Clear aligners have changed a lot of smiles and a lot of lives for the better in the past few decades. We can hardly recall life without them at Dr. Melanie Orthodontics! But each day, someone is starting this treatment for the very first time, and we want our patients to know what to expect during treatment with clear aligners.
A Clear Choice
At Dr. Melanie Orthodontics, we proudly offer TLC aligners. Sometimes, treatment will even involve a combination of clear aligners and braces, which is a special offering exclusive to our practice.
We want to further highlight TLC Aligners, because they’re made by us, for you!
- Dr. Melanie is able to take detailed scans of your mouth and develop dental models where your teeth shift slowly into their new position.
- She 3D prints aligners based on these models in our office, which allows us to produce and replace them very quickly! Not every office conducts this process in-house, and we’re proud of the fact that we get to!
The Clear Aligner Experience
So, what can you expect while you have clear aligners? Everyone’s smile is a little different, but many aspects of the treatment process look the same for the majority of patients at Dr. Melanie Orthodontics.
- A Snug Fit: Sometimes, when you get a new pair of jeans, you have to break them in a bit. They can start off a bit tight—as can clear aligners. This tightness is necessary to get your teeth moving in the right direction.
- Wearing and Cleaning: Every day, you’ll have your aligners in for 20-22 hours, though they should be taken out when you eat or clean your teeth. Maintain a very detailed oral hygiene routine to prevent plaque buildup, bacterial growth, and eventual tooth decay. In addition to cleaning your teeth, be sure to clean the clear aligners themselves, too.
- Regular Check-Ups: You’ll visit us at predetermined intervals (usually every 12 weeks in person) to monitor your progress, though you can always contact us between these appointments if you encounter any challenges. We’ll use Grin remote monitoring for virtual check-ins.
- Motivation and Progress Tracking: The extent of your treatment will depend on the state of your smile—but we encourage you to talk to friends and families who have had previous experience with orthodontic treatment to motivate you. The same encouragement can be found in taking photos of your teeth as the weeks pass. You’d be surprised how soon you’ll start to notice some changes!
- Transition to Retainers: There will come a day when you’ll finish your final set of clear aligners. This will conclude active treatment, and you will enter the retention phase. It’s just as important to keep up with your retainer use as it is to wear your clear aligners.
FAQs About Clear Aligners
Q: How long will my treatment last?
This is an all-important question for many people, and the answer is that it depends. From the complexity of your smile’s condition, to the level of oral hygiene you maintain—there are many factors that can affect the exact duration of your clear aligner treatment. But generally, it can range from five months to a couple of years.
Q: Will clear aligners impact my speech?
This is relatively common, yes—but shouldn’t be a reason for concern. If you notice you develop a mild lisp when you start wearing your aligners, rest assured that this typically improves over time as you practice speaking.
Q: Are clear aligners suitable for all orthodontic issues?
Not necessarily. They are super versatile for treating mild to moderate issues, but more complex problems might require traditional braces or a combined approach using the two treatments, as we mentioned earlier.
Q: What if I lose my aligners?
You need to contact us as soon as this happens so we can initiate the process of getting you a replacement, whether that means fabricating them in-office or ordering them from another provider. Delaying finding a replacement can subsequently delay your progress, so we want you to take it seriously!
Leaps and Bounds
The truth is, no one is going to have a perfect, flawless experience with clear aligners. You’re only human! But under our team’s expert care, you’ll find that things will move along quite smoothly. We make sure of this by answering all of your questions and ensuring that you feel confident during your treatment.
We’re very fortunate to serve the regions of San Diego and Rancho Santa Fe. In fact, our impact goes far beyond impacting smiles! Come see us soon!