Clear Aligner Treatment
If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, traditional orthodontic treatment is not your only option. At Desert Oasis Dental, we proudly offer clear aligners (SureSmile®, Invisalign®), a subtler and more comfortable alternative to metal braces. Our dentist, Dr. Tran, will carefully design a treatment plan to give you a straighter, healthier smile.
How do clear aligners work?
Clear aligners begins with a custom smile evaluation, using our 3Shape® digital scanner. With these three-dimensional images of your teeth, Dr. Tran can map out how your teeth will shift over the course of treatment. We will then send these images to our lab, which will craft clear aligner trays specifically to fit your teeth. As your teeth gradually shift, you will periodically switch to a new aligner. For best results, you should wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day.
Who is a candidate for clear aligners?
Clear aligners appropriate for adults and teens with minor to moderate dental misalignment. It can correct a host of orthodontic issues, including:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Generally crooked or overlapping teeth
- Gapped teeth
How long does treatment take?
The length of your treatment will depend on the degree of correction required. Some patients can complete their clear aligner treatment in as little as six months. Many see noticeable results after just a few weeks.
What are the advantages of clear aligners?
Like metal braces, clear aligners can improve cosmetic issues and bite misalignment. By correcting the overall balance of your smile, clear aligners can prevent additional dental issues, such as worn teeth and TMJ disorder.
At the same time, clear aligners offer distinct benefits of their own. This treatment is much more discreet than standard orthodontia. Most people will not be able to see your aligners, even from a close range. Additionally, the smooth plastic is comfortable and will not irritate your mouth like metal brackets and wires. Because clear aligner trays are removable, you can enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about damaging your orthodontic appliance. Finally, clear aligner trays place very gentle pressure on teeth for more comfortable treatment.
How do I care for my aligners?
Maintaining your aligners is easy. Simply brush them and rinse them in warm water daily. You may also want to use a special cleaning solution. Additionally, you should brush your teeth every time you eat. This will keep your trays from becoming stained, and it will also prevent food from being trapped against your teeth.
How long do clear aligner results last?
After you complete treatment, you will need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth from moving back into their former positions. Our dentist in Albuquerque will carefully design your retainer to ensure that it is comfortable and effective. When you wear your retainer as instructed, your clear aligner results could last a lifetime!
Still have questions? Contact Desert Oasis Dental
To learn more about clear aligners like SureSmile® and Invisalign® and to find out if it is right for you, contact an experienced Albuquerque dentist today. You can reach our office at (505)821-8726.