For many people, the idea of orthodontic treatment makes them think of one thing: metal braces. For a long time, braces were the only option available for straightening teeth and improving oral health. While today’s braces have undergone a major transformation, and are now more comfortable, effective, and lightweight than previous designs, many patients are still unsure about using them and often wonder if clear aligners are worth it.
Thankfully, orthodontic treatment has come a long way in recent years and there are more options available to help you achieve the smile you deserve. Here at Petrunic Orthodontics, these options include traditional braces, clear braces, and the Clarity aligner system. When you visit our Prattville office for a free consultation with Dr. Petrunic, he’ll conduct an initial orthodontic evaluation in order to create a unique treatment plan to meet your unique needs!
At Petrunic Orthodontics, we believe your smile is as unique as your fingerprint. That’s why what is effective for one patient may not be the best fit for another. Because of this, Dr. Petrunic will consider several different factors when determining the treatment that’ll work best for your smile, including:
- your diagnosis
- your treatment objectives
- how complex your case is
- your lifestyle
- your goals
- your personal preferences
- your budget
Clarity aligners can be a wonderful choice for many patients, and they’re currently the most popular alternative to braces that we offer! In most cases, Clarity aligners are comparable in price to traditional metal braces, however they can sometimes cost a little more. Many patients have asked the question “are clear aligners worth it?” and we’re here to tell you why we believe they are! Keep reading to find out more about the Clarity aligner system and how it could benefit your smile!
A clear way to straighten your smile
Patients who desire a more subtle way to straighten their smile love the clear plastic aligners that make up the Clarity aligner system. They’re a welcome alternative for those who are worried about treatment making them stand out! Since they can be removed for short periods of time, clear aligners are also great for special occasions when a patient may want their natural smile to shine, such as weddings, prom, or photos.
Extra freedom and flexibility
Since Clarity aligners are removable, they allow patients more freedom and flexibility that traditional forms of treatment just can’t offer. Food restrictions are a great example. Patients who wear braces must avoid sticky and crunchy foods that can cause major damage to the wires and brackets of metal braces. This isn’t a concern for Clarity aligner patients, since they can simply remove their aligners before eating and return them when they’re done!
It’s easier to keep your teeth and gums clean
When a patient first gets their braces put on, there’s often a bit of a learning curve when it comes to brushing and flossing around the additional brackets and wires, which can lead to food and plaque buildup in those hard to reach places. With Clarity aligners, you can carry on your regular oral care routine, with no additional hassle! Just take out your aligners before brushing, and return them when you’re finished.
Caring for the aligners themselves is also very simple. There are special kits that are designed to clean them, or they can be gently brushed using toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
Treatment times may be slightly shorter
Every case is unique and each patient responds to treatment in their own way. Because of this, there is no “one size fits all” answer as to how long orthodontic treatment will take. With any type of orthodontic treatment, patient compliance plays an important role, but with Clarity aligners it’s absolute essential!
In order to achieve the desired results, patients must wear their aligners for 20-22 hours per day throughout the course of treatment. You’ll also be responsible for changing your aligner for the next one in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the movements of your teeth. If you fail to do so, you could see longer treatment times and subpar results.
Patients who are fully compliant usually wear aligners for about 6-18 months, which is actually slightly faster than the average time spent in braces!
Correct a wide range of orthodontic issues
When aligners first became a treatment option, they were only used to correct very mild crowding or simple spacing issues. However, as they began to gain popularity, the design improved drastically. Now, the Clarity aligner system can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic conditions, such as:
- gaps between teeth
- crowding
- deep overbite
- open bite
- crossbite
- excessive overjet or protruding teeth
Find your best smile with Clarity aligners and Petrunic Orthodontics
While Clarity aligners are a wonderful option for many patients, it may not be the best fit for every smile. Generally speaking, aligners are most successful for adult and teen patients who have mild to moderate orthodontic problems. Cases that are more complex or severe may require more precise tooth control that aligners aren’t able to provide.
During your free consultation with Dr. Petrunic, he’ll conduct an examination to determine if Clarity aligners would be a good fit for your unique needs. If he decides a different option would be better for you, he’ll go over all of your options and work with you to create a plan that fits your needs. At Petrunic Orthodontics, we’ll only suggest a treatment we feel confident will be best for your smile!
At your consultation, we’ll also go over the financial investment needed for your new smile. You’ll learn about our payment plans and insurance coverage, as well as how our team can help you file your insurance claims. Knowing there’s an affordable, subtle treatment option that’s just as efficient as braces can make any added expense worth it!
If you’re ready to take the first step in your smile transformation, contact our office to set up your FREE consultation with Dr. Petrunic!