Information about Clear Aligners:
The Clear Aligner is an innovative way of straightening teeth that are slightly out of alignment. The Clear Aligner applies gentle pressure to the teeth to facilitate movement over time. Every Clear Aligner system is customized to the patient, who will wear the aligners on a daily basis for a period of several weeks or months. With the Clear Aligner system, there is no need for metal braces that are expensive, restrictive and indiscreet. Instead, patients can achieve their ideal smiles affordably, conveniently and inconspicuously. The Clear Aligner system also offers unique features designed to make treatment safer and more appealing:
- It is composed of a BPA-free plastic that is optimized for comfort and fit.
- The Clear Aligner can straighten teeth in as little as 90 days when worn as directed.
- The innovative plastic used to make Clear Aligners is virtually invisible when applied to the teeth
Did you know…
that the Clear Aligner offers more than just cosmetic benefits? In fact, straightening your teeth can lead to a more attractive and healthier smile. Following treatment, many patients find it easier to clean between and around the teeth, which can better prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for the Clear Aligner system?
You could be a candidate for Clear Aligner treatment if you have all of your adult teeth and some of them are slightly out of alignment. Whether they are overlapping, leaning, or have gaps between them, Clear Aligners are designed specifically for patients who require only small movements to achieve their cosmetic goals. Only a visit with your local dentist can help you determine if Clear Aligners are right for you, so schedule an appointment for a consultation if you are considering an orthodontic correction.
What should I expect during Clear Aligner treatment?
Your treatment will consist of a series of clear aligning trays that you will wear over your teeth at all times, with the exception of when you are eating, brushing or flossing. Because the Clear Aligner system is designed for small movements, your treatment is likely to last no more than a few months.
Will I need to follow any special post-treatment care instructions?
In order to preserve the new alignment of your teeth, you will need to wear a retainer. Your dentist can assist you in determining which type of retainer will best fit your lifestyle and preferences.
Information about Composite Fillings:
They can be used to fill in decayed areas of the teeth, as well as to help repair chipped or broken teeth. Most dentists use composite restorations to treat the teeth closest to the front of the mouth, as they are more noticeable when patients smile. However, advancements in dental technology and the composition of composite fillings have made it possible for dentists to also use tooth-colored fillings on molars, which receive more wear than other teeth.
Did you know…
That composite fillings allow dentists to preserve more of the natural tooth structure? This is because composite materials chemically bond to the surface of the tooth like an adhesive. The process takes slightly longer to complete than traditional amalgam fillings, but patients can preserve more of the natural portion of the teeth while enjoying a restoration that is discreet and understated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for tooth-colored fillings?
If you have a cavity, broken tooth, or a deteriorated filling, you may be a candidate for a tooth-colored filling. Schedule a dental consultation to find out if composites are right for you.
What should I expect if my dentist decides a composite filling is right for me?
During your visit, your gums and teeth will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic near the site of the filling. Once the area is numb, the decayed or damaged portion of your teeth will be removed to make room for the new tooth-colored filling. A resin will be placed over the area and cured with a hand-held light for less than a minute. The new filling will then be shaped and polished before the procedure is complete.
What type of post-treatment care is required after getting a composite filling?
Composite fillings are cured with light at your dentist’s office. You should be able to return to normal activity and oral care immediately after your visit. It’s normal for treated teeth to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold in the days following treatment, but sensitivity that persists beyond a week should be reported to your dentist.