Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners

If you have crooked or crowded teeth, there are many good reasons to have them straightened—both for aesthetic purposes and for bite correction, which can help prevent problems like uneven wearing of teeth, headaches, and other issues. Modern dentistry has made many options available for this, from traditional braces to clear aligners. 

At Lanie Family Dentistry, we use a combination of soft and hard clear aligners which generally move teeth faster and with less discomfort than other aligners. 

How Dental Aligners Work

The aligners are clear trays and are often not noticeable to others when you are wearing them. They’re removable, too, so you can take them out when you want to eat, or when it’s time to brush and floss, making your home care much simpler than with traditional braces. 

Dr. Lanie will make an impression of your teeth, and computers are used to design your treatment plan and create your aligners. Each series you will be provided with are a pair of aligners which will be worn from two to three weeks. The total number of aligners necessary to move your teeth to their final position will depend on your individual case, as determined by Dr. Lanie. Most treatments are completed in around six months. 

When using having your smile corrected with aligner trays, Dr. Lanie will want you to visit the office every four to six weeks in order to check on your progress and to provide you with your next set of aligners. When the treatment is complete, your final tray can be used as a retainer to help maintain your new smile. 

Am I a Candidate for Clear Aligners?

Orthodontic treatment with clear aligners is best suited for teenagers and adults who have minor to moderate teeth crowding or have teeth spacing issues. 

If you are interested in correcting your bite and straightening your teeth, be sure to ask Dr. Lanie if clear aligners are right for you.