How Do Clear Aligners Correct Misalignment?

When people talk to us about their crooked or crowded teeth, many assume metal braces are the only option for correcting their smile. However, we have a cosmetic alternative to correct alignment. Invisalign® employs clear plastic aligners to correct the smile and offer a number of benefits for patients in Tucson, AZ.

The Risks of Uneven Smiles

Misalignment isn’t just a cosmetic issue. In addition to impacting your smile’s appearance, crooked and crowded teeth also lead to issues with our oral health. For example, since misalignment makes brushing and flossing through a difficult process, food often remains trapped between teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Others may experience serious pressure on the jaw joints, which could lead to painful disorders, such as TMJ disorder or even bruxism (chronic teeth grinding/jaw clenching). By correcting your malocclusion, you enjoy a healthier and stronger smile, in addition to a more beautiful one.

Correcting Misalignment

Typically, metal brackets will be placed onto the front facing sides of the teeth and connected together with an arch wire. Tension will be adjusted to remove the teeth and correct misalignment. However, we now offer the same results with a very different treatment. After taking detailed digital impressions of your smile, a series of aligners will be made from a clear BPA-free plastic. Patients then wear a set of aligners for between 20 and 22 hours daily, moving onto the next set after about two weeks. Over the course of a year, you could obtain a straighter and more attractive smile.

The Benefits of Invisalign®

An obvious benefit is the clear nature of these aligners, which makes them practically invisible. Patients also have the ability to remove them before special occasions, before eating (so they don’t need to avoid certain foods), and before brushing and flossing, which helps ensure a healthier smile throughout the treatment period. People using the Invisalign® system also have fewer office visits and treatment is often shorter than would be possible with metal braces. We can use this option to help adults and teens obtain better oral health. If you would like to learn about Invisalign®, then contact our team today. We will perform an exam to see if this is the best treatment option for you.

Do You Want to Learn More About Clear Aligners?

We want to offer a clear and comfortable solution to misalignment and help you enjoy the smile you’ve dreamed about. For more information on Invisalign® aligners and other orthodontic solutions, schedule a consultation with your dentist by calling Dr. Newman’s office in Tucson, AZ, today at 520-296-5439. We’re conveniently located inside the Grant Road Professional Plaza, and proudly welcome the residents of all surrounding communities.