We see a healthy, confident smile in your future!
Clear aligners straightens teeth without braces
At Mirage Family Dentistry, we appreciate that the current appearance of your smile may not truly reflect who you are and how you feel on the inside. Crowded, gapped, crooked, and otherwise misaligned teeth can make you feel less than your best. Fortunately, Dr. Rajni Kapoor and our talented and kind team in Yorktown, Virginia, can get you smiling confidently again. And, unlike other conventional orthodontic treatments, you can smile confidently throughout treatment, too!
The power and value of Invisalign®
Dr. Kapoor provides orthodontic treatment with Invisalign®. This option is widely considered a cosmetic and hassle-free alternative to braces. Traditionally, braces were fixed or secured to the teeth. They could only be removed by an orthodontist. Plus, they included brackets and wires that were made from metals. These components tended to rub up against the insides of the mouth. They were also silver in color and stuck out in the smile (remember the dreaded “metal mouth”?).
Today’s option, similar to Invisalign®, clear aligners combine the effectiveness of braces with the comfort and ease of removable oral appliances. In fact, clear aligner treatment involves wearing a series of oral appliances or aligner trays, as advised by Dr. Kapoor. These appliances place consistent forces on the teeth to gently and gradually reposition them. Dr. Kapoor uses high-tech software to customize the trays precisely. So they fit your mouth perfectly and comfortably. The aligners are also clear or transparent. They are not visible when you smile. You may remove them for comfortable chewing and easy cleaning of your teeth and gums throughout treatment.
Be sure to wear each aligner at all times, other than during meals and when cleaning the trays and your mouth. Also, the trays should be worn in the correct order. They may look similar, but each tray is designed slightly differently and represents a specific stage in your custom treatment plan. The total number of aligners that are necessary to complete treatment depends on factors such as the nature and severity of your concerns; for instance, more minor cosmetic cases require fewer aligner trays and, in turn, shorter treatment than more extensive cases of overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. On average, patients may restore or achieve evenly-spaced teeth and successfully complete treatment in around one year.
Clear Aligners is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment option designed to align and reposition teeth into their proper place in a discreet, convenient, and effective way. Made from a transparent, durable plastic material, these aligners gently apply pressure to gradually shift them into proper alignment. Each set of aligners is custom-made to fit the individual’s teeth and is worn for about two weeks before being replaced with the next set in the series. This process continues until the desired results are achieved, providing a more comfortable and cosmetically satisfying alternative to metal braces.
Clear aligners are suitable for most individuals with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including gaps, crowded teeth, underbites, overbites, and crossbites. However, severe orthodontic problems may require alternative treatment options. A consultation with a qualified Dentist can determine whether clear aligners are the right choice for your specific needs. Having healthy gums and teeth before starting treatment with clear aligners is essential to ensure optimal results.
The duration of treatment with clear aligners varies depending on the case complexity and the individual’s response to treatment. On average, treatment can take anywhere from six months to two years to achieve the desired results. However, some patients may notice significant improvements in as little as a few months, while others may require more time to complete their treatment. Consistent wear of the aligners as prescribed by the Dentist is crucial for successful treatment outcomes.
Clear aligners are designed to be comfortable to wear, with smooth edges that minimize irritation to the gums and soft tissues of the mouth. While some patients may experience mild pressure or discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners, this is typically temporary and subsides as the teeth adjust to the new position. Overall, most patients find clear aligners more comfortable than traditional braces due to their custom-fit design and absence of metal components.
For optimal results, clear aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours daily, only removing them for eating, drinking (except for water), brushing, and flossing. Failure to wear the aligners as directed may prolong treatment time and compromise the effectiveness of the treatment.
Removing the aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water is essential to prevent staining or damage. After removing the aligners, rinse them with lukewarm water and brush them gently with a soft toothbrush to remove any food particles or plaque. Additionally, it’s recommended to soak the aligners in a denture cleaner or clear aligner cleaning solution regularly to keep them fresh and odor-free.
Yes, you can continue participating in sports and playing musical instruments while wearing clear aligners. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable, allowing you to take them out during activities where they may be at risk of damage or interference. However, wearing a mouthguard during contact sports is essential to protect your teeth and aligners from injury. Additionally, remember to brush your teeth and clean your aligners before reinserting them after physical activities.
Why wait? Schedule your clear aligner consultation today!
Properly-aligned teeth not only contribute to an attractive smile. But they also support sustained health and prevent future tooth loss. Crowded teeth, for instance, are harder to clean properly. Consistently good brushing and flossing are essential to protect the teeth from decay and the gums from periodontal disease. To start the process toward a healthier, confident-looking smile, reach out to Mirage Family Dentistry at (757) 856-5545. During your consultation at our office in Yorktown, VA, Dr. Kapoor can even show you how your teeth will look after clear aligner treatment, thanks to special software that creates a virtual model of your mouth and simulation of the straightening process.
