One of the primary concerns people often have about dental braces is the aesthetic impact of the metalwork on their smile. Especially for adults, the prospect of wearing unattractive metal braces for long periods of time can be very discouraging.  Clear Aligner therapy offers an almost invisible aligning system that straightens teeth fast and contains no metal.

Working with our Aligner Lab, Clear Correct, treatment consists of a series of custom-made aligning trays. Initially, we monitor changing the trays every several weeks to fit the new tooth configuration. Eventually, tray changes are done at home unless questions or concerns arise.  In addition to the reduced visual impact, aligning trays can be temporarily removed for important occasions – meaning that treatment duration is patient-controlled.  We've had great success with our Clear Correct Aligner system--we've been privileged to witness stunning results in our patients smiles!

What kind of bite problems can Aligner Therapy correct?

Clear Correct corrects the same dental problems as traditional metal braces; the only difference is that these trays are almost invisible to the naked eye, and can be removed at will.

Here are some problems that are commonly corrected with Invisalign®:

• Overcrowding – This occurs when there is too little space for the teeth to align normally in the mouth.  Overcrowding can cause tooth decay and increase the likelihood of gum disease.
  
• Large gaps between teeth – This can sometimes occur because teeth are missing or because the jaw continues to grow abnormally.
  
• Crossbite – This common dental problem occurs when one or multiple upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.  As a consequence, uneven wear can lead to bone erosion and gum disease.
  
• Overbite – This problem occurs when the upper teeth project further than, or completely cover, the lower teeth.  Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ may occur.
  
• Underbite – This is the inverse of the overbite; the lower teeth project further than, or completely cover, the upper teeth.  Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ can occur.
  
  

Traditional dental braces, Invisalign® aligning trays, and dental veneers are three different ways to perfect the alignment of the teeth.  There are many different considerations to make when deciding which treatment will be best, and each of these options works better in certain situations.

Aligners are preferable to veneers in many cases because unlike veneers, they actually straightens the teeth. Many times we'll use a combination of aligner therapy and bonding, crowns or veneers to achieve long lasting, healthy and esthetically beautiful results.

What does Aligner treatment involve?

The process is really straightforward.  If you are interested in Aligner Therapy, we take impressions for models, photos and record your end result wishes.  Clear Correct will treatment plan a series of aligners to achieve the goals we specify and present the plan in the form of a CAD sequence that you can view prior to making a final decision.  Shown in the CAD presentation is beginning to end movement of each stage of the therapy.  After viewing the CAD sequencing, you decide to proceed, we will notify Clear Correct and contact you when the first set of aligners are ready--usually about 2 weeks.  We'll also credit your account for the cost of the models!  Further, treatment with Clear Correct at Sausalito Dentistry comes with a 5 Year Warranty: unlimited trays/retainers as needed with no lab fees for 5 years!

Most of the initial involvement of Dr. Lee is at the beginning of Aligner Therapy.  Minor shaving between teeth to provide more space for alignment and addition of small bonded bumps for more complicated tooth movements are done during the 1st few stages.  After that, it's just changing the aligners at home every 2-3 weeks until the final aligner trays are worn.

At the completion of the planned aligner therapy, Dr. Lee and you will evaluate the final position of your teeth.  If you are satisfied with your results, Retainers are ordered.  Retainers are to be worn at night only.  If more alignment is desired, new impressions are taken and a new treatment plan is generated.  For this continuation of therapy, there are office fees but no lab fees during the 5 year warranty period.

If you have questions about aligner therapy, please contact our office.