While many patients see straightening their teeth as a purely cosmetic procedure, it helps protect teeth from decay. It’s easier to clean teeth when they are properly aligned with spaces between them. Both children and adults can benefit from treatments by Orthodontists near Chicago. Traditionally, all orthodontic patients had to wear braces made from metal brackets that were attached by wires. Today there are invisible braces that can help many patients.
Orthodontists near Chicago will examine a patient’s mouth and tell them if they are a candidate for Invisalign or other clear braces. These are actually clear aligners that fit over the patient’s teeth. When they are in place, people can’t see them. These are ideal for adults who weren’t able to have braces as children. They may now feel self-conscious about being a professional and wearing appliances usually associated with younger teens.
The process begins with Orthodontists near Chicago taking an impression of both the upper and lower teeth. This information is then scanned into a computer. The computer program calculates the correct location for the teeth. A series of aligners are created to gently move the teeth into this position. Each of them is worn for approximately two weeks. These are far more comfortable than the bracket and wire appliances.
The aligners should be worn for about 22 hours a day. They should only be removed to eat and to brush and floss teeth. While they can be left out for special occasions, doing this on a repeated basis will dramatically slow down the straightening process. Parents have to make sure that children are wearing these to school and other events.
There are many brands of clear aligners on the market. While they all start out clear, many cloud or turn yellow during the two weeks that they are worn. If this happens the aligners become far more visible. The patient should check with their Orthodontists near Chicago to make sure that the brand they will be using doesn’t cloud up or yellow.
Once the patient’s teeth are straight, they will need to wear an aligner for about a year. This will give the teeth roots and jaw bone time to finalize their new position.
If you live near Chicago area and are interested in replacing your teeth with dentures, then contact DentArt Chicago today to arrange a consultation.
