If you’re frustrated with imperfect, crooked teeth, you are not alone. Studies show that more than one-third of adults in the USA are unhappy with their smiles. Sadly, it is also reported that 78% of Americans regard adults with crooked teeth as unprofessional.
While the image of a smiling adolescent wearing gleaming metal brackets may jump into your mind when you think of braces, patients of all ages can choose clear, nearly-invisible braces with ClearCorrect instead of traditional metal braces. Patients taking the critical step towards improving their smile, self-esteem, and appearance have two orthodontic treatment options: metal or clear braces.
ClearCorrect is an extremely popular choice because it allows patients flexibility and confidence as they enjoy high school events like the prom or pursue their professional careers as an adult. Improving your smile as a teen or adult with ClearCorrect can be a fulfilling and stress-free journey.
Straighten Your Teeth in Three Steps
ClearCorrect is a transparent teeth straightening system used instead of traditional metal braces. ClearCorrect’s virtually invisible trays gradually shift the teeth without the metal wires and brackets used in traditional metal braces.
ClearCorrect provides a series of clear aligners custom-made to match the patient’s mouth. The aligners gradually straighten the teeth by moving them a little bit at a time, so the teeth eventually realign to display a new, beautiful smile. The ClearCorrect system is completed in three steps.
Step One: The Treatment Plan
Step one of the ClearCorrect orthodontic treatment is meeting with a dentist to determine if the ClearCorrect cutting-edge technology is the right match for your needs. ClearCorrect treats the following issues:
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Gaps
- Crowded teeth
- Minor to severe orthodontic needs
Your ClearCorrect dentist will suggest a treatment option for the type of ClearCorrect technology that matches your unique needs. Minor cases may be completed in one year, while severe cases may take up to five years for full correction. ClearCorrect treatment options (based on the region) may include:
Flex
The flex aligner system accommodates simple cosmetic corrections, treats a single arch, or addresses an orthodontic relapse. Flex is a flexible orthodontic treatment plan that matches the patient’s needs and includes a treatment plan, aligners, and retainer for each patient.
Mini
The mini aligner system is designed for minor tooth straightening needs and includes 12 sets of aligners and one revision. The mini treatment is typically completed in six months.
ONE
The ONE treatment plan provides 24 sets of aligners, one revision, and one set of retainers for a flat rate. The ONE treatment plan wraps up the treatment in a year or less and is perfect for mild correction.
TWO
The TWO treatment plan is designed for moderate tooth straightening needs and includes 48 aligners, revisions, and two retainers. The treatment is completed in 24 months.
THREE
The THREE treatment plan is designed for patients with moderate to severe tooth straightening needs. The treatment plan includes 72 aligners, three revisions, and three retainers. The THREE clear braces treatment is typically completed within 36 months.
Unlimited
ClearCorrect unlimited addresses the most challenging issues. More severe cases require a more complex treatment plan, so the unlimited plan includes an unlimited number of aligners and retainers for five years, including revisions and replacements.
With all plans, the dentist will send impressions of your teeth, photographs, and a prescription for custom-made aligners to the ClearCorrect laboratory. The lab will create a 3D model of your teeth and map out a complete treatment plan. You will review a computerized display of your teeth before and after treatment, and you can approve the images or request changes.
Step Two: Aligner Therapy
Clear aligners are custom-fit to ensure irritation-free treatment and minimal discomfort. The custom aligners are created using digital mapping and molding technology. While traditional braces often hinder a patient’s ability to perform routine oral hygiene tasks and can interfere with eating and speaking, clear braces do not cause these issues.
Wearing ClearCorrect aligners as directed is essential, as you must wear them 22 to 24 hours a day to achieve your desired results. As you wear each aligner set, you will start to see noticeable results. You will only remove the aligners while eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
ClearCorrect has flexible treatment plans that accommodate each patient’s unique teeth straightening needs. Your dentist will explain these plans during your consultation. Periodic checkups are required to evaluate your progress and provide you with the next set of aligners.
