How do they work?

 

Clear aligners work through a carefully controlled process to move teeth into their desired position. Here's how they function:

1. Custom Fit: Each aligner is custom-made using precise 3D models of your teeth. This ensures a snug fit and targeted movement of your teeth.

2. Gradual Movement: Aligners apply gentle pressure to your teeth. Each set of aligners is designed to make slight adjustments to the position of your teeth. Over time, these small movements add up, resulting in a significant overall adjustment.

3. Sequential Use: You wear each set of aligners for a prescribed period, usually 1-2 weeks, before moving on to the next in the series. Each subsequent aligner takes over where the last one left off, further adjusting your teeth towards their final position.

4. Controlled Force: Aligners are engineered to exert the right amount of force in the right place at the right time. Some teeth may be moved while others may not, depending on the stage of treatment.

5. Consistent Wear: For the treatment to be effective, aligners must be worn for the recommended 20-22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, and for brushing and flossing.

6. Treatment Duration: The total duration of treatment varies based on individual needs but typically ranges from 6 to 18 months.

7. Post-Treatment: After completing the series of aligners, retainers are usually worn to maintain the new position of your teeth.

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What are the steps to starting treatment?

 

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1. Initial Consultation: The first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr Greg Gasiorowski. During this visit, he will assess your dental health and discuss your orthodontic needs and goals.

2. Dental Examination and Records: If you are a good candidate for clear aligners, we will conduct a comprehensive dental examination. This may include taking X-rays, photographs, and digital scans of your teeth. These records are critical for planning your treatment.

3. Treatment Planning: Using the gathered information, we will with our laboratory create a customized treatment plan. Advanced software is used to create a 3D model of your teeth and simulate the movements your teeth will go through during the treatment. This plan will outline the estimated length of treatment and show the progression of your teeth's movement.

4. Creating the Aligners: Once the treatment plan is finalized, the custom aligners are manufactured using clear, BPA-free plastic. This process may take a few weeks.

5. Fitting the First Set of Aligners: When your aligners are ready, you'll have an appointment to fit the first set. We will ensure they fit properly and provide instructions on how to wear and care for them.

6. Regular Check-ups and New Aligners: You'll wear each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks before switching to the next set. Regular check-ups, typically every 6-8 weeks, are necessary to monitor progress and receive new aligners.

7. Completion and Retainers: After you've gone through all the aligner sets, we will assess the results. In most cases, you will need to wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new position.

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Will it affect my lifestyle?

 

Clear aligners are designed to be less intrusive and more adaptable to your lifestyle compared to traditional braces, but they still require a certain level of commitment and adjustment. Here's how they might impact your daily life:

1. Wearing Schedule: For effective treatment, clear aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours a day. This requires a commitment to consistently wear them, only removing them for eating, drinking anything other than water, and for oral hygiene practices.

2. Eating Habits: Since aligners need to be removed while eating, you'll need to plan for this, especially when dining out or snacking. However, unlike traditional braces, there are no dietary restrictions, so you can still enjoy all your favorite foods.

3. Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene becomes even more important. You'll need to brush and floss your teeth after each meal or snack before reinserting the aligners to prevent trapping food particles and bacteria, which can lead to cavities or gum disease.

4. Social Impact: Clear aligners are nearly invisible, so they're less likely to affect your appearance or make you self-conscious in social situations. However, some people experience a slight lisp when they first start wearing them, although this usually resolves as you get used to the aligners.

5. Physical Activities: For most sports and physical activities, clear aligners don't pose a problem. If you're involved in contact sports, you can remove them and wear a mouthguard for protection.

6. Routine Adjustments: Carrying a case for your aligners and possibly a travel-sized oral hygiene kit becomes part of your routine, to ensure you can safely store your aligners and keep your teeth clean on the go.

7. Follow-Up Appointments: Regular appointments with your dental professional are necessary to monitor progress and receive new sets of aligners, so you'll need to accommodate these visits into your schedule.

Overall, while clear aligners do require some lifestyle adjustments, many people find these changes manageable and feel the benefits of a more discreet treatment outweigh the minor inconveniences.