Clear Aligners Coral Springs
Addressing Misalignment with Clear Aligners
Although traditional braces may be a more widely used method of orthodontic treatment, clear aligners allow patients like yourself to achieve the same kind of results without worrying about the statement-making metal. At West Broward Dental Associates, our dentists make it easy to look forward to a straighter set of teeth using a more discreet and flexible form of treatment. If you are interested in learning more about clear aligners in Coral Springs and what they can do for you, call our office today.
Why Choose West Broward Dental Associates for Clear Aligners?
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligners must first be crafted to ensure your smile moves in the right direction. This starts with taking digital impressions of your teeth so that a three-dimensional model is created and used by technicians to build your aligners.
Once you receive your new trays, you will wear them for 20-22 hours a day before swapping them out for the next set in the series after 1-2 weeks of wear. Throughout treatment, you will meet with our dentists so they can make sure everything is progressing well. Depending on the severity of your dental problem, you may see results in as little as 10 weeks; however, many patients are finished with treatment in less than one year.
Are Clear Aligners Right for Me?
If you have crooked, overcrowded, or gapped teeth, or you are dealing with a misaligned bite (i.e., overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, etc.), you may be a good candidate for clear aligners. Our dentists will need to conduct a thorough examination of your smile first to determine if the severity of your case can be treated with this type of orthodontic solution.
If we find that your smile needs are more complex, we may suggest traditional braces to help you achieve the goals you truly desire.
Clear Aligners Vs. Traditional Braces
When comparing clear aligners to traditional braces, you’ll find there are differences between the two – many of which prove more beneficial, especially as an adult:
- Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires. Clear aligners are more discreet, so you don’t have to worry about your colleagues, family, friends, or new acquaintances noticing your braces.
- Traditional braces can be more uncomfortable because of the necessary wire tightening that must occur to keep teeth moving in the right direction. Clear aligners use gentle pressure so that teeth will move. This makes treatment more comfortable over time.
- Traditional braces have protruding brackets and wires that can rub against cheeks, lips, and the tongue. Clear aligners are smooth, so oral tissues do not become sore.
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Traditional braces make it hard to eat certain foods because of the wires and brackets that can trap various particles. Clear aligners make it easy to consume all your favorite foods because you must remove them to eat.
Issues Clear Aligners Can Fix
Clear aligners are highly versatile, so they can fix a variety of issues, including crowded and gapped teeth as well as misaligned bites. While they help create a more visually pleasing orthodontic approach, they also address common dental problems that can otherwise lead to more serious issues down the road. These include:
- Crowded teeth can make it difficult to maintain good oral health. If decay and gum disease occur, it can negatively affect your jawbone as well as lead to heart disease, diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer’s, respiratory illness, and more.
- Gapped teeth make it easy for food particles and bacteria to become trapped. It also increases the risk of gum disease.
- Misaligned bites can wear down tooth enamel and cause chronic jaw pain over time. This can eventually make eating, speaking, and even breathing much harder.
Clear Aligners FAQs
How Long Does Clear Aligner Treatment Take?
Oftentimes, clear aligner treatment only takes 12-18 months, which is considerably shorter than traditional braces. With that said, there are several factors that play a role in the length of your teeth-straightening journey, including how many aligners are needed to achieve the desired results. So, if you are interested in getting an estimate of your treatment timeline, the best thing to do is to schedule an appointment with our team at West Broward Dental Associates.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Clear Aligners?
Some dental insurance providers do cover a portion of the cost of clear aligner treatment. So, if you are insured, you should look at the fine print on your plan or call the helpline on your paperwork to familiarize yourself with your benefits. Since we welcome PPO plans, you can also reach out to us if you have any questions about your coverage! We’d be happy to make the process of utilizing your available benefits and lowering your out-of-pocket expenses easier.
Important reminder: Dental insurance isn’t the only way to make the cost of Invisalign more affordable. At our office, we also welcome flexible financing with CareCredit, which means you won’t have to pay for the entire cost in one lump sum. Instead, you can select a payment plan that suits your budget!
Do Clear Aligners Hurt?
This is a very common concern, especially among patients who haven’t had braces before. However, clear aligners are quite comfortable since they are crafted from smooth plastic and are custom-made to fit the contours of your teeth. Plus, any soreness that does arise from the movement of your teeth is only temporary and can be alleviated by using a cold compress, sipping on cool water, and taking OTC pain medication as directed.
What Should I Do If I Lose My Clear Aligners?
If you accidentally misplace one of your clear aligners in Coral Springs, take a few deep breaths and try to pinpoint the last time you know you had them. Then, retrace your steps. It’s important to be thorough and look in the not-so-obvious places in the process, like the center console of your car. If you can’t find them anywhere, then don’t wait – call our office so we can determine the best way to get you back on track with your treatment plan.
How Should I Clean My Clear Aligners?
The first habit that we recommend adopting is rinsing your aligners with clean, cool water each time you take them off (this will prevent saliva from hardening on the surface). Then, when you’re ready to put them back on, use a damp, soft-bristle toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing liquid to gently scrub the surface clean before rinsing them again with water.
Tip: If you need to wear your aligners a bit longer than originally anticipated, soak them in a dentist-approved cleaning solution for 15-20 minutes each day.