Aligners Discreetly Straighten Teeth in Minooka, IL
Straightening teeth benefits not only appearance but also oral health by reducing places where food can get trapped. Many patients prefer not to wear noticeable metal braces for this process.
Fortunately, we offer aligners as an effective and discreet alternative. Aligners provide a convenient way to straighten teeth without the visibility of traditional braces. Here are some key points to know about aligners:
Removable and Nearly Invisible
Aligners are a preferred choice for many patients because they are removable and discreet. Each set of aligners gradually shifts teeth into the correct position, with each aligner designed for a specific stage of the treatment.
Made from clear plastic, these aligners won’t alter the color of the teeth and are only noticeable upon close inspection, allowing patients to wear them without feeling self-conscious.
Before starting treatment, we take molds and measurements of the patient’s teeth, which are then sent to a lab to create a personalized treatment plan. Patients typically switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks. While some discomfort may occur on the first day of each new aligner, patients can expect to achieve straight teeth relatively quickly.
Aligners are removable but should be worn for at least 22 hours a day. Patients can take them out to eat or play sports, but they should be reinserted as soon as possible. After eating, it’s important to clean the mouth before putting the aligners back in. Patients may also remove them for important meetings, presentations, dates, or photos. Here are a few key considerations for wearing aligners:
Not for Kids
Aligners may not be the best option for younger children or early teens. Because they require a higher level of responsibility, younger patients might struggle to care for them properly. For instance, a child could accidentally discard their aligners with their lunch or forget to remove them before brushing their teeth.
Due to these considerations, we recommend that children use traditional braces until they demonstrate more responsibility in managing their orthodontic treatment.
Clear Says It All
While aligners offer a discreet way to straighten teeth, it's essential for patients to clean their teeth after each meal before reinserting them. Patients should remove the aligners to eat or drink and then put them back in afterward.
If teeth aren’t cleaned before replacing the aligners, food particles can become trapped and visible in the aligners. Therefore, we recommend that patients brush or at least rinse their mouths with water after every meal.
Don’t Take Them Out for Too Long
While aligners are removable for specific situations, patients should put them back in promptly. Unlike braces, which remain in place throughout treatment, removing aligners for too long can allow teeth to shift back to their original positions.
The longer aligners are out, the longer the overall treatment may take. Therefore, it’s best to limit the time they are removed and return them to the mouth as soon as possible.