Sarasota Invisalign

How Clear Aligners Work

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign and ClearCorrect, are made out of thin, transparent, durable plastic, and they look similar to a retainer. Each aligner is worn for about 2 weeks, for 20-22 hours per day. During this time, the clear aligners use gentle pressure to shift your teeth into proper position. Every 6 weeks, Dr. Miller will check your treatment progress and give you new sets of aligners. Orthodontic treatment with ClearCorrect or Invisalign usually takes about 20-24 sets of aligners in total, and most patients get their desired results in under a year, though this may vary depending on your case.

Benefits of ClearCorrect & Invisalign

Clear aligners have a number of benefits when compared to traditional metal braces:

• They are virtually invisible, making them a great choice for adults who wish to avoid highly visible metal braces.
• ClearCorrect and Invisalign are removable, so patients don’t need to worry about food restrictions. This also makes it easy to brush and floss your teeth during treatment.
• Clear aligners are much more comfortable than traditional braces because they shift your teeth more gradually and do not need to be tightened or adjusted regularly.
• You won’t spend as much time at the dentist dealing with adjustment appointments.

Are Clear Aligners Right for Me?

While clear aligners are convenient and offer fast results, ClearCorrect and Invisalign cannot be used to treat all orthodontic cases. If you have major orthodontic issues like a serious overbite or underbite, or your teeth are very crooked or rotated, traditional braces may be a better treatment for you. The best way to find out whether clear aligners are a good orthodontic option for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller. Call us today to get started on your journey to a straighter smile!

How Should I Care for my Aligners?

To get the best results from your Invisalign treatment from Sarasota Bay Dental, it’s important to care for your aligners properly. There are a few steps you’ll need to take to keep your aligners in good shape.
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Always take your aligners out to eat and to drink anything besides water. Chewing or eating while wearing Invisalign will damage and warp your aligners, and drinking any liquid (except water) could stain them.
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When you do take your aligners out to eat, be sure to put them in their carrying case to keep them safe. Losing or damaging an aligner can set your treatment back by weeks.
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Rinse your aligners every time you remove them. If possible, brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in after you eat. This will prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. If you can’t brush or floss, you can use mouthwash to help clean your teeth.
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At night, brush your teeth and floss, and clean your aligners using a clear, fragrance-free antibacterial soap that rinses away cleanly. Simply scrub your aligners gently using a toothbrush and soap, and rinse them to remove the soap. 
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If you follow these tips, your aligners will remain in great shape and your teeth will also remain strong and healthy throughout your Invisalign treatment. Dr. Miller will give you more details and care instructions once you’re approved for Invisalign.

How does Invisalign Work?

Traditional braces move your teeth using metal brackets, wires, and elastics. These are regularly adjusted, and the pressure of the braces helps move your teeth into the proper position.
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Invisalign does the same thing using a series of clear plastic aligners that look a lot like retainers or a nightguard. Each set of aligners is built to shift and reposition your teeth slightly. By switching through a series of aligners, your smile is gently corrected.

Each aligner is usually worn for about 2 weeks, for 20-22 hours per day. This provides your teeth with enough time to shift and adjust to their new position before a new aligner is used. During the process, you’ll come into our office regularly for appointments and to get new aligners. Usually, it takes about a year to correct your smile with Invisalign. 

Does invisalign Hurt?

Overall, Invisalign is much more comfortable than braces. Your aligners will exert more gentle, even pressure to move your teeth, and there are no metal brackets or wires to poke or irritate your mouth. 

However, Invisalign treatment can still hurt, particularly during the first day or two after you start wearing a new set of aligners. During this time, you can perform biting and chewing exercises to help with discomfort. You can also eat softer foods to minimize your discomfort.