Correcting Misalignment With Clear Braces
February 1, 2019
If you have crooked or crowded teeth, then you may think that metal braces are the only option for improving alignment. But we actually offer patients in Kansas City, MO, a clear and comfortable alternative to metal orthodontics. How do we correct misalignment with clear aligners? What should our patients expect from these unique cosmetic orthodontics?
The Dangers of Untreated Misalignment
How does misalignment harm our oral health? Well, when our teeth are uneven, this provides hiding places for food to become stuck, places hard to reach when brushing and flossing. As bacteria break down these trapped particles, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases. Not to mention the fact that uneven smiles may place pressure on the jaw joints, boosting the chances of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding) developing.
ClearCorrect Braces
To offer a more attractive smile and address misalignment, we may suggest clear aligners. We begin with an exam. We want to first know the cause and severity of your misalignment to see if this is the best choice. Next, we use digital technology to father detailed images of your smile. We use these images to make a 3D model of your teeth, which will be used in a lab to design and create a series of aligners from a BPA-free plastic material.
Once you receive your aligners, you will wear a set daily for between 20 and 23 hours. As you wear them, the position of your teeth will be gradually altered. Every two weeks, you will move on to the next set, as your teeth continue to approach a more even state. The total treatment time will depend on a number of factors, such as the severity of your alignment issues or whether you have worn them as the dentist prescribed. However, on average adults wear them for about a year.
Can They Be Removed?
Since your aligners are in fact removable, you can take them out prior to each meal. You no longer have to be concerned with food becoming stuck in your orthodontics. Instead, you can eat as you did before treatment. You also have a much easier time brushing and flossing with removable braces. As long as you wear them for the amount of time the dentist recommends, you can also take them out before a meeting or big event, such as a graduation. If you have any questions about the ClearCorrect system, then contact our team today.
Ready to Try Clear Aligners?
We want to help you enjoy a beautiful, even smile with clear orthodontics. To learn more about our cosmetic braces, as well as whitening and veneers, then please schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.