ClearCorrect for Crowded Teeth
Do you have crooked or overcrowded teeth, but are not sold on the idea of traditional braces? Here, our
Surrey dentist Dr. Larry Lu discusses the use of ClearCorrect clear aligner system for crowded teeth and
why it is important to address this orthodontic issue.
Dental crowding is a form of malocclusion, also known as a ‘bad bite,’ that can result from a lack of space.
When teeth don’t have enough room, they may grow in unnatural positions to find space, leading to crooked, crowded teeth that don’t align properly.
Crowded teeth are typically a genetic issue with jaw size, meaning teeth don’t often have all the space they require when they grow. This, they push each other into unnatural, crooked positions.
Some of the other factors that can lead to crowded teeth include:
Setting aside the aesthetic reasons as to why you may want to have crowded teeth realigned, there are
many other reasons why you should address this issue.
Crowded teeth can:
The answer is yes. If you have crowded teeth, ClearCorrect may be able to help. While traditional braces
may be recommended for severe crowding, it can sometimes be difficult to fit a conventional bracket on very crooked teeth, where some teeth are pushed back or rotated. ClearCorrect system, on the other hand, can help realign teeth without considering the exposed tooth surface, because it is custom-fitted to your teeth and doesn’t require brackets.
During your first consultation, your orthodontist will discuss your case to determine if you’re a good candidate for ClearCorrect. They will then take X-rays and impressions of your teeth. These will be used to create a digital 3D image of your mouth, based on which your orthodontist will map out your personalized treatment plan, the movements of your teeth, and the approximate length of treatment.
A series of custom-made clear aligners will be created specifically for you. You’ll wear them throughout the day, removing them only to eat, brush and floss your teeth. As you progress to each new set of aligners, your teeth will slowly shift into place. Every two weeks or so, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners and advance to the next stage of your treatment. You will also attend occasional checkups with your orthodontist to monitor your progress. These happen about every six weeks or so.
At your final appointment in this treatment process, Surrey dentist Dr. Larry Lu will determine if you will need to wear a retainer to help keep your teeth in their new position.
As with all orthodontic treatments, treatment time depends on the severity of your case. Your top Surrey
dentist will provide you with the expected timeline during your consultation. Of course, treatment time also depends on how well you adhere to your treatment plan.
For the best results, ClearCorrect aligners needs to be worn for 20 – 22 hours each day. This means you
should only take your invisible aligners out when eating or brushing your teeth. Because patients are free to remove ClearCorrect aligners, those who leave them off for extended periods, for example, may find they don’t finish treatment as quickly as those who wear them as prescribed.
You will also need to see your top Surrey dentist for regular checkups throughout treatment. These checkups allow your orthodontist to monitor your treatment progress and spot any issues early. Without these checkups, potential complications will not be promptly addressed, which can result in prolonged treatment.
Ultimately, the type of orthodontic treatment you undergo will depend on the complexity of your dental health issues and your lifestyle.
Both traditional braces and ClearCorrect have factors to take into consideration, such as how disciplined you will be in following your treatment plan, your dietary preferences, and whether you have aesthetic
preferences.
No matter which treatment path you take, our Surrey dentist at BigSmiles Dental Care is here to guide you every step of the way, from your initial consultation to showing off your new smile.