Clear Aligners
Clear aligners offer a virtually invisible and highly personalized way to straighten teeth. They are custom-designed to fit your teeth perfectly and apply the gentle and precise pressure needed to gradually align them.
Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are discreet and removable, providing enhanced comfort, convenience, and flexibility. This makes them the preferred option for people seeking effective orthodontic treatment without the aesthetic and lifestyle drawbacks that come with metal braces.
At Hampden Ave Dental, we offer custom clear aligners that ensure you achieve a beautifully aligned smile with comfort and ease. Our providers combine advanced technology with expert care to deliver lasting results.
Services
Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces
Both clear aligners and traditional braces are effective orthodontic treatments, but they work differently.
Traditional metal braces consist of stainless steel brackets affixed to the teeth, connected by wires and small rubber bands. These components work together to apply constant pressure that gradually moves the teeth into alignment.
However, metal braces are not removable, require dietary adjustments, and can make oral hygiene more challenging.
Clear aligners, on the other hand, are custom-made, thin plastic trays designed to fit snugly over your teeth. Like metal braces, they work by applying consistent pressure to shift teeth into proper alignment.
Clear aligners offer several advantages over traditional braces.
- Their removable design facilitates easier and more effective oral hygiene.
- They offer a nearly invisible, and therefore, a more aesthetic way to straighten teeth.
- They need fewer adjustments, which typically means fewer dental visits.
- They are metal-free, reducing gum and cheek irritation.
Ideal Candidates for Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a gentle and effective solution for those with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. They gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment using custom-made trays crafted from medical-grade plastic.
While clear aligners are effective, they may not be suitable for those with severe misalignment or complex orthodontic issues. Clear aligners may be a good fit for you if you have:
- Gapped teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
It is important to note that patient compliance is crucial as each set of aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours daily for about 1-2 weeks for optimal results. Clear aligners are typically recommended for older teenagers and adults, as younger children may struggle with adherence.
Our Process for Clear Aligners
At Hampden Ave Dental, we take a gentle, personalized approach to orthodontic care. We ensure the process of getting fitted for clear aligners is comfortable and seamless, always keeping your individual smile goals in mind.
Initial Consultation
We start with a comprehensive dental exam to evaluate your teeth, bite alignment, and overall oral health. We may take impressions, photos, and X-rays of your teeth to create clear aligners customized for your teeth.
Digital Scan & Treatment Plan
Our team creates a digital model of your teeth using advanced 3D imaging technology. This allows us to map out the precise direction and extent of movement needed to achieve alignment for your teeth.
This technology also lets you preview a virtual simulation of how your smile will be transformed, allowing you to see how your teeth will gradually shift throughout treatment.
Wearing Your Aligners
After finalizing your treatment plan, we create your custom aligners using clear, BPA-free plastic designed for comfort and a nearly invisible appearance. These aligners are crafted to fit your teeth.
You must wear each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks and for at least 22 hours a day before switching to the next set. They should be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
The total sets of aligners and length of treatment depend on your orthodontic needs and the adjustments required to achieve your goal.
Regular Check-Ins & Final Results
Our providers schedule regular check-ins every 6-8 weeks to track your progress and ensure your aligners are working as planned. During these visits, we assess your treatment progress, make necessary adjustments, and provide your next set of aligners to continue the treatment process.
Once treatment is complete, we provide a custom retainer to help you maintain your newly aligned smile. Retainers are typically worn at night and help prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners offer a modern, comfortable, and convenient way to straighten your teeth. Some benefits of using clear aligners include:
- Discreet Solution: Clear aligners are a nearly invisible solution, allowing you to straighten your smile discreetly without the noticeable brackets and wires of traditional braces.
- Removable & Convenient: Since aligners are removable, there are no dietary restrictions, and you can brush and floss your teeth with ease, which helps you maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout your treatment period.
- Comfortable Fit: Designed with smooth, BPA-free plastic, clear aligners do not cause any irritation to the gums and cheeks.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Because aligners are removable, they make brushing and floss easier, helping maintain good oral hygiene and reducing the risk of cavities and plaque buildup.
- Faster Results: Clear aligners can help straighten your teeth in as little as 6 to 18 months, depending on your dental needs and how closely you stick to your treatment plan.
Get Clear Aligners in Lakewood, CO
Clear aligners offer a comfortable, discreet, and effective way to transform your smile. From your initial consultation to your final results, our team prioritizes your care, offering a welcoming environment, advanced dental care, and a commitment to exceptional results.
To schedule a consultation for clear aligners, please call us at 303-985-1263 or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Clear aligner treatment usually takes between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the complexity of your case and how consistently you wear your aligners.
Is wearing clear aligners painful?
Some mild discomfort is common when you first start wearing your clear aligners or switch to a new set, but pain is rare. Additionally, any discomfort is generally temporary and manageable.
Can I eat normally with my aligners on?
No, aligners should be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water.
How do I clean my clear aligners?
To keep your clear aligners clean, rinse them daily with lukewarm water, gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap, and occasionally soak them in a mix of water and baking soda or a retainer cleaner. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can scratch the plastic.
What happens if I lose an aligner?
Don't worry, just contact our office right away! Depending on where you are in your treatment, we may recommend a replacement or advise you to move on to your next set.
