Invisalign Alternative Plantation

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear aligners work differently than traditional braces. The latter uses metal brackets that are affixed to the surfaces of your teeth, while a metal archwire is threaded through the brackets to create a system that forces your teeth to shift over time. Clear aligners, however, are transparent, snug-fitting trays that are fabricated based on how Dr. Lamas predicts your teeth will need to move to achieve desired results.

Each set is to be worn for 20-22 hours a day for about two weeks. You will then be required to wear a new set of aligners (the next in the series) so that your teeth will continue to shift accordingly.

Throughout treatment, you will be required to meet with Dr. Lamas for regular follow-ups; however, these visits will only take 15-30 minutes, as he will only need to evaluate the progression of your tooth movement.

Depending on the severity of your original dental problem (i.e., overcrowding, gaps, bite misalignment), you may see results in as little as six months, or you may need to wear your aligners for more than a year.

Are Clear Aligners Right for Me?

Do you fit the following criteria?

• You want to do something about your misaligned teeth but want to avoid metal braces.
• You have good general oral health.
• You are committed to the process of wearing clear aligners.
• You are experiencing mild to moderate gaps, overcrowding, or malocclusion.

These are the factors you can expect Dr. Lamas to consider when determining whether you are a good candidate for clear aligners. It is important that this type of evaluation be performed before treatment is administered because not everyone is eligible (i.e., those with severe bite misalignment).

Moving forward with clear aligner treatment without being evaluated can lead to more significant dental problems in the future.

Clear Aligners Vs. Traditional Braces

Although clear aligners and traditional braces aim to deliver the same results – a straighter smile – there are key differences between the two, including:

• Aesthetics: Traditional braces are commonly made out of shiny metal, which is highly noticeable. Clear aligners, however, appear almost transparent, so they’re difficult for others to see.
• Eating Meals: Traditional braces can be an annoyance when eating certain foods, as the debris can get stuck between wires and brackets. Also, there is a greater risk of damaging these appliances based on the type of food that is consumed. Clear aligners must be removed before eating, so you can worry less about stuck objects and instead enjoy a greater variety of food.
• Maintenance: Wearing metal braces often requires that you purchase interdental brushes and floss threaders or irrigators to keep your teeth and appliances clean. However, clear aligners can be easily removed and cleaned with a soft-bristled toothbrush, clear soap, and lukewarm water.
  

Issues Clear Aligners Can Fix

If you are unsure whether the problems you are experiencing can be addressed with clear aligners, don’t assume the worst. Instead, Dr. Lamas will explain how this unique orthodontic system can bring different types of teeth and bites back into alignment, not only to create a more visually stunning appearance but also to correct additional dental problems:

• If your teeth are crowded, it means they are too close together. As a result, you may be unable to adequately clean between your teeth, allowing bacteria and plaque to build over time. Without clear aligners, this can lead to cavities, decay, and gum disease; however, with treatment, the trays can shift your teeth so that appropriate space forms for a healthier, more beautiful smile.
• If you have multiple gaps between your teeth, this, too, can make maintaining good oral health more challenging. The reason is that debris and bacteria can become trapped in these spaces, making it easier for gum disease, decay, and infection to form. However, wearing clear aligners can close these gaps so that the risk of these oral health problems decreases.
• Any kind of malocclusion (bite misalignment) can cause you to experience jaw pain and soreness, enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and more. By using clear aligners, Dr. Lamas can bring teeth into proper alignment so that you enjoy a functional and pain-free bite.