Traditional metal braces aren’t for everyone. If you’d like to avoid having metal on your teeth, ask Dr. West if you’re a candidate for clear aligners. This type of treatment uses a series of to move your teeth little by little into perfect alignment. To determine if you’re a likely candidate, you’ll need to book a consultation with our cosmetic dentist in Jacksonville, FL.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about orthodontic aligners and what candidates for this treatment tend to have in common.
Clear aligners are removable.
While this is convenient for eating and practicing good oral hygiene, it can also be tempting for patients to not consistently wear their aligners as directed by our dentist.
To stay on track with your treatment, you’ll need to wear your clear orthodontic aligners at least 20 to 22 hours per day. Otherwise, your teeth may start to shift back toward their original positions. This may also extend your treatment time if you’re not careful.
The ideal candidate has the willpower to consistently wear their aligners so they can achieve the smile they’ve always wanted.
In general, we only recommend aligners for teens and adults. While some brands do offer aligners for children, we’ve found that most adolescents lack the proper motivation and willpower to consistently wear their aligners.
For younger patients, Dr. West may recommend the use of blue compliance indicator dots. These dots are discreet when your child is wearing their aligners. When removed during your child’s next appointment, the dots will tell Dr. West whether your child has been diligently wearing their aligners as instructed.
The dots are designed to gradually fade away as your child wears their aligners. If the aligners are just as bold and bright as the day your child received their aligners, this is a good indicator that they’re not wearing them.
Do you have orthodontic issues, but worry that aligners aren’t up to the task? Rest assured, Dr. West will carefully plan your treatment to achieve complex tooth movements without traditional braces. Over time, the aligners exert constant but gentle pressure to move teeth in the desired direction.
It’s not uncommon for patients to develop oral health issues if they have crooked and/or crowded teeth. This is because it’s difficult to properly clean around each tooth in your smile. The result is a higher risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
The good news is that can greatly improve the alignment of your teeth. This means that you’ll be able to improve both the aesthetics of your smile, as well as your oral health.
Are you considering clear aligner treatment? Dr. Jacqueline West is proud to serve as your local . To schedule a consultation, please call West Dentistry at (904) 387-3333. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.