I love that my family dentist is tech-savvy. It's so easy to book a dentist on his smartphone app if I have a tooth problem or if anyone in my family needs emergency problems (I can choose either my normal dentist or another dentist in his practise depending on availability). He also has some great cameras so that we can see exactly what is going on during treatment. I prefer not to see this, but my kids love to be able to see the dentist using his specialised tools to clean and repair their teeth. This blog has some tips on finding a tech-savvy dentist to help give your family the best possible dental care.
If you finally want to do something about your teeth alignment, you may think that the only option available to you is the traditional and somewhat visible braces. However, adults in particular can take advantage of clear aligners instead. What are these and how could they work in your case?
The Clear Option
Developed as an alternative to the traditional braces, clear aligners are essentially removable plastic trays that fit on top of your teeth on an ongoing basis. They need to be worn for the majority of the day for at least two weeks, before another set is developed according to how your teeth have subsequently shifted.
How Does This Work?
These trays are not stock items at all, but computer-generated according to your particular diagnosis. The orthodontist will develop a plan for you which could in some circumstances last for up to a couple of years. You will probably need to go through several different sets of clear aligners in order to straighten or realign your teeth properly and gradually.
It's not necessary to wear them for 24 hours a day, although you should wear them when you are sleeping for best effect. While they are very difficult to see during casual conversation, you do have the option of removing them for particularly important occasions, if you feel that you need to.
Assessing the Program
This particular solution is ideal if your condition is relatively mild. In other words, the dentist will want to see that you have a reasonably good bite at the moment and that your teeth seem to come together fairly well at the outset. This is because the aligners have to be very carefully designed to avoid the development of bite problems. The teeth cannot be shifted too far without the risk of some damage to the bone and gum structure surrounding them. This is why the orthodontist will want to take careful measurements and look at your dental records if available, before deciding the best course of action in your case.
Coming Up with a Plan
It may be possible to come up with a compromise plan, whereby you may be prescribed traditional braces as the first stage, especially if the teeth do not meet together well when you close. Following that initial treatment, you may then be eligible for clear aligners for a more ongoing and precision adjustment.
The orthodontist will want to have a good look at your particular case in order to advise you accordingly.
Share