Everybody wants a great smile, and many of us need help getting there. More and more people are having success with clear orthodontic devices called aligners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Braces use brackets connected by wires to encourage teeth to move. Aligners are a series of tight-fitting custom-made mouthpieces that slip over the teeth. Invisalign is the largest producer of clear aligners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clear (or \u201cinvisible\u201d) aligners aren\u2019t for everyone. Your orthodontist or dentist will help you decide what\u2019s best for you. Ask them if they have experience treating people with aligners. Get references or before-and-after images of their patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can anyone get invisible teeth aligners?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Because the invisible aligners are custom-built for a tight fit, they are best for adults or teens. Straightening a child\u2019s teeth is more complicated. Young people, and their mouths, are still growing and developing; the doctor must think about this when setting up treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clear orthodontic aligners are typically used for patients who have mild or moderately crowded teeth or have minor spacing issues. Patients who have severe crowding or spacing problems \u2014 or severe underbites, overbites, or crossbites \u2014 may need more complex treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How do they work?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Once a dentist or orthodontist decides how to correct your bite, they\u2019ll make a plan for moving your teeth. If you get the clear aligners, you\u2019ll be fitted for several versions that make slight adjustments to move your teeth over the treatment time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019re made from a clear plastic or acrylic material and fit tightly over the teeth, and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. You\u2019ll get a new aligner every few weeks to continue moving the teeth into the desired position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How long does it take to straighten teeth using invisible aligners?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Treatment time with invisible teeth aligners is based on how much the teeth need to be moved or rotated. The more your bite is off or the more crooked your teeth, the longer it will likely take. Treatment usually takes between 10 and 24 months. But if you\u2019re an adult who had braces as a child, and your teeth shifted slightly over the years, you may need invisible teeth aligners for as little as 10 weeks.Because invisible aligners are not as precise as traditional braces, some patients may require a \u201crefinement\u201d of their teeth using braces for a few months to make other, smaller adjustments at the end of the treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why use invisible aligners instead of braces?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoiding \u201cmetal mouth\u201d isn\u2019t the only reason to choose a clear aligner. Unlike braces, aligners can be removed, making it easier to brush and floss well; that helps maintain better overall oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is teeth straightening just about having a great smile?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Correcting crooked or misaligned teeth isn\u2019t just about creating a picture-perfect smile. It can help protect the long-term health of your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How much do invisible aligners cost?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Treatment prices for aligners are normally set by the individual dentist or orthodontist. You can also talk with your dental insurance and see if they cover orthodontic treatment, and if so, how much.Medical Reference<\/p>\n\n\n\n American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry: \u201cOrthodontics and Aligners.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n American Association of Orthodontists: \u201cAligners.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lydia Hall, spokeswoman, American Dental Association, American Dental Association 2011 Survey of Dental Fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Robert E. Varner, DMD, president-elect of the American Association of Orthodontists.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Everybody wants a great smile, and many of us need help getting there. More and more people are having success with clear orthodontic devices called aligners. Braces use brackets connected by wires to encourage teeth to move. Aligners are a series of tight-fitting custom-made mouthpieces that slip over the teeth. Invisalign is the largest producer of clear aligners. Clear (or … <\/p>\nSources<\/h4>\n\n\n\n