Clear aligner treatment that fits your life
Consider clear aligners to get the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted — without braces. Many adults or older teens are interested in orthodontic treatment. However, they don’t like the idea of wearing metal appliances for a year or two. If this describes you, clear aligners might be an option.
Dr. Jennings has a lot of experience treating patients with clear aligners, and we’re excited to offer this technology to our Mt. Washington and Louisville braces patients.
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners, such as the popular Invisalign® system, take a modern approach to straightening teeth. Clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment system that use a custom-made series of plastic trays, called aligners, created just for you to gently guide and straighten your teeth over time. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible medical-grade plastic that you wear over your teeth.
You’ll get a great smile without a treatment that gets in the way of your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth. Plus, they’re removable, making it easier to eat, drink, brush and floss.
Clear aligners are much more comfortable than traditional metal bracket braces and can give you stunning results. This nearly-invisible option to straighten your teeth is truly changing the way people see orthodontic treatment.
The clear aligner treatment process
Consultation
At your free initial consultation, Dr. Jennings will conduct a comprehensive orthodontic exam. We’ll take photos and X-rays to create a 3D image of your mouth.
Dr. Jennings uses those images to create a precise treatment plan, including your teeth’ exact movements, and determine approximately how long treatment will take.
Clear aligner technology makes it possible for Dr. Jennings to show you a virtual representation of how your teeth will move with each series of aligners and what your smile will look like at the end of treatment.
Differences between clear aligners & braces
Unlike metal or clear braces, which require a modified diet and special tools to clean around the appliances, clear aligners are removable, offering the freedom to eat all the foods you love and clean your teeth normally. The aligners must be removed for eating and for drinking anything other than water.
Brushing and flossing are much easier than with traditional braces since you don’t have to work around any brackets and wires. To prevent staining, you’ll need to clean your teeth before putting the aligners back on after each time you eat.
You can also remove the aligner for key moments, such as family photos or other special occasions. Just remember that clear aligners can’t do their job when they aren’t worn, so you want to wear them as much as possible – at least 22 hours each day – to get the results you want on time. Like with traditional braces, you will generally need to wear a retainer after clear aligner treatment to maintain your new alignment—and your confident new smile.
Get clear aligners in Louisville or Mt. Washington
Clear aligners may not be recommended for some complex alignment or bite issues, or for those who have bridgework; the doctor can advise you about what options are best for you.
Schedule your free consultation at our Mt. Washington or Louisville, KY office to learn if clear aligners are right for you.