Straighter Teeth without Brackets and Wires!
Just a couple of decades ago, old-fashioned metal braces were the go-to treatment for crooked teeth. Nowadays, though, many more options are available. For example, several companies have rolled out clear aligner systems, which are both discreet and effective. Here at Michelsen Dental, we are proud to offer ClearCorrect clear aligners. If you are interested in achieving straighter teeth without brackets and wires, get in touch with our friendly team in Orange today.
How ClearCorrect Works
To get started with ClearCorrect, all you have to do is book a consultation with our team. Once we confirm that you are a good candidate for the treatment, we will scan your teeth and order your series of custom-made clear aligners. Once you start wearing your aligners, you should keep them in your mouth for 20 – 22 hours each day. As you gradually work your way through your entire series, your teeth will shift into their proper positions. You will visit us periodically throughout your treatment so we can monitor your progress, answer your questions, and provide necessary support.
Who Can ClearCorrect Help?
ClearCorrect is an excellent option for addressing most cases of mild to moderate dental misalignment. So, if you are interested in straightening your teeth, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us! At this visit, we can confirm whether or not this treatment is right for you, and, if it is, get to work creating your custom treatment plan. In the meantime, here is an overview of some of the issues that clear aligners can fix:
Crowded Teeth
Crowded, overlapping teeth can trap food and bacteria between them, leading to an increased risk of decay and gum disease. Plus, they can have a negative impact on your bite, speech, and self-esteem. Fortunately, ClearCorrect is often able to shift the teeth so that each one has the space it needs to function optimally. If we determine that you’re a candidate, then your journey to a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smile won’t involve any metal at all!
Gaps Between Teeth
Gaps between the teeth might be caused by genetics, poor habits during childhood, or other factors. While a little extra space might seem cute, especially when you’re younger, large gaps can actually expose your gums to harm. If you aren’t thrilled about the idea of wearing metal brackets and wires, don’t worry – that’s no longer the only option. With the help of ClearCorrect, we can move your teeth closer together with basically invisible aligners.
Overbite
“Can ClearCorrect fix overbites?” It’s a question that many of our patients ask at their initial consultation. We have good news: the answer is “yes!” So, if you have a mild or moderate case, don’t hesitate to get an appointment with us on the calendar so we can see if you’re a candidate for clear aligner treatment. If you are, then we will create your custom treatment plan and, before you know it, you’ll be on your way to your dream smile.
Underbite
Underbites are another form of malocclusion that can take a toll on everything from your self-esteem to your oral health. Fortunately, with the help of special accessories, ClearCorrect can usually address orthodontic problems like this without drawing unwanted attention to your smile. In short, you can enjoy improved oral function and enhanced facial aesthetics with clear, comfortable aligners.
Crossbite
Patients with crossbites usually assume that traditional braces are their only treatment option, especially if their case is more moderate. However, ClearCorrect has proven to be an effective solution! The easiest way to find out if you’re a candidate is by scheduling a consultation with us. Once we have an in-depth understanding of your dental needs and smile goals, we can determine if clear aligner treatment is ideal for you.
Open Bite
Like the other bite problems listed here, open bites can make smiling confidently, enunciating clearly, and chewing properly difficult. That’s why we recommend exploring your orthodontic treatment options sooner rather than later! ClearCorrect is usually an option for patients with mild to moderate cases, which means your journey to straight teeth and a healthy bite will be basically invisible.
Benefits of ClearCorrect
ClearCorrect aligners are a more discreet, more comfortable way to straighten your teeth than traditional braces, but that’s just the beginning. With ClearCorrect, you can expect a shorter treatment time, as well as a variety of other impressive benefits that make aligning your smile easier than ever before!
Discreet Trays
One of the main reasons why adults and teenagers alike choose ClearCorrect over traditional braces is because of how discreet they are. The clear trays are less noticeable when you smile or speak, making it less likely that anyone will comment on or even notice you’re undergoing treatment.
Better still, if you have an important upcoming event such as a wedding or graduation, you can wear your aligners without having to worry about braces being the main focus of every photo taken on your big day!
