Clear Aligners – Edison, NJ
Straighter Teeth without Metal Braces
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are custom-made, see-through dental appliances that gradually straighten a patient’s smile by applying gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth. Patients struggling with crowded or gapped teeth may be suitable candidates for clear aligner therapy. Because the aligners are made of clear thermoplastic material, clear aligners in Edison are a great solution for patients looking to discreetly align their smile.
How it works: The clear aligner treatment process
Consultation
At your consultation, your cosmetic dentist will determine if clear aligner treatment is right for you. First, your dentist will examine your gum health and teeth to check for gaps and crowding. They will also discuss your smile goals and develop a treatment plan made just for you.
Impressions and Digital Imaging
Your dentist will then take a series of digital images of your mouth as well as a mold of your teeth, known as an impression. Your Edison dentist may make adjustments to ensure your teeth are properly aligning on the mold. Once this is complete, your dentist will ship the images and impressions to a special laboratory to make your first several sets of clear aligners.
Fitting and Next Steps
Once your aligners are complete, your dentist will check them to ensure proper fit and alignment. You’ll wear each set per the dentist’s instructions, usually for 20-22 hours each day, and switch them out every 2 weeks. Every 6 weeks, you’ll stop by our dental office to pick up your next few sets of aligners and so the doctor can check your teeth to make sure they’re tracking.
Types of clear aligners
Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are made from a thick, clear, patented plastic material called SmartTrack. Patients that lead an active lifestyle may appreciate Invisalign’s sturdy material and durability. Invisalign offers a wide variety of aligners, which can treat mild to severe misalignment cases. Many patients opt for Invisalign as it is the original clear alignment treatment with a long history in discreetly aligning beautiful smiles.
ClearCorrect
ClearCorrect aligners are made from medical grade thermoplastic, and are significantly thinner than Invisalign aligners. Some patients prefer this thinner option, as it can cause the aligners to appear less visible. ClearCorrect offers a variety of aligners that are suitable for mild misalignments. Depending on the severity of your misalignment, ClearCorrect can sometimes be a more affordable option compared to Invisalign.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Like many other patients, you may not have been overly enthusiastic about the idea of wearing metal brackets and wires. Thankfully, that’s no longer the only path to a straighter smile! If we determine that you’re a candidate for clear aligner treatment, then you’ll enjoy several perks during the teeth-straightening process, including:
Improved Comfort
If you had traditional braces in the past, then you know just how uncomfortable the brackets and wires can be. Fortunately, clear aligners are completely metal-free. Not only that, but they are designed to fit the contours of your mouth perfectly, preventing soft tissue irritation in the process.
Tip: If there is a sharp edge on one of your aligners, let us know! We can buff it down so it doesn’t bother you.
Discreet Appearance
Of course, one of the biggest perks is that (unlike traditional braces) clear aligners don’t draw any unwanted attention to your smile. In fact, there’s a good chance that the people you interact with throughout your day – from the cashier at the grocery store to the barista at your local coffee shop – won’t even know you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment!
Tip: Clean your aligners consistently to prevent them from developing noticeable stains!
Easy Dental Hygiene
Since clear aligners are removable, you don’t have to make any changes to your dental care regimen. Just do your best to brush twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with mouthwash consistently. That way, your teeth stay healthy, your gums stay infection-free, and your breath stays minty-fresh.
Tip: Keep travel-sized oral hygiene essentials with you so you can easily clean your teeth (and your trays!) on the go.
Shorter Average Treatment Timeline
Some patients start their journey to a straighter smile simply because they now have the money to do so. Others have another motivation: they want to look and feel their best for a special event, like a wedding. The good news is that clear aligner treatment usually only takes between 12 and 18 months, while traditional braces can take two years or more.
Tip: Do your best to follow all of the treatment guidelines, including which days to switch to the next set of aligners in the series, to avoid frustrating delays.
Removable Aligners
While traditional braces are bonded to your teeth, clear aligners are not. So, when you’re ready to eat or complete your oral hygiene regimen, you can take them off! You can also do so before a first date, an important presentation at work, or a wedding.
Tip: Use the stopwatch on your phone to make sure you’re wearing your aligners for a minimum of 20 hours a day. That way, you stay on-track with your treatment plan.
Clear Aligner FAQs
How do clear aligners work?
Clear aligners gradually straighten your teeth over an extensive period of time. Each aligner tray is custom made to ensure your teeth are slightly straighter than the previous tray. Trays are replaced every two weeks until your smile has reached its optimal result. For most cases, it can take up to a year to correct your smile.
Are clear aligners safe?
Yes! All clear aligners are made of medical grade BPA-free clear plastic, which means that they are both safe and comfortable to wear.
Are clear aligners faster than traditional braces?
While time frames vary based on each individual patient’s needs, clear aligner treatment is known to provide quicker results than traditional braces. This is because aligners gently push on all teeth as a whole, whereas braces pull each tooth individually. In order to achieve the results you are looking for, it is crucial to follow your Edison dentist’s instructions for wearing your custom-made clear aligners.
What is the difference between clear aligners and traditional braces?
Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners gently and discreetly shift your teeth without any noticeable or uncomfortable metal brackets and wires. Clear aligners are also minimally invasive, so most patients find them far more comfortable than traditional braces. Since clear aligners are easily removable, you can quickly take them out for photos and functions and place them back in at any time. However, clear aligners are not suited for everyone. If you are struggling with issues such as a mispositioned jaw or a severely misaligned bite, braces will offer a more versatile and powerful orthodontic treatment.
How much do clear aligners cost?
The cost of clear aligners is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost of your clear aligners include the aligner brand, appointment and visits, insurance type, and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for clear aligners is to schedule a consultation with your dentist in Edison, NJ.