Over a million patients worldwide have used clear aligner systems, a product comparable to Invisalign, to straighten their smiles. Patients at Apex Dental can easily and comfortably straighten their teeth with clear aligners or “invisible braces.” 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 properly functioning and good-looking smile. Clear aligner systems use a series of virtually invisible aligners to shift your teeth into place gradually.
Various types of orthodontic treatments are available today to treat orthodontic 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 associated with metal braces.
With invisible braces, adults can avoid the stigma, while teens can avoid the embarrassment of having metal braces. Dr. Robert Gauthier is highly trained and possesses the knowledge to treat patients and determine who is a candidate for invisible braces in his Northborough, MA office.
Advantages of Invisible Braces
Invisible braces treat a range of orthodontic concerns, including crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, and crossbite. Aside from the obvious aesthetic benefits, invisible braces have been shown to have additional health benefits compared to traditional metal braces:
- Improved gum and tooth health during treatment 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. We custom-design and fabricate your aligners according to your orthodontic needs. The aligners gradually shift teeth into alignment, creating a more beautiful smile. Depending on your case, you will wear a series of aligners for approximately two weeks each. Most patients complete treatment in 6 to 12 months.
Who is a Candidate for the Clear Aligner System?
Responsible teens and adults who suffer from the listed orthodontic concerns 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 will involve some responsibility and a certain level of 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 the invisible braces office. We do not recommend invisible aligners for complex orthodontic 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
Want to know more about clear aligners? Read answers to common questions about invisible braces 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 achieve your goals and improve your oral health. Your Apex dentist may refer you to a local orthodontist for more complex oral health concerns affecting the bite’s function.
Will people be able to tell I am wearing clear aligners?
The ultra-thin clear plastic fits snugly against your teeth, creating a nearly invisible system. Most people can not tell that you are wearing clear aligners. 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 aligner system. During 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 disappear after a few days.
Are invisible aligners really invisible?
Clear aligners are less noticeable than other orthodontic treatments. However, they are not completely invisible. Invisible aligners 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 will provide a retainer to keep your teeth straight after clear aligner treatment. We will take impressions of your teeth to ensure the retainer reinforces your final tooth position. Wearing retainers after wearing clear aligners will prevent orthodontic relapse.
Receive a Straighter Smile Today
Clear aligner therapy may be your way to straighter teeth if you need mild to moderate orthodontic treatment. Visit Dr. Gauthier to see how you can get the smile you have 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.