Question 1

How do clear aligners work?

Accepted Answer

Clear aligner treatment is a treatment process that uses a series of clear custom-made plastic trays. Each tray in the process is made of thin, clear plastic designed to slowly adjust the teeth, gently producing a straighter smile. The trays are designed to be changed every few weeks, keeping a gentle, constant pressure on the teeth to realign them gradually and slowly.

The first step in your clear aligner treatment is getting your custom-made set of trays molded to your mouth. These are made based on a 3D image of your mouth created using an intraoral scanner. This image is also used to design your treatment plan.

In some cases, you will receive your full set of aligners for your treatment all at once. But often times your aligners will be given out in 6-8 week increments to ensure you’re teeth have appropriately moved for your next set of aligners. Your personalized treatment plan will explain how frequently the aligners will need to be changed out and with which ones, how often you need to visit the office for a checkup—typically about every six weeks—and the estimated length for your complete treatment.

During the clear aligner process, patients are expected to follow their personalized treatment plan independently. Although the trays are removable and can be taken out for eating and cleaning, successful clear aligner treatment depends on your ability to wear the aligners for the appropriate time—at least 22 hours a day for best results—and change out the aligners as directed.

Question 2

How long is clear aligner treatment?

Accepted Answer

As with any other orthodontic treatment, clear aligner treatment is personalized to each patient and tailored to address a range of misalignments, whether mild, moderate, or severe. Treatment times vary from 6 to 18 months, depending on the type and severity of misalignment. In general, patients who need only slight adjustments and who follow their recommended plan can expect to spend a shorter time in their clear aligners.

While the clear aligners offer patients more independence than braces, the length of treatment time is very dependent on patient behavior. When aligners are worn correctly, changed out on schedule, and worn for the proper lengths of time, results will be faster, more predictable, and more consistent.

Question 3

What orthodontic problems are clear aligners good for?

Accepted Answer

Clear aligners, like those from the Reveal® collection offered at Monarch Dental, can be used to treat a variety of misalignment issues, ranging from mild to severe cases. Monarch Dental’s Reveal® clear aligners can treat orthodontic irregularities like overbites or underbites—when one row of teeth overlaps the other—and improper spacing, such as gapped or crowded teeth. Clear aligners are also effective in correcting:

Crooked teeth, which can lead to excessive or irregular wear on neighboring teeth and on the biting surfaces of opposing teeth; 
Crossbites, which develop when the biting surface of one tooth hits, rubs, or grinds against the inside surface of another tooth, causing early tooth wear and bone loss; and 
Open Bites, an alignment problem where the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw do not meet the teeth on the opposite jaw. If left untreated, open bites can often lead to TMJ pain and speech irregularities.

Question 4

Who are clear aligners good for?

Accepted Answer

Clear aligners are a great alternative to braces for anyone who wants or needs a straighter smile. Ideal candidates should be able to wear the aligners for the required 20-22 hours a day, keep them clean, and maintain regular visits with their doctor to monitor progress.

Schedule a consultation with one of Monarch Dental’s orthodontists or trained dentists to find out which Reveal® clear aligner treatment is right for you.

Question 5

What are the benefits of clear aligners?

Accepted Answer

Clear aligners offer the same level of efficiency as braces but with a more convenient and comfortable patient experience. Reveal’s unique scalloped design allows them to fit more securely to achieve better, faster results without the need for “buttons” or additional attachments. Reveal® aligners are made with an advanced BPA- and phthalate-free plastic material that resists the stains and the “cloudy” effect more noticeable with other brands.

With Express, Lite, and Standard treatment options, Reveal® clear aligners can be used to address almost any degree of misalignment, ranging from moderate to severe, and, while many clear aligner treatments are orthodontist-directed, Reveal® clear aligners can be guided by a trained dentist like those at Monarch Dental. This helps make quality orthodontic treatment more accessible, convenient, and closer for more patients.

Question 6

How much do clear aligners cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of clear aligner treatment depends on several factors, such as:
Brand. Different brands of clear aligners can range greatly in price. Invisalign® is among the most expensive options, with an average treatment cost of around $5,000. Reveal offers the same value and quality but at a much more reasonable price, usually around $2,300 and $3,000.
Treatment plan. Complex treatment plans that take more time, more sets of aligners, and/or any extra procedures or attachments will cost more than simpler cases.
Patient behavior. Failure to follow the recommended treatment plan closely can extend the time you have to wear your clear aligners and may cause more problems, both of which can add up to more costs.
Insurance and/or payment assistance. How much you will pay out of pocket can also depend on what financing or insurance options you have. Many dental insurances may cover a portion of clear aligner treatment, or you could use a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account to help manage the cost of treatment.

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Clear Aligners

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