Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are custom-made, removable trays that gradually move your teeth into healthier, more desirable positions. They’re made from transparent material and fit snugly over your teeth, making them much less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

Clear aligner treatment involves wearing a series of trays, with each set designed to make small adjustments to the position of your teeth. You typically switch to a new set of aligners according to the schedule recommended by your dentist.

Because the trays are removable, you can take them out when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This can make it easier to maintain your usual diet and oral hygiene routine throughout treatment.

Clear aligners can address many common orthodontic concerns, including:

• Crooked or crowded teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Mildly rotated teeth
• Other minor to moderate alignment problems

Properly aligned teeth can do more than enhance the appearance of your smile. Straighter teeth may be easier to brush and floss effectively, helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

The team at Lansdale Family Dentistry evaluates your teeth, bite, and overall oral health to determine whether clear aligners are appropriate for your needs.

Many teens and adults choose clear aligners because they provide an inconspicuous and convenient approach to orthodontic treatment. Benefits can include:

• Nearly invisible trays
• No metal brackets or wires
• Removable aligners for meals and oral hygiene
• A customized treatment plan
• Smooth, comfortable aligner material
• Fewer dietary restrictions than traditional braces
• Gradual, predictable tooth movement

Since you can remove your aligners to brush and floss, keeping your teeth clean throughout treatment may also be simpler than with fixed braces.

Your clear aligner treatment begins with a comprehensive dental evaluation. Your dentist examines your teeth and bite and may take digital images, scans, or other records to plan your treatment.

Your aligners are then created specifically for your smile. Once treatment begins, you wear your trays for most of the day and night, removing them primarily to eat, drink anything other than water, and clean your teeth.

You’ll progress through your series of aligners as directed and attend periodic dental visits so your dentist can monitor your tooth movement. Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your alignment needs and how consistently you wear your trays.

After completing treatment, your dentist may recommend a retainer to help maintain your newly aligned smile.

To find out if clear aligners can help you achieve a straighter, more confident smile, book an appointment online or over the phone with Lansdale Family Dentistry today.