Clear Aligners
Chino Valley, AZ
 Crooked teeth can impact your life, affecting both your smile and oral health by causing uneven tooth wear and temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ). Uneven teeth can also make it harder to brush, allowing plaque and bacteria to accumulate, which can lead to gum disease and other oral health concerns. While metal braces have long been effective for straightening teeth, they often lead to self-consciousness, particularly in older teens and adults. At Granite View Dental, we offer an alternative solution to metal braces - clear aligners.
Metal Braces
The conventional method for correcting crooked teeth is through metal braces, which remain highly effective. This treatment involves bonding metal brackets to the front of the teeth during the initial visit. These brackets stay in place throughout the treatment, supported by metal bands on back teeth. Archwires, connected to each bracket with elastic O-rings, facilitate the movement and stabilization of teeth. Typically used for young teens aged 11 to 13, metal braces can be socially challenging for older teens and adults as they are very noticeable.
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners offer an alternative to traditional braces. Crafted from hard plastic based on 3-dimensional virtual impressions of your mouth, these aligners are nearly invisible on your teeth and are removable. For optimal results, wear your clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily, removing them only for eating and drinking and while performing your regular oral hygiene routines. You can drink water with your clear aligners in. Be sure to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in your mouth, and make sure to clean or at least rinse off your aligners as well.
How Do They Work?
Clear aligners come in a series, each worn for approximately two weeks, with each subsequent aligner slightly different. The rigid plastic exerts pressure on your teeth, affecting the periodontal ligaments that secure them in place. This pressure widens the ligaments, guiding your teeth into their correct positions. Treatment duration varies but typically lasts between nine and 15 months, with most patients seeing results in less than one year. Clear aligners tend to move the teeth faster, are more comfortable to wear, and patients often find treatment is more pleasant and comfortable, compared to that of metal braces.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners offer several advantages over the traditional metal braces with brackets and wires:
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Invisibility on teeth due to clear plastic material
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Ability to enjoy a full range of foods, as aligners are removed for eating and drinking
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Ease of brushing and flossing without navigating around brackets and wires
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Enhanced comfort compared to traditional braces
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Reduced frequency of dental visits
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Shorter overall treatment time compared to traditional braces |
Clear Aligners at Granite View Dental
If misaligned teeth are affecting your smile, oral health, and self confidence, and you prefer to avoid traditional metal braces, you may be a candidate for clear aligners. Contact us at Granite View Dental today or request an appointment to learn more. |
