THE CLEAR WAY TO STRAIGHT TEETH


What are ClearStraight aligners?

ClearStraight aligners consist of a series of transparent plastic, removable custom-made appliances. The aligners are less than 1mm thick and work by moving your teeth (or tooth) incrementally over time and can be fitted to both the upper and lower teeth.


How does ClearStraight work?

Your orthodontist will take a scan of your teeth and a record of your bite from which a treatment plan will be prescribed. Once this is approved your individual custom-made ClearStraight aligners are produced. Approximately every two weeks you will progress to the next aligner in your series. As you continue your ClearStraight treatment your teeth will gradually be aligned to your desired smile.


How long is a course of treatment?

The total number of aligners in each series varies according to each individual’s requirements. Unless otherwise instructed by your orthodontist, each aligner is usually worn for 2 weeks for 20 to 22 hours a day. After 2 weeks you will progress to the next aligner in the series.  A follow-up appointment with your orthodontist is required every 4 to 6 weeks during which further impressions of your teeth may be taken.

For minor adjustments the length of treatment may be as little as 1 month, however, complex cases may take 6 months or more.


Why use ClearStraight?

Comfort – Unlike conventional orthodontic treatments that require brackets and wires, ClearStraight aligners sit closely over your teeth causing minimal discomfort to your lips and cheeks. This has the advantage that it takes very little time for your mouth to adjust to wearing the aligners.

Aesthetics – ClearStraight aligners are transparent making them much less noticeable than conventional orthodontic braces.

Removable – Your aligners should be removed to eat and drink, and when you brush and floss your teeth. They can also be removed for a few hours on special occasions.

Effective – The alignment of your teeth will begin from the moment you insert your first aligner. Even before your ClearStraight treatment is complete you will see an improvement.


When should you use ClearStraight?

  1. In moderate cases of crowding in either the upper or lower teeth

  2. In moderate cases of excess spacing in either the upper or lower teeth

  3. In relapse cases, when minor alterations are required to
    re-correct the teeth

  4. In cases when a patient may require an early debond and you feel the result could be improved

ClearStraight provides a system for minor - moderate orthodontic treatments, suitable for patients who require a maximum of 10 aligners.


Caring for your aligners

Always remove your aligners before eating and drinking (except for drinking cold water).

To clean your aligner use a soft bristle toothbrush, and a small amount of  COLD soapy water and rinse thoroughly using COLD water (do not use toothpaste). A deep clean can be obtained by using a product such as Retainer Brite.

Always keep your aligners in the box provided when you are not wearing them.


Costs

Costs will vary depending on the orthodontic practice you choose. The average cost for each aligner is £150. There will be additional costs for consultations, x-rays, scans and treatment plans.


Are there any risks associated with using ClearStraight aligners?

As with all other orthodontic appliances there are a few minor risks:

  1. Lips, cheeks, gums and bones which support the teeth may suffer some irritation or aggravation.
     

  2. Poor oral hygiene, consuming food or drinks containing sugar and failure to brush and floss teeth properly before wearing the ClearStraight aligners may cause tooth decay, periodontal disease, inflammation of the gums or permanent marking.
     

  3. Wearing the aligners will temporarily increase saliva production for the first few days as the brain thinks the aligner is food. Persevere, as this reflex will stop after a few days.
     

  4. In cases where teeth have been crossed over for a long period of time a small dark triangle shape between the teeth may appear once the teeth are aligned. Your orthodontist can discuss with you how to tackle this problem.
     

  5. The health of a tooth that has previously been traumatised or significantly restored may be compromised during treatment thereby reducing the life of the tooth. Again, please talk to your orthodontist if you are concerned about this.


Other Considerations:

  1. Existing dental restorations such as crowns may become dislodged and require re-cementing. Additionally crowns may cause problems retaining the aligner in the correct position and consequently lengthen the course of treatment.
     

  2. Teeth that are not covered by the aligner may grow upwards above the level of the other teeth.
     

  3. The roots of the teeth may be reduced during treatment.
     

  4. Aligners are ineffective in the movement of dental implants. 
     

  5. Teeth may move following treatment. This can be reduced by consistently wearing the retainers at the end of treatment.
     

  6. Aligners may temporarily affect speech which could result in a lisp, this should subside within a week or two.
     

  7. Teeth may require re-shaping to provide space to allow the tooth or teeth to align or when dark triangles appear between teeth.
     

  8. Your bite may change during the course of treatment, this may result in mild temporary discomfort. On completion of your treatment your bite may require additional minimal adjustment.
     

  9. Aligner breakage can occur. If this happens contact your orthodontist.  There may be a charge for replacement aligners.
     

  10. Allergic reactions may occur.

Treatment time will be lengthened and the desired result may not be achieved if the instructions provided by your orthodontist are not followed.


Frequently asked Questions

Do the aligners hurt?

When inserting your first and subsequent aligners, you will feel a moderate pressure on your teeth for the first 2 or 3 days, this will subside as the teeth move into their new position.

How long do I have to wear each aligner?

You should wear your aligner as per your orthodontist's instructions, but typically each aligner is worn for 2 weeks for 20 to 22 hours a day.

What if I break one of my aligners?

Don’t worry if you break an aligner as they can be replaced, although you will need to make an appointment with your orthodontist as you may need a further scan.


ClearStraight is available throughout the UK and Channel Islands.