Over a million patients worldwide have used clear aligner systems, a product comparable to Invisalign, to straighten their teeth. Patients at Apex Dental can easily and comfortably straighten their teeth with clear aligners or “invisible braces” in Northborough, MA. Clear aligners are a comfortable cosmetic dental treatment and a discreet alternative to traditional bulky metal braces.
Straight and properly aligned teeth are key components of a healthy and beautiful smile. Clear aligner systems use a series of virtually invisible aligners to shift your teeth into place.
Many orthodontic treatments are available today to treat your concerns, but clear aligners offer more patient satisfaction. Invisible braces are a discreet way to treat mild to moderate orthodontic concerns without metal braces. Many people choose to live with their crooked teeth because of the hassles of metal braces.
With invisible braces, adults can avoid the stigma, while teens can avoid the embarrassment of metal braces. Dr. Robert Gauthier is highly trained and knows how to treat patients and determine who is a candidate for invisible braces in his Northborough, MA office.
The Benefits of Invisible Braces
Invisible braces treat a range of concerns like crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, and crossbite. Aside from the obvious aesthetic benefits, invisible braces also have these benefits over traditional metal braces:
- Improved gum and tooth health because of better oral hygiene
- No metal allergies due to brackets and wires
- Custom aligners tailored to fit your teeth precisely for reduced irritation and fewer scratches
- No food restrictions because you can remove aligners at meals
- In most cases, shorter treatment times
Treatment with Invisible Braces
Clear aligners are a thin, transparent, flexible plastic for a comfortable, discreet fit. During treatment, you will use these clear aligners to gently move your teeth into their appropriate position.
We custom-design and fabricate your aligners to your needs. To do this, we’ll first take some digital pictures and make 3D models of your teeth. These images will help your dentist create a unique plan for moving your teeth.
We’ll send these images to a special lab where the technicians will create your aligners based on your treatment plan. You can begin treatment once we receive your first few sets of aligners. Depending on your case, you will wear a series of aligners for approximately two weeks each. They gradually shift teeth into alignment to create a more beautiful smile.
You must wear them most of the time, about 22 hours a day, so your teeth can move properly. But you can take them out if you need to eat, brush, or even take photos. Most patients complete treatment in 6 to 12 months.
Who is a Candidate for the Clear Aligner System?
Responsible teens and adults with crooked and misaligned teeth qualify for clear aligners. We don’t recommend that small children use them because their teeth are not fully developed. Using a clear aligner system requires a certain level of responsibility and maturity.
You must remove them several times a day, and it could be very easy for a child to lose them. You’ll also need to clean them every dat. We do not recommend aligners for complex cases since they do not possess the same force as braces. During a consultation with Dr. Gauthier, he will inform you if this is an option for you or your teen.
Invisible Braces FAQs
Do you want to know more about clear aligners? Read answers to common questions about invisible braces in Northborough, MA, below:
Who qualifies for clear aligners?
Clear aligners are ideal for teens and adult patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. A comprehensive oral exam can help determine if clear aligners will help you meet your goals and improve your oral health. Your Apex dentist may refer you to a local orthodontist for more complex oral health concerns that affect your bite function.
Will people be able to tell I am wearing clear aligners?
The ultra-thin clear plastic fits snugly against your teeth to create a nearly invisible system. Most people can not tell that you are wearing them. You can also remove them for a few minutes on special occasions.
Will clear aligners give you a lisp?
There will be a short period of time that you will need to get used to the clear aligners. At this time, you may notice a small lisp. You can take steps to get rid of the lisp by practicing your speech patterns. You adjust to wearing your trays, and the lisp should fade after a few days.
Are invisible aligners really invisible?
Clear aligners are less noticeable than other treatments but not completely invisible. They use clear materials that are harder to detect than metal braces. Others may notice the outline of your aligners but may not detect them from a distance.
Are invisible braces as effective as metal braces?
Yes. If you have mild to moderate orthodontic problems, we recommend invisible braces. Invisible braces can straighten teeth just as effectively as traditional metal braces. The difference is that invisible braces offer more discreet and comfortable treatment.
Do I need a retainer after clear aligner therapy?
Yes. We’ll provide a retainer to keep your teeth straight after clear aligner treatment. We’ll take impressions of your teeth to ensure the retainer reinforces your final tooth position. When you wear retainers after you wear clear aligners it will prevent teeth from shifting out of place.
Is clear aligner therapy painful?
Clear aligner therapy is not painful. You may feel some pressure or tightness as your teeth gradually move, but the process is gentle. Most of our patients adjust well to treatment.
Can I use invisible braces to treat orthodontic relapse?
Yes, clear aligner therapy can be an effective treatment for orthodontic relapse. If your teeth shifted back to their original position after previous treatment, clear aligners can gently guide them back. Most adults will choose clear aligners because they are discreet and they work faster than braces. They help your teeth stay aligned over time.
Get a Straighter Smile Today
Clear aligners may be your way to straighter teeth. Visit Dr. Gauthier to see how you can get the smile you’ve always wanted. Learn more about invisible braces or other cosmetic dentistry solutions in the Westborough, MA, Northborough, MA, and Shrewsbury, MA areas. Call (508) 506-1691 or schedule a dental consultation online.
If you have questions about treatment, please let us know. We’re here to help you.