Clear Aligners

Crooked or misaligned teeth may keep you from smiling and interacting with others in a way you would like. Perhaps you've considered straightening your teeth, but you might not feel comfortable wearing metal braces. Clear aligners may be a solution to align your teeth and enhance your smile.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Instead of using traditional metal brackets and wires to move teeth, clear aligners are made of smooth plastic that fits snugly over your teeth to nudge them into the correct position gradually. Since the aligners are clear, they're not noticeable and very discreet.

Wearing your aligners consistently for most of the day, preferably around 22 hours, is the best way to ensure your treatment progresses. You can remove the aligners to eat and brush your teeth.

You also won't have to adhere to any dietary restrictions since you can remove your aligners for meals. 

Our dentists will customise your treatment plan and create clear aligners according to your specific needs. You'll wear each set of aligners for one to three weeks before moving on to your next set. Most patients can achieve their best results in 12 to 18 months.

What Problems Can Clear Aligners Fix?

Clear aligners can be an ideal treatment for these concerns:

  • Teeth that overlap
  • Spaces between teeth
  • Crossbite
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crooked teeth

While clear aligners work well for most patients, they cannot correct complex bite concerns, which would be better treated with traditional braces. Our dentists can help determine if clear aligner therapy is the proper treatment for you, and if it's not, they'll discuss some alternative options with you.

How Straight Teeth Benefit Your Dental Health

Straight teeth equal a beautiful smile, but they also improve your dental health. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to brush and floss. When you can easily keep your teeth clean, it decreases your chance of developing problems like gum disease and tooth decay. 

A properly aligned bite is also healthier for your jaw joints (TMJ). When your TMJ functions correctly, it's easier to chew, and it protects you from developing a painful condition known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

How to Get Started with Clear Aligners in East Keilor

If you're interested in learning more about clear aligners and if they might be right for your smile, booking an evaluation with one of our dentists is the first step.

During that appointment, your dentist will gather information about your teeth with an exam, x-rays, and photos. This information will help them determine if clear aligners are right for you, and then we'll create your treatment plan if you move forward with treatment.

We invite your call to East Keilor Dental to arrange a convenient time for your clear aligner evaluation.