Clear aligners are a nearly invisible way to straighten teeth without brackets and wires. You can remove the trays to eat and brush your teeth, which makes treatment easier to work into many daily routines. That convenience comes with one important tradeoff: you have to wear your aligners consistently for treatment to stay on track.
Key Takeaways
- Clear aligners use a series of custom trays to gradually move your teeth.
- You can remove your aligners for meals and oral hygiene, but you need to wear them most of the day.
- Aligners can treat crowding, gaps and some bite problems, although they are not right for every case.
What Are Clear Aligners and How Do They Work?
Clear aligners are custom trays that gradually guide your teeth into new positions. You wear each set for the amount of time your orthodontist recommends before moving to the next one. Some patients also need small, tooth-colored attachments that help the trays move certain teeth.
You’ll typically wear aligners for about 22 hours a day, taking them out for meals and oral hygiene. Clean the trays regularly and put them back in soon after eating. Leaving them out too long can slow your progress and may affect how well your next set fits.
What Problems Can Clear Aligners Treat?
Clear aligners can treat many common orthodontic concerns, including mild to moderate crowding and gaps between teeth. They can also correct some bite problems or help when teeth have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment.
Aligners do have limits. Braces may give an orthodontist more control when a patient needs complex tooth movements or bite correction. Aligners also rely on consistent wear, so they may not work as well for someone who has trouble keeping up with the schedule.
What Are Spark and Angel Aligners?
Spark and Angel Aligners are two clear aligner systems available to orthodontists. Peterson Family Orthodontics uses these systems rather than Invisalign®.
Invisalign® is another brand in the same treatment category, which is why people sometimes use the name when talking about clear aligners in general. For Peterson patients, the distinction is simple: treatment uses Spark or Angel Aligners rather than the Invisalign® system.
How Are Clear Aligners Different From Braces?
Clear aligners and braces can both straighten teeth, but living with them is different. Aligners come out for meals and brushing, while braces stay attached to your teeth throughout treatment.
Removable trays mean you can eat without brackets or wires in the way and brush your teeth normally. Braces, however, do not depend on remembering to put an appliance back in after a meal. They can also give an orthodontist more control over certain complex movements.
Appearance is only one part of the decision. When you compare aligners and braces, consider how each option would affect meals and oral hygiene. Your treatment needs and daily habits can also make one option more practical than the other.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Clear Aligners?
Good candidates generally have healthy teeth and gums along with an orthodontic problem that aligners can effectively treat. They also need to feel comfortable keeping track of removable trays and following their wear schedule.
Age alone does not determine whether aligners will work. Teens and adults may both qualify, but two people with similar-looking smiles can need very different types of tooth movement. An orthodontic exam can show whether aligners can handle those movements or braces would offer better control.
How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?
Clear aligner costs depend on the treatment you need. As a general reference point, Invisalign® treatment in Arizona can range from $3,000 to $8,000. The cost of Spark or Angel Aligners at Peterson Family Orthodontics may differ depending on the complexity and length of your treatment.
Insurance benefits may reduce what you pay out of pocket. Our team can give you a personalized estimate after examining your teeth and bite.
What Happens at a Clear Aligner Consultation?
A clear aligner consultation turns general information into answers about your smile. Your orthodontist will examine your teeth and bite and may take digital scans or other images to see how your teeth fit together.
If aligners are an option, you’ll learn what treatment could look like for you. You can ask about the expected timeline and how often you’ll need checkups. It’s also a good time to find out what to do if you lose a tray or one stops fitting correctly.
Find Out if Clear Aligners Are Right for Your Smile
At Peterson Family Orthodontics, Dr. Scott Peterson and our team can determine whether clear aligners can address your orthodontic needs. If they can, we’ll explain what treatment with Spark or Angel Aligners would involve and what you can expect along the way.
Considering clear aligner treatment in San Tan Valley? Schedule a consultation with Peterson Family Orthodontics today to learn more about your treatment options.