Thinking about getting clear aligners to straighten your teeth? At Southington Orthodontics, we know that starting orthodontic treatment can feel like a big step. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to walk you through what you can expect with clear aligners. Let’s take a closer look at how this modern approach to orthodontics works in our Southington office.
Personalized Clear Aligner Treatment is Customized to You
At Southington Orthodontics, we believe that no two smiles are alike. That’s why our clear aligner treatment plans are tailored specifically to each patient’s unique needs and goals. Here’s what you can expect during the customization process:
- Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a thorough examination at our Southington office. We’ll talk about your smile goals and evaluate your oral health to see if clear aligners are the best choice for you.
- 3D Imaging: We use cutting-edge 3D imaging technology to generate an exact digital representation of your teeth, enabling us to plan your treatment with remarkable precision.
- Treatment Planning: Using the 3D model, we’ll precisely plan the movements of your teeth for the entire treatment. You will even be able to see a preview of your future smile!
- Custom Aligner Fabrication: Once your treatment plan is finalized, we’ll have your custom aligners manufactured to our exact specifications.
How Effective Are Clear Aligners?
One of the most common questions we hear at Southington Orthodontics is, “Are clear aligners as effective as traditional braces?” The answer is a major yes – when used correctly! Clear aligners can effectively treat a wide range of issues, such as the following:
- Overbites and underbites
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Crossbites
- Open bites
The key to success with clear aligners lies in patient compliance. Since the aligners are removable, it’s crucial to wear them for the recommended 22 hours per day to achieve optimal results.
The Clear Aligner Treatment Process
Now that you understand the basics, let’s walk through what you can expect during your clear aligner treatment with Dr. Camanocha:
1. Receiving Your First Set of Aligners
Once your custom aligners are ready, you’ll visit our Southington office to receive your first set. We’ll ensure they fit properly and provide detailed instructions on how to wear and care for them.
2. Wearing Your Aligners
You will need to wear each set of aligners for about 1 week, as prescribed by Dr. Camanocha. The aligners should be worn for 22 hours per day, and you should only remove them for drinking (except for water), eating, and oral hygiene.
3. Gradual Teeth Movement
As you move along through your series of aligners, you’ll notice your teeth gradually shifting into their new positions. Each new set of aligners will feel slightly tight at first, but this pressure is what moves your teeth.
4. Regular Check-ups
You’ll have periodic appointments at Southington Orthodontics to check on your progress and receive your next set of aligners. These check-ups are typically less frequent than with traditional braces, often every 10-12 weeks.
5. Refinements (If Necessary)
In most cases, we may need to make minor adjustments to your treatment plan. This might involve creating a new series of aligners to fine-tune your results.
6. Completion and Retention
Once you’ve finished your last set of aligners, we’ll evaluate your smile to ensure we’ve achieved the desired results. Then, we’ll provide you with a retainer to maintain your new smile.
Caring for Your Clear Aligners
Proper care of your clear aligners is essential for maintaining their effectiveness and your oral health. Here are some tips:
- Clean your aligners daily using a soft toothbrush, soap and lukewarm water
- Do not use hot water because it can warp the plastic
- Store your aligners in their case when not in use
- Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water
- Brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your aligners
Adjusting to Life with Clear Aligners
While clear aligners are generally more comfortable than traditional braces, there is still an adjustment period. Here’s what you might experience:
Initial Discomfort
It’s normal to feel some pressure or discomfort when you initially begin wearing your aligners or switch to a new set. This usually subsides within a few days as your teeth adjust.
Speech Changes
You may notice a slight lisp when you first start wearing your aligners. This typically improves within a week or two as you get used to speaking with them.
Dealing with Lost or Damaged Aligners
If you lose or damage an aligner, contact our office immediately. We’ll advise you on whether to move to the next set or have a replacement made.
Your Partner in Achieving a Beautiful Smile
At Southington Orthodontics, we’re committed to supporting you throughout your clear aligner treatment journey. From your initial consultation to your final reveal, our team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and celebrate your progress.
Are you ready to start your clear aligner treatment journey? Contact Dr. Camanocha at Southington Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation. Your new smile is waiting at our Southington office!