What are clear aligners, and how do they work?
Clear aligners are simply clear trays from molds of your teeth. When you first start treatment, your dentist will give you a couple of trays to take home and wear. Generally, each tray is worn for one to two weeks. As you progress through the different stages of trays, you will notice your teeth start to straighten little by little. This is because each tray you wear will move your teeth about 1 millimeter. You will return back to your dentist or orthodontist on a regular basis to track the status of your teeth as well as receive new trays until you are finished with treatment, then you will be given retainers to help keep your teeth permanently in place.
How long does the process take?
Unfortunately, there is no right answer to this. People have different severities of malocclusion (crooked teeth). The ones with extremely crooked teeth usually require longer treatment periods, while those who want to fix something minor like a small gap can be addressed in a few months. It’s best to contact your dentist for a consultation. Remember, not everyone will be a candidate for clear aligners and should consult with a professional before signing up for treatment.
Invisalign, ClearCorrect, Candid, SmileDirectClub: What makes them different from one another?
So you want to get your teeth straightened, but are unsure which company to go with? We highly recommend visiting your dentist before committing to any of these teeth alignment services. Surprisingly, there are several services out there that do not require you to see a dentist. It may sound convenient and cheap, but remember the saying, “you get what you pay for.” There have been cases where patients have lost their teeth because cavities and infections were not addressed before orthodontic treatment. It is essential to fill any cavities and remove any infections in the mouth before starting orthodontic treatment. You want to be sure that your teeth are strong and healthy throughout the treatment.
Are some trays better than others?
Based on Dr. Ha’s experiences, he believes that there are differences between companies. Some trays use stronger materials that help move teeth better, while others do not have that feature. Some systems use attachments on the teeth that they can clip on to, which help move your teeth in special directions.
I’m interested! How do I proceed?
If you are in the Orange County area, near Newport Beach and interested in straightening your teeth, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Ha at Newport Beach Dental Studio for a consultation. If he feels that you would be a good candidate, he can take digital impressions of your mouth and have your trays ready in a few days.