An ideal teeth-straightening treatment with clear aligners follows a well-defined process. It starts with meeting an orthodontist to review the nature of the dental problem and its complexity, based on which the treatment is planned. For example, at OrthoFX, the entire process entails four simple and upfront steps with an eye on the end result that promises the patient a beautiful smile.
Consultation and evaluation
An ideal treatment for any health-related issue starts with meeting the doctor and undergoing tests to figure the severity of the problem. For teeth alignment issues, the go-to person is an orthodontist who has undergone specialized training to treat crooked, misaligned teeth and improper bite. On your first visit, the doctor will evaluate your condition by studying diagnostic records such as x-rays, photographs, and digital scans of your teeth, jaws, mouth, and face. Based on the complications, he/she will suggest the 3D treatment plan required along with an approximate timeline. Once you have purchased the plan, your orthodontist will manufacture a series of customized clear aligners before shipping them.
Start treatment
Each set of clear aligners gently moves the teeth a little from their current position by applying pressure on them. The next set of aligners takes over from where the earlier one stopped. This way, through a series of aligners, the misaligned teeth are gradually straightened. Each set of clear aligners should be worn for at least a week, and the number of aligners required depends on the severity of the case. Clear aligners are painless, almost invisible to the naked eye, and should be removed while eating or drinking. The treatment requires regular oral care like brushing/flossing, cleaning the aligners, and wearing them for at least 20-22 hours a day.
Treatment follow-up
For teeth-straightening treatment with clear aligners, you don’t need to visit the doctor for regular follow-ups unless there is an urgent need. The treatment flow can be remotely monitored through sensors (like at OrthoFX). In case you face any issues, you can schedule an appointment with the orthodontist for further check-ups.
Final smile and retainers
Your smile journey with clear aligners could take anywhere between six months and two years. Once the treatment is satisfactorily over, your orthodontist will provide you with retainers to be worn for as long as he/she deems fit. These are worn to ensure the straightened teeth do not rotate back to their original position after the aligners are removed. Clear aligners are increasingly becoming popular for the easy, hassle-free procedures involved in the treatment. However, it is always advisable to follow an orthodontist’s guidance. To know more, book an appointment with OrxthoFX orthodontists at the earliest for an in-person consultation and give your smile a new lease of life.
References
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03141788
