The Benefits of Clear Aligners
Definitive Dental is Grand Prairie's Trusted Source for SureSmile Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are an increasingly popular orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth. They are made of thin, clear plastic and are custom fitted to your teeth, offering many advantages over traditional metal braces. They work best for patients with small or moderate alignment issues, and you can begin seeing results in just a few weeks. Here’s why we recommend aligners at Definitive Dental.
Why SureSmile is the Better Choice
- Treatment planned by orthodontists
- Fewer dentist visits & shorter treatment length
- Visualize the end result before you start!
- Different tray designs based on treatment needs
- Fewer buttons or attachments needed
Advantages of Clear Aligners
Aligners work by addressing several common problems that can occur within the oral cavity. Dr. Peter Guirguis recommends them to teenage and adult patients in Grand Prairie for several reasons.
1. Improved Oral Health
One of the main benefits of clear aligners over traditional metal braces is improved oral health. As they can be removed when brushing and flossing, it allows for better access to those hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. This makes it easier to prevent the build-up of plaque and bacteria.
2. Comfort
Our patients in Grand Prairie love clear aligners because they have a snug, painless fit. They are made of flexible plastic and are more comfortable than traditional metal braces. This makes them an excellent option for people who have sensitive gums or concerns about tooth pain.
3. Discretion
Modern teeth aligners work behind the scenes — no one will notice you’re wearing them! They’re virtually invisible, and, because they’re so thin, they have only minimal effects on your speech. You may feel like you have a lisp when you first put the aligners in, but your tongue will naturally adjust in 24-48 hours. After that, you’ll speak normally.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
Our Grand Prairie patients appreciate that clear aligners are a cost-effective choice for straightening their teeth. In addition, aligners usually work faster than braces. Not only are you paying less upfront, but you’ll also have a shorter overall treatment time.
What Can You Expect During the Visit to Start SureSmile?
SureSmile aligners are custom-made for every person’s teeth. To perform the treatment, we will take a digital scan of your teeth and a panoramic x-ray. This will be used to create your personal set of aligners and create a virtual mock-up of what your final results will look like.
As the aligners start to shift your teeth, you’ll be given a new set to bring your teeth closer and closer to their ideal position.
We recommend wearing your SureSmile aligners consistently for the quickest results, but you can easily remove them while eating, brushing your teeth, or for photos. You can go about your day as usual while the braces work to align your teeth into their ideal position. It’s best to wear each set of aligners for two weeks, and then your dentist will provide a new set to continue adjusting your teeth. Your initial consultation will only take about 45 minutes, and you can expect results in about 40% less time than traditional braces. What would otherwise be a two-year treatment can be done in as little as 6-9 months.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Clear Aligners?
Aligners work well for patients who have:
- All (or most) of their natural teeth
- Healthy jaws and no serious oral diseases
- Minor to moderate alignment issues
If you are missing a tooth or if your misalignment is more severe, you may still be eligible for aligners, but the dentist will need to carefully assess your situation first. Aligners “nudge” teeth in the right direction; braces “pull” them. So, if your case requires a more forceful repositioning of your teeth, aligners may not be effective.
SureSmile, the brand of clear aligners we use at Definitive Dental in Grand Prairie, is especially well-suited for adults and teens who may have missed out on orthodontic care in their youth and wish to improve their smiles. SureSmile aligners work by being comfortable, removable appliances that gradually move your teeth into the desired position over several months.
Do Teeth Aligners Work?
Absolutely! To understand how aligners work, it’s helpful to realize that your teeth have some natural movement already from the constant pressure of biting. This is especially true if you grind your teeth. Aligners guide your teeth to move back into position instead of moving further apart from each other.
SureSmile aligners work well because they’re custom-made from a panoramic X-ray. These clear aligners fit snugly over your teeth and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. If you live or work in the Grand Prairie area, you can find SureSmile clear aligners at Definitive Dental.
Do SureSmile Teeth Aligners Work Better than Other Brands?
At Definitive Dental, we believe that SureSmile aligners are the best way to resolve misaligned teeth. Each set of SureSmile clear aligners is custom-made for the wearer, making them more comfortable and effective. Other reasons include:
- Treatment planned by a dentist
- Ideal for both simple and complex realignment cases
- Fewer dentist visits and shorter treatment length
- Digital modeling allows you to see the result before you start
What Can You Expect During Your First Appointment?
At Definitive Dental in Grand Prairie, our SureSmile clear aligners are custom-made, and your initial consultation will take about 45 minutes. To prepare for the treatment, we take a digital scan of your teeth and a panoramic X-ray. We’ll use this to create your personal set of aligners and give you a virtual “tour” of what your new and improved smile will look like.
SureSmile aligners work by gradually shifting your teeth, and as this happens, you’ll be given a new set of aligners to bring your teeth closer to their ideal position.
How Long Does It Take Clear Aligners to Straighten Teeth?
The time it takes for clear aligners to straighten teeth will vary from person to person, but usually it’s 6-12 months. The amount of time required for treatment depends on the severity of the misalignment as well as how often you wear your aligners. Aligners work by gently moving teeth over time, so you will see noticeable changes within the first few weeks.
With Clear Aligners, Is the Realignment Permanent?
Yes and no. Our SureSmile patients in Grand Prairie agree that clear aligners are a highly effective and cost-efficient way of realigning your teeth. They are designed to be worn for around 22 hours per day, allowing the gradual adjustment of the teeth over time until they reach their desired positions. After the treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer at night.
If you follow the treatment protocol, your teeth will stay aligned! However, if you neglect to wear the retainer over a period of several years, it’s likely that your teeth will move out of alignment again.
What Is the Typical Cost?
At Definitive Dental in Grand Prairie, the cost of clear aligners varies depending on the severity of your case and other factors such as how long you need to wear them. On average, clear aligners can range from $1,500 to $6,000. Please speak with our front office staff to learn about our payment plans and special offers or understand orthodontic coverage through your dental insurance.
Are Clear Aligners the Best Option to Straighten Teeth?
While over-the-counter options may appear cheaper initially, they often lack professional guidance, leading to long-term issues regarding effectiveness and comfort level later down the road. Clear aligners are customized to fit your mouth perfectly — something that is not possible with off-the-shelf options. When you become a SureSmile patient with Definitive Dental in Grand Prairie, your clear aligners come with the assurance of professional dental expertise in ensuring that they fit correctly and provide the most natural results.
A Beautiful Smile Can Be Yours!
A beautiful, radiant smile can be yours without painful and expensive braces. Call or text Definitive Dental today to make your appointment for SureSmile clear aligners.
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