Straightening your teeth with clear aligners: Invisalign® and SureSmile®
How clear aligners straighten teeth, their benefits over braces, what treatment involves, and tips for wearing them, from SmileNY Dental in Midtown Manhattan.
Straighter teeth aren’t only about looks. Crowded or crooked teeth are harder to clean, which raises the risk of cavities and gum disease, and a bite that doesn’t meet properly can lead to uneven wear and strain on the jaw. Clear aligners make it possible to straighten your teeth discreetly, without metal brackets and wires.
How clear aligners work
Clear aligners are a series of thin, transparent plastic trays, custom-made for your teeth. Each aligner is shaped slightly differently from the one before, so it moves your teeth a little at a time. You switch to the next aligner in the series every one to two weeks, until your teeth reach their planned position.
Treatment is planned with 3-D digital imaging, so you can see a preview of how your teeth are expected to move before you start.
Why patients choose aligners
- Nearly invisible. Most people won’t notice you’re wearing them.
- Removable. Take them out to eat and drink what you like, and to brush and floss normally.
- Comfortable. Smooth plastic, with no brackets or wires to irritate your cheeks and lips.
- Fewer adjustments. There are no wires to tighten, so visits are usually quicker.
Invisalign® and SureSmile®
Dr. Winter offers two clear aligner systems, Invisalign® and SureSmile®. They use different software, materials and clinical workflows. After your assessment, Dr. Winter will recommend the system that best suits your teeth, your bite and your goals.
What treatment involves
- Consultation. We examine your teeth and bite, take digital scans and X-rays, and talk about what you’d like to change.
- Your treatment plan. Your aligners are custom-made from a digital plan that maps out how each tooth will move.
- Wearing the aligners. You switch aligners on schedule and come in for periodic check-ins to make sure everything is on track.
- Retainers. Once your teeth are in position, you’ll wear a retainer to keep them there. This step is essential: without it, teeth tend to drift back.
How long treatment takes depends on how much your teeth need to move. Dr. Winter will give you an estimate at your consultation.
Tips for success
- Wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. They only work while they’re in your mouth.
- Take them out to eat or drink anything but water, and brush before putting them back in, so food and sugar aren’t trapped against your teeth.
- Clean your aligners daily with cool water and a soft brush. Hot water can warp them.
- Keep them in their case when they’re out. Many aligners are lost wrapped in a napkin.
Are clear aligners right for you?
Clear aligners can correct many common problems, including crowding, gaps, and some bite issues. Very complex cases may need a different approach, and we’ll tell you honestly what to expect. Teeth and gums should be healthy before treatment starts.
Learn more about Clear Aligners for Orthodontic Treatment at SmileNY Dental, or contact us to schedule a consultation.