Over the past several years, we’ve noticed a big change in how individuals think about orthodontic treatment at Specialty Smiles. We can now assist our North Miami patients get straighter smiles in a whole new way thanks to clear aligners. A lot of the clients who come to our office are worried about how traditional metal braces will look, feel, and affect their daily lives. Clear aligners take care of these problems while still straightening teeth well, which is why more and more people of all ages are choosing them.
Clear aligners are trays made of medical-grade plastic that are clear and can be taken out. They slowly move your teeth into the right position. Clear aligners are almost invisible when used, unlike metal braces, which have obvious brackets and wires. Most folks won’t even know you’re getting orthodontic treatment. These are great for adults in the workplace, teens who care about how they look, and anyone who wants to improve their smile in a less obvious way.
One of the best things about getting clear aligners from our North Miami office is that they give you independence and flexibility. You can take the aligners out when you eat and drink, so you don’t have to worry about what you can consume while you’re getting treatment. Patients with traditional braces generally have to stay away from foods like popcorn, caramel, or corn on the cob because they could hurt the brackets or get stuck in the wires. You just take out your clear aligners before meals and snacks, eat anything you like, clean your teeth, and then put the aligners back in.
At Specialty Smiles, the first step in the treatment process is a full consultation. We employ cutting-edge imaging technology to make digital copies of your teeth that are very detailed. We can make a personalized treatment plan based on these pictures and show you how your teeth will shift during the process. A lot of people find it helpful to preview what their smile will look like when the treatment is over before they even start. This technology also lets us make aligners that fit your teeth perfectly so that they are as comfortable and effective as possible.
After we make a plan for your treatment, we make a set of aligners just for your teeth. Each set is a little bit different and is made to slowly move your teeth into the best places for them. You will wear each pair for around one to two weeks before moving on to the next one in the sequence. During this time, you’ll come to our office every so often so we can check on your progress and give you your next few sets of aligners. These check-in appointments are usually quick and easy, taking less time than adjustments for regular braces.
When people think about clear aligners, a lot of them ask us about comfort. Any orthodontic treatment will cause some pain as the teeth move, but clear aligners are usually seen to be more tolerable than regular braces. Plastic that is smooth doesn’t hurt your lips and cheeks like metal brackets and wires can. When you initially start wearing a new set of aligners, you might feel some pressure. This is usually moderate and goes away in a few days as your teeth get used to their new positions.
To get the most out of clear aligners, you need to be consistent. We suggest that you wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day and take them off only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. This steady pressure lets your teeth move slowly and in a way that is easy to predict according to your treatment plan. People who don’t wear their aligners as advised often have to wait longer for their treatment to be finished. The good news is that most people find it rather easy to get used to using aligners after the first week or so.
It’s easy to take care of your clear aligners. We suggest washing them out every time you take them out and cleaning them lightly with a gentle toothbrush before putting them back in. Don’t use hot water since it can warp the plastic, and don’t eat or drink anything but plain water while wearing your aligners. To keep your aligners safe and sound, put them in their protective case when you’re not wearing them. Taking care of your aligners makes sure they stay clean and clear and that they fit right throughout your treatment.
The amount of time you need to wear clear aligners depends on your needs. Some cases can be finished in as little as six months, while others that are more complicated may take 18 months or longer. Most treatments last between 12 and 18 months on average. We can offer you a more exact timeline based on your specific situation during your appointment at Specialty Smiles. This schedule is based on the fact that you are wearing your aligners as instructed. The more consistently you do this, the faster your treatment will be.
We also offer Braces for Kids and Invisalign for younger children or those who need special orthodontic care. Some parents are shocked to find out that orthodontic treatment generally starts sooner than they thought it would. Sometimes, getting help early might stop problems from getting worse and cut down on the need for more intensive therapy later. During your consultation, we can talk about whether clear aligners or another orthodontic method would be better for you.
You’ll need to wear retainers after your clear aligner treatment to keep your beautiful smile. This is true for all kinds of orthodontic work, not only aligners. Retainers stop your teeth from slowly moving back to where they were before. At first, you might wear your retainers all the time, just like you did with your aligners. But most patients eventually switch to wearing their retainers solely at night to keep them in good shape.
We urge you to set up a consultation with our staff at Specialty Smiles if you’re thinking about getting clear aligners in North Miami. We’ll look at what you need and help you decide if clear aligners are the best way to reach your smile objectives. A lot of people are shocked to find out that clear aligner therapy costs around the same as traditional braces. Also, dental insurance that covers orthodontic treatment usually covers both alternatives in the same way.
In addition to looking better, properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which can lead to better oral health and fewer dental problems in the future. Alignment can also help your bite work better, stop teeth from wearing down unevenly, and maybe even help with problems like jaw pain that come from teeth being out of alignment. When you get clear aligners, you’re not just getting a better smile; you’re also improving your general health and well-being. We can’t wait to help you get the healthy, attractive smile you deserve with the ease and comfort of clear aligners.