What exactly are clear aligners?
Clear aligners (invisible braces) are the more comfortable and convenient alternative to traditional metal braces. They are clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth and slowly move your teeth to fix misalignment. 2Usmiles clear aligners are made of proprietary thin plastic material that is BPA and latex-free.
How do clear aligners work?
Clear aligners, specifically 2Usmiles clear aligners, work by applying gentle pressure to specific points on your teeth, just like braces. This pressure will transfer to the roots of your teeth and ultimately your jaw. Your jaw responds by shifting the sockets, and your teeth are subsequently moved to their new positions. These changes are applied in small increments, allowing more comfort and convenience in your daily life.
When you receive your treatment plan, know that 2Usmiles’ orthodontic team has carefully analyzed your teeth alignment and formulated the plan with your unique needs in mind. As such, the number of stages required to correct your alignment may vary, ranging from 5 to even 20 phases. Each aligner tray will shift your teeth by about 0.3 mm and must be worn at least 22 hours a day for two weeks to maintain the new position. This consistency in wear is necessary for ensuring a smooth treatment process.
What can clear aligner treatment correct?
Clear aligner treatment can fix all the following dental issues:
Crooked Teeth If you are looking for a confidence boost, 2Usmiles can straighten your teeth.
Overcrowding If your teeth are overlapping and twisting, this is due to limited space in your jaw, also known as overcrowding. This creates hard-to-reach places when brushing and can lead to food getting stuck and plaque spreading to the surrounding teeth. Ultimately, this could cause tooth decay or gum disease.
Spacing Opposite to overcrowding, there are spacing issues, which is when there is a gap between your teeth. However, like overcrowding, gaps can lead to food buildup and cause teeth and gum pain. Closing the gap is not only a cosmetic concern but also an oral health concern.
Overbites/Underbites/Crossbites 2Usmiles clear aligners can fix mild bite problems. An overbite is when your top teeth overextend, which can cause difficulty in chewing. An underbite is just the opposite: your lower teeth extend past your upper teeth. This could cause lisps in your speech and accelerate teeth wear. Crossbites are when part of your upper teeth is behind your lower ones, causing your teeth to wear down and gum problems to form.
What ages can correct their teeth with clear aligners?
A common misconception about teeth straightening is that it is a service only for young adults. However, all age groups have found life-changing results thanks to clear aligners. For teenagers, so long as you have all your adult teeth, clear aligner treatment could be a good fit for daily comfort and a huge confidence boost. Even people in their 80s have reported better quality of life when they used clear aligner treatment. Your teeth naturally move as you get older, so many people often find themselves partial to teeth straightening.
What is the difference between correction at home and correction at a dental office?
You might be wondering whether at-home treatment is for you, and it all comes down to the severity of alignment and pricing.
2Usmiles clear aligners can fix many alignment issues, but if your case is too severe, we recommend having a personal orthodontist monitor your progress. With regular scans and in-person check-ups, they can ensure that your case is resolved smoothly. Otherwise, if your case is minor to mild, 2Usmiles aligners could be the perfect fit! All our cases are overseen by orthodontists, so know that your teeth are in good hands.
Pricing is a huge factor for many patients. Braces or even in-person Invisalign treatment can be expensive, racking up to almost $5000. 2Usmiles at-home aligners are equally as effective, with only a fraction of the cost.
How can I get started?
Check to see if you are a candidate and explore your options!