Do you want to correct crooked teeth for a straighter and more balanced smile? ClearCorrect is an alternative to traditional metal braces that offer comfortable and comprehensive treatment to teens and adults. Dr. Dhara Patel and Dr. Jianjun Hao are Clear Correct providers in Hoffman Estates, IL. Using this discreet orthodontic treatment option, we can work with you individually to address your dental health or cosmetic dental care needs. A straighter smile is also a healthier, more stable smile.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Straight teeth improve your smile and help keep your mouth healthy. If your teeth are crooked, crowded, or misaligned, they can cause serious problems over time.
Easier to Clean
When teeth are straight, brushing and flossing become much easier. Crooked or crowded teeth create small, hard-to-reach spaces where plaque and food particles build up. Over time, this can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Straightening your teeth allows you to clean them more effectively, reducing the risk of these problems.
Prevents Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Plaque and bacteria get trapped in tight spaces when teeth overlap or sit too close together. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that eats away at tooth enamel, leading to cavities. It can also cause gum disease, leading to swollen gums, bleeding, and tooth loss. Straightening your teeth improves spacing and alignment, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent these issues.
Reduces Wear and Tear
Crooked teeth do not fit together properly when you bite or chew. This uneven pressure can cause excessive wear on certain teeth, making them more likely to chip, crack, or weaken over time. Properly aligned teeth distribute the force of chewing more evenly, protecting your teeth and keeping them strong.
Prevents Jaw Pain and TMJ Issues
When teeth are not aligned, they can put extra strain on the jaw. This can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which causes jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. Straightening your teeth helps your jaw move properly, reducing the risk of pain and discomfort.
Improves Digestion
Chewing is the first step in digestion. If your teeth are not properly aligned, you may be unable to chew food effectively. Large food particles not properly broken down can make digestion harder for your stomach. Straight teeth help you chew food thoroughly, making it easier for your body to digest and absorb nutrients.
Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem
A straight smile can improve your self-image. Many people with crooked teeth feel self-conscious when they talk, smile, or take photos. Straightening your teeth can give you the confidence to speak and smile freely, improving social and professional interactions.
Helps with Speech Clarity
Crooked or misaligned teeth can affect the way you pronounce words. Some people develop speech problems because their teeth prevent their tongues and lips from moving properly. Straightening your teeth can improve speech clarity, making it easier to communicate with others.
Prevents Future Dental Costs
Fixing crooked teeth early can save money in the long run. If left untreated, misaligned teeth can lead to bigger problems like gum disease, cavities, and broken teeth. These issues often require costly treatments like fillings, crowns, or extractions. Straightening your teeth now can help you avoid expensive dental work later.
Benefits of ClearCorrect
If you are a candidate for ClearCorrect, you benefit from:
- Nearly-invisible appliances
- No dietary restrictions
- No obstructions to flossing or brushing
- Controlled single-tooth movement
- Remote monitoring options
- A more comfortable alternative to traditional braces
- Removable clear aligners
If you’re interested in straightening your teeth with ClearCorrect, call Best Dental Spa. We will thoroughly examine your smile to determine if you are a good candidate for this orthodontic treatment.
Treatment with ClearCorrect
Dr. Patel and Dr. Hao use CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) with computer software to make digital impressions of teeth. She takes impressions using an intraoral scanner connected to a computer. The computer will show a three-dimensional image of the smile. Then, we will send the impressions to ClearCorrect to create a series of clear plastic aligners.
Once the aligners are complete, we will ensure that the first pair of aligners fit properly in our office. The number of aligners needed as well as the total treatment time, depends on the needs of each patient. Each aligner is worn for one to two weeks to straighten teeth over time. Aligners should be gently brushed with a toothbrush and water.
We will keep track of your progress as you wear your aligners. You will visit our office for routine visits, although you will not require as many visits as you would with traditional metal braces.
Caring for ClearCorrect Aligners
Taking good care of your aligners will help you avoid stains, bad breath, and bacteria buildup while keeping your treatment on track.
