Clear Aligners

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Clear aligners (or clear braces) are an alternative to lingual braces and traditional metal braces orthodontic treatments for teeth alignment and a straight smile through a significantly less noticeable and intrusive orthodontic solution.

Clear Aligners Overview - 759

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The Skinny


Average Recovery

0 days

Permanence

Permanent

Application

Temporary Wearable Device

Surgical

No

Cost

$3000 - $8000

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Before & After Images by Provider

Clear Aligners Before, Male 35 - 1725Clear Aligners After, Male 35 - 1725
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The Specifics


What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners (a.k.a. clear braces) are an orthodontic solution to straighten and reposition teeth. Clear aligners can be managed by a medical professional, but are usually done mostly at home.

The Anatomy of the Oral Cavity

Mouth Oral Cavity Anatomy Illustration

Clear aligners, like traditional metal braces or ceramic braces with noticeable metal brackets, gradually shift teeth into the desired position through progressive changes to pre-made custom fitted clear plastic trays. Clear aligners require significantly less time than traditional metal braces. Common clear plastic aligner treatment options include Invisalign, ClearCorrect, and Smile Direct Club.

What cosmetic concerns do clear aligners treat?

  1. Misaligned Teeth & Bite: Clear aligners utilize progressive tray changes to slowly move teeth into the desired appearance, ideal orientation, and even spacing.

Who is the ideal candidate for clear aligners?

The ideal candidate for clear aligners has generally good oral health and is looking to correct mildly crooked teeth, protruding teeth, mild overbites, mild underbites, open bites, crossbites, serious malocclusion, wide teeth gaps, overcrowding, and excessive overjets.

What is the average recovery associated with clear aligners?

There is no recovery time associated with clear aligners. Some may experience temporary mild irritation and discomfort after starting the aligners, and with tray changes, however, these side effects are temporary.

The Anatomy of the Tooth

Tooth Anatomy Cross Section Illustration

What are the potential side effects of clear aligners?

Possible side effects of clear aligners include difficulty with regular and proper speech, bad breath (halitosis), and dry mouth.

What can someone expect from the results of clear aligners?

The results of clear aligners will be slowly developed with progressive tray (new aligner) changes over months to years. After the final results are achieved, patients will need to wear a retainer or mouth guard to limit tooth movement and maintain proper dental care.

What is the average cost of clear aligners?


Clear aligners can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. The actual cost of clear aligners is dependent upon location, healthcare provider, and length and involvement of the cosmetic procedure.

thumbs-upPros

  • Removable
  • No Food Restrictions
  • Good Oral Hygiene
  • Transparency
  • Discreet
  • For Adults

thumbs-downCons

  • More Costly
  • Hassle
  • Lose Aligners
  • Misplace Aligners
  • Patient Compliance
  • Not For All Orthodontic Issues

Invasiveness Score

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Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.

What to Expect


Clear aligners are designed to blend in with the natural color of the patient’s teeth while straightening crooked smiles. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after clear aligners.

The Takeaway


Clear aligners are a minimally noticeable, yet effective teeth alignment and straightening option for those who desire a beautiful smile and straight teeth without the unsightly look of traditional metal braces.

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Source List

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AEDIT uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Francesco Cairo Periodontal plastic surgery of gingival recessions at single and multiple teeth PubMed.gov; 2017-10-02
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AEDIT

‘Try on’ aesthetic procedures and instantly visualize possible results with AEDIT and our patented 3D aesthetic simulator.

App QR Code