At Mac Dental we help people get straighter teeth with clear aligner therapy. Clear aligners are a gentle way to move teeth. They are made of smooth, clear plastic and fit over your teeth. Many people like them because they are easy to use and almost invisible.
What is clear aligner therapy?
Clear aligner therapy uses a series of custom-made trays. Each tray moves your teeth a little bit. You wear each tray for about one to two weeks, then switch to the next one. Over time, your teeth move into the smile you want. Your dentist at Mac Dental will check your progress and make sure everything is moving the right way.
Patients will need to wear their aligners for at least 22 hours a day for the most optimal results. You take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Treatment time depends on how much movement your teeth need. Some plans take a few months. Others take a year or more.
Clear aligners vs. metal braces
Both clear aligners and metal braces can fix crooked teeth and bite problems. Here are the main differences:
- Appearance: Clear aligners are hard to see. Metal braces use wires and brackets that you can see.
- Comfort: Clear aligners are smooth and often feel more comfortable. Metal braces can rub your cheeks or lips.
- Eating: With aligners you remove the trays to eat. That means no food gets stuck in wires or brackets. With braces you need to avoid some foods and clean around the hardware.
- Cleaning: You can brush and floss normally with aligners because you take them out. Braces make cleaning a bit harder and need special tools.
- Visits: Aligners usually need fewer office visits for adjustments. Braces often need tighter scheduling for wire changes.
Types of cases: Some very complex tooth or jaw problems are better treated with braces. Many mild to moderate cases can be treated with aligners. Our doctors will review your smile and recommend the best option for you.
Your dentist at Mac Dental will review your smile and recommend the best option.
Who is a good candidate?
Children, teens, and adults who can be compliant with wearing the aligners for 22 hours a day can use clear aligners. Good candidates are people with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues. If you grind your teeth, have large dental gaps, or have certain jaw problems, your dentist will check if aligners are right for you. A full exam and x-rays help us make a good plan.
What to expect during treatment
- Consultation: We take photos, x-rays, and a digital scan or impression of your teeth.
- Plan: We create a step-by-step plan to move your teeth.
- Trays: You get a set of trays and instructions on wearing them.
- Checkups: You come in for occasional visits so we can watch your progress.
- Retainer: After treatment, you wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place 22 hours a day for approximately 2-6 months. This is a critical stage for stabilization. Then, you will transition to wearing the retainer at night indefinitely.
Clear Aligner Therapy FAQ’s
Do aligners hurt?
You might feel mild soreness for a few days when you start a new tray. That means your teeth are moving. The feeling usually goes away quickly.
How long will treatment take?
Treatment time varies. Many people finish in 6–12 months, but it depends on your smile. Your dentist will give a time estimate after the exam.
Can I drink with my aligners in?
You should only drink water with aligners in. Other drinks can stain or warp the trays. Take them out for anything else.
Will aligners change my speech?
Some people notice a small change at first. Most adjust in a few days and speak normally.
How often do I clean the trays?
Rinse them each time you remove them. Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush once a day. Do not use hot water.
How long do I have to wear my retainers after completing treatment?
The short answer is indefinitely. Teeth naturally want to move back to their original positions throughout your lifetime. Wearing a retainer at night is the best way to counteract this tendency and protect the significant investment of time and money you put into your orthodontic treatment. Wearing your retainer at night is essentially insurance for your straight teeth. It’s a small habit that prevents the need for costly and time-consuming re-treatment.
Request An Appointment
Ready to learn if clear aligner therapy is right for you? Call Mac Dental in Nixa, MO to schedule a consultation. During your visit we will answer your questions, examine your teeth, and explain your treatment options. We look forward to helping you smile with confidence!