Clear Aligners – What You Need to Know Before Starting the Treatment

What are Clear Aligners?

Teeth alignment issues are a common problem which were conventionally treated with metal braces. Treatment with metal braces was not a convenient option for patients as there were many problems associated with it. There was clearly a need for a better alternative to attain teeth alignment. Clear Aligners is an alternative treatment option for patients. It quickly gained a lot of popularity because of its ease of use and effectiveness. Clear Aligners are transparent plastic trays which are worn over the teeth. They move the teeth slowly, eventually bringing them into ideal alignment. You will receive multiple sets of aligner trays. You will be asked to switch to the next set of aligners in 7-14 days.

What does the Clear Aligner Treatment process involve?

Clear Aligner treatment journey is far more convenient as compared to traditional metal braces. In summary, it will require you to go through the following steps:

1 – Initial Consultation:

First, your treatment starts with a consultation at a dental clinic. The dentist will examine your teeth, take scans and photographs, perform x-rays and do other things which are necessary for your smile transformation. This can include fixing damaged teeth and removing the plaque and calculus stuck in your teeth. The dentist will arrive at a diagnosis and determine if your teeth alignment can be fixed with clear aligners. In most cases, the smile can be successfully treated using clear aligners.

The dentist then sends your records to the aligner company which will take your case further. You should always ask your dentist to choose a reputed aligner company for your aligner treatment. Reputable companies choose premium-quality materials which are comfortable to wear and produce reliable results.

2 – 3D Treatment Planning:

The case records are analyzed, and an advanced 3D treatment plan is made using software designing to predict how many trays you will need to transform your smile and how your smile transformation process will look in an incremental fashion. The treatment plan is sent to your dentist. Once you agree with all the elements of the treatment plan, you can give your consent to your dentist. The dentist will then request the aligner company to proceed with the treatment.

3 – Aligner Delivery:

Once the aligner company receives a notification from the dentist, the aligner company will manufacture the aligners and deliver them to the dental clinic. You can then collect the aligners from the clinic.

4 – Sticking to the Plan:

While delivering the aligners, your dentist will give you many instructions which will help you sail through your aligner treatment. You must follow all the instructions properly to achieve timely and effective results.

5 – Follow-up:

During the treatment, if you feel anything is unusual, you should report it to the dentist immediately. While switching from one set to another, it is common to experience some soreness, however, if your aligner doesn’t fit at all or you experience severe pain, report it to your dentist immediately.

Choosing the Ideal Dentist for the Clear Aligner Treatment:

Choosing a dentist who is an expert at offering clear aligner treatment is important, here’s what to look for while searching for a dentist for your clear aligner treatment:

Experience with Clear Aligners: You want a dentist who has helped many people with clear aligners. More experience often means they know how to handle different situations and can predict how the teeth will move. Hence, it is important to select a dentist who has a lot of experience in dealing with clear aligner patients.

Clear Explanations: It’s important to choose a dentist with whom you feel comfortable talking. A good dentist will explain everything in simple terms and answer all your questions about how the aligners work, how long you will need them, and what to expect. They should listen to your questions and provide clear and helpful answers. If you feel at ease and your questions are answered well during your initial meetings, that’s a good sign!

Look at Past Results: Many dentists have pictures of patients before and after clear aligner treatment. This can show you the kind of results they can achieve. Ask if they have examples similar to your condition.

Technology Used: Modern dentists use helpful technology. Ask if they use digital scans (instead of moulds) to plan your treatment. This can be more accurate and comfortable for you.

Have a First Meeting: Most dentists offer a first meeting where you can talk, ask questions, and they can look at your teeth. This helps you decide if they are the right dentist for you. It’s okay to visit more than one dentist before you choose.

Maintenance:

Clear aligners can be taken out, which is good, but you need to take care of the wear protocol to get the desired results. Let’s have a look at some basic rules:

Wearing Them: You usually need to wear your aligners for about 20-22 hours a day. This means most of the time, except when brushing, eating, drinking anything other than water.

Cleaning: You need to clean your aligners regularly by rinsing them with water and gently brushing them. Do not use hot water for washing your aligners.

Storing Them: When you take your aligners out, always put them in their case to keep them safe.

Conclusion:

Getting clear aligners can help you get the smile you want. We hope the above guide was helpful for you. By choosing the right dentist, someone with experience, who explains things well, and makes you feel comfortable, you will have a better experience. It is also important to choose a reputed aligner company to have reliable results and a smoother treatment journey. Remember to ask about the cost and how to care for your aligners. With a good dentist and your effort, you’ll have a great new smile!