Clear Aligners In Saint Paul, MN

Clear aligners are a popular option in cosmetic dentistry for straightening teeth discreetly. They consist of transparent, removable trays that gradually shift teeth into alignment without metal brackets or wires. Custom made to fit snugly over teeth, clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them aesthetically appealing. They are removable to facilitate eating and cleaning, promoting better oral hygiene during treatment.

Clear aligners are suitable for mild to moderate teeth misalignment and a comfortable alternative to traditional braces, often preferred for their convenience and minimal impact on daily activities. Regular checkups ensure progress and adjustments as needed, contributing to a gradual and controlled smile transformation.

Who Can Benefit From Clear Aligners?

• Clear aligners can effectively treat crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, gaps between teeth, and minor bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite).
• Clear aligners can benefit both adults and teenagers. They are a discreet treatment option, often preferred by adults who want to straighten their teeth without the visibility of traditional braces. Clear aligners give teens a less conspicuous alternative to metal braces, allowing them to maintain confidence during treatment.
• Clear aligners are popular among professionals and individuals whose appearance is essential for their careers or public image. The nearly invisible aligners allow them to undergo orthodontic treatment discreetly.
• Clear aligners are removable, making them convenient for people with active lifestyles or those who play sports. They can be taken out for activities like eating, drinking, and playing musical instruments.
• Because clear aligners are removable, they make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment. You can brush and floss your teeth normally without any obstructing brackets and wires.

How Clear Aligners Work

Initial Consultation

Your journey with clear aligners begins with a consultation with the dentist in Saint Paul, MN. During this visit, our dentist will evaluate your teeth, discuss your goals, and determine if clear aligners are suitable for you.

Custom Treatment Plan

Our dentist will create a custom treatment plan if clear aligners are deemed appropriate. This involves taking digital impressions, photographs, and X-rays of your teeth. Advanced 3D imaging technology creates a detailed map of your teeth and plans their movements throughout the treatment.

Fabrication of Aligners

Based on the custom plan, a series of aligners will be fabricated precisely for you. Each aligner slightly differs from the previous one, gradually moving your teeth into the desired position.

Wearing the Aligners

Each aligner is worn for about two weeks. The aligners are designed to apply gentle, consistent pressure on specific teeth, causing them to move. You must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily, removing them only when eating, drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing.

Progression Through Aligners

You'll switch to a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks. Each new aligner continues the work of the previous one, progressively shifting your teeth closer to their final positions.

Regular Checkups

You'll have regular checkups with our dentist at Hillcrest Dental Center throughout your treatment. These appointments, typically every six to eight weeks, allow your dental professional to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan.

Completion of Treatment

Once you've gone through your entire series of aligners, your treatment is complete. However, you may need to wear a retainer to maintain your new smile. Retainers help prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions and ensure long-term success. Contact us today to learn more.

The Advantages of Clear Aligners

Aesthetic Appeal

Clear aligners in Saint Paul, MN, are made from transparent plastic materials that are nearly invisible when worn over the teeth. This aesthetic advantage makes them highly appealing to patients who prefer a more discreet orthodontic treatment than traditional metal braces.

Discreet Treatment

Unlike metal braces that are noticeable due to their brackets and wires, clear aligners subtly straighten teeth. They allow individuals to undergo orthodontic treatment without drawing attention to their dental correction, making them particularly favored among adults and professionals.

Comfortable Experience

Clear aligners are custom made to fit snugly over the teeth, using smooth, comfortable plastic materials. This reduces the likelihood of oral irritation and discomfort often associated with traditional braces' metal brackets and wires. The absence of protruding components also minimizes soft tissue irritation.

Removability

One of the unique advantages of clear aligners is their removability. Patients can easily remove their aligners when eating, drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing. This convenience improves oral hygiene maintenance during treatment and eliminates dietary restrictions typically associated with traditional braces.

Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem

Clear aligners can significantly enhance a person's smile and overall appearance by straightening teeth discreetly and effectively. This improvement often leads to increased self-confidence and improved self-esteem, as individuals feel prouder and more comfortable with their smile throughout and after treatment.

Clear aligners are a modern and effective solution for achieving a straighter, more beautiful smile without the inconvenience and visibility of traditional braces. Visit Hillcrest Dental Center at 1762 Iowa Ave East, Saint Paul, MN 55106, or call (651) 771-6464 to discover the benefits of clear aligners and how they can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted.