Clear Aligners

Enhancing your smile with clear aligners is a fantastic alternative to traditional braces. Colin Odland, DDS, Ryan Langel, DDS, Jeremy Flinkman, DDS, and their team use a system of clear, custom-made, removable trays to straighten teeth and gradually move them into their proper position. The best way to determine if clear aligners are the right fit for you is to schedule a visit with your dentist. Call Westgate Dental in Des Moines, Iowa, to book your consultation, or request one online today.

How do clear aligners work?

The Westgate Dental team uses clear aligners as an alternative to traditional braces. The aligners are designed to help guide teeth gradually into their proper position. 

Clear aligners use gradual force to manipulate tooth movement like braces but without metal brackets or wires. The aligners are made up of a strong plastic material fabricated to fit your mouth. As treatment progresses, you switch aligners.

Each aligner is slightly different, so your teeth move more with every change.

You wear your aligners for at least 20 hours daily, and you will receive a new aligner every two weeks. The length of your treatment depends on a few things, including the severity of your case. Treatment length can take anywhere from six months to two years.

What are the advantages of orthodontic treatment with clear aligners?

Clear aligners are an excellent alternative for patients who want straighter smiles but don’t want to wear metal braces and for patients who've had treatment in the past and want to make small adjustments to their smile.

There are numerous advantages to orthodontic treatment with clear aligners and including the following:

• Clear aligners are comfortable and less likely to irritate your cheeks and gums
• They prevent wear-and-tear on the teeth from tooth grinding
• Easy to clean, so it's easier to maintain the health of your gums and teeth
• Clear aligners are removable, making it easier to brush and floss after meals

Aligners allow for easier flossing and brushing since you remove them for cleaning. Plus, food won't get stuck like metal brackets. Because aligners don't have wires or brackets that can loosen, they often require fewer repairs and fewer emergency visits to your orthodontist.

Clear aligners are not recommended for severely crooked or misaligned teeth.

How do I know if clear aligners are right for me?

Using clear aligners for orthodontic treatment is not for everyone. The best way to determine if clear aligners are the right option is to schedule a consultation with your dentist.

Scheduling a consultation is your first step to achieving the beautiful smile you have always wanted.

If you’re interested in clear aligners, talk to your team at Westgate Dental. Call the office to learn more about clear aligners and to schedule your consultation. Or, you can request an appointment online now.