Clear
Aligners
Clear Aligners
The Most Discreet Orthodontic Treatment
Clear aligners have become an increasingly popular option for teens, young adults, and older adults alike who want an alternative to traditional metal braces–they are discreet and comfortable but also capable of correcting common issues of crooked or misaligned teeth.
With clear aligners, patients can achieve a beautiful, healthy smile without the conspicuous appearance of metal brackets and wires.
At Arcadia Orthodontics, we offer industry-leading clear aligner treatments, including Invisalign®, that are guaranteed to give you or your child the smile of your dreams. Before starting treatment, we want to make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of how clear aligners work, the expected cost and duration of treatment, and tips for keeping them clean.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligners are custom-made trays that fit snugly over a patient’s teeth. The trays apply controlled pressure over time as they gently shift teeth into their correct position. Aligners are crafted based on digital scans or impressions of the teeth to allow for a precise fit.
Over the course of treatment, patients receive a series of aligner trays. Each set is worn for around two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series. In most cases, the total duration of treatment with clear aligners is 12-18 months but this can vary due to the complexity of dental issues and whether the aligners are worn as suggested.
Clear aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day and only removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, and in some cases for special occasions.
Advantages of Clear Aligners
When comparing clear aligners for teeth with traditional metal braces or ceramic braces, the former option offers some important advantages:
- Flexibility of removable trays: Clear aligners can be easily removed for meals or special events. This eliminates the food restrictions that come with traditional braces and makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Less irritation: Because they don’t have brackets and wires that can cause irritation to the inside of the mouth, clear aligners are more comfortable than metal or ceramic braces.
- Shorter office visits: Office visits are much shorter for patients wearing clear aligners because the orthodontist doesn’t have to make adjustments to any brackets or wires as the teeth move. Visits often involve a quick progress check-up and exchanging your current aligner with the next set in the series.
When it comes to overall effectiveness, clear aligners are able to treat many of the same orthodontic problems that braces do, including crowing, spacing issues, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. For patients who may not qualify for clear aligners like Invisalign®, Arcadia Orthodontics also offers ceramic braces as a more discreet option than metal braces.
Clear Aligners Cost
The cost of clear aligners is comparable with traditional metal braces and ceramic braces, coming between $3,000-$7,000 depending on the specifics of your case (complexity of dental issues, location, insurance, etc.).
While that can be a large amount for many families, it’s important to remember that investing in orthodontic treatment leads to long-term health benefits. Straight teeth are easier to clean and less prone to issues like cavities and gum disease, reducing medical costs down the line.
At Arcadia Orthodontics, we work with most major insurance providers, including Medicaid, and will put our skills to the test to get you the most coverage possible. Our billing team offers flexible payment plans to help make clear aligners affordable for families and promise to ensure you’re comfortable with the cost before starting treatment.
Best Teeth Aligners
There are several clear aligners on the market, but Invisalign® is the most well-known and trusted brand. As a Diamond+ Invisalign® Provider, Arcadia Orthodontics has extensive experience providing Invisalign® treatments with consistent successful outcomes.
While Invisalign® is often considered the best clear aligner because of the flexibility offered by the removable trays, there are several other clear aligners brands available on the market. 3M Clarity is popular because of the advanced aesthetics offered by tooth-colored attachments that move the teeth.
For parents of teenagers and young adults, Invisalign® Teen offers unique features like compliance indicators that monitor whether aligners are being worn for the recommended amount of time.
The right clear aligner for your needs will ultimately be determined during your initial orthodontic consultation where you will discuss treatment goals, lifestyle, and the complexity of your dental needs to choose the best course of action.
Best Way to Clean Invisible Aligners
Keeping your clear aligners clean is essential to maintaining your oral health and keeping your aligners invisible during the duration of your treatment. A few tips for keeping your aligners clean and clear include:
- Soak regularly: Soak your clear aligners in retainer cleaner or another specialized cleaning solution at least once per day to avoid stains and remove odor. Invisalign® offers cleaning crystals designed to keep aligner trays clear and clean.
- Rinse after removing: Rinse your aligners in lukewarm water every time you take them off to get rid of bacteria and saliva.
- Brush your aligner daily: In addition to brushing your teeth, brush your aligner with a soft-bristle toothbrush with clear antibacterial soap to prevent buildup and stains. Don’t use toothpaste because it is abrasive and can cause damage.
- Use cold or room temperature water to clean: Hot water can warp the plastic and affect the fit of the clear aligner.
Begin Your Clear Aligner Treatment Today!
At Arcadia Orthodontics, our team of orthodontic experts will work with you to find the best treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, we’re here to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile to last the rest of your life.
Clear aligners are a great choice for patients committed to wearing retainers who want straight teeth without the disruption of brackets and wires. The benefits of clear aligners are numerous, and treatment is just as effective as dental braces.
Get your clear aligner treatment started with Arcadia Orthodontics–get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.