Improved Comfort
ClearCorrect trays are smooth, unlike traditional metal brackets and wires. This drastically minimizes the possibility of irritation and scraping against the inside of your lips and cheeks and eliminates the need for orthodontic wax.
Typically, the only discomfort some patients experience is when switching over to the next series of trays. Because they fit more snugly than the previous set, the extra pressure could cause some soreness, tenderness, or general discomfort. However, the good news is that it’s nothing that can’t be handled with the help of over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Furthermore, this adjustment period is typically very short, only lasting a day or two!
Better Dental Hygiene
With traditional braces, patients are expected to floss between and around their wires and brackets. However, with ClearCorrect, your aligners can be easily removed to make brushing and flossing much easier and effective.
While it is necessary to brush and floss more frequently with ClearCorrect (after each meal), the benefits of having full access to your teeth during orthodontic treatment makes it much easier and less time-consuming than it would be with traditional braces.
This also means there is less risk of developing cavities, gum disease and other common oral health problems that are typical with braces.
Best of all, you won’t need to invest in any special dental hygiene equipment to effectively clean your teeth and gums!
Boosted Self-Confidence
Because your ClearCorrect trays are transparent, they’re much less noticeable than metal wires and brackets. This makes it easier to maintain a professional appearance while at work, during job interviews, and in meetings with clients.
For teen patients, having a more streamlined smile can help make the important years of their social development much less anxiety-provoking. This can make it easier for them to build new friendships and socialize confidently with peers. It can even help them feel more confident in selfies and school photos!
Non-Invasive Treatment
Generally, ClearCorrect treatment is much less invasive than traditional braces because it requires fewer changes to your daily routine and lifestyle. You can continue brushing and flossing your teeth as you normally do, eating the foods you love, and even attending important life events without worrying about the memory being marked by a photo of you wearing braces.
Furthermore, the shorter check-in appointments and the flexibility of your treatment will make it much easier to fit into your busy schedule, whether you have school, work, or both!
Faster Follow-Ups
With ClearCorrect, your check-in appointments only occur every six to eight weeks, and they typically only last between 15 and 30 minutes.
Check-in appointments are also far less uncomfortable and extensive than braces appointments and are mainly scheduled to ensure that you are remaining on-track with your treatment timeline and that your teeth are moving as anticipated.
Living with ClearCorrect Aligners
Since ClearCorrect trays are comfortable, removable, and clear, you don’t need to completely alter your day-to-day routine. That said, there are a few simple adjustments that can go a long way in keeping you on-track with your treatment plan. If you are interested in learning more about life with clear aligners, simply read on!
Wearing Your Trays
Of course, you need to wear your ClearCorrect aligners in order for them to work. More specifically, you need to keep them on for a minimum of 20 hours a day. Using the stopwatch on your phone will help immensely, especially toward the beginning of your orthodontic treatment, which is when you’re still trying to find a routine that works. It’s also a good idea to get into the habit of only taking your aligners off when it’s absolutely necessary, like when it’s time to complete your dental care regimen.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Good news: you don’t need any special or expensive cleaning products to care for your aligners. In fact, you may have everything you need at home already: clean water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and clear, mild dishwashing liquid. Make sure that you always check the temperature of the water first because your aligners will warp if it’s too hot. Soaking them in a clear aligner solution for 15 minutes each day can help keep them stain and odor-free as well!
Eating & Drinking
Since ClearCorrect aligners are removable, you don’t need to completely change your diet. Of course, as your dental team, we still strongly recommend eating mostly nutrient-dense foods and keeping sugary ones to a minimum. After all, broken trays aren’t the only orthodontic emergency; the development of tooth decay or gum disease will also bring your treatment plan to a temporary halt.
Losing or Damaging a Tray
Losing or damaging a tray might not seem like a big deal initially, but it can lead to significant treatment plan delays. That’s why we recommend incorporating habits into your routine that will prevent that from happening, like placing your aligners in their case when you take them off. With all of that said, don’t hesitate to call us if you find yourself in either of these situations. Remember, we aren’t here to judge. We’re here to help!
