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 is a Clear Correct provider in Hoffman Estates, IL. Using this discreet orthodontic treatment option, we can work with you individually to address your dental health or cosmetic needs. A straighter smile is also a healthier, more stable smile.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Misaligned and crooked teeth can cause more oral health and aesthetic problems down the road. Crooked teeth can cause:
- Speech issues
- Uneven bite
- Wear and tear
- Cracked teeth
- Jaw strain
One of the most serious problems crooked teeth may cause is tooth decay. It can be difficult to clean between crooked teeth, and bacteria can build up in areas of the mouth that are hard to reach. Bacteria can become plaque, which leads to infection and decay. Straightening teeth will not only make a smile more aesthetically pleasing but can make it easier to clean teeth and fight tooth decay.
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 uses 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
After you receive your ClearCorrect aligners, it’s important to properly care for your aligners to prevent bacterial buildup and damage. If you damage or misplace your aligners, you will need to contact us so we can provide you with replacement aligners. Damaging or losing your aligners can impact your total treatment time; after you remove your aligners, place them in their case.
You can remove your aligners to brush and floss. Do not eat or drink anything other than water with your aligners on your teeth. Toothpaste is too abrasive for ClearCorrect aligners. You can clean your ClearCorrect aligners with soap and water.
Another cleaning option is retainer cleaner. Cleaning your aligners in a retainer soak will remove harmful bacterial buildup to help prevent the chance of gum disease and tooth decay. Never use hot water to clean or soak your aligners; do not drink hot water with your aligners on your teeth. Hot water can warp and damage the plastic.
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
