Clear Aligner Therapy: Common Questions Answered

You have decided to take the leap into clear aligner treatment for straighter, properly aligned teeth. Now that you have chosen this as the way you want to pursue a perfect smile in the Del Mar, California area, Dr. Anu Mohan and the team at I-Rise Dental Boutique would like to answer any questions about this groundbreaking and wholly effective treatment. What follows are some of the common questions we get from our patients regarding clear aligners.

What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligner treatment involves using a series of clear aligners that must be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily. These clear aligners are digitally designed from a digital scan of your dentition for a perfect fit and will gradually shift your teeth into the proper alignment. You will start with the first aligner in the series and, every few weeks, progress to the next aligner until you reach the end of the series. Clear aligners are crafted from comfortable dental-grade plastic, which is easy to remove. There is no need for any metal brackets or wires like traditional braces require.

What Are Clear Aligners Made Of And What Do They Look Like?

The clear braces used in your treatment will be made from a flexible plastic. It is designed to be easily removable, comfortable, and, best of all, discreet. The near-invisible nature of your clear aligners is one of the biggest benefits our patients rave about.

Are Clear Aligners the same as Invisialign®?

Invisalign® pioneered the concept of clear aligners, which revolutionized orthodontic treatment. However, it is important to note that other companies also offer similar clear aligners. This is similar to how people ask for Kleenex when they need a tissue, even though they might be using a tissue from a different brand, such as Kirkland (Costco). The term ‘Kleenex’ has become synonymous with tissue, irrespective of the brand that is used. 

Dr. Mohan mainly uses ClearCorrect™ aligners, which are manufactured by the German company Straumann. She prefers this product over others because they are made of ClearQuartz™, an industry-leading trilayer plastic material. ClearCorrect offers improved comfort and clarity while maintaining durability. Another reason Dr. Mohan prefers this system is because it offers more design control with its increased degrees of freedom compared to other systems on the market.

How Do Clear Aligners Straighten Teeth?

During a dental visit, Dr. Mohan will create a personalized treatment plan for you. This plan will show you the duration of your treatment and the specific movements of your teeth throughout the process. Your clear aligners will then be designed and crafted to exert just the right amount of force on your teeth so that, over time, they are gently moved into their correct position and alignment. Dr. Mohan will be there with you every step of the way to monitor your treatment’s progress and ensure that your clear aligners continue to fit correctly.

What Are The Benefits Of Aligning Your Teeth?

Of course, aligning the teeth helps you get a beautiful smile. But there are many hidden benefits. Aligning your teeth helps fix your occlusion (or bite). This technique promotes healthier gums by applying uniform pressure to the gums. Healthy gums are essential for healthy teeth, promoting the longevity of your dentition and helping you avoid costly implants due to lost teeth. So, as part of the LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attach Procedure), one of the steps taken to fix your gum troubles is to make sure your teeth are aligned and no undue forces are put on the gums. Please reach out to Dr. Mohan and her team if you want to learn more.

What Are The Benefits Of Clear Aligners?

One of the most significant benefits that cause patients to choose clear aligners for a straighter smile is the discrete nature of the treatment. Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners are crafted from a comfortable, clear plastic that is difficult for others to see. When you are wearing your aligners, they are practically invisible. This allows our patients who would prefer a more discreet form of treatment to get this.

Another great benefit of clear aligners is that you will not have to stick to dietary restrictions. Foods you would be warned away from with traditional braces are entirely okay when using clear aligners. This is because you can easily remove them while eating and then put them back on afterward. Remember to put your aligners back on, as they need to be worn 20 to 22 hours daily for effective treatment.

To learn more about clear aligners, and if you are in the Del Mar and Encinitas areas, please contact I-Rise Dental Boutique at (858) 465-8717.