What are Aligners (clear braces) made of and what do they look like?
They virtually invisible appliances which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed and custom made to move your teeth in the sequence determined by your dentist, look very similar to teeth-whitening trays.
How do the Aligners straighten teeth?
Over the course of treatment, you will be supplied with a series of aligners. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is mapped out in advance by your doctor, specifically for your situation. When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current position. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process.
What are the primary benefits of Aligners?
Aligners are virtually invisible. No one may even notice that you’re wearing them, making them a seamless fit with your lifestyle. Aligners are removable. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 22 hours per day. However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to remove your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral hygiene. There are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth, an advantage over traditional braces. Plus, since your office visits during treatment don’t involve metal or wire adjustments, you’ll likely spend less time in the doctor’s chair.
Will my insurance cover Aligners?
Because medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, you should review your personal coverage plan. However, in general, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Aligners should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.