Clear Aligners

We want your smile to leave a lasting impression. That's why we're proud to offer Invisalign clear aligners, a virtually invisible and comfortable way to straighten your teeth.

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What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are an innovative and discreet alternative to traditional metal braces for straightening your teeth. Unlike bulky brackets with wires, this orthodontic treatment uses a series of removable, nearly invisible plastic trays called aligners. These custom-made aligners are constructed from precise 3D images and impressions to map out your teeth. Each set of aligners is worn for 1-2 weeks before progressing to the next in the sequence. Gradually, the aligners gently shift your teeth into perfect alignment through small, incremental movements.

One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is their subtlety - they're barely noticeable when worn, so you can straighten your smile with confidence. The smooth plastic aligners are also incredibly comfortable since there are no protruding metal pieces to irritate your mouth. Plus, the aligners are removable for easy cleaning and for eating, so you can still enjoy all your favorite foods without dietary restrictions. With consistent wear as prescribed by your orthodontist, clear aligners can treat a variety of orthodontic issues, leaving you with a beautifully straight smile.

Braces Vs. Clear Aligners

Straightening your teeth with braces or clear aligners allows for more effective cleaning, provides ideal bite alignment, relieves overcrowding, and improves gum health. The sooner you start your treatment, the sooner you can show off your new, beautiful smile.

Benefits Of Clear Aligners:

Clear plastic aligners are virtually invisible
Smooth aligners are more comfortable than metal braces
Aligners are removable for eating and oral hygiene
No food restrictions since aligners come out
Ability to preview your future smile with computer imaging
More discreet treatment option for professionals and adults
No metal brackets or wires to irritate your mouth
Typically requires fewer office visits than traditional braces
Fewer emergency appointments needed, as there are no metal brackets that can break

Benefits Of Traditional Braces:

Ability to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, from mild to severe
Precise adjustments can be made to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment
Sturdy metal or ceramic brackets and wires allow you to eat your favorite foods
Treatment progresses 24/7
Suitable for all ages, including children and adults
More affordable option compared to Invisalign

Types Of Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are an excellent, discreet option for straightening your teeth and maintaining their alignment long-term. At Gentle Dental, we offer several clear aligner options to meet your needs:

Invisalign

This system uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually move your teeth into their ideal positions through a sequence of minor adjustments.

Spark™

Similar to Invisalign, Spark™ provides customized, computer-generated clear aligners to straighten teeth with an attractive, nearly invisible appearance.

Retainers & Palatal Expanders

Beyond clear aligners and braces, we offer additional solutions to further refine and maintain your dental alignment, such as retainers and palatal expanders.

Retainers

After completing the clear aligner or braces treatment, retainers are essential for maintaining your new, straighter smile. Both removable and fixed retainers are available.

Palatal Expanders

These orthodontic appliances can gradually and painlessly widen the upper jaw for patients who require jaw expansion due to significant crowding or bite misalignment.

Do I Need Clear Aligners?

Even seemingly minor issues with teeth alignment and bite can worsen over time if left untreated. Here are some common indicators that you may need aligners:

Crowded or overlapping teeth
Gaps or spacing issues between teeth
Overbite (top teeth overlap too far over bottom teeth)
Underbite (bottom teeth extend out over top teeth)
Crossbite (top and bottom teeth don't meet properly)
Open bite (top and bottom teeth don't meet when biting down)
Protruding or misaligned front teeth
Tooth rotation or crookedness
Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment
A desire for a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile
Issues with jaw positioning or teeth alignment affecting your bite

Additional Options

Traditional Braces

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Enhance Your Smile

Schedule a consultation at Gentle Dental to explore options for enhancing your smile and improving your oral health.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do clear aligners work?

Clear aligners work by applying gentle, controlled force to move teeth into their desired positions over time. Each set of aligners is worn for about one to two weeks before switching to the next set in the series. The aligners are custom-made based on digital scans or molds of your teeth to ensure precise and comfortable movement.

Who is a good candidate for clear aligners?

Clear aligners are suitable for teenagers and adults with mild to moderate dental alignment issues, including crowding, spacing, and certain bite problems. A consultation with an orthodontist or dentist is necessary to determine if clear aligners are the right option for your specific needs.

How long does treatment with clear aligners take?

The duration of treatment with clear aligners varies depending on the complexity of the case. On average, treatment can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. Your dentist or orthodontist will provide a more accurate timeline based on your individual treatment plan.

How often do I need to wear the aligners?

For the best results, it is recommended to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing.

How often will I need appointments?

Typically, appointments should be scheduled every 10 to 12 weeks.

Are clear aligners comfortable?

Clear aligners are generally more comfortable than traditional metal braces since they are made of smooth plastic and do not have brackets or wires that can irritate the inside of the mouth. However, you may experience slight discomfort or pressure for a few days when switching to a new set of aligners, which is a sign that the aligners are working.

How do I take care of my clear aligners?

To keep your aligners clean and clear, rinse them with lukewarm water and brush them gently with a soft bristled toothbrush daily. Avoid using hot water, which can warp the plastic. Use a mild, unscented, clear liquid or antibacterial soap to remove food particles and plaque. Additionally, clean your teeth thoroughly before putting the aligners back in to prevent trapping food particles and bacteria.

Can I eat and drink while wearing clear aligners?

You should remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Eating with aligners in can damage them and cause food particles to get trapped, leading to poor oral hygiene. After eating, brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in.

Will wearing clear aligners affect my speech?

Clear aligners may cause a slight lisp or change in speech when you first start wearing them, but most people adapt within a few days to a week. Practicing speaking with the aligners in can help speed up the adjustment period.

What happens after I complete my clear aligner treatment?

After completing your clear aligner treatment, you will likely need to wear retainers to maintain your new smile and prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Your dentist or orthodontist will provide specific instructions on how often and for how long you need to wear the retainers.