Clear aligners

There are three great reasons to begin orthodontic treatment:

• Having an attractive smile not only changes the way people see you - it enhances your own self-image as well.
• Orthodontic treatment also allows your teeth to function better and makes it easier to keep them clean, which can improve your overall health.
• The reshaping of the dental arch can help by allowing the tounge more room in the mouth which can help with air flow while asleep.

You're never too old to begin orthodontic treatment - but if you start at an earlier age, your problems may be easier to treat. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child who may need orthodontic treatment should come in for a first visit around age 7.

Teeth that are protruding, crowded together or erupting out of position are clear indications that treatment is needed (View Examples). Less obvious signs are mouth breathing, frequent biting of the cheek or palate, speech difficulties, and thumb sucking that goes past 3-4 years of age. If teeth don't meet properly when the mouth closes, or if jaws make sounds or shift as they move, this may also indicate an orthodontic problem.

Having clear aligners put on is generally painless. Some people experience minor aches and pains in the first couple of days or so, as they adjust to wearing their appliances; periodic adjustments may sometimes cause soreness as well, though it typically lasts only a short time. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to alleviate any discomfort, but are usually unnecessary.

It's different for each person, but generally the active stage of treatment (that is, wearing clear aligners or other appliances) may take from 6-30 months. After that, a retainer is worn for at least several months more.

It depends on what's being done, and how often you need to be monitored. During active treatment, you'll typically visit the office once every 4 to 10 weeks.

If your teeth are severely crowded (because your mouth is too small to properly accommodate all of them) - or if you have impacted teeth (teeth that are trapped beneath the gum line by other teeth) - then extraction may be necessary. In the case of younger patients, early treatment may make extraction unnecessary.

No, removable aligners offer the flexibility of eating any food you would like once the aligners have been removed.

In a word: Yes. Of course, whether you wear clear aligners or not, we recommend you wear a mouthguard when playing most sports. Musicians are generally able to play their instruments just as they did before, but they may need a short adjustment period after getting clear aligners.

You do - in fact, it's more important than ever! Keeping teeth free of plaque (and potentially, decay) can be challenging when you're wearing clear aligners. Your dentist can help you avoid these problems with frequent cleanings and exams.

Almost always, the answer is yes: If you don't wear a retainer, your teeth can rapidly shift out of position - and then all the effort put into your treatment is lost! Your retainer helps you maintain that good-looking smile for a lifetime.

Orthodontic care is a long-term investment in your health and well-being. Yet its cost hasn't increased as fast as many other consumer prices, and many financing options are available that make orthodontic care affordable. Weighed against the true cost of living with problem teeth, however, orthodontic treatment can be a wise investment indeed.

Interested in how clear aligners can help your smile? Call our South Elgin, IL office at (847) 888-8311 today!