Clear, Comfortable, and Convenient.
For decades, correcting orthodontic problems required metal braces, which left much to be desired in terms of appearance and comfort. The good news is that there is now another option: clear aligners! With a custom series, we can gently straighten your teeth and bite, creating the healthy, beautiful smile that you deserve. If you would like to learn more about this orthodontic treatment, keep reading or get in touch with us to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Northampton Dental Specialists Group for Clear Aligners?
- Top-Rated Dental Office on Google
- Compassionate and Experienced Team
- Appointments as Early as 7:30 AM
How Clear Aligners Work
Since there aren’t brackets and wires, you might be curious how clear aligners work. While the technology behind them is advanced, the overall process is pretty simple. We start by creating a custom series of trays. You’ll wear each one for 20-22 hours a day and for 7-14 days at a time before progressing to the next set. Although you’ll notice improvements after only a few weeks, it usually takes 12-18 months to achieve the desired results.
Who Can Clear Aligners Help?
Good news: clear aligners in Northampton can help patients who are struggling with mild to moderate cases of misalignment. So, if you are interested in straightening your teeth without the metal, there’s a good chance that you’re a candidate! Until your consultation with us, which is when we can determine if clear aligners are right for you, you can read on to learn more about who they can help.
Crowded Teeth
Even if your teeth only overlap slightly, several issues can arise, including premature wear. That’s why we recommend exploring your treatment options, like clear aligners! If we decide together that this is the best way to proceed, then we will move on to the next step of the process: creating your custom treatment plan.
Gaps Between Teeth
Not only can a gap between your two front teeth make you feel self-conscious, but it can also increase your risk of common oral health problems, like gum disease. The good news is that patients who are struggling with this orthodontic issue are often candidates for clear aligners. As a result, there’s a good chance that we can improve the health and appearance of your smile without the metal.
Bite Alignment
In addition to being able to correct overcrowded and gapped teeth, clear aligners can correct overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. So, if you are struggling with chronic jaw pain, difficulty enunciating clearly, or any other issues stemming from an uneven bite, don’t wait – schedule a consultation with our team at Northampton Dental Specialists Group to discuss clear aligners!
The Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners continue to be one of the most sought-after orthodontic treatments because:
- The see-through materials and low profile make them discreet
- They don’t come with a long list of dietary restrictions
- They are removable, which makes it easy to maintain a healthy smile
- The average treatment time is shorter (12-18 months)
How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?
There isn’t a flat fee for clear aligner treatment. Not only that, but even general price ranges can be misleading since there are so many factors that need to be considered, including the severity of your misalignment and the type of retainer you need. With all of that said, we will be able to provide you with a price estimate during your consultation. We will also discuss the steps you can take to avoid additional fees, starting with wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours each day.
Clear Aligner FAQs
Can I Use Toothpaste to Clean My Clear Aligners?
The short answer is “no.” The reason for this is simple: toothpaste can scratch your aligners, dulling their appearance in the process. All you need to keep them clean is cool water, a soft-bristle toothbrush, and clear liquid soap. If you want to give them a deeper clean, you can soak them in a dentist-approved cleanser for 15 minutes or so each day as well.
How Long Does Clear Aligner Treatment Take?
While traditional braces usually take 2-3 years, clear aligners can often deliver the desired results in just 12-18 months. Not only that, but you’ll notice improvements after only a few trays!
If you are interested in getting an estimate of the length of your teeth-straightening journey, then take the next step: schedule a consultation at our Northampton office. That way, we can complete a comprehensive oral exam, discuss your smile goals, and review the services that we offer. If we determine that clear aligners are the best option, then we will create your custom treatment plan and provide you with an estimate of your timeline.
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Clear Aligners?
Good news: you can enjoy all of your favorite foods throughout your teeth-straightening journey! Just make sure that you remove your aligners first. It’s also important that we mention here that you should not wrap them in a napkin or place them on your plate, since this significantly increases the risk of them getting damaged or misplaced. Instead, you should rinse them with cool water and put them in their designated case while you enjoy your meal or snack.
What Should I Do If I Lost My Clear Aligners?
Even if you are typically pretty good about keeping track of your aligners, accidents sometimes happen. If you look down and realize that your trays aren’t where you thought they were, then carefully retrace your steps. Since they are clear, it’s important to be thorough in the process. Additionally, do your best to look in the not-so-obvious places, like the waste bin in your kitchen.
If you’ve tried retracing your steps but can’t find your aligners, then give us a call. That way, we can determine the best way to proceed, whether it’s progressing to the next pair in the series or reverting to the previous set while a replacement is made.
Can I Get Clear Aligners If I’ve Had Braces in the Past?
It’s possible to get clear aligners after braces, yes. So, if your teeth have drifted out of alignment in the years since your time with metal brackets and wires, you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. Once we have an in-depth understanding of your dental history, needs, and goals, we can determine if clear aligners are right for you.