What You Should Know About Clear Aligners

If you are considering getting the smile of your dreams and are determined to fix your misaligned teeth, then you are probably excited about the idea of clear aligners. Clear aligners are transparent, plastic versions of braces used to make your teeth straight and improve your bite. These orthodontic devices have undergone technological advancements over the years and are now more effective in giving you an attractive smile.

The difference between the size of the upper and lower jaws can cause abnormal bites, which become noticeable between the ages of six and 12 years. An evaluation for orthodontic treatment is recommended when a patient turns seven in order to properly correct issues that can become more difficult to treat with age.

Clear aligners are typically a treatment orthodontists reserve for teens and adults. Therefore, it is vital to have enough knowledge of how they work. Here are a few things that you need to know about clear aligners during your search for orthodontic treatment in Los Angeles.

Treatment Begins with an X-Ray

A clear aligner treatment cannot begin until an x-ray is taken. Bite registration, physical or digital impressions, and photographs are also considered. These exercises are performed on both the teeth and gums. This evaluation is essential as it is used throughout the diagnosis and treatment plan.

The impressions are taken to create a 3D representation of the teeth. Technicians use the representation to move the teeth to desired locations while paying special attention to the underlying bone. Impressions will show the doctor and technicians how many aligners are needed to give you your desired smile. Typically, six to 48 aligners are usually needed to move teeth into desired locations, with each clear aligner moving teeth .25 to .33 millimeters per aligner.

Clear Aligners are Modeled Using CAD-CAM Software

It is vital to know how clear aligners are made. The aligners are special clear braces, as they are modeled using computer-aided-design and manufacturing software. The model is then manufactured using stereolithography, a rapid prototyping technique.

A photo-sensitive liquid resin is used to build the molds of the clear aligners. A thermoplastic material is used to make the clear aligner. The material applies pressure to the teeth, and in turn, moves the aligners in the desired position.

Take Out Aligners to Eat and Drink

All orthodontic specialists who provide patients with clear aligners will caution them to remove these aligners prior to eating and drinking. Since clear aligners are made of plastic, hot drinks could warp these aligners. It’s also not recommended to eat and chew with these aligners in. Fortunately, they’re easily removed when it comes time to eat and drink. Just remember to pop them back in when you’re done!

You May Need Attachments

It is advisable to wear your aligners for 22 hours every day and only remove them when necessary, such as when eating or brushing your teeth. However, certain teeth movements require attachments when you are undergoing clear aligner treatment. These devices are attached to the teeth using dental adhesive. They are added and removed by an orthodontic specialist. These attachments are slightly visible when you remove your clear aligners but are important to your orthodontic treatment plan.

Clear aligner treatment is gaining popularity due to its effectiveness in giving people a smile that they want. Clear braces can help to improve the problems caused by abnormal bites, so it’s a great option to take into consideration when exploring treatment options. If you’re interested in starting clear aligner treatment in Los Angeles, give TruSmile a call today. We can go over your options and what will be best suited to you based on your individual needs.