Clear Aligners for Beautiful Smiles in Goodyear, Arizona

clear aligners goodyear arizona

A Simple And Aesthetic Alternative To Braces

You are officially ready to begin the path towards your healthiest, most beautiful smile. But, the idea of having a mouth full of traditional metal braces seems a bit daunting. No fear, you might be the perfect candidate for clear aligners.

How do Clear Aligners work?

Clear aligners gently straighten teeth through subtle tooth movement. Clear aligners are made with a solid plastic material explicitly fabricated to fit your unique teeth. Little by little, they shift your teeth into the correct position.

What are the advantages of Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are simple to keep clean because they are removable, making brushing and flossing and maintaining healthy gums much easier. They are less likely to irritate cheeks and gums than brackets and wires. Best of all, they are completely removable, meaning there is no banned foods list.  

What is it like with Clear Aligners?

Life with clear aligners may take a bit of time to get used to. The trays need to be worn constantly, except while eating and drinking. When consuming food or drink, always remove the trays to avoid getting bacteria trapped between the trays and the teeth, causing tooth decay.

Be aware that there is always a bit of soreness for the first few days after each new tray. Although, this light achy feeling is a good sign because it proves the clear aligners are doing their job by moving your teeth into the perfect position.

What does the treatment process involve?

Dr. Hilgers will first devise an initial custom treatment plan. Digital images are taken of the jaw to allow your dentist to view the jaw from all angles. This modern technology foresees how invisible aligner trays change facial aesthetics once the orthodontic care is finished. Click here to learn more. 

When the treatment planning is complete, a set of aligners are made to fit your unique mouth. Treatment times vary for each patient, but the total number of aligners required is usually between 20 and 29 sets.

How long do you wear Clear Aligners?

Dr. Hilgers requires you to wear your aligners for the recommended time of 22 hours a day. Not following this order will cause considerable problems in the overall treatment time. 

How do I care for my Clear Aligners?

Although aligner trays are not worn while eating, they still need to be cleaned. Cleaning your aligners twice daily by brushing them just as you do your teeth is sufficient. It only takes a couple of minutes to gently brush with a toothbrush and water.

Remember to rinse the aligners each time you take them out to reduce bacteria buildup. But avoid running them under hot water, as extreme temperatures can warp the plastic.

Will clear aligners affect my speech?

Most patients experience a slight lisp right at the beginning of treatment that disappears within a couple of days. Continuing to wear the aligners while talking will help adjust your speech quickly.

How long does it take to start seeing results?

Some patients may notice results in only a few weeks. Other patients may need to wait longer to see an improvement in their smiles. The great idea is to take photos of your smile before each new set of aligners. These photos, side by side, will help you see the progression. 

Are clear aligners better than braces?

In general, aligners are much more comfortable than braces. Although, the teeth can still be somewhat tender as they move. Your lips and cheeks tend to be less irritated as the plastic aligner is smoother than the metal or porcelain braces. To help you with your decision, read this.

Do aligners hurt?

There is minor discomfort during the aligner treatment. Pain is typically a slight tenderness or pressure, usually after getting a new set of aligners. Often, the discomfort is only noticed while wearing them or triggered when you take them in and out to eat and clean. The pain usually subsides within 2-3 days.

Choose Clear Aligners over Invisalign at Hilgers Orthodontics

Clear aligners are an excellent option for our patients in and around Goodyear, AZ., who want a straight smile but do not want to wear traditional braces. They are also the best option for those on a tight budget. Invisalign is one of the most expensive clear aligner systems dentists use.

If you are interested in clear aligners or want to know more about our other orthodontic treatments, and payment plans call (623) 935-3908 or send us an email.  We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.