Clear aligners will straighten your teeth like metal braces—they can correct problems like crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and open bites. But unlike metal braces, they’re virtually invisible, and they can be removed to brush, floss, and eat. And because they shift your teeth very gradually, there is less pain associated with clear aligners than with metal braces.
There are many options for clear aligners, including Invisalign, SureSmile, and more. In this guide, we explain how long the treatment takes and go through the process step by step so you’ll know what to expect with clear aligners.
The Clear Aligner Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Customized Treatment Plan
The first step in the clear aligner process is the initial consultation with one of our dentists. At this appointment, they will evaluate your teeth to determine whether or not clear aligners are right for you.
If you’re a good candidate, they will create a customized treatment plan, advise you on how long treatment will take, and how much it will cost. If you’re ready to go ahead with clear aligners, one of our team members will take digital scans of your mouth and a series of pictures, and order your aligners.
Step 2: Getting Your First Set of Aligners
Once your aligners arrive at our office, we will call you to schedule an appointment. We will check to make sure that your first set of trays fits correctly and place any attachments necessary for the treatment. We then send you home wearing them. Our team will also give you instructions on how to wear and care for your aligners.
Step 3: Wearing, Cleaning, and Caring for Your Aligners
This is the most important step because it’s up to you to use your aligners properly. If you don’t follow our dentist’s instructions, treatment could end up taking much longer than planned or never fully arrive at the desired endpoint. Depending on your lifestyle, clear aligners might not be the best option. You have to be committed to wearing them properly, removing them when you eat or drink, and cleaning them every time you brush your teeth.
Here are a few points to keep in mind:
- You must wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day, which means you must wear them both when you’re asleep and when you’re awake.
- You must remove the aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water.
- The aligners are meant to fit snugly, so they might feel tight, or you might feel some pressure.
- To prevent damage, you should store your aligners in a special case when you are not wearing them.
- To care for your aligners, you should rinse them every time you put them back in and clean them every time you brush your teeth. Our team will give you specific instructions regarding proper cleaning and care.
Step 4: Regular Checkups
Your treatment will last anywhere from six months to two years, but most treatments can be completed within a year. Every four to six weeks, you’ll need to visit our office so we can check to make sure treatment is progressing smoothly. These checkups also allow us to make adjustments to your next set of trays if any corrections are needed.
Step 5: Completing the Treatment
Once you have completed your treatment and are satisfied with your new smile, we will fit you with a custom retainer. You will need to wear the retainer at night to prevent your teeth from shifting out of alignment. You’ll also need to keep your retainer clean and replace it occasionally to promote good oral hygiene.
Invisalign and SureSmile Clear Aligners in South Jordan, Utah
At Copper Creek Dental, we offer Invisalign and SureSmile clear aligners to help straighten your teeth and give you the smile you have always wanted. We’ll advise you on the best treatment plan and answer all of your questions about what to expect with clear aligners. To find out whether clear aligners are right for you, schedule an appointment with us today.
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