Clear Aligners

If you have crooked teeth or a gap between your teeth that you’d like to have fixed, contact Mindful Dental. We offer clear aligners to our new and existing dental patients, to help resolve the problem of gaps or crooked teeth. Clear aligners can also be used to treat a range of other mild to moderate alignment issues. Come in today for a consultation to discuss your options.

Clear Aligners: A Better Alternative

Imagine if you could transform your smile with an orthodontic treatment that was so discreet that others barely noticed it. Clear aligners are a better alternative to some other orthodontic solutions, especially traditional braces. They are nearly invisible; people may not notice you are wearing a clear aligner unless they look very closely. This fairly new and innovative solution has gained in popularity by leaps and bounds. Dental patients appreciate their aesthetic appeal, their convenience, and, above all, the fact that they aren’t obvious to others. By far, clear aligners in Chicago, IL are the preferred choice for many dental patients who are seeking a more perfect smile.

What Exactly Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are transparent trays that fit over your teeth. Because everyone’s teeth are different, clear aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth. They are made from medical-grade, FDA-approved materials, which help to ensure comfort and durability throughout the treatment period.

How do Clear Aligners Differ From Traditional Braces?

Clear aligners are nothing like traditional braces. Traditional braces are made up of wires and metal brackets that are permanently affixed to the teeth. Clear aligners are made from a special plastic material, and they can be removed at any time, by the dentist or the patient. Clear aligners are transparent, making them almost invisible to others from a distance. Traditional braces are very obvious, even from far away.

How do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear aligners work by slowly moving your teeth into the correct position. The movement is so slight and gentle that there is very little to no discomfort while you’re wearing your aligner. During the course of your treatment, you won’t be wearing the same clear aligner. As your teeth slowly shift into position, you’ll visit your dentist and be fitted with a new clear aligner. You’ll go through several clear aligners before your orthodontic treatment is complete.

What to Expect With Clear Aligners

When you visit Mindful Dental, you’ll have a consultation to determine if clear aligners are a viable solution for your alignment issues. Note that clear aligners can’t solve every alignment problem. If you have very wide gaps, exceptionally crooked teeth, or severe underbite or overbite, you may need to consider a different orthodontic treatment, such as traditional braces. But for mild to moderate alignment issues, clear aligners are often a great solution.

The Process

If it’s determined that your alignment issues would respond to clear aligners, then the next step is to get a model of your teeth using 3D scans or another digital imaging technique. This precise model will be used to create your first aligner. The custom aligner will be manufactured in a dental lab, where it will then be sent to your dentist. You’ll come in again when it’s ready, and your dentist will fit you with the aligner. You’ll also be given instructions for wearing and caring for your aligner.

Wearing the Aligner

One of the great advantages of clear aligners is that they are removable. However, they can’t work if they aren’t in place. It’s typically recommended that you wear your clear aligners for at least 21 hours in each 24-hour period. That means you can safely take it out for special events, business meetings, or other occasions when you would rather not be wearing an aligner.

Treatment Planning

Your dentist will map out a complete treatment plan when you get your first aligner. That will include visits back to the dentist to get a new aligner when your teeth have shifted a bit. Typically, this will be once every two weeks.

Clear aligners are a modern, effective, and convenient way to achieve a beautifully aligned smile. From the initial consultation to the final retainer, each step of the process is designed with your comfort and satisfaction in mind. Contact Mindful Dental, your Chicago, IL dentist, to learn more!