Clear Aligners
Raleigh, NC
Clear Aligners provided by Dr. Neill
and Dr. Lee
in Raleigh, NC at Raleigh Family Orthodontics
 Clear aligners are a modern and virtually invisible method for correcting dental alignment issues. Using a series of custom-made, clear plastic trays, they gently shift your teeth into the desired position without the need for traditional metal braces.
At Raleigh Family Orthodontics, we specialize in providing these cutting-edge aligners, ensuring a comfortable and effective treatment experience.
What Kinds of Clear Aligners Are There?
There are several different options for clear aligners. Invisalign, a revolutionary development, has given millions of patients a reason to smile. With its introduction to the market, Invisalign clear aligners offer a range of types that are not only comfortable and convenient but also virtually invisible. There are about 12 different types of clear aligners available.
Which Is Better: Clear Aligners or Invisalign?
Invisalign is often considered the pioneer in the world of self-ligating orthodontic appliances. To many, clear aligners are synonymous with Invisalign, which has gained popularity over the years, becoming a term used to refer to any type of clear aligner.
Several reasons make Invisalign, which is available with SmartTrak material, a popular choice compared to other clear aligners. One key reason is the use of the iTero element scanner, a three-dimensional scanning technology. This scanner allows our orthodontists to create a 3D image of your mouth quickly, showing the progressive alignment over time and giving a preview of the expected results before starting the treatment.
In addition to the scanner, Invisalign incorporates ClinCheck software. This technology enables Dr. Lee and Dr. Neill to shape your smile precisely as you progress through your treatment. The 3D technology features an interactive visual interface, which our dentist uses to determine the exact pressure needed for each tooth to align correctly.
Invisalign for Teens
Previously viewed as an adult-oriented solution for misaligned teeth, Invisalign has evolved to become ideal for teens as well. Invisalign aligners for teens are gaining popularity due to various reasons.
First off, there are no food restrictions with Invisalign for teens. This means teens can enjoy popcorn, pizza crusts, hard candy, and caramel without worrying about them getting stuck in their aligners.
Additionally, Invisalign is ideal for teens because it simplifies oral hygiene. Teens can easily remove their aligners to eat, brush, and floss and then simply put them back in place.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Invisalign clear aligners are crafted from SmartTrack material, which fits closely around the contours of your teeth, applying precise pressure to targeted areas. This pressure, exerted by the aligner on your teeth, induces small movements, gradually shifting their position.
Typically, you will need to visit our practice every two weeks to get a new aligner that corresponds to the changes in the positioning of your teeth. Each new aligner is designed to continue the process, gently moving the teeth into the desired position until they are perfectly aligned.
Getting Your First Set of Aligners
Getting your first set of aligners is an exciting step toward achieving a straighter smile. Our orthodontist will provide a personalized treatment plan detailing how long each set of aligners should be worn. You should wear them as directed, usually 20 to 22 hours per day, only removing them for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene. Regular check-ups will monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Progression and Transition to New Aligners
Choosing Invisalign clear aligners involves going through six progression stages as you transition to new aligners.
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The process begins with a consultation with our orthodontists, who will determine the right Invisalign clear aligners for you.
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Following the consultation, our orthodontists will devise a customized treatment plan. This plan incorporates images from 3D technology and X-rays, providing impressions of your teeth and their expected final positions.
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After this, you will be asked to wait for the creation of your aligners, which typically takes about four weeks.
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Once the aligners are ready, you will proceed to the fourth stage: learning how to wear them. We will guide you on the specific order for wearing each aligner, with each one typically being worn for two weeks. As you progress to the last tray, we will make final refinements to perfect your smile.
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The final stage involves wearing retainers after completing your treatment plan. This step is crucial to ensure that the bones solidify around the new positions of your teeth, maintaining the alignment achieved through the treatment. |
Monitoring Your Treatment
Opting for Invisalign aligners offers the convenience of remote dental monitoring through a smartphone app, reducing the need for frequent visits to our practice. You take pictures of your smile and send them to us. Then we compare these pictures with the digital model of your smile, which was captured using the 3D iTero scanner during the initial consultation, to assess how your treatment is progressing in accordance with the projected plan.
How to Clean Aligners
Daily cleaning of your clear aligners at home is essential. Simply drop one cleaning tablet into a bowl of warm water and let the aligners soak for about 15 minutes. Once soaked, remove them from the water and gently scrub them with a soft brush under clean, running water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are clear aligners painful?
Clear aligners are associated with mild, temporary discomfort rather than intense pain. However, not everyone experiences this discomfort as it largely depends on individual teeth sensitivity.
Can you get clear aligners with missing teeth?
You can get clear aligners with missing teeth. Often, our dentist will recommend getting a dental implant before proceeding with clear aligners.
Are clear aligners faster than braces?
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, typically work faster than traditional braces. On average, treatment with Invisalign aligners ranges from six to 18 months, whereas traditional braces may take between 20 to 24 months.
What happens when I am done with Invisalign treatment?
After completing Invisalign treatment, you will need to wear a retainer. The retainer should be worn for at least 22 hours a day or as recommended by your orthodontist to maintain the results.
I had my braces removed, and now my teeth have shifted. Can clear aligners fix this?
Clear aligners can be an effective solution for shifting teeth back into place, particularly when retainers are not sufficient to correct the issue.
Get Clear Aligners in Raleigh, NC Today!
Are you a good candidate for clear aligners? Call at (984) 254-0585 to find out! |
