Have you ever wanted to straighten your smile?
If so, clear aligners may be an option. Long gone are the days of metal braces since the invention of the innovative and transparent solution that is Invisalign. Clear aligners work in the same way braces do, but no one sees metal, they just see your smile!
Orthodontic treatment can seem intimidating, but we make the process as smooth as possible at The Smile Lounge in Tigard. Today we’re going to share some things to know and some tips to keep in mind.
But First, What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are an alternative to braces and work similarly in that they move teeth into their proper position gradually. The aligners are made of a strong transparent plastic material that is fabricated to fit your mouth. The most commonly known clear aligner brand used is Invisalign. However, here at The Smile Lounge in Tigard, we use Trez.
- Straightening Your Teeth Is More Than A Cosmetic Issue
Having crooked teeth can be seen as only a cosmetic issue, but this is far from the truth. Having crowded or overlapping teeth can cause dental hygiene issues as it is harder to reach in between the teeth to properly clean them. Because of the inability to brush and floss properly, your chances of developing gum disease, also known as gingivitis, increases and can possibly lead to periodontitis. Overlapping teeth can also cause the following:
- Tooth wear and stress
- Headaches
- Bad breath
- Difficulty chewing
- Clear Aligners Are Best Suited For Teenagers And Adults
Wearing clear aligners requires a certain degree of discipline because they must be removed before eating and drinking, the teeth must be cleaned after every meal, the aligners have to be changed every 1-2 weeks, and they have to be worn for 22+ hours a day. It is for these reasons that here at The Smile Lounge, we only recommend clear aligners for teenage and adult patients.
- Clear Aligners Are Custom-Made
Every aligner is custom fitted for the individual as special technology allows your dentist to map out the positions your teeth need to move into to create that perfect smile.
- Invisalign Vs. Clear Aligners
It is easy to assume that Invisalign is the generic product for orthodontic treatment, however, Invisalign is just a brand of clear aligners. It is similar to the product defining brand like Band-aid, Kleenex, and Chapstick. At The Smile Lounge in Tigard, we use Trez, another reputable brand designed by an orthodontist.
- Aligners Are Best Suited For Mild To Moderate Corrections … With Exceptions
Clear aligners work best to correct minor to moderate orthodontic issues like straightening the front teeth or minor bite corrections.
However, if you have been missing teeth for some time, clear aligners may be a solution too. When a tooth is gone, the rest of the mouth readjusts and may begin shifting. In order for your dentist to treat the missing tooth/teeth, clear aligners may be recommended as they will move the teeth back into place, and make room for replacements.
Straightening teeth, even in mild cases, should be left to experienced orthodontists. Since aligners products can be costly, the option to choose cheaper alternatives can be tempting, but be warned!
With direct to consumer aligner products, there is no comprehensive exam before treatment, no supervision, and no screening process to verify if clear aligners are even right for you. The common issue with mail order aligners is they can move teeth too fast, and you risk your teeth being worse off than before you started.
Still wondering if clear aligners are right for you, or how the process works? Come on into The Smile Lounge in Tigard for a consultation. Contact us today for an appointment!