Clear AlignersLos Angeles, CA

Candidates for Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are custom-made for a tight fit, making them a great fit for adults or teens. This is because children's mouths are still developing and, thus, require more complicated treatment. The ideal candidate for clear aligners has mild or moderately crowded teeth or minor spacing issues. Those with more severe orthodontic complications may require traditional braces for more extensive treatment.

There are many benefits to clear aligners over traditional braces. These include:

• Comfort: It is not uncommon to experience some initial discomfort after having braces placed or adjusted. Clear aligners do not have this problem, nor do they have any brackets and wires to irritate the mouth tissue.
• Diet: There are no dietary restrictions with clear aligners, as they can be removed for eating.
• Hygiene: Since clear aligners can also be removed for brushing and flossing the teeth, keeping up with dental hygiene is a breeze.
• Visibility: True to their name, clear aligners are virtually invisible — making them the least aesthetically obtrusive orthodontic option available.

Consistency is Key

Patients must wear clear aligners for 20-22 hours per day. Patients who reach this target enjoy a faster treatment and more consistent results. Most providers recommend removing the aligners only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Patients can expect to wear their aligners overnight, too.

Complying with treatment can be a roadblock for some patients, especially teens. Patients who tend to snack or sip coffee throughout the day may have trouble keeping their aligners in place. However, removing the aligners for several hours each day can reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.

Before investing in clear aligners, patients must be realistic about their limitations. This involves considering their lifestyle and personal habits. If they suspect that they may have trouble sticking to the treatment plan, braces might be a better choice.

What to Expect from Treatment

Once a patient opts for clear aligners, our team begins by taking impressions of the mouth. We send the impressions to a dental lab that produces the aligners. The first set of aligners will be ready within a few weeks.

Most patients can expect to switch out their aligners every one to two weeks. Each new set shifts the teeth a bit more. We provide a schedule that explains when it is time to switch to a new set of aligners. Patients can change out their aligners in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.

During treatment, patients may need to visit the office every six weeks. During these visits, we provide the next few sets of aligners. Our team also takes a look into the mouth to assess the treatment's progress. These checkups are generally brief.

Assessing Your Results

Treatment times can vary, and complex dental issues may take longer to treat. The average treatment time is less than two years. Teen patients may show results more quickly, as their teeth are still developing.

After patients complete their treatment plan, they should expect to continue wearing their aligners overnight. Our team might also suggest a permanent retainer. These devices are fixed in place to prevent the teeth from shifting.

This stage of treatment focuses on preserving the results. It is essential to follow up with the dentist's recommendations. If patients stop wearing the aligners too soon, the teeth may move back into their original position.