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Are you postponing fixing your misalignment due to the pain and discomfort that come with wearing braces? Perhaps you’re uncomfortable with how metal brackets will look on your teeth.

In 1997, two students from Stanford solved the issue of unsightly braces by inventing the first clear aligner system. Their orthodontic device was more comfortable than traditional braces and barely noticeable when wearers smiled or talked. 

Today, there are several clear aligners systems to choose from. Dr. Louis Russell Jr. at Russell Family Dentistry in Tomball, TX, uses high-quality mtm® clear aligners. These clear aligners can be used for more complicated cases and are more comfortable than other aligners on the market. 

Read on to learn more about clear aligners, and find out if you’re a good candidate for it. 

Understanding clear aligners 

Clear aligners are made from a type of clear plastic. Like traditional braces, these aligners fix misalignments by using pressure to shift teeth into their proper positions. 

Compared to traditional braces, clear aligners cause less pain and can be removed when eating. However, for optimal results, you should keep your aligners in your mouth for at least 22 hours per day. 

The treatment takes on average, about 12 months to complete. They must be changed regularly as the treatment plan progresses. Following the treatment, you need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. 

Alignment issues clean aligners can fix 

Clear aligners, like traditional braces, can prevent the potential complications associated with crooked or misaligned teeth. When you have straight teeth, you’re less likely to develop gum disease and experience early tooth loss.

Clean aligners can fix mild to moderate alignment issues such as crowding, crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, crossbites, underbites, overbites, and open bites. 

However, clear aligners cannot fix severe overbites, underbites, or crossbites, nor can they align rotated teeth. 

What to expect from your dental visit with clear aligners 

Our team at Russell Family Dentistry examines the alignment of your teeth. If they determine you’re a good fit for clear aligners, they schedule you for 3D imaging.

Our experts use an oral scanner to take a 3D image of your mouth to design a treatment plan and custom clear aligners. It may take up to four weeks for the manufacturer to produce your aligners after they receive the oral scan of your mouth.

If you’re interested in finding out if you are a good candidate for clear aligners, contact us to schedule an appointment at our office in Tomball, Texas. Our experts will be more than happy to answer all of the questions.