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How Do Clear Aligners Work?

By Joseph R. Hendrick, Jr., DDS, PA

September 07, 2018

Category: Orthodontics

Tags: Clear Aligners braces Clear Braces

Clear aligners are a great alternative to metal braces. Smooth, removable and practically invisible, these acrylic trays custom-fit over top and bottom teeth. Over the past 20 years, they've moved literally millions of teeth into perfect positions. Dr. Joseph Hendrick, Jr., your dentist in the Shelby, NC area, offers Clear aligners to teen and adult patients who have a variety of smile problems. You could qualify, too!

How Clear aligners work

Clear aligners appliances gradually move crooked or gapped teeth into better positions. They also treat various bite problems (overbite, for example) and a common oral health problem called orthodontic relapse in which previously corrected teeth shift back into their original positions.

Clear aligners patients wear a series of snugly fitting appliances made of thin, clear, biocompatible acrylic. Normally, there are 18 to 30 pairs of aligners in treatment plans lasting 9 to 18 months. The patient wears each pair 20 to 22 hours a day and takes them out to eat, brush and floss. Aligners may be worn to drink water or other clear, non-sugary liquids.

As the treatment plan progresses, the patient sees Dr.Hendrick every six weeks at his Shelby office. The dentist delivers new aligners with each visit, and he also checks on how tooth movement is proceeding.

Qualifying for Clear aligners

Only your dentist can tell if Clear aligners are the right way to straighten your smile. During an in-office consultation, he'll examine your teeth, take photos, X-rays and a special 3-D scan. Then, he'll write a treatment plan so specific that you'll know--step-by-step--how your smile will change. This detailed information goes to a lab where your aligners are fabricated.

Living with Clear aligners

As a Clear aligners patient, you'll enjoy many benefits exclusive to this unique orthodontic system. Besides their discreet appearance, the aligners:

Cause none of the sore spots or friction typical of metal or ceramic braces
Are fully removable so you can take them out for special events such as graduations, professional presentations, weddings and more
Are easy to clean (just remove, brush with a non-abrasive toothpaste, rinse with clear water and replace)
Do not limit what you can eat and drink (just take them out for meals and snacks)

After completion of your treatment, you'll wear a special retainer, as Dr. Hendrick prescribes, to ensure your smile is stable and stays well-aligned.

Are you ready?

Your new smile is ready to emerge. Call Dr. Joseph Hendrick's office today to arrange a Clear aligners consultation.

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