Clear Orthodontic Aligners in Greenville, SC
Located in the Berea Community in Northwest Greenville SC
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Straighten Your Smile With Clear Aligners
Trail West Family Dentistry offers clear aligners in Greenville, SC, providing a discreet and comfortable solution for straightening teeth. Whether you’re an adult looking for a nearly invisible orthodontic option or a teen seeking a comfortable alternative to traditional braces, our experienced team, led by Dr. Phillip D. Gould, and Dr. Terry A. Willis, is here to help. Book a consultation today to learn if clear aligners are right for you.
What are Clear Orthodontic Aligners?
Clear aligners straighten teeth using a series of clear, custom-made, removable aligners designed to move your teeth using the same method as braces: constant, gentle pressure a little bit at a time to properly align your teeth, eventually turning a crooked smile straight. They are a virtually invisible and removable alternative to braces designed around convenience and flexibility.
How Do I Know If I’m a Candidate for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners can treat the following conditions:
- Open bite
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Gapped teeth
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Misaligned baby and permanent teeth
Clear Aligners VS. Braces
Clear aligners are developed by computer-generated images and impressions taken from your mouth by your dentist to change the position of your teeth. While the traditional brace makes use of fixed wires to pull the teeth into alignment, clear dental aligners straighten the teeth by using a series of molds that, across a series of months, force your teeth into their new and improved position.
- Invisible: Clear aligners are virtually invisible, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. Braces, on the other hand, are made from metal wires and elastic bands. This makes them more visible, which can cause anxiety for some patients.
- Treatment length: Because clear aligners shift all of your teeth together instead of each tooth, it tends to give you a straighter smile faster than traditional metal braces. The clear aligner process is substantially shorter than traditional braces, lasting about 12-18 months.
- Convenience: Clear aligners are also removable, so you can remove them when you want to eat, brush or floss. Plus, food won’t get stuck like with metal brackets. They also require fewer visits to the dentist since your orthodontist will provide you with several sets of orthodontic aligners in advance. Typically, you’ll be going in only every 3 months or so for the doctor to examine your progress and collect the next sets of aligners. In contracts, braces patients visit the office every month or every two months for regular adjustments, where the wire is tightened to keep treatment progressing.
Trios 5 Scanner
Achieving a straighter smile with clear aligners is easier and more comfortable with the Trios 5 scanner at Trail West Family Dentistry. This state-of-the-art technology captures highly detailed 3D scans, ensuring a precise, customized fit for your aligners. With no messy impressions, faster processing, and enhanced accuracy, you’ll enjoy a smoother experience and more predictable treatment outcomes as you progress toward your perfect smile.
Clear Aligner Process
- Consultation and X Rays: Clear aligner treatment always starts with a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Phillip D. Gould, DMD. We will evaluate your smile and take a series of X-rays and photos of your head and mouth. We will also take an impression of your teeth to develop a treatment plan best suited for your needs.
- Prep work and fitting: We’ll then send your teeth impressions to the lab to fabricate your invisible aligners. Once your aligners are ready, you’ll come in for your fitting. Some patients may need small composite patches applied to each tooth to help the clear aligners to grip onto each tooth and move them. The clear aligners should feel tight when you first put them – but not painfully so – as they must be strong enough to begin the realignment process.
- Changes to your mouth: When you begin to wear your clear aligners, you will feel a certain level of discomfort, including aching as your teeth are forced into position. This is all perfectly normal and part of the process of getting used to the aligners. You may also feel enhanced tooth sensitivity, but this should subside after a short time. A slight change in speech is also common during the first weeks of wearing your aligners. This is simply because the clear aligners take up some room within the mouth, and your tongue does not have quite the same space to move in. This should disappear within the first couple of weeks.
- Length of treatment: Each case is unique, but typically, treatment can be completed between 12-18 months, and some milder cases require only 6 months of treatment. Clear aligner treatment for moderate cases requires 32 steps of treatment, which are delivered in eight phases. Minor cases require 12 steps of treatment, delivered in three phases.
- Maintaining your smile: You’ll get a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, and you should wear them for 22 hours every day to get the best results. Each set of aligners will slowly move the teeth into the correct position. After your treatment is complete, a custom clear retainer is made from a mold of the newly straightened teeth. You should wear your retainers every night while sleeping to ensure your teeth remain straight.
Benefits of Dental Aligners:
- Discreet Appearance: The transparent material makes them nearly invisible, allowing you to smile confidently throughout treatment.
- Enhanced Comfort: Without metal brackets or wires, clear aligners reduce the risk of mouth irritation and offer a smoother experience.
- Convenience: Removable aligners mean you can enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions and maintain your regular oral hygiene routine with ease.
- Fewer Office Visits: With clear aligners, you’ll typically require fewer adjustments, saving you time and reducing the number of dental appointments.
Why Choose Trail West Family Dentistry for Your Clear Aligner Treatment?
- Experienced Professionals: Our team, including Dr. Gould and Dr. Terry A. Willis, DMD, brings extensive expertise in orthodontic treatments, ensuring you receive top-quality care.
- Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize your comfort and satisfaction, providing personalized care in a welcoming environment.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Utilizing the latest dental technologies, we ensure precise fit and effective treatment outcomes.
- Flexible Scheduling: We offer convenient appointment times to accommodate your busy lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligners
Are clear aligners effective for adults?
Yes, clear aligners are an excellent orthodontic solution for adults who want to straighten their teeth without the noticeable look of metal braces. Whether you’re dealing with crowding, gaps, or minor bite issues, clear aligners can gradually shift your teeth into alignment in a way that is both discreet and comfortable. At Trail West Family Dentistry, we have successfully helped many adults achieve a healthier, more confident smile with our customized clear aligner treatment plans.
How long does treatment with clear aligners typically take?
The duration varies based on individual needs but generally ranges from 6 to 18 months. Factors influencing treatment time include the complexity of the case and adherence to wearing the aligners as recommended.
What Should I Expect During My First Clear Aligner Consultation in Greenville?
During your initial consultation at Trail West Family Dentistry, we will:
- Evaluate your teeth and bite using digital X-rays and scans.
- Discuss your treatment goals and any concerns you may have.
- Determine if clear aligners are the right option for you based on your dental alignment and lifestyle.
- Explain the treatment process, including how often you’ll need to change aligners and the expected duration.
- Review financing options, including whether your dental insurance covers clear aligners.
Will clear aligners affect my speech?
Some patients experience a slight lisp during the initial days of wearing aligners. However, this typically subsides as your tongue adjusts to the presence of the aligners.
What happens if I lose or damage an aligner?
If an aligner is lost or damaged, contact our office promptly. Depending on your treatment stage, we may advise you to wear the previous aligner or move on to the next one while a replacement is being made.
How do I know if I’m a candidate for clear aligners?
Most individuals with mild to moderate orthodontic issues are suitable candidates. A comprehensive evaluation at Trail West Family Dentistry will determine if clear aligners are the right choice for you.
Get Started with Clear Aligners in Greenville, SC!
If you’re ready to achieve a straighter, more confident smile, Trail West Family Dentistry in Greenville, SC, is here to help! Schedule your consultation today to see if clear aligners are right for you. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment!