For years, the only option available for correcting crooked teeth was metal braces. While braces are effective, and still commonly used today, many patients are not too fond of the idea of having a shiny metallic smile for the next few years. Today, there is an alternative. Clear aligners are custom fit aligners made from a clear, rigid plastic that straighten your teeth without metal brackets and wires. At Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry, we are proud to offer clear aligners to correct the appearance of your smile while also providing you with numerous additional benefits.
Aligners Work Without Being Seen
The great thing about clear aligners like Clear Correct is that they disappear the moment you put them in your mouth. There are no metal brackets or wires involved, completely avoiding the metal mouth appearance so commonly associated with traditional braces. Instead of paying attention to your mouth, those around you will be paying attention to you. You can smile wide, have your picture taken, and participate in social activities all without fear of attention being drawn to your mouth. As your smile transforms, your confidence will soar.
There Are No Restrictions on What You Can Eat
Clear aligners are removable. To achieve the best possible results, they are meant to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. They should only be removed in one of two different situations. One of these situations is while you are eating. Since you do not have to worry about dislodging brackets or bending wires, there are no restrictions on what you can eat.
Improved Oral Health
The second reason your clear aligners should be removed is to brush and floss your teeth. This can be done just as you would normally brush and floss. You do not have to worry about maneuvering around brackets or under wires, which can significantly reduce your risk for developing cavities and gum disease.
In addition to preventing cavities and gum disease, clear aligners can improve your oral health in other ways as well. A common issue caused by crooked teeth is bruxism, a condition in which you grind and clench your teeth. Bruxism can lead to TMJ pain, which can make it difficult to eat, speak, or even just open your mouth. By correcting crooked teeth, clear aligners can help to stop bruxism, eliminating issues associated with your TMJ.
Greater Comfort
Treatment with traditional braces can be uncomfortable. Monthly adjustments can cause discomfort with your teeth. Brackets can rub against the soft tissues in your mouth, causing painful sores. If wires pop or break, they can poke your cheeks or lips. With clear aligners, you do not have these issues. There may be minor discomfort when you switch to a new aligner, but that discomfort goes away quickly.
Shorter Treatment Times
With traditional braces, it can take upwards of 2 to 3 years to achieve the desired results. Clear aligners, on the other hand, significantly reduce treatment time. Most patients achieve results in 9 to 15 months, with many seeing final results in less than a year.
If you are looking for even faster treatment, we do also offer Six Month Smiles. While this treatment uses brackets and wires, these components are tooth colored or clear, enabling them to blend in with the rest of your teeth. This treatment is purely cosmetic and only treats the teeth visible in your smile. Patients can achieve a beautiful new smile in just six months.
Clear aligners provide an alternative to traditional braces that enable you to straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. The only thing that they will notice is your beautiful, confident new smile. For more information, and to find out if clear aligners are right for you, call Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry today at Tulsa: (539) 302-3266 Claremore: (918) 343-4300.