Am I a Candidate for Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are a great way to straighten your smile without making it known to everyone that you are doing so.

Unfortunately, however, not everyone is an ideal candidate for clear aligners, and it is helpful to know when clear aligners are the best option over alternative teeth straightening options.

Clear aligners information

Clear aligners help many each year achieve a smile they are proud of, and most who utilize clear aligners love being able to be discrete about the process.

The following is a complete guide to exactly what clear aligners are and who makes a good candidate for clear aligners.

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are transparent trays that are placed inside the mouth and gradually pull teeth into a straighter position. Clear aligners are arguably the best alternative for individuals who prefer not to wear braces.

Unlike braces, clear aligners can be removed at any moment in time, although they are meant to be worn for at least 20 hours of each day. Since clear aligners can be removed, many find it easier to keep their teeth clean, eat certain food types and feel more confident in social situations.

Who is a candidate for clear aligners?

While many prefer to wear clear aligners over traditional braces, they may not be available to certain patients. Strides have been made with clear aligners to accommodate the needs of more people and Dr. McMahon has experience using them for moderate to severe cases of misaligned teeth. Clear aligners can be used on people of all ages as well! However, clear aligners are typically not recommended for certain bite discrepancies and concerns such as impacted teeth.

Clear aligners utilize trays to slowly move teeth, rather than brackets and wires. Subsequently, there are fewer pokey wires, and loose braces and you usually have fewer appointments. Be sure to consult with Anchored Orthodontics to learn all options for teeth straightening and determine whether clear aligners are an option.

How do clear aligners work?

The first step to receiving your clear aligners is to schedule a complimentary consultation at Anchored Orthodontics to determine if they are the best choice available.

After we agree upon clear aligners, a digital impression is taken of the patient’s teeth and a 3D model is made, which is then used to make the customized aligners based off of Dr. McMahon’s treatment plan and expertise.

Patients wear each aligner for 1 week and their teeth and bite will gradually move into their final positions as they progress through the series of aligners. After the initial series, if a refinement is needed, a new digital impression is taken and more aligners are fabricated.

What are the benefits of clear aligners?

There are many benefits clear aligners have over traditional braces for those who are candidates for clear aligners.

While there are many more, here are the three biggest benefits of clear aligners:

• Virtually invisible
• Removability
• Easier to clean

Many clear aligner patients love the fact that it is difficult for others to notice that clear aligners are being worn, which allows patients to remain confident in social situations and at work or school while their teeth are being straightened. The ability to remove the aligners also makes it easier to keep the teeth clean.

Request an appointment here: https://anchoredorthodontics.com or call Anchored Orthodontics at (612) 200-0020 for an appointment in our Minnetonka office.

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