A Simple And Aesthetic Alternative To Braces

clear aligners in toledo

 

Clear Aligners in Toledo and Archbold, Ohio

Clear aligners can gently move crooked teeth into alignment without metal wires or brackets. Made with a solid plastic material, clear aligners are fabricated precisely to fit your unique teeth. As treatment progresses, the patient switches through several sets of aligners, bringing the teeth closer to their correct alignment. Dr. Wheeler advises the patient exactly how long the aligners need to be worn and when the next set is required.

What Are The Advantages Of Clear Aligners?

The clear aligner system may be an option for patients who prefer a lower profile orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners are simple to keep clean, making it easier to maintain healthy gums and teeth. And because they are removable, there are no banned foods, and the patient can easily brush and floss as usual!

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

The plastic aligners fit snugly and straighten your teeth a little bit each day. The aligners can be removed during oral hygiene routines, making brushing and flossing much more straightforward than traditional braces. And because they are removed while eating, you don’t have to give up any of your favorite foods.

What Issues Can Clear Aligners Correct?

Invisible aligners correct all the same issues as traditional metal orthodontics. Below are some mild to moderate dental issues that aligners can repair:

  • Overcrowding – when there is little space in the mouth, the teeth tend to overlap, making it very difficult to maintain oral health. Overcrowding makes it challenging to clean the teeth well and can cause dental problems like tooth decay and increase the chances of periodontal disease.
  • Gaps – large spaces between teeth can occur because of missing teeth or abnormal jaw growth.
  • Overbite – is when the upper teeth project further out than the lower teeth and is often followed by TMJ disorder and jaw pain.
  • Underbite – is when the lower teeth project further than the upper teeth, causing jaw pain and a possible TMJ disorder.
  • Crossbite – is when upper teeth bite down on the inside of the bottom teeth. It leads to uneven wear on the teeth and even erosion of the jawbone.

What Can I Expect from the Treatment Plan?

Before creating the special aligning trays, Dr. Wheeler, at Wheeler Orthodontics, devises a treatment plan. A 3D digital scan provides images of the jaw, allowing your dentist to move your teeth on the monitor and view the jaw from each angle. This technology allows one to view the jaw from every angle. It foresees how facial aesthetics can change when the treatment is finally finished.  

Once the planning is complete, a set of aligners is made to fit your teeth perfectly. Treatment length is different for each patient, but the total number of aligners is usually between 20 and 29 sets.

What Should I Consider When Wearing Clear Aligners?

Aligner treatment wear time is recommended at least 22 hours per day, except while eating and drinking. Not following your dentist’s directions will cause problems in the overall treatment time. Removing the aligners when consuming any food or drink is essential to avoid debris from getting trapped between the trays and the teeth.

You can expect to feel soreness for the first few days after each new tray. This light ache is normal and proves that your teeth slowly shift into the correct position. On average, new aligner trays are necessary every two weeks. 

How Do I Care for my Aligners?

Clean your aligners twice daily by brushing them gently with a toothbrush and water for a few minutes. Click here to learn more.

Rinse your aligners each time they are removed to reduce bacteria. And please avoid running them under hot water, as extreme temperatures can warp the plastic.

Will Clear Aligners Affect My Speech?

When treatment begins, most patients experience a slight lisp that disappears within a few days. The best thing to do is to continue wearing the aligners while talking. Doing this will quickly help your speech adjust.

Choose Clear Aligners At Wheeler Orthodontics

Clear aligners are a fantastic option for our patients who want aligned teeth but do not want to wear metal bracket braces. They are a great option to add with other cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Many of our patients at Wheeler Orthodontics greatly appreciate this orthodontic treatment option over other types of braces. If you are interested in whether clear aligners in Toledo and Archbold, Ohio, are a good option, call 419-473-1339 or email us to learn more.