If you tend to keep your lips closed in photos because of crooked teeth, you are in familiar company. Many people hide their smile because they are unhappy with what they see. Here is the reassuring part: finding out whether straight teeth orthodontics could work for you does not start with a commitment. It starts with an ordinary exam and a conversation.
What clear aligners are
Clear aligners are a series of custom trays made for your teeth. You wear each set for a stretch of time, then move to the next, and over the course of treatment the trays gently guide your teeth into proper alignment. There are no brackets and no wires. At Smile Arts Dental we offer CandidPro clear aligners, and the trays are subtle enough that most people around you will not notice them.
Why many patients prefer aligners to metal braces
Oral hygiene is the big one. Cleaning around traditional braces takes a special toothbrush and floss threaders, and working floss under a wire and between brackets is awkward enough that some people quietly give up on flossing. That matters, because skipped flossing raises the risk of gum disease and tooth decay during the very months your teeth are on the move. With aligners, you simply take the trays out, clean them, and brush and floss the way you always have.
Aligners are also removable when life calls for it. A wedding, a presentation, a photo session: you can take the trays out for the occasion. As long as you follow the daily wear schedule your dentist sets, your treatment stays on track.
For patients who are nervous about dental work, aligners have a quieter advantage too. There are no sharp wires and no tightening appointments, something we cover in more depth in why you should consider clear aligners.
The exam that answers the question
Clear aligners are not the right tool for every mouth, and the honest way to find out is a candidacy exam. When you visit, Dr. Balaban examines the health of your teeth and gums first, because moving teeth only makes sense on a healthy foundation. He then evaluates your jaw joint and the way your bite comes together. From that examination he can tell you whether clear aligners suit your situation, and if they do, he builds a plan that treats a straight smile and a healthy one as the same goal.
If dental visits make you anxious, say so when you book. Fear-Less Dentistry applies to consultations as much as to treatment, and this exam is unhurried by design. Nothing happens until your questions are answered.
Find out if you are a candidate
Curious whether clear aligners are a good fit for you? Our $79 new-patient special covers the exam and X-rays that answer exactly that question. Request an appointment online or call (317) 575-1995, and we will take a careful look together.
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. For guidance about your own smile, talk with your dentist.