Invisalign and Clear Aligners
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners (ie Invisalign or 3M Clarity Aligners) allow us to straighten your teeth without braces. Dr Anderson and Redigonda will create a custom plan based on your treatment needs and your orthodontic diagnosis. The clear aligners are a series of virtually invisible custom made trays. Each tray moves teeth a little at a time. Many patients report that the absence of fixed metal brackets and wires results in increased comfort during treatment.
How do Aligners Work?
Each set of clear aligners is worn 22 hours per day for about a week at a time. The aligners are removed to eat, drink, brush and floss. Teeth move a little at a time as per your customized treatment plan. Tooth coloured attachments on the teeth help your teeth to move properly and help to keep the aligners fitting well against your teeth. We generally see our patients every 8-12 weeks while they are wearing aligners. Treatment generally takes the same amount of time as traditional braces. Length of clear aligner treatment depends on the severity of your individual case.
Advantages of Aligners
Aligners are removable and virtually invisible allowing you to straighten your teeth without anyone knowing! While wearing aligners you can still eat and drink what you want. In addition aligners allow you to brush and floss normally. Aligners are easier to keep clean are less likely to cause mouth abrasion than traditional brackets and wires. In addition clear aligners can prevent wear from tooth grinding.
