Your Clear Alternative to Braces
If you're looking for an inconspicuous orthodontic correction, Invisalign® or 3M™ Clarity™ might be a perfect choice. The thin clear aligners make this one of the easiest forms of treatment at Orthodontic Associates because you can easily slide them over your teeth.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners use a series of clear and removable appliances that Dr. Adam or your certified orthodontist will customize for your mouth.
Orthodontic Associates uses digital impressions for clear aligner cases. These impressions improve both accuracy and speed in cases.
The clear aligner system combines modern 3D technology with traditional orthodontic methods. Dr. Adam will take scans of your mouth before creating an initial treatment plan that details any movement he anticipates for your teeth.
Clear aligners are composed of a heat-sensitive material that looks like dental retainer trays or custom night braces. Although you wear clear aligners like a mouth guard, they differ because clear aligner technology moves your teeth through controlled and carefully timed force.
During your treatment, you'll wear a series of aligners that slowly shift your teeth to their ideal positions. With each new aligner, you'll see gradual progress as the system straightens your teeth, giving you the smile of your dreams.
Who Can Get Clear Aligners?
Many patients seeking orthodontic treatment are candidates for clear aligners. Our expert team will consult with you to determine if clear aligners are the right choice for you.
Treatment with clear aligners is appropriate for most common conditions, including:
- Overcrowding
- Overspacing
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
Clear aligners are only successful when there are no other orthodontic issues that involve shifting the jawbone. This orthodontic treatment works best for teens and adults with fully developed bones. Preteen patients' teeth are often still growing, which leads to inaccurate aligners.
We will evaluate all treatment options for any dental issues you may have, and we are committed to finding the solutions that work best for you. When you schedule your consultation with us, we'll give you all possible options for your treatment.
Who Can Provide Clear Aligners?
Only orthodontists trained and certified in clear aligner technology can oversee your treatment.
If Dr. Adam determines that clear aligners are right for you, you will work with an expert in all phases of your care. Our team attends continuing education to stay up-to-date on their certifications.
As a Premier Provider of clear aligners, we are consistently recognized for our commitment to providing quality service for hundreds of cases annually.
How Long Is Treatment With Clear Aligners?
The amount of time you wear clear aligners will depend on how your teeth align with each other, the severity of any malocclusions, and several other factors. Only your orthodontist can determine how long your treatment will take.
Typical treatment time is shorter than with braces because of the lack of friction. Most teenagers need a year, while adults usually require 1-3 years. Treatment time for traditional brackets spans 18 months to three years.
During treatment, you will need to wear your aligners for up to 22 hours daily. This is so you can complete your treatment as quickly as possible.
Even though it's hard waiting for the results that come from following these instructions, the more time you spend without wearing your aligner, the longer treatment will take.
How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?
The cost of treatment may depend on several factors, including:
- The complexity of your case
- Treatment length
- Where you live
- Whether your insurance plan covers Invisalign or reimburses for some of the cost
On average, clear aligners can cost between $3,000 and $8,000. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller and contact your insurance company to determine your cost.
Our team will discuss all available payment plans if you have significant out-of-pocket expenses for this treatment approach.
How Often Will I Get New Aligners?
Patients at Orthodontic Associates typically wear a new aligner every one or two weeks. Aligners make slight changes to the position of your teeth.
You'll need regular examinations every four to six weeks with Dr. Adam to check that treatment is progressing as expected.
The Advantages of Clear Aligners
Everybody can feel a little uncomfortable wearing traditional metal braces. Food easily gets stuck in the brackets, and the metal wires can rub sore spots on cheeks and gums.
Clear aligners provide all the benefits of orthodontic treatment with superior ease and comfort. For most people, the aligners are hardly noticeable.
Clear aligner treatment has several other benefits besides aesthetics. One of these is better oral cleanliness because people who brush their teeth and floss face a more significant challenge with metal brackets or wires in the mouth.
With clear aligners, you remove your aligners and brush, floss, and rinse as you would normally. Don't forget to clean your aligners too!
Are There Risks With Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a great way to straighten teeth. The only "risk" is how easy the aligners are to use. It's easy to "cheat" and pop aligners out of your mouth since they aren't permanently attached to your teeth.
If you stop wearing your aligners as directed by Dr. Adam, your teeth will slowly shift back into their original position, and you may lose your progress.
Parents should consider how likely their child is to wear their aligners properly and consider other orthodontic appliances for a child who is unlikely to keep up with their treatment.
Caring for Aligners
It is important to care for your aligners correctly to have a successful orthodontic correction. Dr. Adam will give you specifics on how to care for your Invisalign aligners at home, and these typically include:
Caring for Aligners
It is important to care for your aligners correctly to have a successful orthodontic correction. Dr. Adam will give you specifics on how to care for your Invisalign aligners at home, and these typically include:
- Always put your aligners in their case when you’re not wearing your aligners.
- Bacteria and plaque from your saliva easily attach to the aligner, which will cause it to have an unpleasant odor and a sticky feeling on your teeth.
- Use an antibacterial soap to clean your aligners.
- Make sure it's clear, unscented, and has a neutral taste.
- If you use toothpaste to clean your aligners, make sure it is not whitening toothpaste.
- The abrasive agents in whitening toothpaste can wear away at your teeth and cause small bacteria traps.
- Brush and floss your teeth before reapplying your aligners if you've taken them out.
- Proper oral hygiene is essential during the treatment phase in aligners.
- When you’re not wearing your aligners, always put them in their case.
- Leaving them out can expose them to germs that aren’t good for your teeth.
Talk to Us About Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a great option if you want subtle, effective treatment, and Dr. Adam can advise you about the treatment options that fit best with your teeth, bite, and lifestyle.
Schedule your free consultation at our office in St. Petersburg, Bradenton, or New Port Richey to learn if clear aligners are right for you.