What Are Clear Aligners In Pikesville?

In the last few years clear aligners have changed how orthodontic treatment works. For years the only way to fix bite problems and straighten teeth was with traditional metal braces. Clear aligners are a modern option that is less noticeable, more comfortable and easier for everyone to use. More and more people in Pikesville are choosing clear aligners because they fit into their daily and work life. We at Level Orthodontics are happy to offer this treatment option. It allows our patients to have the smile they’ve always wanted without the hassle and look of metal brackets and wires. Before and after photos help patients see the meaningful changes that orthodontic treatment can achieve. These visuals highlight how small adjustments can create a confident and healthy smile. They also give patients a clear understanding of what successful outcomes look like.

So what are clear aligners? In short they are trays made of clear, smooth plastic that fit snugly over your teeth. Each tray is designed to apply gentle, controlled pressure to specific teeth which will slowly move them into place over time. Clear aligners are not like regular braces which are glued to your teeth and connected with metal wires. You can take them out whenever you want. You can take them out to eat, to brush your teeth or to go to special events. Many people prefer them over traditional orthodontic appliances because they are more flexible and easy to use.

The first step in getting clear aligners is a consultation. We take a look at your teeth and talk about what you want to achieve at this visit. We look at your bite, the spacing and alignment of your teeth and your overall oral health. Clear aligners can fix many common orthodontic problems like crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites and crossbites. But they may not be the best option for every case. Once we decide clear aligners are for you we take digital scans or impressions of your teeth. We can create a personalized treatment plan that shows exactly how your teeth will move from start to finish using these detailed pictures.

We use modern computer software and 3D modeling to create a series of aligners that you will wear in a specific order. Each aligner is a little different from the one before it and each one gets your teeth a little closer to where they should be in the end. You usually wear each set of aligners for 1-2 weeks before moving on to the next set. Over a few months these little changes add up to a perfectly aligned and healthy smile. Clear aligners offer a comfortable and nearly invisible way to straighten teeth. They are custom-made to guide your smile into a healthier position. Patients appreciate the convenience of removing them for meals and brushing.

One of the best things about clear aligners is they are very discreet. Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them because they’re made of clear medical grade plastic. Adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth without feeling self conscious about how they look will love this. You can be sure your orthodontic treatment isn’t the first thing people notice about you whether you’re at work, school or hanging out with friends in Pikesville.

Another great thing about clear aligners is they are comfortable. There are no metal parts that can poke, scratch or irritate the sensitive tissues in your mouth. The plastic is smooth and fits snugly around your teeth making them more comfortable than regular braces. When you put in a new set of aligners you might feel some pressure or pain. This is normal and only means your teeth are moving as they should. Your teeth will get used to the pressure after a day or two.

Clear aligners also make it easier to keep your mouth clean. You can brush and floss your teeth like you always do because you can take them out. There are no wires or brackets to get in the way which helps you maintain your teeth and gums healthy while you’re in treatment. At Level Orthodontics we always tell our patients to clean their aligners often to keep them looking clear and fresh and to prevent buildup.