Clear Aligners
Benefits of Getting Dental Aligners in Lancaster County
Straighten your smile without the wires – call (610) 593-2818 to ask about clear aligners!
In the United States, over four million people wear orthodontic braces. Traditionally, braces consist of a set of wires that glue onto your teeth. However, more and more people are opting for a more sleek orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign clear aligners allow patients to straighten their teeth without bulky wire braces that are difficult to clean. Atglen Family dentistry offers clear aligners in Lancaster County for patients looking to improve their smile. With clear aligners, you can straighten your teeth while still eating your favorite foods.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Unlike traditional braces that require multiple adjustments, Invisalign clear aligners consist of a series of liners. These liners go on your teeth to reposition and straighten your smile.
Atglen Family Dentistry uses a digital camera to take a mold of your teeth. With this mold, we can create a set of aligners that fit naturally in your mouth while correcting your smile.
Getting clear aligners generally requires a few trips to the dentist’s office for fittings and exams. However, these trips become less frequent once you have your Invisalign clear aligners.
What Are Clear Aligners Made of?
Clear aligners consist of transparent plastic that fits the unique shape and structure of your teeth. Since clear aligners are easily removable, patients can still enjoy their favorite foods while correcting their smiles.
Traditional braces, on the other hand, use metal wires and rubber bands. This not only creates a distinct look in your mouth but makes it difficult for you to enjoy certain foods like popcorn or sticky candies.
The transparent plastic of clear aligners creates a near-invisible smile correction. They are also easily removable, which means they are easier to clean, and you can still enjoy your favorite foods.
How Do I Care for My Clear Aligners?
Although clear aligners are removable, it is essential that patients wear them for at least 22 hours every day. Doing so allows the aligners to reposition your teeth and effectively correct your smile gradually. You can remove them while eating or brushing your teeth, but you must put them back in immediately after.
Instead of wire adjustments, patients using clear aligners will receive multiple sets of aligners to switch out every other week. Each set of clear aligners gets you a step closer to straight teeth.
Aside from wearing your clear aligners for the appropriate amount of time, it is important to regularly clean your aligners to ensure proper oral health. Follow these steps for effective Invisalign clear aligner maintenance.
- Clean your clear aligners frequently. Rinsing out your clear aligners with water after every meal, in the morning, and before going to bed will help keep your teeth and aligner clean. Your dentist will give you specific cleaning and care instructions.
- Use your storage case when you’re not wearing the aligners. It is vital to put your aligners in their case when you are not wearing them. This helps to prevent bacteria growth on the aligners. It is also important to frequently rinse out the case when putting away your aligners.
- Maintain proper oral hygiene habits. Patients should continue to brush and floss their teeth twice a day when wearing clear aligners. Keeping both the aligners and your teeth clean will help prevent harmful bacteria or plaque build-up. Adding mouthwash is highly recommended for all patients for added oral health protection.
What Are the Advantages of Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Metal Braces?
1. They are invisible.
The transparent plastic material makes clear aligners nearly invisible, allowing patients to correct their smiles without the bulky crowded look of traditional metal braces.
2. They are removable.
Removing clear aligners is a simple step that only takes a second to do. This makes it easy for patients to eat and brush their teeth.
3. They require fewer trips to the dentist’s office.
Patients with traditional braces generally see their orthodontist every four to six weeks for a wire adjustment. Patients with Invisalign clear aligners receive various sets to switch out on their own. Dr. Myers at Atglen Family Dentistry will only require a few visits to follow up on your progress and answer any questions.
4. They are custom made.
Clear aligners in Lancaster County are custom-made to fit the unique dental structure of every patient. Instead of using uncomfortable dental putty, we use a digital scanner to get an accurate mold of your mouth.
Curious to learn more about Invisalign treatment in Lancaster County? Call Atglen Family Dentistry at (610) 593-2818 to schedule an appointment!