Orthodontic treatment: clear aligners

Whether it’s clear aligners or fixed braces, there are several reasons patients opt to have their teeth straightened:

• Aesthetics: some people with crooked teeth feel more confident in their smile when all their teeth are aligned correctly
• Alleviating jaw pain: the way that teeth align can sometimes put too much pressure on certain areas of the mouth. You can read about the reasons behind jaw pain by following the link!
• Oral health: significant crowding of the teeth can make it difficult to thoroughly clean your teeth. This results in plaque build-up that damages the enamel, putting people at greater risk of developing gum disease.

How can Eden Dental Centre help me?

At Eden, we offer a range of orthodontic treatments. We have clear aligners such as Invisalign and Cfast Smile Tru, as well as fixed orthodontic braces. Clear aligners are the perfect option for those looking for a discreet method of straightening their teeth. They come with the added bonus of being removable, avoiding any discomfort while eating.

Fixed braces, while not as discreet, are capable of addressing more complex orthodontic needs. They’re also a better option for those who may struggle to remember to put their aligners back in after eating, which will affect the results of the treatment!

Whichever type of orthodontic treatment it is, the first step is a consultation with your dentist discussion your options. We want to ensure that you make an informed decision with respect to your dental needs, price range, and type of treatment. Clear aligners address mild to moderate cases of misalignment, so for more complex cases you would need traditional fixed braces.

Here we will focus on clear aligners, but stay tuned for our follow-up piece on fixed braces as the process varies slightly.

I’m eligible for clear aligners, what happens next?

If you are eligible for clear aligners and choose to go ahead with treatment, your dentist will take an x-ray and photos of your teeth. This enables your dentist to plan for any obstacles over the course of your treatment. Then, you will have a mould taken of your teeth, which will be sent off to develop a series of clear, removable trays. This may take a few weeks to complete. These clear trays, worn in the order prescribed by your dentist, are designed to fit the shape of your teeth perfectly and gradually shift them to the desired position .

During treatment

Throughout the course of your treatment, you will come into the practice for regular check-ups with your dentist (usually every 4 – 6 weeks) to ensure the treatment is on track. It is also an opportunity to make any necessary adjustments. This is why it’s crucial that patients follow their dentist’s guidance on which trays to use at what stage. For treatment to be effective, patients must wear the correct trays at all times, removing them only for eating, drinking, cleaning the trays and brushing your teeth.

How long will it take for my teeth to straighten?

The amount of time it will take to complete treatment with clear aligners will vary from patient to patient, though the majority of patients can expect that their teeth will be straight within 6 months to a year.

Caring for your smile after clear aligners

Aftercare is a really important step to ensure that the treatment remains effective. To keep your teeth from moving out of place or even back to their original position, your dentist will take another mould of your teeth to provide you with a retainer. A retainer can be removable like the trays, or a permanent metal bar. If you have a removable one, you will wear this retainer day and night for at least the first week. Following this, you will only have to wear them at night.

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If you’ve been wondering whether clear aligners are the right treatment for you, please call us on 01726 61212 to book in for a consultation with one of our dentists.