Clear Aligners
Clear aligners straighten teeth
Are you feeling self-conscious about your smile due to crooked, misaligned teeth? If you're interested in straightening your teeth but hesitant to try traditional braces, there are alternative options available. Clear aligners provide a discreet way to shift your teeth into the correct position.
At Cedar Grove Dental Group in Cedar Grove, NJ and the surrounding area, we offer clear aligners that are nearly invisible compared to traditional braces. Patients can easily remove their aligners for photos, sports, and special events. Contact us today at (973) 857-0567 to schedule an appointment or to find out more about our services.
Clear Aligners Explained
Braces are effective in fixing various orthodontic issues, but they can be uncomfortable due to the sharp metal that can irritate the mouth and gums. On the other hand, clear aligners are made of smooth, durable plastic material.
Aligners work gently to straighten teeth and improve the appearance of the smile. Unlike braces, aligners are discreet and can be easily removed. This allows patients to take them out for special occasions such as weddings, graduations, or proms.
“Unlike braces, aligners are discreet and fully removable.”
Advantages of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners have numerous advantages compared to traditional braces.
- Removable
- Discreet
- Smooth and nonabrasive
Clear aligners are a great alternative to metal braces as they do not cause irritation to sensitive mouth tissues and allow patients to avoid dietary restrictions. However, they may not be suitable for young children whose mouths are still developing. Clear aligners may not be able to address every dental concern, in which case traditional braces or headgear may be necessary. Our dental providers can offer guidance and help select the best treatment option if clear aligners are not suitable.
“Dental providers generally recommend clear aligners for patients who have already achieved their adult jaw size and shape.”
Key to success is consistency
Patients are required to wear clear aligners for 20-22 hours daily to achieve faster and more consistent results. It is recommended to only remove the aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, including wearing them overnight. Some patients, especially teens, may struggle to comply with this strict schedule, particularly if they snack or drink coffee frequently. However, not wearing the aligners for the required amount of time can hinder the effectiveness of the treatment. Before opting for clear aligners, patients should realistically assess their lifestyle and habits to determine if they can commit to the treatment plan. If there are concerns about compliance, traditional braces may be a more suitable option.
“… removing the aligners for several hours each day can reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.”
Expectations for Treatment
After a patient chooses clear aligners, our team will start by taking impressions of their mouth. These impressions are then sent to a dental lab to create the aligners. The first set of aligners will be ready in a few weeks.
Patients typically switch out their aligners every one to two weeks, with each new set gradually shifting the teeth. We provide a schedule to guide patients on when to change to a new set of aligners, which can be done at home.
Throughout the treatment, patients may need to visit our office every six weeks. During these visits, we provide the next few sets of aligners and assess the progress of the treatment. These checkups are usually quick.
“Patients can change out their aligners in the comfort and privacy of their own home.”
Evaluating Your Outcomes
Treatment times can vary, with complex dental issues potentially taking longer to treat. On average, treatment lasts less than two years. Teen patients may see quicker results due to their teeth still developing.
Once treatment is completed, patients should continue wearing their aligners overnight. A permanent retainer may also be recommended by our team to prevent teeth from shifting.
This phase of treatment is crucial for maintaining results. It is important to follow the dentist's recommendations to prevent teeth from moving back to their original position if aligners are stopped too soon.
