ClearCorrect® aligners offer people a discreet and versatile way to straighten teeth. Crooked teeth can affect self-esteem and cause more than psychological and cosmetic problems. Also, misaligned teeth can push other teeth out of place. They can affect eating and speaking and cause future problems with bite and alignment. Traditionally, a dentist would recommend braces to fix these issues. Braces correct tooth position and prevent future complications. However, today there are more options available. Patients can choose ClearCorrect clear aligners to straighten their teeth without the more obvious metal braces.
Traditional braces use brackets and wires to straighten teeth by gently applying pressure over time. Clear aligners are custom-fitted mouthpieces that work the same way. However, the patients simply slip on a clear oral appliance instead of wearing highly visible metal wires and brackets.
ClearCorrect aligners do not hide the patient's smile like traditional metal braces. They are almost transparent. Since they are clear, others are usually unaware of their presence. Metal braces have wires that trap food and make dental care more difficult. Patients can remove these aligners at will for short periods of time. This means that the wearer can eat their normal diet. Taking them out also makes dental hygiene easier. There are no wires or brackets to clean around. The patient can remove the aligners and brush and floss normally.
ClearCorrect's cost is generally comparable to many other dental procedures. The cost to the patient will depend on several factors, including the length and complexity of treatment. As with other dental treatments, many dental insurance plans provide coverage for ClearCorrect. Different plans will offer different amounts of coverage. Flexible savings accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) may help cover the cost of clear aligners. These are two special types of savings accounts that can cover out-of-pocket medical expenses. Also, some dentists offer options like monthly payments to help patients manage the costs.
Clear aligners are generally preferable for adults or teenagers because they need a tight fit. Also, these aligners are more discreet and tend to appeal more to older teens and adults who may be unwilling to wear braces. Clear aligners also work well for patients with mild to moderate spacing issues. However, more severe conditions may need more complex treatment. For example, straightening children's teeth is more complex because their teeth constantly change.
The dentist fits the patient with a progressive series of aligners they will wear one after the other throughout the process. The patient wears the aligners for at least 22 hours a day. The ClearCorrect aligner uses pressure to straighten and align the teeth during this time. Aligners come in a series. About every two weeks, the patient gets a new set of aligners that gradually move teeth to the desired position. The length of the treatment can vary. Clear aligners may be needed anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the severity of the issues.
Wearing the aligners at least 22 hours per day is crucial. Otherwise, treatment may be less effective. It is also important that the patient keeps the aligners in their special carrying case when not wearing them. Taking this precaution helps to keep them from being lost or damaged. For these reasons, dentists do not typically recommend ClearCorrect for children and young teens who may be more likely to lose the aligners or forget to put them back in.
Dentists usually recommend a retainer after using clear aligners. This is common with many teeth straightening treatments. Teeth tend to gravitate back to their original position after active orthodontic treatment. A retainer helps prevent this. For this retainer to be effective, the patient must wear it as instructed.
Clear aligners are effective if the patient follows treatment as directed. Undoubtedly, every patient is different, and the treatment might not provide the desired results for everyone. However, most patients who use ClearCorrect experience significant improvements. Sometimes, small adjustments are needed after the treatment to refine tooth positioning. In specific cases, patients might need metal braces for a short time.
ClearCorrect may help you get the straight smile you have always wanted without spending months or years wearing braces. For people with mild to moderate spacing issues, ClearCorrect aligners may be a great choice. Talk to your dentist today to find out if ClearCorrect is a good fit for you.
Are you considering ClearCorrect in the Oakland area? Get more information at https://www.dentistoaklandca.com or call Laurel Smile Dentistry at (510) 530-3317 for an appointment in our Oakland office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: ClearCorrect Braces in Oakland, CA.
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