Clear aligners are the latest technology in orthodontic treatment. A wide range of orthodontic problems can be corrected with a series of clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth. Patients who are concerned about the appearance of braces may be ideal candidates for clear aligner treatment.
If you’re considering clear aligners, you may have some questions, such as how long the treatment takes. Learn the answer to this question and more about clear aligners and gain the knowledge you need to make a fully informed decision about you or your child’s orthodontic treatment.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are made of plastic and molded to fit your teeth. Your treatment will consist of a series of aligners that are each worn for about 1 week in a specific order. The aligners will gradually shift your teeth into the proper position, straightening teeth and aligning your bite.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
- Discreet. The aligners are clear enough to be essentially invisible on your teeth, meaning they won’t affect your appearance during treatment.
- Convenient. Clear aligners can be removed for eating and dental hygiene. The goal is to wear them for at least 20 hours a day in order to achieve the desired results.
- Comfortable. The plastic aligners are smooth and flexible, minimizing irritation to the soft tissues of your mouth.
Average Length of Clear Aligner Treatment
Clear aligners are efficient, taking anywhere from 6 to 18 months to straighten your teeth. The average treatment time is around 12 months. This means that you could have a total smile transformation in about a year.
Factors That Affect The Length of Your Treatment
The length of clear aligner treatment differs from one patient to another. The following factors may affect treatment duration:
- Severity of your case. The extent of the corrections that need to be made to properly align your teeth will have an effect on the length of your treatment. Mild cases may take less time than moderate or severe cases.
- Compliance with aligner wear. Wearing your aligners for the recommended time period each day will help keep your treatment on schedule and reduce delays.
- Adjustments to treatment. If your orthodontist has to make adjustments or changes to your treatment plan during the process, it can lengthen your overall treatment time.
Are You a Candidate for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are highly effective for many patients, but they don’t always work for everyone. Mild to moderate cases are more likely to be eligible for clear aligners than severe or complex cases. To find out if clear aligner treatment would be effective for you, schedule an evaluation with your orthodontist to assess your needs.
Frequently Asked Question About Clear Aligners
What happens if I lose an aligner?
Lost aligners are easily replaced. We recommend that you wear the previous aligner in order until you receive your replacement aligner. This prevents shifting teeth and loss of progress.
Contact The Brace Place Orthodontics
Are you interested in clear aligners for yourself or your child? The Brace Place Orthodontics provides clear aligner treatment for patients who are eligible and want to transform their smile while improving their oral health. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.