Clear aligners are a very comfortable and effective orthodontic treatment.
If you would like a straighter smile, you might consider clear aligners. The treatment is a popular choice for individuals who would like to resolve orthodontic issues, but who are looking for something more discreet than traditional metal braces. But, what does the treatment involve? And is it likely to cause you discomfort? Read on to find out more about clear aligners and what you can expect from the process…
What does the treatment involve?
In order to have your clear aligners custom-made, we use a special scanner that takes a series of images of your teeth. Using these images, a computer-generated virtual image of your teeth and bite is created and sent to a laboratory where your aligners will be made with extreme accuracy. Once your aligners have been fabricated, your orthodontist will ensure that they fit correctly and give you instructions on how to insert and remove them, as well as how to keep them clean. You will be told when you should come in for follow-up appointments and adjustments.
When your treatment is complete, any attachments will be cleaned and polished off your teeth. You will be given a set of retainers, which will help to retain the new positions of your teeth.
How does it feel?
The clear aligners are custom-made and are very comfortable to wear. In fact, you should not feel any pain throughout the course of your treatment. You may, however, feel some mild discomfort or tenderness when your teeth begin to shift. It’s important to know, however, that if you experience some minor discomfort, it is probably a sign that your treatment is working because there is pressure being applied to your teeth. You are most likely to feel some pressure when you change aligners, but any discomfort should subside over time as you adjust to the change.
Although rare, some patients experience some irritation of the tongue and gums. If you suffer from this type of issue, we encourage you to let us know so that we can make the necessary changes to your aligners.
How can I ease any discomfort?
Although clear aligners are generally a very comfortable treatment, you may feel some mild discomfort from time to time. To ease any discomfort associated with changing aligners, try and switch to your new aligner just before you go to bed. This will give your teeth some time to adjust while you are sleeping. It’s also a good idea to avoid eating anything too hard or crunchy for the first few days of wearing a new aligner, and avoid clenching your jaw. If you are really suffering from discomfort when you change to a new aligner, get in touch so that your orthodontist can check that the fit is right for your mouth.
What options are available?
At Berwick Orthodontic Specialists, we offer clear aligners for both adults and teens. Both options involve the use of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that work by gradually shifting the teeth into new positions. Clear aligners for teens differs slightly from clear aligners for adults in that it has a few different features that have been especially designed to facilitate treatment for teenagers and their unique stage of dental development. Some special features of clear aligners for teens include a visible blue compliance indicator, as well as allowances for erupting teeth.
If you would like to find out more about clear aligners, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Whilst we are still operating under strict health guidelines, our clinics are open. We look forward to providing you with the care you need.