dental services clear aligners

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear aligners help to improve your smile and bite one aligner at a time! Aligners are clear trays, like a whitening tray, that help move teeth little by little with different sets of trays.

Dr. Goettsche will inform you of how many aligners you should expect to wear over the course of your treatment and the approximate amount of time it will take to complete your case.

Each aligner is custom fit to your mouth and is designed to place a small amount of pressure on each tooth to transform your smile. Trays are changed out every two weeks or until your teeth have moved sufficiently to fit into the next tray. It is common to temporarily add a button or a small piece of composite filling material to your teeth to aid in their movement. Following treatment, you will be given a retainer to help prevent your teeth from shifting as you enjoy your new smile!

Holding two clear dental aligners | Clear Aligners at 208 Dental

What Kind of Problems Can Clear Aligners Treat?

Clear aligners can be used to address the following:

  • Aesthetics
  • Crooked teeth
  • Crossbites
  • Open bites
  • Overbites
  • Wide spaces
  • Overcrowding

Why Use Clear Aligners?

Traditional braces use brackets, wires, and other appliances to move your teeth. Although these brackets and wires work well, they can irritate your lips and gums. Sometimes, your lips may feel raw, or the wire may poke your gums.

If you are not diligent about keeping your mouth clean, it is not uncommon to develop white scars, or decalcifications, on the front of your teeth. You typically visit your doctor every six weeks with traditional braces for an adjustment. In contrast, clear aligners can be given to you in 8-week increments or more, depending on your case.

Are Clear Aligners Always the Best Option for Everyone?

Unfortunately, no. Some cases are better treated with traditional braces. Cases that involve surgery to correct your jaw, surgery to expose an impacted tooth, or an extraordinarily open or deep bite are some examples of cases that are better treated with traditional braces.

Moreover, a patient who knows they will not be diligent at wearing their clear aligners daily may benefit from traditional braces.

On the other hand, that same type of patient is more likely to develop white scars on the front surfaces of their teeth for that same reason. Additionally, many adult patients would rather not be seen wearing traditional braces.

As you consult with Dr. Goettsche or your orthodontist, they will recommend the best course of action for your smile and desired result.

How to Prepare for Clear Aligners

Before you begin treatment with clear aligners, the following is in your best interest:

  • A comprehensive exam and x-rays: Dr. Goettsche will examine your mouth for any concerns that would prevent you from beginning a clear aligner treatment. These items may include:
  • Cavities
  • Broken or fractured teeth
  • Loose teeth (Gingivitis or Periodontal Disease)
  • Malpositioned or painful wisdom teeth
  • The health of your gum tissue
  • A malocclusion where traditional braces would be better suited for your case

Treatment:

Although not all treatment is required to be completed before beginning with clear aligners, it would be detrimental to not address many of the above issues before beginning clear aligners. After all, who would want a straight tooth that now has a hole in it because we neglected to treat a cavity before treatment?

  • Dental Cleaning: Having a dental cleaning shortly before beginning treatment with clear aligners allows us to get the best digital impression of your mouth and have the most success with your case.
  • Ensure you take the best care of your teeth and gums through regular brushing and flossing. If we notice your mouth could look healthier, we may recommend you take time to achieve a healthy smile. The last thing we want you to do is to spend money on treatment that may not be in your best interest.

Clear Aligner Brands Used at 208 Dental

Clear correct banner

208 Dental has partnered with Clear Correct to deliver you the smile of your dreams! Clear Correct has been in the business of straightening teeth for a long time and is a more affordable option than Invisalign. Clear Correct is comparable to Invisalign. However, at 208 Dental, we also fabricate our own aligners in an effort to pass on an even greater savings to you! 208 Dental has invested heavily in intraoral scanners and 3D printers, allowing us to provide the best service for you!

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Contact 208 Dental

Our easily found office near Meridian and Kuna now accepts patients from the Treasure Valley. Both adults and children will enjoy the comfortable aesthetic, video games, massage chairs, examination room TVs, and more. Text or call us at (208) 501-8860, or schedule your next appointment online.

208 DENTAL

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Phone:

(208) 501-8860

Location

53 E Calderwood Dr #110, Meridian, ID 83642

Hours

Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Wednesday: 7:00am - 4:00pm

Thursday: 7:00am - 4:00pm

Friday: 8:00am - 1:00pm

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

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