Phoenix Pediatric Dentist

Clear AlignersPhoenix, AZ

If you are looking for alternative options to straightening your teeth that do not involve metal brackets, then we can help. Clear aligners are a viable alternative to traditional braces for teeth straightening. Aligners are a set of custom-made, clear, removable trays worn over the teeth to shift the teeth gradually into their correct position. Clear aligners are available at Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Phoenix and the surrounding area. With clear aligners, you will be able to straighten your teeth without drastically altering your diet, oral hygiene, or lifestyle. Clear aligners are removable and customizable to a patient’s teeth. Call us at 602-595-3531 to schedule an appointment to determine if clear aligners are the right treatment for your needs.
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How Clear Aligners Work

To ensure the clear aligners move the teeth into the proper position, the orthodontist will use specialized computer software to design a plan. The movement process will divide into multiple stages. For every step, the system will fabricate a pair of clear plastic aligners. Each pair will have one aligner for the upper and lower rows of teeth. The patient will need to wear the first set of aligners for two weeks, for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. The patient will then change to the next set of aligners in the series to continue the process of gradual movement. This process will continue until the teeth are in correct alignment. Orthodontists use clear aligners as an alternative to conventional braces. Like braces, clear aligners induce gradual force on the teeth for movement, but without the use of metal wires and brackets. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the patient’s situation, lasting anywhere between six months to two years.

Benefits of Choosing Clear Aligners

There are a variety of benefits to wearing clear aligners. However, it is essential to ensure the patient is a right fit for clear aligners. Thus, we will go over the benefits during an appointment. Both teens and adults can consider clear aligners for straightening their teeth. Patients who have undergone treatment previously but want to make minor adjustments can also consider clear aligners. Some of the advantages of choosing clear aligners for orthodontic treatment include:
  • Clear aligners are removable: Invisalign aligners consist of almost invisible polyurethane plastic. Instead of being bonded or cemented to the teeth like braces, clear aligners are removable
  • Maintain routine lifestyle: Patients can remove aligners for oral hygiene (brushing and flossing), eating, or for important social events. This way, patients do not have to alter their lifestyle or routine drastically
  • Better oral hygiene: Since aligners are removable, patients will be able to clean their teeth much more quickly than with other options
  • A discreet appearance: Patients who want to keep their orthodontic treatment private or feel that metal braces do not align with their public image can benefit from the almost invisible aligner option
  • No dietary restrictions: To prevent damages to the metal wires and brackets, patients must make some adjustments to their diet when wearing metal braces. With clear aligners, they can continue to eat their favorite meals by merely removing the trays before eating
  • Comfort: Aligners consist of a soft, flexible material that does not irritate the soft tissues of the mouth – a common thing with metal braces

How to Care for Clear Aligners

One of the main benefits of choosing clear aligners is that the trays are removable for cleaning. Therefore, patients must be consistent with this. It is essential to brush the teeth after every meal to ensure that food debris or plaque does not accumulate in the aligners. If bits of food build-up, they can form plaque, which may contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. The trays must also be cleaned regularly by using a soft brush and rinsing them with warm water. Clear aligners are a practical solution for correcting mild or moderate teeth misalignments. They are usually more effective for moving teeth in two dimensions. For more complicated movements, patients may still need traditional metal braces. An orthodontist will only recommend aligners for patients with fully developed jaws and teeth and not for children. While wearing clear aligners is different from wearing braces, there is still a need to maintain results after the treatment. Patients must wear the retainers according to the orthodontist’s instructions to protect the new beautiful smile.

Call Us Today

As an orthodontist, our team can help to determine if clear aligners are the most effective choice for your teeth and help promote a brighter, healthier smile. To learn about clear aligners and if they would be suitable for aligning your teeth, call us at (602) 595-3531 to schedule an appointment.

Contact Us

Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is located at 4901 N 44th St #101 Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 595-3531