What to Expect During Clear Aligners Treatments

Patients are often excited to have orthodontic work, such as clear aligners. Wearing regular braces might not be the right option for some people because of the discomfort. The good news is that issues like gaps are easy to address with clear aligners. The patient can easily have the teeth straightened, improving their appearance and looks. That leads to better oral health and bite function. Continue reading to learn more about these treatments.

An alternative to metal braces

Many times, clear aligners are used instead of metal braces. It can change the way patients look without needing to have fitted appliances or metal pieces. Clear aligners are often hard to see once in the mouth. That means these are highly discreet. Plus, they are easy to take out when the patient desires.

What to expect during the clear aligner treatment

Patients will need to have some measurements taken of their bite and teeth. That often involves using digital imaging, which can take some scans of the mouth. These pictures create an image of the patient’s mouth so that the dentist can decide how to move the teeth.

Each new set of aligners will move the teeth a little closer to the right location. The patient can remove the aligners by themselves. That gives them more freedom to eat any desired food, and the aligners will not be in the way during cleaning. But it also gives the patients more responsibility. It is crucial to replace the aligners and wear them 22 hours a day or more.

Caring for the aligners

The patient will need to care for both the aligners and the teeth during the treatment. That will require the patient to brush the teeth often. The aligners should get cleaned every time they come out of the mouth. That could involve placing them in a cleaning solution or brushing them with mild soap. The patient will need to brush the teeth before replacing the aligners to avoid trapping plaque and food particles.

Improved oral health after straightening

Crooked teeth affect more than just the patient’s smile. This means that orthodontics is about more than just looking better. Having a better-aligned smile allows a patient’s bite to function well. It also places less stress on the muscles and joints in the face.

The right corrective work is often used for those who have TMJ issues. The reason is that the bite function might get compromised because of spacing problems. If the teeth overlap, straightening them is also a good idea. If the teeth are not correctly aligned and overlap, it is hard to clean them. That means patients might be at risk for dental issues like cavities or gum disease, as well as decay.

Choose the right clear aligners treatment today

Clear aligners are a great way of getting a better smile. These are highly discreet. Your dentist is always ready to talk to you about the right way to get straighter teeth. Making an appointment today is your first step.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesonbalboa.com or call Smiles On Balboa General, Esthetic, and Implant Dentistry at (415) 413-2237 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.

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