We remember way back when patients just had one option for straightening their teeth: the old-fashioned metal braces. At the time, these were pretty much the only solution to orthodontic problems. But things have come a long way since then. New technologies have been developed that are a lot more comfortable, and less obvious, than they used to be. Loads of people were keen to try these new possibilities out, but the thing was, they were totally overwhelmed by all the different brands and systems that were on the market. So we took that feedback on board and did a deep dive into a whole load of different aligner systems, in order to give patients the best advice and suggestions for their specific needs.
In Lake Forest, we offer ClearCorrect aligners as one of the trusted options for patients who want a change from traditional braces. This technique has a great name for itself in terms of reliability, it gives good results, and is easy to use, and not too intrusive, which is pretty important to most modern patients. The aligners themselves are made from high tech materials, and are put together using top-notch manufacturing methods that ensure they fit perfectly and help move your teeth in the right way as you go through treatment. Surgical Orthodontics is used to correct severe jaw misalignment that cannot be fixed with braces alone. This treatment improves both facial balance and bite function.
First things first, we do a full check-up to look over your teeth, your bite, and your overall oral health. We make accurate digital impressions of every curve and detail of where your teeth are right now, and then the ClearCorrect team gets to work on building your completely personalized treatment plan, which gets worked out by both highly trained staff and cutting-edge computer software. They plan out the whole sequence of aligners for you, showing you exactly how your teeth will change over time.
One of the things that really makes this method stand out is the care and attention to detail that goes into making each set of aligners. ClearCorrect has a rigorous set of rules in place to make sure every single one fits properly and moves your teeth in the right way, with the right amount of pressure. Patients generally reckon that having that much attention to detail is what makes their treatment so much more comfortable, and the results that much more predictable. Retainer Instructions are essential for maintaining results after orthodontic treatment. Following Retainer Instructions helps keep teeth in their new position long term.
You go through this treatment in stages, with each set of aligners being worn for about 2 weeks at a time, and then moving on to the next one. A lot of patients get more than one set of aligners at each appointment, which means they don’t have to pop by the clinic as often as they would for traditional orthodontic treatment. We still want to keep track of how you’re getting on, so we set up regular check-ups to keep an eye on your progress and make sure everything is on track.
One of the things that people really like about these aligners is that you can just take them out when you want to, which is a total game-changer. You can remove them to eat, which means you don’t have to stick to a strict diet and life becomes a lot more fun. You can still brush and floss your teeth with ease because you don’t have to navigate around brackets and wires.
A lot of patients just love that the clear material used in the aligners makes them virtually unnoticeable, even when they’re talking to people or in social situations. That level of discretion really makes a difference to people, it means that teens can feel confident about joining in with school activities and working adults can look and feel professional in key meetings.
Of course, to get the most out of any aligner treatment you do need to stick to wearing the trays as prescribed, we usually recommend 20 to 22 hours per day, taking them out only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. With the removable design, you can sort of customize how your treatment goes, but you also need to be pretty disciplined to get the best results.
Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry has loads of experience with all sorts of aligner systems, so we can help you figure out which one will work best for you. ClearCorrect aligners in Lake Forest are another great option for people who want to get a modern, hassle-free orthodontic experience that fits into their busy lifestyle and gives them the smile they’ve always wanted.