Many teenagers and adults suffer from crooked teeth. In addition to not being aesthetically pleasing, crooked teeth can cause problems such as tooth decay because it is difficult to clean them thoroughly.
In the past, the traditional treatment for crooked teeth was braces. However, nowadays we have more sophisticated technology that allows for teeth straightening without the need for unattractive and uncomfortable metal braces. ClearCorrect are transparent aligners similar to Invisalign that are much more comfortable and easier to wear than braces.
Austin cosmetic dentist Dr. John Schmid offers ClearCorrect as a braces alternative for adults and teens who are good candidates. To learn if ClearCorrect is right for you, call Dr. Schmid at 512-329-5967 to schedule your consultation.
What Is ClearCorrect?
ClearCorrect is a series of transparent aligner trays custom-fitted to the patient’s teeth and designed to move the teeth into position little by little. Because the aligner trays are clear, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
ClearCorrect is great for people who have:
- Gaps
- Crowding
- Misalignment
- Crookedness
ClearCorrect Candidates
If you have severe crookedness or bite problems, ClearCorrect may not be the best choice. For more complicated cases, traditional braces may be a better option. Dr. Schmid will examine your teeth and let you know if you are a good candidate for ClearCorrect during your consultation. There are no age requirements for ClearCorrect. Instead, the right time to begin ClearCorrect depends on the health of the supporting structure for the teeth known as the periodontium. If you suspect that your child needs orthodontic treatment, schedule a consultation to learn more.
Does ClearCorrect Treatment Hurt?
ClearCorrect aligners apply light pressure to your teeth in order to straighten them. You may experience temporary discomfort or tightness each time that you switch to a new set of trays. It is completely normal and should lessen as you continue to wear your clear aligners as directed.
You can ease any soreness that you may be experiencing with the following steps:
- Eat soft foods
- Use a cold compress
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
- Apply orthodontic wax to any irritating edges
Keep in mind that ClearCorrect is much more comfortable than traditional metal braces. Many patients find that those wires and brackets can cause irritation due to all of the protruding parts.
Will ClearCorrect Affect My Speech?
You may experience a slight lisp while your tongue adjusts to your ClearCorrect aligners. Usually, this impact on your speech is quite minimal and will go away within a few days. Talking can speed up the process by helping your tongue to get used to your trays. It can be beneficial to read aloud to yourself. You can also try having conversations with your loved ones.
If you find yourself struggling with a lisp before a big event, you can always remove the aligners. Just be sure to wear them for 20-22 hours a day or else you will risk delays in your treatment.
How ClearCorrect Works
ClearCorrect works by gently moving the teeth into a better position with a series of custom aligner trays. These trays are crafted using state of the art 3D computer technology, and are designed to efficiently and effectively move your teeth progressively into place.
Most patients will change aligner trays every two weeks, and come in for follow up appointments every 4 to 6 weeks so that Dr. Schmid can check your progress and make adjustments if needed. You’ll need to wear your aligners all day and night, only taking them off to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
Benefits of ClearCorrect
ClearCorrect aligners have a number of benefits over traditional braces, including:
- Removable: Being able to remove the aligners to eat, brush, and floss means that you don’t have to avoid certain types of food, and you don’t have to worry about food particles getting stuck in your braces and causing plaque buildup and stains.
- Invisible: Many people don’t like the thought of wearing braces that everyone can see. With ClearCorrect, chances are that no one will even notice unless you point it out.
- Easier to care for: Brushing and flossing can be a pain with braces, and people often find that it’s difficult to maintain a high level of oral hygiene. With ClearCorrect, you just take the aligners off and brush and floss like normal, and the aligners themselves are easy to clean.
Patient Testimonial
“Brilliant practice run by Dr. Schmid, and is definitely the one to seriously consider when you are after some fantastic cosmetic improvement of your smile or in a need of any other dental services. My search for a perfect dentist ended happily when I popped into his little dental clinic on Bee Caves Road. With Dr. Schmid and his team you will immediately realize what a difference it is when you have a dentist who is incredibly knowledgeable, all about finding you the best possible option for your dental treatment and offer you some of the best new technology in dentistry. Thank you Bobbi, Van and most importantly Dr. Schmid for being the BEST cosmetic dentist in Austin, Texas.”
Will ClearCorrect Affect My Diet?
ClearCorrect will not affect your diet. You can continue to enjoy your favorite foods during treatment. However, you will need to remove your aligners before eating or drinking. That is because leaving your trays in during mealtime can cause them to become damaged or discolored. Additionally, you must brush and floss your teeth before putting your trays back in.
Risks of Leaving Crooked Teeth Untreated
In addition to the specific benefits offered by ClearCorrect, there are a number of benefits to having your teeth straightened in general, whether through aligners or traditional braces. Crooked teeth can cause many problems with oral health and hygiene, including:
- Tooth decay because of being unable to clean teeth properly
- Difficulty chewing
- Headaches and jaw pain due to misaligned bite
- Increased wear on teeth
- Increased risk of gum disease
If you have crooked teeth, don’t hesitate to schedule your consultation with Dr. Schmid to see about options for straightening them. In addition to helping improve oral health, patients often find that having straight teeth helps them feel more self-confident in social situations and when having photos taken.
When to Expect Your Results
The average treatment time for ClearCorrect is 12 months. Some patients will see results in less than 10 months. Meanwhile, others may need to wear their aligners for 18 months or longer.
There is no guarantee that your treatment will proceed at a specific pace. However, ClearCorrect is generally a much quicker alternative to traditional braces, which often need to be in place for several years. You can help keep your treatment on track with consistent wear.
Schedule Your Consultation in Austin, TX
If you are interested in ClearCorrect invisible aligners to help straighten your teeth, call Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry at 512-329-5967 today to schedule your consultation. Dr. Schmid serves patients in Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, and other nearby areas of Texas.