaging them.
- Wear your aligners for 20-22 hours each day; this will keep your progress on track.
Considering Clear Aligners in North Scottsdale, AZ?
If you’d like to learn more about clear aligner therapy in Scottsdale and the surrounding communities, our experienced dental team will happily assist you! Both Invisalign and SureSmile are fantastic ways to gently straighten your teeth and give your confidence a boost.
To take the first step toward your dream smile, you can schedule an orthodontic consultation with us. At Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry, our goal is to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
Please call our dental office at (480) 585-1853.
We look forward to hearing from you!