With ClearCorrect aligners, we don’t need to use metal brackets and wires to correct uneven teeth. Which means for teens and adults, we have a nearly invisible solution to crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth. But how do you know if you’re a good candidate? What does treatment involve? Your Astoria, NY, dentist explains!
The Dangers of Poor Alignment
Obviously, uneven teeth have a negative impact on the appearance of your smile. However, poor alignment also makes thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth difficult, which in turn means a higher risk of issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath, not to mention teeth stains. For others, misalignment could change the balance of your bite, which makes the risk of issues like TMJ disorder and bruxism (chronic teeth grinding) more likely, causing greater discomfort in your smile and even damaged teeth. By fixing your uneven teeth, we help improve the overall oral health of your smile too.
Examining Your Smile
First, we need to perform a thorough exam. Using digital technology, we will take a series of clear images, which enables us to examine the smile, including the roots and oral structures, to assess the cause and severity of your misalignment. From there, we decide if a series of clear aligners are the best choice for your smile. If so, then we will take detailed digital impressions and measures of your smile, which we use to design and fabricate the final product. Once your aligners are ready, you start your journey to an even smile.
The ClearCorrect System
Treatment consists of wearing a set of aligners for about two weeks before moving onto the next in the series. The total treatment time depends on the extent to your misalignment, and whether you wore the aligners as we prescribed. On average, teens may need up to 18 months, while adults usually see optimal results in about a year.
Each day, you should wear a set for about 20 to 22 hours a day. You can remove them during meals, or before you brush and floss your teeth, which means no need to alter your diet or have difficulty keeping your smile clean. You can also remove them for special events, such as graduations, dates, or job interviews, just as long as you wear them for the amount of time the dentist recommends. If you have any questions about the clear aligner system, or about any of our other cosmetic treatments, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Our Cosmetic Braces?
We want to provide our patients with a barely noticeable solution to misalignment. To learn more about our approach to cosmetic orthodontics, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
