When we talk about modern ways to straighten teeth in our office, clear aligners have changed the game in orthodontics by giving patients a way to get straighter teeth that’s almost undetectable. These new gadgets use a set of clear plastic trays that are made just for you. They slowly move your teeth into place without the need for metal brackets and wires. Clear aligners are great for people who want to keep their professional look and lifestyle while getting orthodontic treatment.

Over the years, the technology behind clear aligners has come a long way. Now, treatment is more predictable and comfortable than ever. Detailed computer scans of the patient’s teeth are used to make each pair of aligners custom fit. This creates a step-by-step treatment plan that tells the teeth how to move from start to finish. We work with Irvine Orthodontics to make sure our patients get complete care that includes both our general dentistry skills and our specialized orthodontic knowledge.

One of the best things about clear aligner treatment is that it’s easier than traditional braces. Patients can take out their aligners when they eat, drink, brush and floss so they can keep up with their regular dental hygiene routine without any problems. This means people can eat whatever they want without worrying about damaging their braces which isn’t possible with permanent braces.

The first step in the treatment process is a thorough assessment to see if clear aligners are the best option for the patient’s individual orthodontic needs. We use powerful imaging equipment to make precise treatment plans that show patients exactly how their teeth will move throughout treatment. This picture lets patients know what to expect and gives them a reason to keep on with their set of aligners.

For people in Irvine who want clear aligner treatment, these devices are very appealing because they are almost invisible. This is especially true for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth without drawing attention to their braces. Patients can smile with confidence throughout their treatment because the clear plastic material is almost invisible when worn. Many people say their friends and coworkers don’t even notice they are wearing aligners.

To get clear aligner treatment to work, you need to follow the rules. To get the best results in the time frame given, patients need to wear their aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Aligners are easy to take off and put on but patients need to be disciplined and committed to wearing them all the time. We provide patients clear instructions and check in with them regularly to make sure they stay on track with their treatment.

Clear aligners are usually more comfortable than regular braces since the smooth plastic doesn’t bother the cheeks, lips or gums. When patients switch to a new set of aligners they may feel some pressure or minor pain for a day or two as their teeth start to shift. However this feeling is usually much less acute than the pain that comes with adjusting traditional braces.

The length of treatment with clear aligners depends on how complicated the case is and how much tooth movement is needed. Some cases can be finished in as little as 6 months while others may take 18 to 24 months. We can monitor progress and make changes to the treatment plan as needed at regular monitoring appointments. These visits are usually shorter and happen less often than regular braces appointments.

Clear aligner treatment usually costs around the same as traditional braces however the price can vary depending on how complicated the case is and how long the treatment will take. Many dental insurance plans cover some orthodontic treatments like clear aligners. We also have many payment options so treatment is affordable for our patients.

Patients must use retainers after clear aligner treatment to keep their new tooth placement. This retention phase is very important for long term success since teeth naturally want to move back to where they were before. We give clear instructions on how to wear a retainer and stress how important it is to follow these rules to protect the money spent on orthodontic treatment.

Clear aligners are a good solution for many orthodontic problems such as crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites and crossbites. But if you have really bad orthodontic problems you may still need traditional braces or other specialist treatments. During the first meeting we carefully look at each patient’s unique needs to figure out the best way to help them get the outcomes they want while also taking into account their lifestyle choices and treatment goals.