Have you dreamt about having the perfect smile, but the thought of having unsightly metal braces is holding you back? Clear orthodontic aligners could be a way for you to make this dream a reality and keep your mouth free of traditional metal braces.
There are a few different brands of clear aligners on the market, so deciding which one is right for you can get overwhelming.
Read on to learn about popular clear aligner choices and how to find dentists in Mountain View who can help you bring your dream smile to life.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional braces. For most people, clear aligners offer a higher level of comfort and convenience compared to metal braces.
Regardless of which brand of clear aligners you choose, you can expect to wear transparent, custom-made trays over your teeth for most hours of the day. These aligners will gradually shift your teeth into the desired position throughout your treatment, which usually lasts several months.
Unlike metal braces, clear aligners are almost invisible and can be removed for short periods of time — like when you eat or brush your teeth.
Why Should You Consider Clear Aligners?
Around 1 million adults choose to get braces each year for a variety of reasons. For many, improving their smile is a big part of their decision. However, adult orthodontics is not always done for cosmetic reasons. Having crooked or crowded teeth can make you more prone to tooth decay and gum disease, even if you are brushing and flossing regularly.
Clear aligners can treat the following conditions that impact your oral health:
- Gaps between teeth
- Overcrowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Misaligned teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Crossbite
How do Clear Aligners Work?
Regardless of which clear aligners you choose, the process is nearly identical. Most orthodontists will recommend that you wear your clear aligners for twenty-two hours a day and only remove them to eat, brush, or floss. This ensures that you get the best results.
When you start treatment with clear orthodontic aligners, you’ll receive custom aligners arranged in a specific series. Every one to two weeks, you’ll switch your clear aligner for the next aligner in the series. You’ll also check in with your orthodontist every four to six weeks to monitor your progress.
Invisalign vs. ClearCorrect: Finding the Right Clear Aligner for You
There are a few different clear aligners on the market, which makes finding the one that is right for you a tad overwhelming. To help you decide, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of two popular brands — Invisalign and ClearCorrect.
Invisalign
Invisalign clear aligners have the longest history on the market. Because of this, they have more name recognition and have dedicated more time to research. Thanks to their research, Invisalign has developed a patented material called SmartTrack. This material is slightly thicker and more flexible than the Zendura material that they previously used. Invisalign believes that SmartTrack makes their aligners more secure and comfortable when worn.
ClearCorrect
ClearCorrect is very similar to Invisalign in terms of how they are used and the results they provide. Notable differences are that ClearCorrect aligners are made from a plastic material called Zendura and their aligners are cut straight across rather than custom trimmed like Invisalign. ClearCorrect believes that this design makes ClearCorrect aligners shift the teeth faster, which results in less treatment time.
How to Decide Which Clear Aligner is Right for You
There are a few factors you should consider when you are comparing Invisalign and ClearCorrect aligners.
1. Consider the Cost Differences
For many people, cost is a factor when choosing between ClearCorrect and Invisalign. In most places, ClearCorrect is a less expensive option. However, this varies from person to person since clear braces may be partially covered by dental insurance. Ultimately, your final cost will depend on a few factors, such as how severe your teeth problems are and your insurance coverage.
2. Consider the Comfort Differences
Because of the material that ClearCorrect uses, they are slightly thinner than Invisalign aligners. This means they will be less noticeable when you are wearing them. However, ClearCorrect aligners are also designed to cover your gums. This design may irritate your gums more than Invisalign aligners, which are fitted to sit under your gums.
3. Consider the Speed of Treatment
The average treatment time for clear aligners depends on your unique orthodontic situation and how well you adhere to schedule and usage guidelines. Not wearing your clear aligners properly can delay your treatment. Both Invisalign and ClearCorrect offer express treatments that can reduce your orthodontic treatment time if you are a good candidate. Because of their design difference, ClearCorrect aligners may be a faster choice. However, you may sacrifice comfort for speed. Ultimately, your clear aligner dentist in Mountain View can give you a timeline of your treatment length for both aligners. Dr. Lagemann offers both Invisalign and ClearCorrect aligners and he will provide a personalized recommendation based on your individual needs.
Getting Clear Aligners in Mountain View
Deciding to get clear aligners is a big step toward getting that perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of and improving your oral hygiene. Lagemann Family Dentistry is proud to be a provider of clear aligner orthodontics in Mountain View and all of Santa Clara County. We know that a warm, comfortable environment and a modern approach to dental care are important. That’s why our practice is dedicated to providing a unique dental experience that is tailored to each of our patient's needs.
Our dentists are experts in clear aligner treatments for adults, teens, and children. We also provide comprehensive dental care and cosmetic dentistry for the entire family.
Ready to take the first step towards the smile of your dreams?
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