Cleaning your aligners daily is essential. Once you remove them, rinse them with lukewarm water to wash away saliva and bacteria. Use a soft toothbrush with clear antibacterial soap to give them a deeper clean. Avoid toothpaste because it can be too abrasive and create tiny scratches that trap bacteria. Soaking your aligners in a denture or retainer cleaner at least once daily also helps keep them fresh and buildup-free. After soaking, always rinse them with cool or lukewarm water before placing them back in your mouth.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is eating or drinking while wearing their aligners. Dark-colored drinks like coffee, tea, soda, and red wine can stain them, making them more visible. Even clear drinks can trap sugar and acid under the aligners, increasing the risk of cavities. The safest option is to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. After eating, brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in to prevent food particles and plaque from getting trapped.
Proper storage is also important. Whenever you take your aligners out, keep them in their protective case to prevent damage or loss. Wrapping them in a napkin or tissue might seem convenient, but it’s an easy way to accidentally throw them away. Leaving them exposed on a counter or table can also introduce bacteria.
Avoid hot water and harsh chemicals when cleaning your aligners. Heat can warp the plastic, causing it to lose its shape and fit improperly. Always use cool or lukewarm water when rinsing, and stick to gentle cleaning solutions. Harsh chemicals like bleach or mouthwash can weaken the aligners and make them unsafe to wear.
Wear your aligners for at least 22 hours daily for the best results. Taking them out too often or forgetting to wear them for long periods can slow your progress and extend your treatment time. Follow your schedule to switch to a new set of aligners. Skipping ahead too soon or wearing an old set for too long can affect how your teeth move.
Regular checkups are important to ensure your treatment is progressing correctly. If your aligners crack, warp, or become uncomfortable, contact us immediately. Damaged aligners may not fit properly and can interfere with your results.
Do You Need Retainers After ClearCorrect?
Once you complete treatment with ClearCorrect, you will need to wear a retainer. We will create a custom-made retainer for you based on your final dental impressions. Wearing a retainer keeps your teeth straight and prevents orthodontic relapse. Orthodontic relapse occurs when your teeth begin to shift out of a straight position.
If you stop wearing your retainers after orthodontic treatment, you can experience orthodontic relapse. Sometimes, you may require additional orthodontic care to get your smile back on track. However, you can also receive a new retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting further.
You can care for your retainers just like ClearCorrect aligners. Using a mouthguard or retainer cleaner and removing your retainers to eat, drink, brush, and floss ensures your retainers last.
ClearCorrect FAQs
Read answers to popular questions that many of our patients have about treatment:
How long should I wear the clear aligners each day?
The ClearCorrect clear aligners should be worn for about 22 hours per day. Dr. Patel will review your daily use of the aligners and their care with you.
Is treatment with ClearCorrect painful?
ClearCorrect treatment is no more painful than traditional braces. You may feel some mild pressure or discomfort as you adjust to each new aligner, but this discomfort will fade as your teeth adjust.
Can you eat with ClearCorrect?
ClearCorrect does not require any dietary restrictions. You can remove the clear aligners to eat. Be sure you brush and floss your teeth before wearing the aligners again.
Do clear braces take longer than clear aligners?
Clear braces do take longer than metal braces. However, the time difference is minimal. On average, clear braces take at least 12 months to straighten teeth. The time difference between metal braces and clear braces is typically around a month.
Do clear aligners turn yellow?
Clear braces are more likely to turn yellow over time without proper cleaning and maintenance. Patients should avoid drinking dark drinks like coffee and soda with the aligners on to avoid staining. The best rule of thumb is to remove your ClearCorrect before every meal and at least rinse your mouth before putting them back on.
Are ClearCorrect and Invisalign the same?
No, ClearCorrect uses clear aligners like Invisalign but does not use the same materials. ClearCorrect aligners are thinner and lighter than Invisalign aligners. Aligners used in ClearCorrect treatment also cover the gums and are not contoured, unlike Invisalign aligners.
Get Straighter Teeth
Straighten your smile with convenient and discreet ClearCorrect aligners. Call Best Dental Spa for clear aligner treatment today at 847.660.6603, or request an online appointment.
IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS CONTACT US
(224)293-6282
