Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a high-tech, clear alternative to conventional braces. They help you get the straight, healthy, confident smile you want without the need for metal brackets or wires. Claremont Orthodontics is proud to offer this orthodontic revolution.
An Alternative to Fixed Braces
For those who want straight teeth but don’t like the look of fixed braces, we offer clear aligners.
They’re just as effective as fixed braces but are much less noticeable because they’re clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking for an alternative to fixed braces but aren’t too certain how clear aligners work, we are happy to answer all your questions. Although most adults may think that it may be too late for them to seek orthodontic help, clear aligners offer a solution that’s less intrusive and minimally interruptive to your regular life. At Claremont Orthodontics, we encourage parents to learn more about clear aligners and schedule a consultation with us.
What Should I Expect During Treatment?
While wearing clear aligners is generally not painful, there will be brief periods, days not weeks, when the new aligners may cause the teeth to be uncomfortable.
Expect people to glance at your teeth and ask, “What do you have on your teeth?”
Your ‘bite’ will feel different from time to time while the teeth are in transition.
You may have a lisp at first while becoming accustomed to talking with the aligner on.
Will The Aligners Hurt? How Comfortable Are The Aligners?
It’s fairly common to experience some tenderness or sensitivity for the first few days of wearing a new aligner. However, the more you wear the aligner the more comfortable they become. Sores and irritation are possible but really don’t occur that often.
The aligners can also sometimes temporarily affect your speech. But most people adapt quickly to wearing the aligners and it is rare that your speech would be impaired for an extended period of time. You may also experience a temporary increase in salivation or dryness of the mouth.
Are Clear Aligners Hard To Keep Clean? How Do I Clean Them?
Clear aligners are fairly simple to keep clean, however, tooth decay, periodontal disease, decalcification (permanent white markings on the teeth) or inflammation of the gums may occur if proper oral hygiene and preventative maintenance are not maintained.
Most aligners can be cleaned with a toothbrush and cool water. A non-abrasive toothpaste is also recommended. Cleaning instructions are on every bag of new aligners.
How Long Will I Be In Treatment?
The length of treatment depends on a number of factors including the treatment goals you set with your doctor and the amount of correction that needs to be achieved.
Treatment time can at times exceed estimates, however, poor compliance, missing appointments, excessive bone growth, poor oral hygiene and broken appliances can make treatment time longer, increase costs and affect the quality of your results.
Treatment time can also vary considerably depending on an individual’s health and physiology. Much of orthodontic tooth movement relies on metabolism and bone remodelling. Further, the rate of tooth movement is not always linear and also depends on the type of movement being performed. For these reasons, treatment times are estimates based on the doctor’s clinical examination findings and experience.
What Is The Daily Wear Schedule?
It’s recommended that you wear the aligners 22 hours a day. They should be removed for meals only, brushing and flossing before re-inserting the aligner. If not worn for up to 22 hours a day, the corrective process can be halted and within a few hours begin to reverse. It can then take several days for this process to start up again. Wearing your aligners 22 hours a day is key to achieving your treatment goals.
Do I Have To Wear The Aligners Forever? What Will Happen When I’m Done With Treatment?
While the treatment aligners will have a determined period of wear based on the treatment goals, the retainers may have to be worn for an extended period of time based on the condition of the treatment result.
Is The Treatment Painful?
Clear aligners move your teeth by applying gentle, constant force, but some people do feel temporary discomfort for the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. Typically, people describe it as feeling “pressure” and it’s normal — it’s a sign your clear aligners are working and transforming your smile.
What Is The Treatment Process?
Your clear aligner treatment will start with a consultation with Dr. Khatib. She will evaluate your smile, take a digital scan of your mouth and then map out a precise, customised digital treatment plan that showcases the step-by-step transformation of your smile.
Once you approve your plan, your unique aligners will be created. You will wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, changing to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks. Each set of aligners will gently and gradually shift your teeth into place, according to your treatment plan, until you reach your beautiful new smile.
If we haven’t answered all your questions in these clear aligner FAQs, we’re happy to answer them during a consultation at our orthodontic practice. If you would like to learn if clear aligners are right for your child, please call us at (021) 671 0171 or email us at info@claremontorthodontics.co.za to book an appointment today.