A perfect smile is something we are all after, and when it comes to teeth alignment, there are a host of corrective measures you can take to get the smile you’ve always wanted. However, with that much choice can come feelings of being overwhelmed, especially if you’re in the initial investigative stages of finding a treatment option that works for you.
With that said, not every treatment option will work for every patient, which is why it’s important to consult with your orthodontist and do as much research as you can before settling on an option.
TLC Dental is here to help you with the information you need to make the best decision.
How to Get That Perfect Smiles
1. Braces
More of a traditional approach to teeth straightening, braces have served patients looking to correct their smiles for many years. And for a good reason too, as they’re incredibly effective and are suited to a wide range of patients who might not be able to undergo ClearCorrect treatments.
One benefit of having braces fitted is that once they’re in, they’re in. There’s no need to repeat the impression process and have numerous follow-ups to have new sequential aligners made. However, they may need to be tightened periodically throughout your treatment, which is something you’ll need to take into account.
The process of having braces fitted involves:
- Preparation – First off, a cheek retractor will be used to keep your teeth exposed and dry, then your teeth will be polished to make sure the brackets are secure. After polishing, your teeth will be air dried for the next step.
- Conditioning and Fitting – A conditioner will be placed on the surface of the teeth and cleaned off. Following this, an adhesive primer is applied to the teeth, followed by cement be-ing placed on the back of the brackets, which will then be adhered to your teeth. Excess ce-ment is removed, and the brackets are hardened into place with a high-intensity light.
- Arch Wire Placement – Once the cheek retractor is removed, archwires will be placed into the brackets and secured in place as well.
2. ClearCorrect
We’re sure that you’ve heard of Invisalign, which is a form of a sequential aligner, comprised of hard plastic retainers that are to be swapped out periodically on your journey to the perfect smile.
ClearCorrect works pretty much the same as Invisalign; however, they are a more cost-effective alter-native. Often, many people choose to forego Invisalign purely because of the cost of the treatment, but with ClearCorrect, this is no longer an issue.
Some of the benefits of using ClearCorrect as opposed to braces are that they’re near invisible be-cause they’re made of clear plastic, and are removable, leaving you free to eat as normal.
The process of going through ClearCorrect treatment involves:
- Consultation – After you get a prescription for ClearCorrect from your doctor, an orthodontist or dentist will need to manage your treatment. If you’re a good candidate, your dentist will take photos and x-rays and make impressions of your teeth. From here, your sequential align-ers will be custom-made to fit snugly on your teeth, and the repositioning process will begin.
- Wearing Your Aligners – You won’t have one set of aligners for the duration of your treat-ment, because as your teeth move, new impressions will need to be taken periodically and new aligners made. Your dentist or orthodontist will regularly check in on your progress and give you a new set of aligners. We advise wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours per day for the duration of your treatment.
Be sure to consult with your dentist about whether you’re an ideal candidate for ClearCorrect, or if a different course of action needs to be taken.
How Can TLC Dental Help?
The team at TLC Dental have the expertise and technology on hand to provide you with what you need as far as teeth correction is concerned. If you’re unsure of whether you’re a candidate suited to ClearCorrect, or if braces are a better option, ask our friendly team for advice when you come in for a consultation.
Contact us today to find out more about braces, ClearCorrect, and the host of other services we offer our patients.
