Are All Clear Aligners Alike?

Clear braces Cosmetic Dentistry Invisalign

Invisalign Phoenix

Are All Clear Aligners Alike?

If you are researching orthodontics, you have probably heard about clear aligners. They offer several advantages over traditional metal braces. The most popular benefit is the fact that they are nearly invisible.

Millions of people have aligned their teeth with aligners in the past twenty years since they were developed.

We at Harris Dental in Phoenix AZ are here to guide you through the process.

Invisalign

Invisalign pioneered clear aligner orthodontics. Established in 1997, Invisalign has shaped more than 6 million smiles throughout the world.

Invisalign (as with the other types) uses virtual modeling software to create custom aligners formed specifically for your teeth.

First, you’ll start with a consultation where we will look at your teeth. They will work with you to determine which Invisalign treatment plan will work best for your teeth, lifestyle, and dental goals. Then, they will set you up with aligners that are tailor-made for you.

It’s vital to note that you will never be left on your own to figure out what step is next. Harris Dental in Phoenix AZ will be with you every step of the way.

SmileDirectClub (And Other At-Home Systems)

Though we don’t recommend this system, let’s talk about the “mail-order orthodontics” products. We are including an explanation of SmileDirectClub and other at-home systems so you’ll understand their potential potential dangers and limitations.

SmileDirectClub provides custom clear aligners without regular office visits. They advertise an average cost savings of 60% of orthodontist-administered Invisalign and similar system. They report that the average length of treatment is 6 months.

All aligner systems require a 3D image of your teeth. With Invisalign and ClearCorrect, your dentist creates the scan in their office.

With SmileDirect, you can visit one of their “SmileShops” for a scan. There are SmileShops in every U.S. state but you may have to make a long trip. They also serve you with you the option of taking your own impression using their at-home kit.

Your treatment is supposedly supervised by a dentist or orthodontist—but you don’t visit them in person. Your dentist doesn’t take X-rays or examine your progress.

Because of this, we don’t recommend these types of systems. Your smile is too important to use a DIY approach. Your teeth could end up worse than before! The problems could be pricey to correct. In a worst-case situation, you could experience irreversible damage.

The American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists have published warnings against at-home orthodontics.

We at Harris Dental in Phoenix AZ your smile and aligner experience.

Schedule a consultation with us to determine which system is best for you. We serve patients from Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Mesa and include general dentistry, laser dentistry, and gum disease treatment among our services as well.

Contact Harris Dental:

480-428-0040

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

4444 N 32 St Ste 208
Phoenix, Arizona
85018

 

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Nearly Invisible Teeth Straightening

Clear braces Cosmetic Dentistry General Dentistry Invisalign Orthodontics

Clear Braces - Nearly Invisible Teeth Straightening for Phoenix Adults

Are you thinking about getting braces? Harris Dental can help. Check out all the new types. The current menu of orthodontic treatments requires a whole new glossary.

Lingual Braces and Invisible Braces

Lingual braces are sometimes described as ‘braces behind the teeth.’ These braces can be just as effective at realigning adult teeth as the traditional ‘metal and wires’ kind but are almost completely hidden. Many adults and adolescents who straighten their teeth choose this type of orthodontia.

Clear braces, like those from Invisalign, resemble an athlete’s mouth guard. They are removable, so you can take them out for meals and to brush and floss.

Traditional and Clear Retainers

Once a patient has completed treatment, retainers must be worn regularly to keep the beautiful straight teeth in their corrected position. There are several types of retainers available. The time-tested Hawley retainer consists of a metal wire that surrounds the teeth and keeps them from shifting. The metal wire is attached to a molded acrylic form that fits snugly in the upper mouth (palate) or lower mouth.

Clear retainers are newer on the orthodontic scene. They cover the teeth like a see-through glove and do not need metal bows or clasps. Some retainer wearers believe clear retainers are more comfortable than Hawley retainers.

You don’t need to live with a mouth full of metal to get the beautiful teeth you are seeking. Let Harris Dental develop a custom treatment plan for your smile.

Contact Harris Dental:

480-428-0040

 

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Orthodontic Options: Clear Braces in Phoenix

Beautiful smile Clear braces Cosmetic Dentistry Invisalign

Imagine straightening your teeth into a perfect smile, without having to wear metal braces for the next few years. With clear braces from Harris Dental in Phoenix, it is possible.

Clear braces by Invisalign have revolutionized orthodontics. Sometimes called invisible braces, they are thin plastic trays, or aligners, that look like an athletes mouth guard. They aren’t really invisible, but they are so clear that most of the people around you won’t even notice you’re wearing them.

Clear braces work by gently bringing your teeth into proper alignment. People love them not just because they work, or because they are almost undetectable. They also love them because, unlike metal braces, they are removable. Take them out at mealtimes, and you’ll never have to bother with cleaning bits of food from your braces.

Invisalign braces are custom-made for each patient. Specialists use dental impressions, pictures, and x-rays to create them. They are the perfect choice for those who want to re-align their bite, but don’t want the inconvenience of metal braces.

For more about Invisalign clear braces, call us at Harris Dental in Phoenix. We also provide general and cosmetic dentistry.

Contact Harris Dental

 

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Totally Teeth! Beautiful Smiles in Phoenix

Beautiful smile Clear braces Cosmetic Dentistry Invisalign Orthodontics Porcelain Veneers Teeth Whitening

Total Tooth Restoration Your face is always on display. You can’t hide it behind long sleeves, baggy jeans, or a hat. At Harris Dental in Phoenix, we’ve provided new smiles to countless patients and brightened their entire face.

A beautiful smile is essential to a polished appearance. Some people even think of it as their most important asset. If your smile isn’t what you want it to be, you might consider looking into cosmetic dentistry.

Chipped, crooked, or discolored teeth can detract from an otherwise appealing smile. These flaws can be fixed with cosmetic dentistry, an umbrella term for a range of procedures that affect the appearance of your teeth.

In the case of chipped or cracked teeth, porcelain veneers may be an ideal solution. Veneers are thin shells that are attached to the front of your teeth to improve their color and/or shape. They’re great for hiding gaps, too.

For crooked teeth, we offer Invisalign clear braces. Unlike traditional metal braces, clear braces are made of a plastic material and gradually bring crooked teeth into alignment. They look like an athlete’s mouth guard, and people love them because they are barely noticeable. Another benefit is that they come out at mealtimes.

Teeth whitening can brighten dull or yellow teeth, and is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures available. Unlike over-the-counter treatments, professional-grade teeth whitening can transform your smile from dull to dazzling. We offer in-office and at-home procedures.

At Harris Dental in Phoenix, we’re committed to helping our patients get the beautiful smile they’ve always wanted. Visit our smile gallery to see some before-and-after images of some of our patients.

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