Everything You Wanted to Know About Clear Aligners But Were too Afraid to Ask

Crooked, crowded, and misaligned teeth can not only be very embarrassing, but they can also cause a bad first impression. They can even lead to problems like TMJ and gum disease! So how do you go about fixing them?


Well, the first option you may consider is traditional braces. Braces are very common among children and teenagers, but in the adult world, they come with a bit of a stigma. In fact, only 26% of orthodontic patients are adults. 


Luckily, Dr. Jeffrey Alvarado and the team at The Lakes Family Dental are proud to offer a newer, very popular alternative to traditional braces - Clear Aligners. If you’ve never been an Clear Aligners patient, you probably have some questions but may have been too afraid to ask your dentist. Read on below as we answer your questions about Clear Aligners:

What is Clear Aligners and how does it work?


Clear Aligners is an alternative to braces that uses clear, orthodontic aligners to shift your teeth, giving you a better alignment. 


Your provider will digitally scan or create a mold of your teeth, which they then use to create a series of customized aligners. With each visit, your provider will switch out your aligners as needed to get your teeth to their optimal position!


Which is better - Clear Aligners or braces?


Not only does Clear Aligners align your teeth MUCH faster than traditional braces, but they are also far more comfortable thanks to the lack of sharp metal components sitting in your mouth. No metal components also mean no emergency visits to the dentist for broken wires or brackets.


Plus, Clear Aligners are barely noticeable and removable while eating!


How much does it cost?


Clear Aligners costs tend to vary depending on how long they’ll be used for treatment and the severity of orthodontic issues they’re treating. However, you can expect most Clear Aligners treatment costs to be between $3,500 and $8,000.


Can children use Clear Aligners?


Clear Aligners is perfectly suitable for treating both children and adults. However, due to the removable and slightly delicate nature of Clear Aligners, younger children may be better suited for traditional braces.


How long does Clear Aligners take to align teeth?


For a mild case of orthodontic problems, treatment may only last six months. For moderate to severe cases, treatment may take anywhere from 12-18 months.


Can I switch to Clear Aligners from braces?


Clear Aligners treatment is at its most effective when started from the beginning, so it’s not recommended to switch from braces. Plus, it will cost more to switch in the middle of treatment.


How can I clean and sanitize my Clear Aligners aligners?


Whenever you brush your teeth, you should brush your aligners and rinse them with water. You should also rinse them with water after eating or drinking something acidic or staining. You can also use a retainer cleaner to clean your aligners.


To sanitize your aligners, check with your provider. Often they will recommend a special cleansing solution for a deep clean. 


NEVER use hot water to clean your Clear Aligners. Heat can damage and warp the aligners. 


So, is Clear Aligners Worth it?


You’re never too old for orthodontic treatment and with Clear Aligners, it’s never been easier and less noticeable. Dr. Jeffrey Alvarado and the team at The Lakes Family Dental are more than happy to create a customized treatment plan to help you achieve the straight, beautiful smile you deserve.


Don’t wait, give us a call today at 956-688-6000 to schedule your FREE Clear Aligners Consultation!


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