Clear Aligner Treatment, Comfortable Orthodontics to Restore Healthy Bite and Teeth Alignment
You have a “healthy bite” if your upper and lower teeth make contact with each other when you close your mouth. However, many people aren’t this lucky. Often, at Neal Edwards DDS in Riverside, California, we see patients with significantly overlapping upper teeth or lower teeth that jut out.
Before the mid-1990s, traditional braces were the only option to correct your misaligned bite. However, advancements in orthodontics have led to the invention of clear teeth straighteners that use clear, removable plastic trays to move your teeth into the desired position.
Straighten Your Smile!
Ready to explore clear aligners? Dr. Neal Edwards and his friendly team in Riverside, California, will listen to your goals, answer your questions, and design a personalized plan to improve your bite and smile.
Schedule your appointment near you now and smile with confidence!
What to expect from clear aligner therapy?
Traditional braces straighten your smile by applying constant pressure on the teeth over time. Clear aligners use the same principle but use minimally visible trays instead of metal wires and brackets. So, when straightening your teeth with clear braces, other people won’t notice it unless you tell them. Adults and teens alike fall in love with clear braces because of their invisibility and comfort.
Patients who want to benefit from clear braces could book an appointment with Dr. Neal Edwards for consultation. During the initial appointment, we evaluate your bite and overall health to determine whether clear aligner therapy would suit you.
Next, we take impressions of your bite using a digital scanner. We then simulate your treatment to see how and when each tooth moves into proper alignment. Using your mouth models, our lab technicians fabricate 20-30 trays to straighten your smile. Each set is worn for about two weeks before moving to the next. This process continues until you achieve a healthy bite.
Benefits of clear aligners
Minimally visible braces fix numerous issues, including bite problems and gapped and crooked teeth. Clear aligner therapy isn’t just practical but offers numerous benefits, like:
- The treatment is nearly invisible
- It doesn’t affect your oral care hygiene
- Fewer dental appointments
- Faster treatment if worn for 20-22 hours daily
- Clear teeth aligners are comfortable on your cheeks and gums
- No dietary restrictions
- Treatment is ideal for patients allergic to metal
Clear Aligners FAQs
Do clear aligners affect how I talk?
At first, yes. It takes a few days for your mouth to adapt to the aligners. During this time, you may speak with a slight lisp. The good news? Many patients adapt quickly and regain their natural speech by the end of the first week. To speed up your transition, you can practice reading aloud or having conversations more often with close friends or loved ones.
Is the treatment painful?
Clear aligner therapy is generally more comfortable than traditional braces. There are no wires or brackets to irritate your soft tissues. However, you may feel mild pressure or tightness when switching to a new set of aligners, especially for 1-2 days. The discomfort is usually temporary and is much easier to manage than metal brackets and wires.
Can I eat anything with aligners?
One of the compelling benefits of clear aligner therapy is the ability to eat all your favorite foods without restrictions. Since the aligners are removable, you don’t have to avoid nuts, popcorn, and crunchy snacks as you would with metal braces.
However, ensure you remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. This helps avoid damage and stains from foods and beverages.
What happens if I lose or damage my aligner?
Don’t panic! It’s not unusual to damage or lose aligners. The important thing is to contact your dentist immediately to ensure you stay on track with your treatment. Depending on the stage you are in with treatment, you may need to wear your last aligner or move to the next one in line. If necessary, we can order a new aligner to keep everything on schedule.
Can I use clear aligners if I have dental crowns or veneers?
In many cases, yes. With better planning, patients with crowns, veneers, or other dental restorations can benefit from clear aligner therapy. Your Riverside dentist will evaluate your teeth and existing dental work to determine whether aligners are the right option for you.
How long does treatment take?
The duration of treatment differs among patients. Nevertheless, most cases require between 6 to 18 months, while more complicated cases generally take a longer time. Wearing your aligners as instructed is one of the most important factors in staying on schedule.
How much is clear aligner therapy in Riverside, CA?
The cost depends on the complexity of your orthodontic issue. Our team will provide a personalized cost estimate during consultation. We’ll also discuss how to make your treatment more affordable with insurance and financing.
Does insurance cover the cost of clear aligners?
Usually yes. If your coverage includes orthodontic benefits, it should cover at least a part of your clear aligner treatment. However, the exact coverage depends on deductibles, waiting periods, and annual maximums. Our team will review your coverage and advise you on the applicable benefits.
Who can I talk to about clear aligner therapy in Riverside, CA?
Choosing clear aligner therapy at Neal Edwards DDS means you can enjoy a well-aligned smile without the hassle of metal braces. Ready to get started? It’s easy! Dial (951) 614-0033 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Neal Edwards and the team. Take the first step toward the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.
