Clear Aligners

Orthodontic treatments have come a long way, and clear aligners are now a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic treatment designed to straighten teeth discreetly and effectively. These custom-fit trays are virtually invisible, made from transparent medical-grade plastic, and offer a more aesthetic alternative to traditional metal braces.

Clear aligners work by gradually shifting teeth into their desired positions through a series of progressively adjusted aligner trays, typically changed every one to two weeks. The treatment begins with a digital scan or physical impression of the teeth, from which a personalized treatment plan is developed. Patients must wear the aligners for 20-22 hours daily, removing them only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Clear aligners are more comfortable and less invasive and allow for easier oral hygiene maintenance than conventional braces. Regular check-ups with our orthodontist in Decatur, GA, ensure the treatment progresses as planned, resulting in a straighter, healthier smile. 

What Issues Can Be Addressed With Clear Aligners ?

• Crowded teeth can make oral hygiene challenging and increase the risk of dental problems such as cavities and gum disease. Clear aligners can help to gradually move teeth into proper alignment, creating a more even and accessible arrangement for cleaning. 

• Spacing issues, or diastema, can be effectively treated with clear aligners. Clear aligners work to close gaps between teeth, resulting in a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile.

• An overbite, where the upper front teeth overlap significantly over the lower teeth, can lead to issues like excessive wear on certain teeth and jaw pain. Clear aligners can adjust the teeth to reduce the overlap and improve the bite alignment. 

• Clear aligners in Decatur, GA, offer the convenience of being removable, allowing individuals to take them out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This feature makes them an attractive option for those who want flexibility in their orthodontic treatment. 

• A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside. This condition can lead to tooth wear, gum disease, and bone loss. Clear aligners can move the teeth into the correct position to resolve these issues. 

• An open bite, a gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed, can affect chewing and speaking. Clear aligners can help close the gap by bringing the teeth together and improving function and aesthetics.

• Clear aligners are especially popular among adults who want to straighten their teeth without the noticeable appearance of metal braces. Their transparent nature makes them a subtle and less intrusive option for orthodontic treatment. 

• Teenagers concerned about traditional braces' social implications can benefit from clear aligners. These less noticeable orthodontic appliances can help boost self-esteem while effectively correcting dental issues. Contact us today to learn more.

• Those who have had braces or other orthodontic treatments in the past but have experienced some shifting of teeth over time can use clear aligners to make minor adjustments and maintain their ideal smile. 

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear aligners are an innovative and effective way to straighten teeth and correct dental issues without traditional metal braces. The journey to a straighter smile with clear aligners begins with a consultation with our orthodontist at CBW Orthodontics. During this appointment, the orthodontist thoroughly examines your teeth, which may include taking digital scans, X-rays, and photographs. These diagnostic tools help the orthodontist assess your dental structure and determine if clear aligners suit your needs. 

If clear aligners are deemed appropriate, the next step is to create a customized treatment plan. The orthodontist uses advanced computer imaging technology to create a 3D model of your teeth. This model maps out the exact movements of your teeth throughout the treatment. You'll be able to see a virtual representation of how your teeth will shift and the final result.

Based on the customized treatment plan, a series of clear aligners is fabricated. Each aligner is designed to be worn for one to two weeks and slightly adjusts the position of your teeth. The aligners are made from a smooth, comfortable, and BPA-free plastic that won't irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do.

At the start of your treatment, you receive several sets of aligners and must wear each set for about 20-22 hours per day. The aligners should only be removed for eating, drinking (anything other than water), brushing, and flossing. Consistency is critical to ensuring the treatment progresses as planned.

Each aligner in the series is slightly different, gradually moving your teeth into the desired position. The aligners apply gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth, guiding them to the next alignment stage. As you switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, your teeth will continue to move incrementally.

Throughout the treatment, you'll have periodic check-ups with our orthodontist to monitor your progress and ensure that your teeth move according to the treatment plan. These appointments are typically less frequent than those required for traditional braces, often scheduled every six to eight weeks.

Once you have gone through all the aligners in your series and your teeth have moved into their final positions, the active phase of treatment is complete. You will likely need to wear retainers to maintain your new smile and prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. These are typically worn at night and are crucial for maintaining the results achieved with clear aligners.

Clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontic treatment, offering a discreet, comfortable, and effective way to achieve a straight and beautiful smile. If you're considering orthodontic treatment, visit CBW Orthodontics at 2855 Candler Road, Suite #12, Decatur, GA 30034, or call (404) 243-3210 to schedule your consultation and learn how clear aligners can improve your smile and oral health.