Orthodontics
Misaligned teeth and bites are serious oral health concerns that orthodontics seeks to correct. By using orthodontic devices like Spark Clear Aligners and Invisalign treatments, Dr Chalita le Roux helps patients restore their teeth alignment for straighter, healthier and happier teeth.
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are transparent retainers used to correct misaligned or crooked teeth. They are a removable and virtually invisible alternative to braces that are designed to be convenient and flexible to the patient's individual needs.
What are my options for clear aligners?
Dr Chalita le Roux offers two options of clear aligners to her patients, namely:
- Spark Aligners
- Invisalign
Spark Aligners are made with innovative TruGEN material. This material makes their clear aligners more comfortable, clearer, and less likely to stain. Their targeted design also results in more efficient and effective tooth movement. They are also BPA, mercury, latex and phthalate free.
Invisalign is made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack created exclusively for Invisalign Treatment. They are transparent, making them more aesthetically pleasing compared to traditional metal braces. Additionally, they can be removed, which makes them convenient to clean.
During your orthodontic consultation, Dr le Roux will discuss both options and advise which one best suits your needs.
How do I know if I need clear aligners?
If you have any of the following issues, you may be a candidate for clear aligners
- Overbite: When the upper teeth stick out over the lower teeth.
- Underbite: When the lower teeth stick out beneath the upper teeth.
- Open bite: There is a large gap between the biting surfaces of the teeth.
- Misplaced midline: The upper and lower teeth do not line up.
- Spacing: There are gaps between the teeth.
- Crowding: The teeth are overlapping due to a lack of space.
What is the process for clear aligners?
The aligner procedure for both Spark Aligners and Invisalign Treatment is quite simple and begins with getting impressions of your teeth. Using the impressions of your teeth, Dr le Roux develops a series of custom clear aligners for you to wear and replace throughout treatment. Aligners are usually changed every two weeks as the teeth shift and settle in place.
Clear aligners never get in the way as they are removable, so eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing are still regular parts of your routine.
Scheduled check-ups will be required during the orthodontic treatment, and you will need to wear a final retainer to keep the teeth in their new and corrected positions.
Benefits of clear aligners
- They are removable, making it easier to brush and floss your teeth.
- Food will not get stuck as it does with metal braces.
- They don't have brackets or wires, which means fewer repairs and fewer emergency trips to the dentist.
- They are nearly invisible, meaning people won't be able to tell that you are wearing them.
How long can I expect to wear them?
The average patient can expect to wear a clear aligner for anywhere between twelve and eighteen months, swapping it out for a new one about every two weeks.
Clear aligners must be changed every few weeks because your teeth will gradually move.
To get the most out of your aligner, it is recommended that you wear it for up to twenty-two hours a day. Any less than that will slow down the progress of your teeth alignment.
Dr Chalita le Roux has used clear aligners to effectively straighten many clients' teeth. They offer a more discreet approach to straightening your teeth effectively, whereas traditional braces can be hard to manage.
Give us a call to schedule a consultation for clear aligners.