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Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist: What Patients Should Know
Transcript
What Clear Aligners Are
- Hey everyone, Dr. Lee Brown here from Freedom Dental of West Chester. Today, we’re going to talk about clear aligners.
- A lot of people ask, “Am I too old for clear aligners? What exactly are clear aligners?” Everybody has traditionally heard of Invisalign. They were kind of the first big-name brand. Fortunately, there are many different options available, and you have to talk with your doctor about why they chose a specific brand or style because they all have different strengths and weaknesses.
Age and Treatment Timeline
- The cool part with clear aligners is there’s no age limit. It doesn’t matter if you’re in your 80s or if you’re a teenager. If you’re compliant and wear these aligners, they can work for you.
- Obviously, different goals and different paces can mean different timelines. It could be six months. It could be a couple of years. There’s a huge variation that you have to sit down with your doctor and talk through. They can work for any age, but the timeline varies.
Wear, Appearance, and Results
- What’s great with some newer products is the ability to detect if you’re even wearing them has greatly improved. It’s so much better than it used to be.
- It’s really exciting when a patient walks in now and they’re wearing clear aligners. Sometimes I can’t even tell. In the past, they were worried about how they would look and how they would sound. We have patients of all ages use them, use them well, and be really happy with the results.
Is Clear Aligner Treatment Right for You?
- The bottom line is the first thing you have to do is find out what your situation is. Is that the right fit for you? Because it’s not for everyone. How long will it take? All that good stuff.
- I can tell you this: the investment and the decision to put your teeth in the right position is always worth it. It saves you time, and it saves you money. Not to mention, when things are in the right place, form and function follow each other, and things tend to look better as well.
- I’d love to answer any more questions about your specific situation, and we’ll talk to you soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit for clear aligners?
No. Dr. Lee Brown explains that clear aligners can work for teenagers, adults, and even patients in their 80s. Age alone is not the deciding factor. Consistent wear and the details of your individual situation matter, so the first step is discussing whether clear aligners are a good fit with your dentist.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Treatment time varies. Dr. Brown says clear aligner treatment may take about six months for some patients and a couple of years for others. Your goals, treatment pace, and specific dental situation influence the timeline, which is why an individual conversation with your doctor is necessary before estimating treatment length.
What are clear aligners, and how are they different from Invisalign?
Clear aligners are a treatment option used to put teeth in the right position. Invisalign is the name many patients know because it was one of the first major brands, but other options are now available. Dr. Brown recommends asking why your dentist chose a particular brand or style, since each has different strengths and weaknesses.
Can people tell when you are wearing clear aligners?
They can be difficult to notice. Dr. Brown says newer clear aligners have improved significantly, and he sometimes cannot tell when a patient walks in wearing them. Patients have traditionally worried about how aligners would look or affect how they sound, but he reports that patients of all ages use them well and are happy with the results.
Are clear aligners right for everyone?
No. Dr. Brown states that clear aligners are not the right fit for every patient. The first step is evaluating your specific situation, discussing your goals, and understanding how long treatment may take. A conversation with your dentist is necessary to determine whether a particular clear aligner option makes sense for you.
