Straighten teeth without braces, A guide to clear aligner therapy with ClearCorrect®
Conventional braces work by applying constant pressure to move teeth. Modern alternatives to traditional orthodontics work in much the same way, only without the fixed, silver-colored metal wires and brackets.
Get to know clear aligner therapy.
At VanderLaan Family Dentistry, we offer orthodontic treatment with clear aligners in and around Byron Center, Michigan. While clear aligners like ClearCorrect® are sometimes referred to as clear braces, this is a misnomer; clear aligners are not braces. They are a series of oral appliances that resemble a retainer. Each aligner is custom-fit to the patient’s mouth. They are made from proprietary, advanced plastic. They fit snugly yet comfortably when they slide into the patient’s mouth.
The fundamental principle behind ClearCorrect® and other clear aligners is similar to how braces reposition the teeth. Like braces and their system of wires, brackets, and bands, clear aligners place consistent forces on the teeth. When worn as directed, they incrementally move the teeth through bone to correct crowded, crooked, and otherwise unevenly-spaced teeth. Unlike braces, ClearCorrect® aligners are:
- Removable – for comfortable brushing and flossing, and eating
- Transparent – the plastic is clear, so no one sees the aligners in your smile
- Comfortable – the plastic is also smooth and flexible for utmost comfort throughout the treatment
- High-tech – each aligner is made precisely based on advanced software and 3-d modeling techniques
Dr. Matthew VanderLaan can show you exactly how your teeth will move throughout treatment. You can even see your treated smile during your initial ClearCorrect® consultation. Be sure to wear each aligner in the correct order. Each aligner is worn for a specified number of days. While they may look similar in appearance, the aligners are unique. This feature is important because the aligners are designed to correspond with different steps in the treatment process. It is also essential to wear the aligners at all times except when cleaning each aligner tray, eating meals, and brushing and flossing your teeth. Failure to wear trays in the correct order or for the recommended time each day can delay treatment and interfere with predictable results.
At VanderLaan Family Dentistry, we are committed to cutting-edge dental diagnostics and treatments and to patient comfort and satisfaction. Call (616) 288-2554 to schedule your ClearCorrect® consultation and to experience our modern and pleasant approach in Byron Center, MI, for yourself!