Countless adults put off orthodontic treatment, even while wishing they had straighter teeth. Because metal braces are highly noticeable, inconvenient and time-consuming, adults can’t find the opportunity to take the plunge. Fortunately, those metal braces are no longer the only option. Alternative orthodontic procedures like Invisalign and ClearCorrect rewrite the straightening script. Every aspect of treatment takes patient concerns into account to provide an experience that is nearly as delightful as the results.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign utilizes a series of clear aligners to gradually straighten your teeth. The aligners blend with your teeth so that your smile is visible during treatment, and are both comfortable and subtle. Invisalign offers effective, efficient straightening with a procedure that’s much more patient-oriented than traditional braces.

• Consultation – The first step is a consultation with Dr. Hinebaugh to determine whether you’re a good Invisalign candidate. He’ll discuss your goals and bite alignment and talk through the steps of treatment so that you know what to expect.
• Treatment process – Your aligners are fabricated and dispensed to you gradually. You’ll wear them on a set schedule, advancing to the next aligners at appropriate intervals. The aligners gradually straighten your teeth as treatment progresses. You’ll have regular follow-up appointments so that Dr. Hinebaugh can ensure your teeth are straightening as planned and that your treatment is on track.
• Final results – Once you’ve completed the treatment process, you’ll be in possession of a straight, healthy smile. As with traditional orthodontics, you’ll wear a retainer to help ensure your results stay with you for years to come.

Before and After Invisalign

How does ClearCorrect work?

ClearCorrect also uses a series of clear aligners to straighten your teeth. It offers an option for patients who are well suited to treatment (have mild to moderate malocclusion). ClearCorrect aligners are slightly different from Invisalign aligners – they are thinner, which means they look a little less bulky in the mouth. ClearCorrect is also a newer company and technology.

• Consultation – At your first appointment, Dr. Hinebaugh determines whether you’ll be able to use ClearCorrect to achieve the straightening results you have in mind. We also take impressions of your teeth so that ClearCorrect aligners may be made to fit them perfectly.
• Treatment process – You’ll receive your aligners and wear each set for a predetermined amount of time. You should wear your aligners 20-22 hours per day to stay on schedule, removing them only to eat or brush your teeth. You’ll have regular followup appointments so that Dr. Hinebaugh can monitor your progress.
• Final results – Once treatment is complete, your teeth will be in new positions and your smile will be beautifully straight. You will wear a nightly retainer for some time (varying by patient) after treatment in order to maintain your straightened teeth.

Before and After ClearCorrect

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR ADULT ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

ClearCorrect and Invisalign have slightly different indications. Overall, if you have a mild to moderate malocclusion, you’re likely a candidate for treatment. A malocclusion is the crookedness of your bite. This is determined by both the alignment of individual teeth and the ways your upper and lower jaws meet. If your front teeth are crooked but your bite is good, one of these options will straighten those teeth quickly and effectively. More severe malocclusions may require metal braces to fix. You must also be willing to voluntarily wear the aligners for 20-22 hours per day and complete treatment on track.

If you’re interested in straightening your teeth without traditional braces, schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about whether alternative orthodontics could be right for you.