Clear Aligners Summerfield
A Clear & More Convenient Way to Straighten Teeth
Do you get frustrated when you see your smile in the mirror? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans are unhappy with their teeth, and in many cases, it’s because they’re crowded or misaligned. Fortunately, you no longer have to deal with metal wires and brackets to get the straight grin you’ve always wanted from your cosmetic dentist in Summerfield. With clear aligners, you can discreetly and comfortably move your teeth into proper alignment. If you’d like to find out whether a metal-free smile-straightening solution is right for you, continue reading or give our office a call today!
Why Choose Magnolia Shores Dental for Clear Aligners?
- Personalized Dental Treatment Plans for All Patients
- Dental Insurance Accepted and Financing Available
- Highly Experienced & Trained Dentist Focused on Your Care
How Clear Aligners Work
Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic treatment system that utilizes a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually move your teeth into the desired positions. Each set of trays is worn for a predetermined amount of time, usually about two weeks. One significant advantage of clear aligners is that you don’t need to visit Dr. Parry as often as you would with traditional braces. You just need to see him every six weeks or so to pick up your new aligners and ensure everything is going according to plan. Read on for a full breakdown of each step for a preview of what you can expect.
Step #1: Consultation & Treatment Planning
Dr. Parry and our team will first perform a comprehensive oral evaluation and take X-rays of your teeth and gums to determine if you’re eligible for clear aligners. Most patients are, but pre-existing oral health issues like cavities or gum disease will need to be addressed first for successful treatment. Once we’ve confirmed you’re a good candidate for clear aligners, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to get you started with your orthodontic process.
Step #2: Starting Your Treatment
Clear aligners work by using customized trays to shift teeth into proper alignment. They are to be worn 20-22 hours a day (unless otherwise directed) to ensure everything moves along smoothly. Don’t jump ahead in the process without our direction; otherwise, you may damage your teeth! To address any discomfort when moving on to a new set of aligners, try using an ice pack or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Step 3: Routine Check-In Appointments
Every 1-2 weeks, you will return to our office for a simple and quick check-in. Dr. Parry will evaluate the position of your teeth to see if they are moving as expected. Based on your progress, we will make necessary adjustments (if needed) or give you the green light to continue following your treatment plan.
Step 4: Maintaining Your Straightened Smile After Completing Treatment
Once you’ve completed your treatment process, we will provide you with a custom-made retainer that you’ll need to wear consistently to preserve the straightened teeth you’ve worked so hard for.
Who Can Clear Aligners Help?
Clear aligners aren’t just clear and comfortable; they are versatile! So, if you’ve always wanted a straighter smile, but you aren’t thrilled about the idea of wearing noticeable metal braces, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us. In the meantime, you can read on to learn a few of the orthodontic problems that clear aligners can address.
Crowded Teeth
Do you feel like you have too many teeth in your mouth? If so, come to our office to explore your treatment options. After all, addressing overcrowding will make it easier to brush and floss, decreasing your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease in the process. In other words, even if you are happy with the appearance of your smile, you may benefit from clear aligners.
Gaps Between Teeth
Having gaps between your teeth doesn’t just affect your appearance – it has an impact on your oral health as well. That’s because even small gaps allow for food and bacteria to become trapped between the teeth, which can quickly lead to oral health problems. Fortunately, clear aligners are often an effective solution, especially for patients with mild to moderate misalignment.
Overbite
“Do clear aligners fix overbites?” This is a question that many patients ask us, and they are often surprised by the answer. In addition to moving your teeth into proper alignment, clear aligners can also move your bite. Usually, this requires additional orthodontic accessories, like attachments, but they are still considerably more discreet than metal brackets and wires.
Underbite
If your lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth, then you know just how difficult everything from smiling confidently to enunciating clearly is. The good news is that traditional braces are no longer the only option. If your case isn’t too severe, then we may be able to bring your bite into proper alignment with a series of custom, clear, and comfortable trays.
Crossbite
Like the other bite problems on this list, crossbites can cause speech issues as well as tooth damage due to uneven pressure. Not only that, but it’s also common for your temporomandibular joints to feel strained. This can be painful to the point that it significantly impacts your quality of life. Luckily, clear aligners can help many patients struggling with this common orthodontic issue.
Open Bite
Unfortunately, even mild open bites can lead to serious dental damage. That’s why we recommend exploring your orthodontic treatment options sooner rather than later. If we determine that you’re a good candidate for clear aligners, then our Summerfield dental team will get to work creating your custom treatment plan. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces
Clear aligners are a fantastic alternative to traditional braces, offering a more discreet, comfortable, and convenient way to straighten your teeth. Unlike metal braces, clear aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. This means no dietary restrictions and easier oral hygiene! They’re custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth, gently guiding them into place without the need for brackets and wires. If you’re looking for a modern, effective solution to achieve a straighter smile, clear aligners are an excellent choice. Other key benefits of clear aligner treatment include:
- Safety and Comfort - Clear aligners are made of smooth plastic, so they are one of the most comfortable orthodontic options available. They won’t irritate your soft oral tissues in the same way traditional metal braces can.
