Clear Aligner Tooth Straightening

Clear Aligner orthodontics involves the use of a series of transparent plastic aligners instead of  ”braces” to straighten teeth. It is used primarily in the treatment of mild to moderately crowded front teeth. Clear Aligners have has gained popularity over the years because teeth can be straightened without traditional braces - the clear aligners are virtually invisible!

How Clear Aligners work

Pros and cons of Clear Aligners vs braces

Though there are some similarities between the Clear Aligners and braces, there are probably more differences. Here are a few:

• Clear vs Visible. Clear Aligners are made from clear BPA-free plastic, which renders them virtually invisible to other people. Traditional braces are made from metal brackets, wires and elastic bands.

• Convenience. Clear Aligner braces can be removed from the mouth whenever necessary. Although guidelines suggest patients should wear their trays for 20 - 22 hours per day. In contrast, traditional braces cannot be removed as they are stuck to teeth by wires

• Treatment Length. The Clear Aligner process is substantially shorter than the usual treatment period for traditional braces. Because of how Clear Aligners work, patients only have to wear the trays for 6 to 18 months whereas traditional braces have an average time of 2 years.



Who are Clear Aligners suitable for

The following is general information regarding what to expect during your Clear Aligner treatment process. Prior to starting treatment we will discuss the Clear Aligner process and cost with you so that you can make an informed decision about the treatment.

• Step 1: Initially your dentist will take photos, X-rays, and 3D digital scans or dental impressions of your teeth to develop your treatment plan. 

• Step 2:  This information will be transferred to a Clear Aligner laboratory where they will use these records, under the guidance of your dentist, to create a customized 3D treatment plan just for you. You will also be able to see an image of the final position of your teeth at the completion of your treatment. This treatment plan is used to develop customized aligners and will determine the duration of your treatment.

• Step 3: The customized aligners are manufactured and shipped to your dentists’ office. Some patients may need small composite filling patches applied to each tooth to help the Clear Aligners grip onto each tooth and move them. In others, spaces may need to be created between teeth, using small sanding discs - “interproximal reduction” to allow the teeth room to move.

• Step 4: A series of custom-made aligners (typically 3 - 4 sets at a time) will be given to you so you can change them yourself every 2 weeks.

• Step 5: Every 6–8 weeks you will visit your doctor so they can monitor the progress of your treatment and provide you with the next series of aligners.

• Step 6: After you have completed your Clear Aligner treatment, you may require the use of retainers to help ensure that the new position of your teeth is maintained.

Your Clear Aligners need to be cleaned thoroughly by rinsing and light brushing in the morning, at night and after meals to control the buildup of food debris and bacteria. 

When you begin to wear your clear aligners you will feel some peculiar changes going on in your mouth. This is normal and part of the process of getting used to Invisalign. Traditional braces have very similar side effects.

You will experience some discomfort including mild aching as your teeth are pushed into their new positions. This should stop after a few days after every tray change.  Some Clear Aligner wearers also feel enhanced sensitivity in their teeth or slight speech difficulties, but these usually subside after a short period of time.

What is Invisalign treatment?

It is a modern and faster way than the metal braces, where teeth are moved via plastic trays. Each tray has to be worn for 22 hours a day, for 2 weeks. 

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Teeth movement will cause some discomfort especially with the first tray, that usually subsides with the use of Tylenol or Advil. 

Does it cost more than braces?

The cost of the treatment is usually less than metal braces, but still it varies based on the case complexity.

Will my insurance cover Invisalign?

We can help you understand what your insurance covers, as every benefit plan varies in its maximum for orthodontic treatment. 

Will my age matter?

Our bone density increases with age , so that translates as more time might be needed to accomplish the desired results. 

Will it cause gum recession?

Any orthodontic movement does have that risk, however, procedures like gum grafting can assist in resolving that issue. 

Can I eat and drink when I am wearing the tray?

The tray must be taken out before eating or when drinking sugary drinks. Be mindful that the tray should come off no more than 40 minutes for meal time. 

How long will the treatment take?

The treatment is very predictable when you wear your trays, and elastics Faithfully. 

Other factors include : 

• Movement needed 
• Number of teeth to be moved 
• Thickness of the bone 
• Length of the roots.

How will my teeth move?

Clear aligners generate gentle forces on the teeth , causing the cells of the bone to resorb bone from certain areas and add bone on other sections of the root , which lead to tooth movement. Also, teeth will move when there is space present in the arch . When resolving teeth crowding, a small space will be made between the teeth with a diamond strip or bur to allow teeth to move into that location. This is called IPR or interproximal reduction. It is only done on the superficial part of the enamel and to a maximum of 0.5 mm between two teeth.

How do I know if I can be treated with Invisalign?

You can book your complimentary consult with Dr Al-Mosuli .

This is when we will do a 3D scan of your bite and show you the desired outcome. 

Then we can go over the cost and time needed for the treatment. 

To Book your consult:

Call: 250-361-8181 or Email: info@vivadentalvictoria.com