Clear Aligners
Achieve a straighter smile discreetly and easily from clear aligners at Westhill Dental in Greenville, WI.
Your Clear Aligner Dentist in Greenville, WI
Embrace the path to a straighter smile with the advanced clear aligner systems available at Westhill Dental. Clear aligners offer a modern, virtually invisible method to correct misaligned teeth without the traditional look of braces. Ideal for teens and adults seeking a discreet orthodontic solution, our clear aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth, gradually shifting them into their correct positions. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultation to the final reveal of your new smile.
Post-Treatment Care
After completing your orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, it’s crucial to wear your retainers continuously, day and night, for the initial three months, removing them only to eat and brush your teeth. Following this period, transitioning to wearing your retainers only at night will help keep your smile in place. Consistent wear during the night is essential to avoid any unwanted movement of your teeth. Regularly neglecting your retainers can diminish their effectiveness.
Retainers are generally durable for up to two years, though some individuals may find theirs wear out more quickly, particularly among people who grind or clench their teeth during sleep. The retainer used extensively over the first three months may also become stretched. Various factors, including sporadic wear, can contribute to early stretching. However, your teeth may begin to shift back, regardless of consistent retainer use.
Every six months, you should test a new, duplicate retainer. If this replacement feels tighter than the one you’ve been using, your current retainer will likely lose its shape. Switch to the new set immediately to prevent any movement of your teeth.
Relying on a single set of retainers makes it challenging to notice minor teeth movements until they become significant, making adjusting your smile to its perfect alignment difficult. Acquiring a new set of retainers, either through a new scan or impression, will stop further shifting, although it won’t correct any changes that have already occurred.
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How does the clear aligners process work?
The clear aligner process begins with a thorough consultation at Westhill Dental, where we assess your suitability for clear aligners and discuss your smile goals. If clear aligners are right for you, we take digital impressions of your teeth to create a precise 3D model. This model is used to design a customized treatment plan, showing the step-by-step transformation of your smile. A series of aligners are then custom-made for you, each to be worn for about two weeks before moving to the next set in the series. Each aligner applies gentle pressure to your teeth, gradually moving them into their desired position. You’ll have periodic check-ups to monitor progress, with the total treatment time varying depending on the individual case, often between 6 to 18 months.
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Clear aligners vs. braces - what's the difference?
Clear aligners and traditional braces both aim to straighten teeth and improve oral health, but they differ significantly in appearance, comfort, and flexibility.
– Appearance: Clear aligners are nearly invisible, made from smooth, transparent plastic, while braces are more noticeable, consisting of metal brackets and wires.
– Comfort: Aligners are made of a smooth plastic that is less likely to irritate the cheeks and gums. Braces can sometimes cause discomfort due to the metal parts.
– Flexibility: Clear aligners are removable, allowing for easier eating, brushing, and flossing. Braces remain fixed to the teeth throughout treatment and can make oral hygiene more challenging.
– Treatment Time: The duration of treatment can vary, but clear aligners often offer a quicker solution for mild to moderate cases. -
Who can use clear aligners?
Clear aligners are suitable for teenagers and adults with mild to moderate dental misalignments, including crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a less noticeable, flexible orthodontic treatment. However, not everyone qualifies for aligners; severe cases or complex dental issues might require traditional braces or other orthodontic solutions. A consultation at Westhill Dental can determine if clear aligners are the right choice for your specific needs.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about clear aligners, please contact our office, and we will be happy to discuss further.