The aligner therapy is progressive. As you notice your teeth improving, you may become excited about the final picture, but avoid stopping treatment early. If you stop wearing the aligners daily, your teeth will shift, prolong the treatment and require revisions to the original plan.
Because adjustments to the plan are sometimes needed, revisions are included in each ClearCorrect plan. If you follow the treatment plan and your teeth do not move as projected, the dentist will revise the treatment plan and order new aligners. Cooperation is an essential part of ClearCorrect, and patients experience outstanding results when they wear their aligners as instructed and care for their teeth properly.
Step Three: Wearing a Retainer
When the aligner phase of treatment is complete and you have worn all of the aligners, you will need to wear a retainer to maintain your newly straightened teeth. The ClearCorrect retainer matches an existing aligner or is created with new scans and impressions. Continue to visit your dentist for checkups and wear your retainer during the maintenance phase.
Your clear retainer will provide maximum protection to prevent relapse. The retainer is convenient, easy to wear, and virtually invisible. Your dentist will provide you with information on how long and how often you are to wear your retainer.
What to Expect: Life With ClearCorrect
- Comfort During Treatment
Although the aligners are generally not painful, you may experience brief periods when the aligners cause your teeth to move and become uncomfortable. You may have a slight lisp as you become adjusted to the aligner. Your bite may also feel different from time to time while your teeth are transitioning.
ClearCorrect aligners use a unique system that slowly manipulates the teeth to reduce discomfort. Most people adjust quickly to wearing the aligners and are comfortable throughout the entire process. You can expect to see your teeth improve gradually as you wear each of the aligners in your treatment plan.
- Invisible Aligners for a Confident Smile.
You won’t have to feel self-conscious while you wear your aligners. The ClearCorrect devices are nearly invisible. Most people will not discern a difference between your teeth and the clear aligners.
Easy Care Procedures
It’s very simple to care for your ClearCorrect invisible braces. Keep the aligners clean to prevent permanent markings on your teeth and inflammation of your gums. Gently clean the aligners with a non-abrasive toothpaste, toothbrush, and cold water. Each bag of new aligners includes cleaning instructions.
- Customized Treatment Length
Your dentist will conduct a clinical examination, create a treatment plan, and review the project with you before you begin the program. The treatment length is typically 12-26 months, depending on the goals set by your doctor and the amount of correction needed. The treatment time sometimes exceeds estimates if there was poor compliance, missed appointments, or broken appliances.
- Removable and Simple to Use
It is strongly recommended that you wear the clear aligners a minimum of 22 hours a day. You will need to remove them to eat meals, brush, and floss, but you must put them back in as soon as possible. The treatment can be halted or reversed within a few hours of not wearing the aligners.
- High Quality and Durable
ClearCorrect aligners are created with a high-quality polyurethane resin and superior, medical-grade plastic. They are the best on the market and lead the way in stress retention, stain resistance, crack and impact resistance, and clarity. ClearCorrect aligners are FDA-approved and made without BPA or phthalates.
- Appropriate for Many Orthodontic Issues
You may be a ClearCorrect candidate if you have crowded teeth, an overbite, crossbite, underbite, open bite, or gaps in your teeth. Clear braces offer a comfortable and nearly-invisible teeth-straightening system. The dentist will examine you during a clear aligner consultation to determine if ClearCorrect is the best option.
- Financing Available for Less Stress
ClearCorrect treatment plans vary in price based on each patient’s tooth straightening needs. The average ClearCorrect treatment may cost $2500-$5500. Pre-approved financing is available for clear braces.
Learn More About ClearCorrect
If you’re unhappy with your smile and want to learn more about clear braces, ClearCorrect may be right for you. Call 713-574-8366 or visit Uptown Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry to schedule a ClearCorrect consultation in Houston, TX, with Dr. Roberto Velasco DDS.
