At 1000 Smiles Dental Group, we are regularly asked about Clear Correct and how effective it is at straightening teeth. This is an understandable question, because the process of using clear aligners is relatively new in comparison to wearing metal braces. As with any new technology, people often wonder, “Does Clear Correct really work?” and the answer is, yes. If you want a straight and beautiful smile without making it obvious that you are undergoing dental care, this is the best solution for you. As with any procedure, you will need to follow our instructions to ensure that your teeth move correctly and as quickly as possible. For example, aligners need to be worn for around 22 hours a day. While removable, you must be careful to keep them in place for as long as possible in order to keep your treatment schedule on track. They need to come out while you eat, so they do not become damaged or warped. You should also remove them when drinking anything hot since that can also warp them. However, as soon as you are done eating and brushing your teeth, the aligners need to be replaced.
Does Clear Correct really work for people with a misaligned bite?
At 1000 Smiles Dental Group, we use Clear Correct to straighten teeth and to align the bite. It is a misconception that braces are the only way to address an overbite or underbite. While they are traditionally the most effective, aligners can correct a bite, as well. In order to find out if this process will work for yours, we recommend that you visit our Thousand Oaks, CA dental office. Call (805) 454-1000 to schedule a consultation so we can examine you, take x-rays, and determine whether or not Clear Correct is right for you. If your bite needs more adjustment than what aligners can offer, braces may be necessary or even oral surgery.
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Does Clear Correct really work as well as traditional braces?
For the most part, yes. There are some cases where aligners are not able to address all of the issues with the teeth. In such a situation, we will let you know if Clear Correct can work to straighten teeth, but something else is needed to complete the process, or if you should try a different procedure altogether. In some situations, oral surgery may be necessary mid-way through. A perfect example is if your jaw is too far out of alignment to be corrected with either braces or aligners. In this case, patients start straightening their teeth and then have their jaw treated before finishing the procedure. These details are entirely dependent upon the position of your teeth and jaw, so we will let you know what to expect after your examination.
Does Clear Correct really work for people who want to straighten teeth discreetly?
Yes, at 1000 Smiles Dental Group, we can supply you with clear aligners that are nearly invisible. They are made of a clear plastic that is durable, yet translucent. Few people will notice that you are straightening your teeth. It can take a few days to get used to wearing them, which could slightly influence your speech patterns. However, once you get used to wearing them, you won’t have any issues. Dr. Greg Rubin does recommend that you care for your aligners by rinsing them with water, brushing your teeth after eating, and cleaning your aligners with a special paste. You do not want to use traditional toothpaste, because it could scratch the surface of your aligners and turn them from invisible to visible. If you want to straighten your teeth discretely, be sure to exercise caution when cleaning and caring for your aligners. When you visit our Thousand Oaks, CA dental office, we can provide you with additional suggestions for how to take care of them.
Are there any activities that cannot be done while wearing aligners?
You should be able to complete all of your activities while wearing aligners, except for eating and brushing your teeth. You need to take out your aligners while eating a meal, which means that you need to plan for snacking in order to prevent your aligners from coming out too frequently. The same holds true for when you are drinking hot coffee or tea, since the heat can warp the aligners. If you are playing aggressive sports, you may also want to remove them. However, Dr. Greg Rubin will make specific recommendations after discussing the sports you play or any other activities you engage in.