clear aligners in Willmar, MN
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Did you know…
You could have a straighter and more beautiful smile in just a matter of months?
How does the clear aligner process work?
Consultation
The first step is meeting with Dr. Neisen during a one on one consultation. He will examine your smile, discuss your orthodontic goals, and determine if clear aligners are the right treatment for you. We will take photos and a digital intraoral scan of your teeth to begin the planning process!
Aligner Pick-Up
When your first set of aligners arrives at our office, you’ll come in to pick them up and try them on. Your doctor will instruct you on how to wear your aligners to get the best results. Most patients are instructed to wear them for at least 22 hours a day. You’ll also switch out the aligners for the next set every two weeks.
Check-Ins
We will be checking in every 6 weeks to make sure your progress is on track. During these periodic check-ins, you’ll also receive your next few sets of aligners. So long as you are diligent about wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time per day, your smile will keep shifting into the right position.
Maintaining Your Smile
After completing treatment, you’ll get a set of retainers to maintain your beautiful new smile. These durable retainers will look similar to your original clear aligners, but are better suited for long-term use as they can handle more pressure without breaking down. You’ll likely need to wear these every night to help keep your teeth straight for years to come.
What can clear aligners treat?
Overbite
When the upper teeth overlap in front of the lower front teeth, this is called an overbite. Overbites are actually extremely common, but they become an issue when the gap is too large. This can cause premature wear and tear, or you may suffer from jaw pain from misalignment. Invisalign can fix this deep bite and shift your teeth into a healthy position.
Underbite
An underbite is when your lower front teeth are in front of your upper arch of teeth. Usually, this occurs due to the lower jaw being too far forward. Underbites can make it difficult to properly chew and speak, and may cause the teeth to wear down. In some cases, clear aligners can fix underbites, but severe underbites might require additional oral surgery to prepare for orthodontic treatment.
Crossbite
In an ideal bite position, the upper front teeth would sit slightly in front of the lower front teeth. Crossbites occur when some of the upper teeth sit behind your lower teeth. This can cause wear and tear, chips, and can even cause gum recession in some cases. This can lead to painful sensitivity or even bone loss. Clear aligners can fix some crossbites, but we recommend coming in for a consultation to see which option is right for you.
Gapped Teeth
While they are very common, gaps between your teeth can make it much harder to keep food from getting stuck in the crevices. These spaces are also more likely to harbor bacteria that cause tender, sore gums and even lead to gum disease if not treated quickly enough. Clear aligners can close these gaps and ensure a straighter, more seamless, and healthier smile!
Open Bite
Normally the upper and lower front teeth touch when the mouth is closed. If this is not the case, it’s called an open bite. Open bites can make chewing or biting certain foods extremely difficult. Clear aligners can reposition the bite gradually until all teeth are aligned and sitting straight.
Crowded Teeth
If there isn't enough room in your mouth for your teeth to sit straight, they can bunch up and overlap in uncomfortable ways that make brushing or flossing difficult. This is called crowding. Crowded teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss properly. If you aren’t able to maintain a good oral health care routine at home, plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria begin to build up. Over time, this leads to tooth decay, cavities, and sometimes even gum disease. Usually, clear aligners can fix most cases of crowded teeth. - sometimes in combination with polishing and slenderizing the teeth. Simply come in to speak with your dentist to see if it’s the right choice for your smile.
Did you know…
Clear aligners have transformed over 12 million smiles!
Have questions about Clear aligners? Find answers here.
How are clear aligners made?
Clear aligners are designed from molds of your teeth and are built in layers with photo-sensitive liquid resin. When exposed to a laser, the resin cures into a hard yet flexible thermoplastic called SmartTrack®, which was created exclusively for clear aligner treatment, it's FDA approved too!
How do I take care of my aligners?
The simplest way to keep your aligners clean is to brush them with a toothbrush each time you brush your teeth. If you need to clean them when you’re out and about and don’t have access to your toothbrush, you can also simply rinse the aligners in lukewarm water. Never use hot water or abrasive cleaners; these may warp the plastic of the aligner! You can also purchase a clear aligner cleaning system for a more thorough cleaning.
Can you see the clear aligners when you’re wearing them?
Most people will not be able to see your aligners when you are wearing them. This is because the clear plastic makes them practically invisible and there are no bulky metal brackets or wires that will draw attention to your teeth. Plus, clear aligners are custom-made to fit snuggly to your teeth and will be trimmed down so that they won’t show over your gum line. The result is a seamless smile without the hassle of unsightly brackets or wires!
How much does clear aligner treatment cost?
Usually, clear aligner treatment is fairly similar to the cost of braces, but pricing will fluctuate depending on your unique needs. To get an accurate cost estimate, schedule a consultation with your doctor today! Keep in mind that your insurance may also cover some orthodontic treatment, so be sure to call your insurance provider to understand your benefits.
Did you know…
Most clear aligner treatments are completed in just 1 year.