What Are Clear Aligners?

McClellan Orthodontics

At McClellan Orthodontics, we offer the latest in orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners, like Invisalign!

What are Clear Aligners? Invisalign clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment option that straightens your teeth without the use of metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that cover your teeth and gently push them into the proper position over time. Because they are clear, they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

What are Invisalign Clear Aligners Made of? Invisalign clearaligners are made of a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack. Invisalign clear aligners are FDA-approved and contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten. They are thin, clear, and fit snugly over your teeth, making them virtually invisible.

How Long does Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment Take? Each patient’s orthodontic problem is unique, and each patient responds to treatment differently, so there is no universal answer for how long your clear aligner treatment will take. In general, the total treatment time for Invisalign clear aligners can be less than a year.

How Do Invisalign Clear Aligners Work? You will wear your aligners all day, every day, except when you eat, floss, and brush your teeth.  Because Invisalign clear aligners are removable, you will be able to briefly remove them any time you need to throughout the day. You will wear each set of aligners for two weeks and then switch to the next set of aligners. Every six weeks or so, you will have an appointment in our office to check your aligners and the progress of your treatment. These checkups also help Dr. McClellan determine if any adjustments need to be made to the aligners or to your treatment plan.

Are Invisalign Clear Aligners Expensive? As clear aligners have become more popular over the years, they have also become more affordable. Invisalign aligners tend to cost about as much as traditional braces; however, the cost of your orthodontic treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan.

If you would like to learn more about how Invisalign clear aligners can transform your smile, give McClellan Orthodontics a call today and schedule a complimentary consultation. Dr. McClellan will assess your smile to determine if Invisalign clear aligners are right for you.

 

Trust an Orthodontist with your Smile

McClellan Orthodontics

McClellan Orthodontics is proud to provide exceptional orthodontic care to patients of all ages. Dr. McClellan is highly trained and experienced in identifying and correcting a wide variety of orthodontic issues, from crooked teeth to misaligned jaws. 

Did you know that Orthodontists and Dentists are not interchangeable? There are significant differences between orthodontists and dentists that you should be aware of in order to make an informed decision regarding orthodontic care for you and your family.

Orthodontists and dentists both help patients improve their oral health, but in different ways. Dentistry is a broad medical specialty that deals with the teeth, gum, nerves, and jaw, while orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on correcting bites. All orthodontists are dentists, but most dentists are not properly trained orthodontists.

Orthodontists and Dentists both begin their careers with dental school, but once they graduate, their paths go in separate directions. Dentists are free to begin practicing immediately after graduating from dental school, but orthodontists must complete an additional 2-3 years of education, training, and supervision. During this time, orthodontists learn a great deal about identifying and treating the misalignment of teeth and jaws by studying the growth and maturation of the mouth and learning special biomechanical techniques to successfully move the teeth using braces, aligners, and other appliances.

Most people aren’t aware of how much work goes into becoming an orthodontist! While there are exceptions to almost every rule, most general dentists don’t possess the level of education and skills a certified orthodontist, like Dr. McClellan has.

The benefits of having an orthodontist work on your teeth goes beyond just having a beautiful smile. Well-aligned teeth make it possible to bite, chew and speak effectively. Not everyone needs to have orthodontic treatment, but it may be required if you have any of the following issues:

Overbites: When your front teeth stick out over your lower teeth, you have an overbite.

Underbites: When lower teeth extend too far forward and your top teeth are too far back, you have an underbite.

Crossbites: When the upper teeth do not come down in front of the lower teeth properly, it creates an improper bite, or crossbite.

Spacing issues: These include gaps or spaces between your teeth.

Crowding: When there are too many teeth for a limited amount of space, you can experience crowding.

Misplaced Midlines: This occurs when the centers of your upper and lower teeth are not aligned.

Wondering if you should see an orthodontic expert to improve your smile?

You have every right to choose the healthcare provider you feel most comfortable with, but when it comes to your smile, it’s worth considering an orthodontist with specialized training. Give McClellan Orthodontics a call today.

Did you know?

Dr. McClellan is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontists, an achievement only 35% of orthodontists attain.