Thinking About Clear Aligners? Find Out If You're a Good Fit

If you’re looking for a convenient and discreet way to achieve a straighter smile with clear aligners in Katy, TX, you’ve come to the right place! The experts at TÜTH Dental are here to help you take advantage of this affordable option to traditional braces. We’ll customize a solution just for you. This article covers the benefits of clear aligners, is it painful, and whether you are a good fit for one.

What are Clear Aligners? 

Clear aligners like Invisalign are custom-made plastic trays that fit over your teeth, gradually shifting them into the correct position. They move your teeth incrementally to create a more confident and beautiful smile. Approximately every 1 to 2 weeks, you switch to a new set of clear aligners to gently straighten your teeth. 

Many teenagers and adults prefer clear aligners over traditional braces because you can remove them when drinking, eating, flossing, and brushing your teeth. 

While ordinary braces are obvious to anyone who sees you open your mouth, clear aligners are nearly invisible, so no one will see you’re getting your teeth straightened.

Advantages of Clear Aligners

If you have crooked teeth that make you feel self-conscious about opening your mouth or smiling in front of others, you should know that patients select clear aligner therapy to give them more confidence about how their teeth look.

• They can help correct issues such as underbite or overbite, close gaps between teeth, and separate teeth that are crowded.
• Many people choose clear aligners because they present a more natural appearance than traditional metal braces. If you avoided getting braces when you were younger, you can now take advantage of clear aligners to straighten your teeth.

Learn more about the benefits of Invisalign by visiting this page.

Is Getting Invisalign Painful?   

You can anticipate some discomfort when using Invisalign as they gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. 

Patients may feel some soreness from the clear aligner’s pressure on their teeth, with the most discomfort occurring when you change to your new set, about once every 14 days.  

As the clear aligners rub against the insides of your cheeks, they can cause soreness, which will be reduced as mouth calluses develop. 

While a small amount of discomfort is to be expected, if you experience pain, get in touch with Dr. Taline for evaluation and help with adjusting your clear aligners treatment.

Who Should or Shouldn't Use Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are a great option for many teens and adults with mild to moderate alignment issues. During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Taline will assess your smile to determine if aligners are the right fit for you. However, they may not be suitable for more complex orthodontic cases or for patients who struggle with wearing the trays consistently.Situations where people should not get clear aligners include:

1. Younger patients

We recommend waiting until you are at least 18 to get clear aligners. It’s best to begin treatment after you have lost all of your baby teeth. You’ll want to have your first molars and permanent incisors before coming in for a consultation about straightening your crooked teeth.

2. Active cavities or gum disease 

You’ll need to get treated for these dental issues before you can start using clear aligners.     

3. Smokers

People who cannot commit to quitting smoking during their clear aligner treatment should not use aligners because they grow unpleasant-looking with stains from exposure to cigarette smoke.

4. Bridges and Dental Implants

In some cases, patients who have TMJ problems, bridges or dental implants may face a more complicated clear aligner treatment plan that involves getting some dental work first.

5. Unwilling to Wear Aligners According to Schedule

Patients who will find it difficult to wear their clear aligners for at least 20 hours each day are not good candidates for this treatment to improve their smile and straighten their teeth.

How Long Should I Expect Clear Aligner Therapy to Take?   

On average, clear aligner therapy takes about 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case. Usually, adults require about a year of clear aligner therapy, while teenagers use them for approximately 18 months. 

Of course, each patient is different. Our team will give you an estimate for your particular timeframe during your free consultation.

Get in Touch With TÜTH Dental Today

It’s clear that clear aligner therapy is an outstanding and affordable approach for patients in Katy, TX, who want to feel more confident with a solution that gently straightens their teeth.
         
Dr. Taline is proud to serve the community of Katy and is gratified to have been named “Top Dentist” by Houstonia Magazine in 2022 and 2023. You can rest assured that your visit to TÜTH Dental will be a pleasant experience. 

As Dr. Taline puts it, “I focus on gentle, attentive, and aesthetically excellent care that makes every visit as comfortable as possible.”

If you would like to know more about clear aligner therapy or are ready to book an appointment with Dr. Taline and her team, please contact TÜTH Dental today. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!