Wearing the aligners, which are plastic replicas of your teeth, applies gentle pressure to your teeth, slowly repositioning them. The clear aligners are similar to traditional braces in that they gradually move the teeth. Technology has made the visible effects of orthodontic treatment less obvious, and clear aligners are one of the many “apparatuses” orthodontists use to align teeth and create healthy, beautiful smiles. Orthodontists will take diagnostic records, such as x-rays, photographs, impressions, and digital scans before starting treatment so that the aligners can move teeth gradually.
Before beginning treatment, the orthodontist will examine the patient and examine the diagnostic records. The orthodontist will then determine a diagnosis and then use aligner software to design your smile, work out which teeth should be moved where, and in what order to place them in a healthy position. When you smile, you are going to show all of your teeth, not just the ones you can see. The objective is to have a healthy bite, which means top and bottom teeth fit together properly. Orthodontists who are members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) may be able to supervise tooth movement from start to finish.
A dental check-up with an orthodontist usually takes place every six to ten weeks. To achieve the patient’s desired outcome, a series of plastic aligners are made based on initial impressions or digital scans. The clear aligners are plastic replicas of the patient’s teeth. The orthodontist’s plan will determine how many aligners a patient will need to wear so the teeth can eventually reach their ideal positions. After wearing traditional braces, patients will need to wear retainers once they achieve their ideal positions.
Aligners are not the right tool to solve every orthodontic problem, but they are next to invisible, and easy to remove for eating, brushing, and flossing, as well as for short periods at work or on social occasions. As part of the clear alignment, tooth-colored attachments will be placed on the teeth to assist in moving the teeth. You should avoid drinking anything other than tap water with clear aligners in.
You should avoid drinking soda pop, colored waters, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, and sports drinks, as they can stain your aligner and your teeth. If the liquid contains sugar and/or acid, like regular and diet soda pop, cavities can develop. Drinking acidic or sugary drinks can even damage your teeth! Brush your teeth thoroughly after drinking these things, and use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen them.
