Clear aligners are a system of specialized orthodontic appliances that gradually move teeth using a series of removable, clear plastic trays. Clear aligners are also known as invisible braces or clear braces and are made of a strong plastic material that fits snugly over the teeth. The aligners are custom-made to fit each patient’s teeth.

Clear aligners are removable, which makes eating, brushing, and flossing easier. Patients can remove their clear aligners for 2-3 hours every day.

What Do Clear Aligners Fix?

Aligners are designed to remove teeth gradually and in a predictable manner. The clear aligners exert consistent pressure on your teeth. Over time, this pressure will slowly and gently shift your teeth into place.

Aligners can help to correct common teeth issues that include:

• Crowding
• Spacing
• Deep bite
• Crossbite
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Open bite
• Overjet
• Malocclusion

Benefits of Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are more convenient, comfortable, and unobtrusive. They also require fewer visits to our office. Above all, clear aligners are transparent, so they’re barely noticeable when you’re wearing them. Traditional braces, on the other hand, are made of metal brackets and wires, which can make your smile look unsightly. Clear aligners are also removable, which means you can take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss. With traditional braces, food particles tend to get stuck in the brackets and wires.

How Do Clear Aligners Straighten Teeth?

If your teeth are crowded or crooked, you can benefit from clear aligners. They are designed to gradually move all of your teeth into their ideal positions. When your teeth are properly aligned, they can function better and are easier to clean.

Clear aligners work by gently applying pressure on the teeth to move them into position. The aligners are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely engineered to gradually move your teeth. You wear each one for two weeks, then move on to the next set in the series. Each set is shaped differently, so your teeth continue to move bit by bit. Wear your aligners 20–22 hours a day and remove them to eat, brush and floss. This ensures that the aligners work properly.

The amount of time that clear aligners take to work depends on the patient and on the severity of the misalignment. However, most cases are completed within six months to 1 year, which is much shorter than traditional braces.

At  Kusek Family & Implant Dentistry, we offer a full range of services, including cosmetic and implant dentistry in a relaxed dental environment. To learn more about our dental services or to schedule your consultation with one of our dentists, call us at 605-371-3443 or visit us at 4921 E. 26th St., Suite 1, Sioux Falls, SD 57110.