
Apr
Many people choose clear aligners over traditional braces when achieving a straighter smile. At Main Line Dental Health & Wellness in Bryn Mawr, PA, Drs. Jerald Matt, Naila Bryan, and their team understand the importance of giving our patients options that suit their lifestyles. Clear aligners are a popular alternative with numerous advantages, making them a great choice for teens and adults. If you’re considering clear aligners, here are five key things you should know:
Clear aligners have become the go-to choice for many individuals looking to straighten their teeth discreetly. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are virtually invisible, meaning you can straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your orthodontic treatment. They are also removable so that you can eat, drink, and clean your teeth without any hindrance. This makes clear aligners a more flexible and convenient option than fixed metal braces, requiring more maintenance.
The length of your treatment with clear aligners depends largely on the complexity of your case, but on average, treatment can last from 6 to 18 months. Clear aligners work gradually to move your teeth into the desired position, with regular changes to your aligners every few weeks. The treatment time can be shorter for less severe alignment issues, while more complex cases may take longer.Â
Unlike traditional braces, which require frequent visits to the dentist for adjustments, clear aligners typically require fewer visits. You’ll generally check in with your dentist every 6 to 8 weeks to ensure your treatment progresses as expected. These visits allow us to monitor the movement of your teeth and provide you with your next set of aligners.
It’s normal to experience a slight change in your speech when you first begin wearing clear aligners. Since the aligners fit snugly over your teeth, you may initially have a slight lisp or feel some discomfort. However, most people adjust within a few days to a week as they get used to wearing their aligners. Additionally, you may experience mild discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners, but this typically subsides within a day or two.
Yes, after receiving clear aligner treatment, wearing a retainer is essential to preserving the effects of your freshly aligned teeth. Without a retainer, your teeth may shift back to their original positions over time. We’ll provide you with a custom retainer to wear, and typically, you’ll need to wear it full-time for a few months after treatment and then at night for maintenance. Retainers help ensure your smile stays as perfect as it looks after treatment!
At Main Line Dental Health & Wellness in Bryn Mawr, PA, we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthier, straighter smile with clear aligners. If you’re ready to start your journey to a more confident smile at a place near me, give us a call at (610) 947-5566Â to schedule a consultation with Drs. Jerald Matt or Naila Bryan. We look forward to helping you transform your smile!