Clear Aligners
Bremerton, WA
Clear Aligners provided by Dr. Hablutzel
in Bremerton, WA at Pacific Ave. Dental
 Crooked or crowded teeth can make you feel shy about your smile and can make it harder to keep your teeth clean. This can cause problems like tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues. Maybe you have not gotten orthodontic treatment as an adult because you do not want the usual metal braces. Luckily, there is a way to straighten your teeth that is less noticeable. Pacific Ave. Dental provides the best prescription clear aligners to help silently straighten your teeth.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligners are like clear, thin plastic trays made to fit your teeth perfectly. They gently push your teeth into the right place by applying a little pressure. You wear each set for about a week - at least 22 hours a day - allowing them to move your teeth a tiny bit at a time, usually less than a millimeter.
You can take them out when you eat, drink, brush, and floss. The number of aligners you will need and how long you will wear them depends on your teeth and what needs to be fixed. To see if clear aligners are right for you, schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.
What Is the Difference Between Clear Aligners and Mental Braces?
There are two main types of braces to straighten your teeth. The first kind is the common metal braces. They have metal brackets attached to your teeth and wires threaded through them. These brackets are usually made of stainless steel and tiny rubber bands that keep the wires connected. The wires gently push your teeth into the right place over time.
The second type is invisible braces or clear aligners. These are clear trays that fit over your teeth. Unlike metal braces, you can take them out. You have to put them in and remove them yourself. You will get sets of aligners that gradually move your teeth using gentle, constant pressure, similar to how metal braces work.
Who Can Use Invisible Teeth Aligners?
Invisible aligners are custom-made to fit perfectly; hence, they are most suitable for adults or teenagers. It is not recommended that aligners be used to straighten the teeth of younger children. The doctor needs to consider the aspect of age while planning the treatment.
Clear orthodontic aligners are generally recommended for patients with mild or moderately crowded teeth. Those with minor spacing concerns may also use aligners to close down the gaps. Patients with severe significant underbites, crossbites, and overbites will likely need to go with traditional braces instead.
Clear Aligners Treatment Process
Clear aligners treatment starts with you making an appointment with your dentist for customized aligners to address your needs. The dentist will check whether you are a good fit for the treatment plan based on your age and how much your teeth need to be fixed before helping you choose the best treatment. They will take pictures, X-rays, and impressions of your teeth to help customize the aligners.
After the first stage, you will be required to come back for a second visit. You will visit your dentist to get the removable aligners fitted. Afterward, you can take them home and continue with your treatment. In some cases, the dentist may give you several sets of aligners to interchange. You will need to schedule routine check-ups every 4 to 6 weeks for progress assessment and adjustments to your treatment.
After your clear aligner therapy ends, you have to wear retainers made to fit your straightened teeth. This helps prevent your teeth from moving back, so your smile stays nice. Most dentists suggest changing your retainers every 6 to 12 months, and you should always keep them clean.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aligners
If you are considering getting clear aligners, you may have some questions. In most cases, those who seek to use aligners may want to know how long the process takes and what its costs are. Below are a few of the commonly asked questions by our clear aligners patients.
Do I Need to Do Anything Before Getting Clear Aligners?
Before you get aligners, go to your dentist for a cleaning and check-up. Any dental work should be done before getting scanned for clear aligners. For instance, if you need fillings, it is crucial to get your dental fillings done before your dental impressions are taken.
How Many Sets of Aligners Are Needed Over the Treatment Period?
The number of aligners and attachments needed will differ based on the extent of treatment required. Most dentists will give you several sets of aligners to use for a couple of months at a time. As a result, you will have fewer visits with your orthodontist compared to traditional braces. The greater the number of aligners necessary for your treatment, the longer it will take. If you need more aligners, you will also need more appointments and potentially a higher cost for the treatment.
Is Getting Aligners Faster Than Getting Braces?
Not always. Clear aligners are usually not made right away, and it can take 4-6 weeks for them to be delivered from the manufacturer. This time also includes initial scans, placing attachments, and learning how to wear and care for them properly. The advantage of clear aligners is that you can manage them at home without the need to visit the dentist constantly.
How Long Does It Take for Clear Aligners to Straighten teeth?
Clear aligners usually take 12 to 18 months on average to straighten teeth, but the time can vary depending on individual needs. If the teeth need only small adjustments, it might take less than 12 months. However, it is crucial to wear the aligners for about 22 hours per day. If not, your treatment might take longer, and your orthodontist may need to adjust the plan. Since everyone is different, it is best to see an orthodontist for an estimate.
Are Clear Aligners Really Invisible?
Not completely. Clear aligners are made of see-through medical-grade plastic, which makes them less noticeable than metal braces. However, they are not entirely invisible. If you talk to someone up close, they might notice that you are wearing teeth-straightening appliances.
Contact Us Today!
The clear aligner technology provides a redemption opportunity for adults to correct their dental alignment. With aligners, even busy professionals can adjust their teeth without being noticed. The treatment process for clear aligners must start with a proper examination. If you are considering this option, our dentists at Pacific Ave. Dental are available for consultations and examination. To start the process, call us at (360) 373-3515 and we will guide you further. |
Call: (360) 373-3515 or Text Us at: (855) 434-1656 
