Considering getting ClearCorrect in Encinitas? Here are some of the most frequent questions we hear from prospective patients:
Do Clear Aligners Hurt?
Most people complain about discomfort from braces because of the metal wires or brackets that rub the inside of their mouth, or the monthly adjustments where their wires are tightened. But ClearCorrect is form-fitting to your smile without any metal appliances. Plus, the tooth movement is more gradual. You’ll find that they’re much more comfortable to wear than fixed braces are.
How do I Keep My Aligners Clean?
Easy. Take your aligners out morning and night to brush and floss, then clean your aligners with antibacterial hand soap, room temperature water, and a soft toothbrush. Be sure to rinse your mouth out after meals before you put your aligners back in.
What Should I Expect During Treatment?
Plan to wear your trays for about 22 hours a day and always change them out as directed. Doing so will keep you on schedule to help prevent any treatment delays. Only remove ClearCorrect to eat and when you’re brushing and flossing.
How Long Will My Treatment Take?
It depends; everyone’s smile is different. Minor cases may only require six months in aligners, while others are more like 12-18 months. Dr. Skeens can give you an estimated timeframe at your consultation. Once your ClearCorrect plan is mapped out and we know how many alignment trays are needed, you’ll have a better idea of the total length of time required.
What are the Clear Aligners Made Of?
Like similar invisible alignment trays, ClearCorrect uses a BPA-free plastic that is rigid and shaped to your teeth. The firmer texture gives the reinforcement needed to gently nudge your teeth into the prescribed location. By changing them out regularly, the trays systematically “push” your teeth where they need to be. As long as you clean them properly, you can expect ClearCorrect to look invisible over your smile.
What is the Daily Wear Schedule?
You need to wear your aligner trays when you aren’t eating or brushing and flossing. Ideally, you will have them in your mouth for a minimum of about 22 hours a day. For most people, you will need to change your trays out with the next in the series every 14 days. It’s extremely important that you do not change them out earlier or later than prescribed, as this can cause relapse and complications to teeth and bone structures.
Dr. Skeens will send several aligners home with you at a time so that you progress your treatment on your own. We will need to see you for intermittent checks to ensure everything is moving along properly. During those visits, you’ll also pick up your next several trays.
Can I Get Clear Aligner Treatment if I’m Pregnant?
Yes. As long as you aren’t experiencing any sensitivities related to oral stimulation (being that some women are more sensitive and tend to experience nausea during pregnancy) you can wear ClearCorrect aligners. However, if you are currently experiencing morning sickness, it’s probably best to wait until after symptoms subside before starting orthodontic treatment.
What Can I Eat with Clear Aligners?
You can eat anything you want during ClearCorrect treatment because your aligners are removed during every meal. That means there are no restrictions like you would see with traditional braces.
Never wear your aligners to eat or drink anything besides water. However, you can drink water as often as you like without taking out your trays. Anything else can get lodged between your aligners and teeth, increasing your risk of tooth decay.
Always rinse your mouth before putting your aligners back in, and make sure you’re brushing and flossing as directed.
How Much Does ClearCorrect Cost?
The cost of clear aligner treatment is impacted by how many trays you need and the current alignment of your teeth. Dr. Skeens can provide you with a timeline estimate (and treatment plan with price quote) at the time of your consultation.
Learn more about how ClearCorrect can help you enjoy healthier, more attractive teeth without the fuss of metal braces. Call Encinitas Family Dentistry today to reserve your exam with Dr. Skeens.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES AT ENCINITAS FAMILY DENTISTRY
At our core, Encinitas Dentistry is a dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile. How we accomplish that goal is what makes us stand out. We mingle time-tested approaches to oral care with state-of-the-art technology and procedures to deliver beautiful, long-lasting smiles!