Attending Progress Visits
In addition to keeping up with your biannual dental checkups and cleanings, you will need to attend periodic progress visits at our office. Each one is crucial because it gives us insight into how your teeth are moving and if you’re on-track with your treatment plan. If you are, then your visit should be 30 minutes or less. If you aren’t, then it may take a bit more time to determine what adjustments need to be made.
Understanding the Cost of ClearCorrect
The cost of ClearCorrect varies from case to case. For this reason, we cannot provide you with an estimate of the price online. We can, however, review some of the factors that affect the cost and the financial solutions we welcome at our office! If you are interested in learning more about either, keep reading.
Factors That Affect the Cost of ClearCorrect
At your consultation, we will determine:
- If a tooth-colored filling or any other restorative care is needed
- If single-arch treatment is possible
- The severity of your case
- If any replacement aligners need to be made
- The type of retainer you need
Once we have all of this information, we can create your custom treatment plan and provide you with an estimate of the cost. Remember, ClearCorrect is an investment in your smile that can provide a lifetime of benefits. Plus, there are several financial solutions available to help make the cost more affordable!
ClearCorrect vs. Mail-In Aligners: Which Costs More?
Usually, mail-in aligners cost less. However, that doesn’t mean they are worth the cost. In fact, many patients experience worsened misalignment and dental emergencies because they skip crucial steps of the treatment process, including the initial exam. So, if you want to straighten your teeth without the metal, schedule a consultation with us so we can review your treatment options, including ClearCorrect.
Does Dental Insurance Cover ClearCorrect?
Some dental insurance providers do cover a portion of the cost of clear aligner treatment. So, if you are insured, it’s worth reading through the fine print on your plan to see what is and isn’t covered! If you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to let us know. We’re proud to accept most traditional insurance plans, and we’ll do our best to make understanding and utilizing your benefits easy.
Options for Making ClearCorrect Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? Don’t let that stop you from pursuing your dream smile! After all, that’s not the only financial solution available. At our office, our patients can make their orthodontic treatment more affordable with:
- Our Michelsen Membership Plan – When you join, you get immediate access to many of the discounts that dental insurance offers.
- CareCredit Flexible Financing – With third-party financiers, like CareCredit, you can space out the cost of your care into smaller, budget-friendly chunks that work for you.
ClearCorrect FAQs
What Do ClearCorrect Trays Look Like When Worn?
Designed with clear plastic, your ClearCorrect aligners are visible when not in your mouth, but very difficult to detect while wearing them.
With proper maintenance, it is easy to keep your ClearCorrect aligners looking discreet and virtually undetectable while in use.
Unlike traditional braces which rely on wires and brackets to move your teeth, ClearCorrect allows you to realign your bite without compromising your appearance.
In certain cases, you may need attachments, buttons, or elastics to help assist your treatment, however because these items are not made of clear plastic, they may be more visible than the aligners themselves.
Who is Not Eligible for ClearCorrect?
ClearCorrect is an ideal treatment for any patient who has their full set of permanent teeth, so kids as young as 13 years of age can often benefit from it. However, despite this, there are some exceptions. Patients who are not a good for ClearCorrect include:
- Patients with bite misalignment that is too severe to be corrected with aligners.
- Patients who smoke and are unable or unwilling to stop.
- Patients with extra small, misshapen, or eroded teeth.
Can You Eat with ClearCorrect Trays In?
One of the best things about ClearCorrect is that you can remove your aligners to eat, drink, and clean your teeth; eating while wearing them can not only damage them, but it can also put unnecessary pressure on your teeth.
The only thing you should consume while wearing your aligners is room temperature water. For anything else, be sure to take your aligners out and store them in a safe place, and be sure to brush and floss your teeth before putting them back in.
Can You Smoke During ClearCorrect Treatment?
Cigarette smoke and nicotine vapor are both very harmful to your oral health, and both habits can discolor your ClearCorrect trays. Thus, if you are a smoker, you have two options with ClearCorrect:
- Keep your aligners in while you smoke and discolor them.
- Remove them to smoke or vape, but this will count against your 2 hours of wear-free time each day.
Because neither option is ideal, your dentist highly recommends that you quit smoking or vaping prior to your ClearCorrect treatment. If you have struggled with quitting in the past, speak to your dentist about resources to help you quit.
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