08
Nov
Beautiful, healthy smiles without braces! FAQs about clear aligner therapy
Family Dentistry of Caledonia is always evolving to meet the needs of our neighbors and their families across Western Michigan. Drs. Gary L. Scott and Allyson M. Grove are thrilled to offer yet another innovative way to support your healthiest and most attractive smile: clear aligner therapy.
What do you mean by “clear aligner therapy”?
This is an orthodontic treatment, which means it is appropriate to straighten the teeth and fix problems like overbite or underbite. It is considered an alternative to braces, where we design a series of custom-made clear aligners. The gentle yet consistent force from the aligners repositions the teeth without the need for braces and their system of brackets, wires, and elastics.
How do aligners compare to braces?
Braces are mostly made from stainless steel. They are visible when you smile. They are also “fixed” to the teeth, which means only your orthodontist or dentist can remove them. Clear aligners are made from state-of-the-art, BPA-free plastic. The plastic is flexible. So, it conforms comfortably to your mouth.
Additionally, these appliances are transparent. They cannot be seen by others when you smile. Lastly, this system lets you slip each aligner in and out of your mouth. This feature supports the best experience during treatment. So, eat your favorite (even sticky or crunchy) foods! Or, sleep well knowing that you can brush and floss effectively between your teeth without metal hardware getting in the way.
How do you wear aligners?
Effortlessly! Once we provide you with your first set of aligners, you will put them over your teeth. Wear them always except when eating meals, brushing, and flossing. Not wearing them as advised can delay your results and extend treatment times. Also, adhere to any instructions we provide on caring for your aligners. Proper care prevents staining and warping. Last but not least, each set of aligners is associated with a different step in treatment. Be sure to wear the aligner in the correct sequence.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (616) 816-5882 | Existing Patients: (616) 891-0004
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Do I still need to visit you throughout treatment?
Yes! This is an important aspect of therapy because Drs. Scott and Grove will confirm that treatment is progressing as it should be. They can also detect and address problems promptly. During these visits, we also provide you with the next sets of aligners that correspond with the next steps in treatment.
How long does it take?
There are many variables, from the type to the extent or severity of misalignment and factors like patient compliance. Generally, treatment time is similar to that of braces, but it can often require significantly less time than traditional orthodontic appliances, depending on your specific needs and how consistently you adhere to daily wear recommendations.
Sounds great! How do I get started?
Schedule your clear aligner therapy visit today. During your consultation, one of our dentists can even use special 3-D modeling software to show you how your smile will look post-treatment. So, you can “try before you buy.” Serving Western Michigan and beyond, Family Dentistry of Caledonia can be reached at (616) 816-5882.
