Clear Aligners
Can I get a perfect smile without braces?
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are a type of orthodontic brace. Traditional braces are made of metal wire and brackets that are glued onto the outside of the teeth. Clear aligners are made from clear plastic and fit tightly over the teeth.
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Some examples of patients who have benefitted from clear aligners
Patient 1: Before
Patient 2: Before
Patient 3: Before
Patient 4: Before
Patient 1: After
Patient 2: After
Patient 3: After
Patient 4: After
Why do patients want straighter teeth?
Sadly it is common for people to feel worried about the appearance of their teeth. This can affect confidence, meaning they smile less and avoid photos. Our teeth are important in how we feel about ourselves as well as affecting our ability to chew and talk. Smiling is a crucial means of communication: when we smile, we release serotonin and endorphins which have positive benefits on our mood and health, including lowering blood pressure. Often people haven’t asked about tooth straightening as they don’t realise how easy it is to straighten their teeth and improve their confidence.
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How do clear aligners work?
Your dentist takes a scan of your teeth and this is used to make a series of clear aligners. Each one is slightly different, gradually moving the teeth to the desired position. The aligners are changed every few weeks. Once the teeth are in their final position they are held there with a retainer at night and sometimes a permanent thin wire is placed behind the teeth to keep them in place.
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How long do clear aligners last?
The length of time aligners last depends on how far the teeth have to move. Treatment can be completed in as little as 6 months but may take longer.
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Am I too old to have my teeth straightened?
There is no age limit on tooth straightening. Adults of all ages can have clear aligners.
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Can clear aligners be used with other dental treatment to improve the appearance of teeth?
It is common for tooth straightening to be combined with tooth whitening and/or white fillings to change the appearance of teeth and give you the smile you want.
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Are clear aligners better than braces?
There are a number of advantages of clear aligners over traditional braces:
They're much less visible than traditional metal braces.
They are comfortable and don’t rub on the lips.
There are fewer restrictions on what you can eat and drink.
They are easier to clean as they can be taken out of the mouth so the teeth can be cleaned as normal.