It can be a scary experience when you are given a referral to see an orthodontist or considering improving your smile. Braces are grounds for embarrassment for the self-conscious teen and the up-and-coming professional. Having a mouth full of metal to clean around, eat around, and live around can be daunting.
The option that many may overlook when searching for orthodontic treatment is clear aligners, a nearly invisible alternative to braces. Some people may write this treatment option off due to price or success rate – but we’re here to bust those myths!
Often times, clear aligners are as cost-effective as traditional braces – and you will have the doctors at Garrett & Boyd Orthodontics working by your side who are orthodontic specialists in the movement of teeth and jaw development to ensure success. This is important with so much misinformation being distributed on the Internet today with “do it yourself orthodontics” that cause major long-term dental health issues.
How clear aligners work
Your clear aligners are customized to fit your mouth. We use advanced 3-D computer imaging technology to replicate an exact impression of your teeth and surrounding tissue. This allows us to customize each aligner so that it fits your mouth and over time moves your teeth into the proper position.
During treatment, the visits are shorter than the average braces visit, they are less frequent, and discomfort is reduced. You will begin to notice a significant difference even before your treatment is completed. Most treatments are complete within one year; however, this can vary from patient to patient.
Freedom to be you
One of the advantages of clear aligners is the freedom patients have while maintaining the health of their smile. Oftentimes, patients with braces have a difficult time keeping their teeth and braces clean – and some neglect it altogether. With clear aligners, the aligners can be taken out while eating, playing sports, and during cleaning. This allows for an easier and more effective experience. Teeth and aligners should be cleaned after every meal to guarantee proper dental health. Keep in mind that your aligners should be worn for a minimum of 20 hours throughout the day. Your orthodontist will be able to tell if you have not been keeping up with treatment!
Success
For the non-believers, some may say that clear aligners are not as effective as traditional braces. With the latest advances in clear aligner technology, treatment success can be as satisfying as that of someone who has braces. In fact, many patients will finish theirs on time, or even early with their treatment! Plus… the flexibility of clear aligners improves self-confidence and encourages patients to cooperate with their treatment and cleaning while experiencing a metal-free mouth when working toward a perfect smile.
Not all patients are candidates for clear aligners. However, we encourage you to contact the team at Garrett & Boyd Orthodontics for a free smile exam to find out if clear aligners are the right choice for you! We offer many different orthodontic treatment options to provide you with a “Smile that lasts a lifetime”.