Like many patients across the US, you’re considering a clear aligner treatment instead of straightening your smile the old-fashioned way. Everything about them seems appealing – from the superior comfort to the quicker average treatment times. But you’d really like someone to sum up the process for you! Preferably in an easy-to-read, step-by-step format.
You’re in luck – this post will do exactly that. Keep reading to learn how the clear aligner treatment process works.
Step 1: Consultation
You can’t start your smile straightening journey without talking to your orthodontist! You’ll want to finalize the finer details of your plan, such as scheduling and financing, before getting started. Plus, your orthodontist will need to take impressions of your teeth so they can customize your aligners.
Step 2: Wearing Your Aligners
Once you receive your clear aligners, you’ll have to wear the trays for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. This means you’ll have to plan out your meal and snack times strategically, making sure you don’t leave them out of your mouth for too long. Failing to meet the necessary wear-time could potentially prolong your treatment, so it’s best to stick to a routine schedule as much as possible.
Step 3: Attending Follow-Ups
During your treatment, you’ll attend follow-up appointments with your orthodontist about every two weeks or so. These visits give your orthodontist the chance to check on your treatment progress and make any adjustments that may be necessary to keep you on track. You can expect these appointments to go quickly, though, since there’s no wires to tighten or brackets to fix!
Step 4: Retainers and Beyond
And that’s pretty much it! You’ll continue with this process until your treatment is considered complete. Once your pearly whites are straightened, the trick is to keep them straight. Teeth are generally pretty resilient – and stubborn – and will try to shift back into their original positions without aid.
That’s why your orthodontist will likely provide you with a retainer. Depending on the type, you might wear a set of clear plastic trays to bed each night, or you might simply receive a low-profile fixed retainer that will stay permanently in your mouth. Either way, this’ll be the time to celebrate! Your hard work will have paid off, and you’ll be free to enjoy your beautiful new smile.
About the Author
Dr. Davis Witt has been in private practice for orthodontics for over 25 years, and is very familiar with the clear aligner process. As a certified orthodontist, he’s able to provide patients near Holden with quality, effective smile-straightening treatment. If you’re interested in clear aligners or would like to know more about the treatment process, please contact Dr. Witt’s office at (508) 829-7650.
