Are you excited to get the straight smile you’ve always wanted? With the modern world of orthodontic treatment, there are many ways to get started. One of the most popular treatments for patients of all ages are clear aligners. Over the years, clear aligners have become a household name for its power in discretion and comfort, but are clear aligners right for you? Ask yourself these questions to find out.
#1: Are you looking for a discreet treatment plan?
One of the biggest differences between braces and clear aligners are the way that they look. You’re probably familiar with the brackets and wires of traditional braces, but clear aligners remove the need for these noticeable appliances. Instead, your clear aligner trays are completely clear and custom-fit for your smile, so your peers won’t notice you’re going through treatment.
The subtlety of clear aligners makes it an excellent choice for patients who value discretion, especially older teens and adults.
#2: Have you noticed shifting since the last time you had braces?
It’s not uncommon for adults to admit they didn’t quite wear their retainers like they should’ve – in fact, one in every four Goings Orthodontics patients is over age 18! Clear aligners are a great way to touch up your smile without getting a comprehensive braces plan, which means you can regain your confidence more easily than ever before.
#3: Do you have a busy schedule?
No matter your treatment plan, braces and clear aligners require regular check-ups. Fortunately, clear aligners require fewer follow-up visits than traditional braces, making them the perfect option for patients with busy schedules.
#4: Are you responsible enough to care for a removable appliance?
Unlike braces, clear aligners are removable. That’s great for many reasons! Removing your aligner trays means you don’t have to adjust your diet, for example. It also means you can brush your teeth as you normally would without having to relearn how to clean around brackets and wires.
However, this also means that you have to be ready to take responsibility for keeping up with your aligners when they aren’t in your mouth. This is easy to do when you keep an aligner case with you at all times. It also means that you have to be disciplined enough to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day to keep your treatment plan on track.
#5: Do you have mild to moderate alignment problems?
Dr. Goings recommends clear aligners to nearly everyone. He creates a custom treatment plan using 3D technology. Aligners can correct crookedness, bite and spacing concerns, and more! However, there are some cases in which Dr. Goings uses a combination of aligners and braces because aligners alone may not complete the treatment.
The best way to find out the status of your misalignment is by visiting Dr. Goings, an orthodontist, for a consultation. During this visit, he can assess your smile and give recommendations for treatment. At Goings Orthodontics, our consultations are completely free!
#6: Are you getting ready for a major life milestone?
When you’re revving up for a wedding or graduation, one thing is for sure: there will be lots of pictures! If you’re not feeling confident about your smile, that could cause you to hide your grin in some of your happiest moments – and no one wants that!
Getting clear aligners a few months or a year prior to an exciting life event can help you show up as your best self, and that’s what really matters.
#7: Do you want a straight smile?
This question may seem obvious. After all, it’s the reason you’re researching treatments in the first place! But if you’re serious about getting the straight smile you’ve always wanted, clear aligners are a great choice without the total experience of braces.
Clear aligners apply a constant, gentle pressure to your teeth to move them into their new positions over time. To do this, you’ll get a series of separate trays that you’ll switch every few weeks until the goal is complete. Then, just like that, you’ve got the smile of your dreams, all without anyone ever noticing you went through treatment!
Get Started with Clear Aligners
You know what they say: there’s no time like the present! If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then you’re likely a great candidate for clear aligners, and the only thing left to do is get started. To really find out if you’re a good candidate for clear aligners, schedule your free consultation with the Goings Orthodontics team in Windsor or Fort Collins today!