Clear Aligners
Clear aligners prove that effective orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to be difficult. These ingenious appliances have helped millions straighten their teeth and achieve better-looking smiles, and they can help you, too.
Clear Aligners in Columbus, OH
Invisalign® and SureSmile® clear aligners are effective and discreet orthodontic treatment options that are worn comfortably over your teeth to continuously adjust alignment and spacing.
These clear aligner systems are custom-made using models of your current teeth and the end result you hope to achieve. With Invisalign® and SureSmile®, you will switch to new aligners about every 10-14 days, with each set shifting the teeth slightly—this continues until you have achieved your final results, which can take anywhere from 9-14 months. You can remove the clear aligners for eating, drinking, and cleaning only. At first, they will feel very tight, but they will begin to loosen and feel more comfortable after a few days.
-
How does the clear aligner process work?
To begin, we will take photographs of your teeth and face, digital impressions of your teeth, and X-rays. Those records are sent to Invisalign® with detailed instructions on how we want the final result to appear. Invisalign® or SureSmile® will scan the impressions to create a 3D model of the teeth and work with your dentist to get the mold to its exact proportions. Once final, the trays are made and mailed to your dentist’s office. You will wear a set of trays for two weeks at a time for approximately two years, or the length determined by your dentist.
-
Clear aligners vs. braces - what's the difference?
There are many differences between clear aligners and braces. We’ve listed some of the largest ones here. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but the introduction of Invisalign to the market introduced a more efficient, less painful way to straighten teeth.
- Clear aligners use clear transparent aligners, while braces use wires and brackets.
- Clear aligners can be removed by the user at any time, while braces can only be removed by a professional.
- Clear aligners allow users to eat whatever they would like and not make changes to their oral care practices, while braces restrict what the user can safely eat and require special maintenance and care.
- Clear aligners do not present any injury risks, while braces can lead to cuts and other injuries.
- Clear aligners are nearly impossible for others to notice, while braces are almost impossible to miss.
-
Who can use clear aligners?
Most teens and adult patients requiring mild to moderate orthodontic corrections can use Invisalign® or SureSmile® clear aligners. This includes patients with teeth that are crooked and misaligned or teeth that feature noticeable spacing problems. Clear aligners can even help patients with minor bite issues—however, not all orthodontic issues can be treated with Invisalign®. More extensive problems will require additional treatment.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about clear aligners, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