- Shorter Treatment Time - Metal braces usually take 2-3 years to align your teeth, while clear aligners can require 12-18 months.
- Discreet – Clear aligners are virtually invisible, meaning hardly anyone will notice you’re wearing an orthodontic appliance.
Understanding the Cost of Clear Aligners
Finances should never stand in your way of achieving the straight, beautiful smile you deserve. Although there’s not a set fee for clear aligners, we offer several solutions to cover their cost in Summerfield. After examining your smile and creating a personalized strategy, Dr. Parry will provide you with an estimate. We’ll discuss all your payment options to invest in clear aligners without breaking the bank.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Clear Aligner Treatment
Each smile is unique, so it’s impossible to have a flat rate for clear aligners because everyone’s alignment and bite concerns differ. Various factors can affect the amount you’ll pay, such as:
- Preparatory Work: Your smile must be healthy before beginning clear aligner treatment.
- Number of Arches: If you’re treating both arches, you’ll have to pay the cost of both sets of aligners.
- Complexity: Patients who require minimal adjustments need fewer aligners. The more complex your case is, the higher you can expect your treatment to cost.
Clear Aligners vs. Mail-In Aligners: Which Costs More?
You’ve likely seen ads featuring mail-order braces that claim to be an affordable alternative to visiting a dentist who offers clear aligners in Summerfield. Although you’ll spend less on mail-in aligners, it can easily cost you much more down the road, including your smile. The ads don’t show the risks involved with the treatment because you’re not under the supervision of a professional. There are reports of patients experiencing permanent damage to their smile, including tooth loss.
Although clear aligners may cost more than mail-in aligners, you’re paying for peace of mind. You’ll be under the supervision of a trained dental professional, like Dr. Parry, to monitor the movement of your teeth. If a complication arises, it will be addressed quickly to ensure it doesn’t leave a lasting mark on your smile.
Options for Making Clear Aligners Affordable
We believe everyone deserves to have a confident, healthy smile, no matter their financial situation. Our office offers several options to keep clear aligner treatment affordable, including:
- Our In-House Membership Plan: For a set low monthly rate, you can join our membership plan and enjoy benefits similar to dental insurance without the waiting periods, deductibles, or annual maximums.
- Third-Party Financing: Pay any out-of-pocket expense using low monthly installments after your credit approval. You can choose from one of the several third-party financing companies we work with.
You’ll know exactly what you’ll need to pay before committing to any treatment plan. Rest assured, you won’t be surprised by any unexpected fees, so you can feel confident about the decision you’re making for your smile. Contact our office today to see if clear aligner treatment is right for you.
Clear Aligner FAQs
How Long Does Clear Aligner Treatment Take?
Since every case is unique, it’s impossible to know exactly how long your clear aligner treatment will take until you come in for an exam. Several factors must be taken into account, such as the severity of your dental misalignment and your commitment to the treatment plan. On average, it takes patients about 12 to 18 months to complete the process. If you have mild dental misalignment, you may finish in as little as six months! Diligently following Dr. Parry’s instructions and visiting your dentist regularly will allow you to complete your treatment efficiently.
Do Clear Aligners Hurt?
Not at all! The smooth plastic design of the clear aligners makes it one of the most comfortable orthodontic treatment options. Shortly after getting your clear aligners, you will go through an adjustment period where you experience mild soreness or discomfort. Some patients may characterize this as pain, but it should go away as you get used to treatment. It’s also worth noting that you may experience a small amount of pressure each time you switch to the next aligner in a series. Luckily, you can manage these side effects with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses.
What Happens After Clear Aligner Treatment?
After you finish clear aligner treatment in Summerfield, you’ll visit Dr. Parry to confirm your results are exactly how you want them. He’ll ensure your teeth are in proper alignment before explaining how to maintain your results. Following your treatment, you’ll need to start wearing a retainer to preserve your new and improved grin. Retainers are crucial because they maintain your hard-earned results. In many cases, it’s recommended that you wear it full-time before gradually decreasing to only wearing it at night.
Can You Eat with Clear Aligners?
One significant advantage of clear aligners is that they are completely removable! All you have to do is take out your aligners when it’s time to eat or drink anything that’s not water. Otherwise, eating with plastic trays in your mouth will damage them, potentially causing cracks and stains. Whenever the aligners are not in your mouth, they should be removed and stored in a safe place.
